For the past few months our monastic refectory has been doubling as a partial extension of our pantry, while the work of remodeling the kitchen has been going on.
Thankfully, now that the kitchen is remodeled and we are slowly moving there for cooking once again, the refectory is again just that, the place where our meals are taken.
We have been cooking these past months in the Guest Refectory, but that is coming to an end, and the room will revert to being where our guests normally eat.
Today’s photo of our refectory was taken from the vantage point of the weekly reader at our midday meal, when we listen to a portion of Scripture, a book (currently a biography of Pope Leo XIV), and finally, at the end of the meal, from the Lives of the Saints we will be commemorating the next day in the liturgy.
The acoustics in the refectory are excellent, and our chanting of the prayers of blessing before and after the meals are enhanced, maybe even improved, by the reverberation that occurs when we sing there.
We are still praying for rain, as very little has fallen this Summer, our usual rainy season. We know we are not alone in this dilemma, but grateful that at least no forest fires are burning in our area.
With this comes our greetings and assurance of our prayers. We are grateful for yours as well.
For those returning to school at this time, may you have a blessed academic year 2026-2027. Stay hydrated and don’t skip meals.
Abbot Christian and the monks
