Mount Saviour Monastery

May 2018 News:
May was a month of numerous annual events as spring birds continued to make their annual appearances. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks arrived on the 1st and Bobolinks were hot on their tails. Br. Michael began the annual fruit-tree spray ritual in the orchard on the 2nd. By the end of the first week, our annual crop of lambs stood at 175. Later this year than usual, the inevitable annual grass cutting rites commenced on the 8th.

The second week of May was our annual community retreat week, although our scheduled presenter was not present to present. Instead, we enjoyed a quieter week than usual. The only guests scheduled were those who helped with the annual 'pen session' which the sheep require for their annual 'maintenance' before their annual shearing at the end of the month. The community enjoyed their annual outing, this year at Waneta Lake, located about one hour north of us among the Finger Lakes, courtesy of friends of Mount Saviour.

  About 100 people were present in the chapel on the 12th for the memorial Mass and burial of Brothers Stephen Galban and Justin Young. It was cold, wet, foggy and so raw of a day to be able to see one's breath. Thankfully the rain diminished to a fine mist in time for the burial so that those present could pay their final respects at the graveside.

Four of our 'cousin' Benedictine monks from Weston Priory in Vermont arrived on the 14th which enables us to support each other in our monastic journeys and to renew friendships that extend back many years. Just after the brothers left us, Brother Savio returned from his seminary studies in Boston for the summer.

From the 18th to 23rd, we hosted the annual New York Archdiocese Deacons-to-be retreat, swelling the number of guests in our refectory. Please remember them in prayer as they are shortly to be ordained. Our population of bald eagles also appears to be swelling as six were sighted in the same field as the sheep. They appeared to be conducting some sort of 'field exercises' that we hope will not eventually involve the sheep. The refectory really swelled with guests on the 26th which was the main sheep shearing day. Thanks be to God the rains held off and all went smoothly; that being our perspective, not necessarily that of the sheep. With deep gratitude, we thank everyone who helped us de-fleece the sheep.
 
 

COMING EVENTS:
Sunday, July 22: Father John Dear, activist, lecturer, and author/editor of some 30 books on peace and nonviolence, twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, will give a talk in Saint Joseph's lounge after Mass.

Sunday, August 12: Dedication Day. Mass 10:00a.m., followed by a brunch to which everyone is welcome.