It is still Christmastide, up to the Feast of the Epiphany (the visit of the Magi) on January 6th, and concluding on Monday, January 8th with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. After that we return to “Ordinary Time” until Ash Wednesday on February 14th this year.
This means that for now our Nativity Scene and poinsettias remain in church, the outdoor lights are illumined at dusk and the refectory is still decorated with candles, greenery and the large Christmas tree.
The new civil year has begun and we pray for peace among all people of good will. Every morning at Lauds we pray that the Lord may “guide our feet into the way of peace” (see Gospel of Saint Luke, chapter 1, verse 79). May that be an aspiration of us all.
This January at the Monastery we are using the days for an increase in prayer and solitude. Our Guesthouse will be open again to private retreatants at the beginning of February.
We’ve decided to limit the number of guests on retreat at any one time to twelve, to improve the experience of those on retreat and to hopefully promote the atmosphere of recollection and the balance of prayer and work for monks and guests alike.
Be assured of our prayers and please keep us in yours. Thank you.
Abbot Christian and the monks
