The flora and fauna are flourishing at our oasis in the desert. The welcome rains have subsided, but continue to leave behind a greener-than-ever canyon. Animal sightings have included deer, fox, many species of birds, and of course, honey and bumble bees. Today’s photo includes the latter amidst the wisteria in the cloister garden.
We are grateful that Forest Service Road 151 leading to the monastery was swiftly repaired after the recent washouts due to the mid-week rain. The U.S. Forest Service and Rio Arriba County are to be commended for their rapid attention to the matter. The road is dry and pleasantly passable once again.
We continue our daily round of prayer in common and in solitude, Mass each morning, and work as diverse as gardening and animal husbandry, welcoming guests, cooking, cleaning, maintenance and all that running a contemplative monastery entails.
Part of the day is also devoted to lectio divina, the art of prayerful reading of Sacred Scripture (the Bible). It all goes on rain or shine.
You are in our daily prayers and are grateful for yours.
Abbot Christian and the monks
