As the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1st and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed on November 2nd are being celebrated these day, we bid adieu to the glory of Autumn’s colors and begin to prepare for winter.
For us monks, the daily routine does not change in the winter months, but we will be doing less outdoor work and concentrating more on cleaning, crafts, maintenance and even shoveling snow, if we are blessed with that in the coming months.
Our Guesthouse stays occupied and the number of those making retreats here is even higher than before the pandemic. This seems to be the experience of many other monasteries as well.
We now limit the number of guests at any one time to fifteen, to keep a hopefully recollected spirit of retreat for those coming here. We are always edified by the good zeal of our guests by their attendance at Mass and the Divine Office.
May all those who are near and dear to us receive many blessings from the Lord and consolation for all who recount departed loved ones at this time.
Be assured of our prayers and please keep us in yours. Thank you.
Abbot Christian and the monks