Our sheep and donkey don’t wander as much in the winter months, generally staying close to their “Good Shepherd Inn,” where they receive daily feedings of hay, as well as water.
Our flock of chickens also keeps “closer to home” and to their “Saint Brigid Coop” during winter. Their feed is there, along with fresh water.
When asked how the animals can survive the often freezing temperatures at night, the answer is, “they do fine.” The fourteen sheep have very heavy woolen coats; the donkey and three horses grow thick winter coats for winter and the chickens each have thousands of feathers, providing very adequate insulation and protection from the elements.
While the donkey Matty tends to take cover when it rains or snows, the sheep take delight in the inclement weather, often lounging out in the snow and rain as it falls, when they could be in their shelter. The poultry stay outside up to a point in the rain and snow, and only go into their coop as a last resort.
Often December is our coldest month. Hence, hope springs eternal as we embark on a new year.
With our prayers for a blessed New Year 2022,
Abbot Christian and the monks
