Mount Saviour Monastery

August 2018 News: The drought that began in June was drowned in July. Then the wet weather from July continued in August. All of the foliage and grass is green again. Even some of the brothers have taken on tinges of green. The Orein Arts Residency Group took up residency at the monastery for a week. Their group included musicians and various performing artists. On the 2nd they graciously shared their talents with the brothers and kept them engrossingly entertained between Vespers and Compline. Between the rain and mechanical breakdowns Brother Bruno managed to bale enough hay to enable our sheep to get through another winter. By the 9th both of our observers had completed and survived their month among the monks and asked to return as postulants. Please pray for them as they continue their discernment with us.

The Chapel was fuller than the past few years for our Dedication Day Ceremonies on the 12th. The day commemorates its blessing by Fr. Damasus in 1953. About 85 people were present after Mass for the catered buffet meal. About the same number were present for the musical performance in the chapel after the meal. Jayne Demakos, a harpist from Ithaca, included the soothing sounds of Gregorian chant, music from Hildegard of Bingen and Celtic music among her varied repertoire.

On the 13th, after almost four inches of rain, the main road into the monastery became impassable due to rocks and debris. A road crew from town re-opened it later in the day. After more torrential rain on the 14th the road became a conduit for raging waters rushing down our hill and was no longer safe for vehicles. The result was a washed-out road that our Brother Gabriel, who has been here since the 50's, says was the worst he has ever seen. Also on the 14th Greg Bourn was clothed as a postulant and is now known as Brother Gregory. Brother Savio and two of his confreres arrived on the solemnity of the Assumption. On the 19th Ramon Gutierrez from the Bronx was received to become part of our Oblate family. On the 20th the community enjoyed an outing at a nearby neighbor's pond. Fr. Philip, one of our Vietnamese visitors left to return to Vietnam on the 21st. Brother John of the Cross left on the 23rd to begin seminary at Christ the King in East Aurora, not far from Buffalo. He is a classmate of Br. Savio from Vietnam who will stay with us when not at school.

On the 28th we received Don Enzweiler as our second postulant this month. Additionally, Br. Savio's summer vacation came to a close as he headed off to seminary to begin what should be his final year. On the 31st we received word that Elizabeth Fuller, a long-time Oblate from New York City had died. May she rest in peace. Repairs to Monastery Road continue at the end of the month as the town seeks federal funds for more extensive reconstruction. Either Steege Hill or Fisher Hill Road can be used as an alternative.
 

COMING EVENTS:
October 12 ' 14 Oblate Retreat