Mount Saviour Monstery

March 2019 News:
Our month began with the final conferences of our yearly monastic retreat. This year our facilitator was Father John Denburger O.C.S.O. from the Genesee Abbey up the road a ways. Father John left on the 2nd before Brother Savio and three  fellow seminarians arrived for spring break from school. Brother John of the Cross' break came to an end the following day when he returned to Christ the King Seminary near Buffalo to continue his English studies. Also that day Kathryn Tolbert, a reporter for the Washington Post, gave an informative and interesting talk at Saint Joseph's on "Japanese War Brides" after Sunday Mass.

The 5th was Shrove Tuesday. That is the one day of the year when the brothers can be out and about from after Mass until Compline. Several brothers used the occasion to visit Father James at the Saint Joseph's Motherhouse in Rochester. He remains well physically and enjoyed our visit as Brother Pierre showed him pictures and videos from the computer that was brought along.

On the 9th the community resumed eating meals in the large refectory as the table refinishers completed their work. Br. Savio and companions returned to the Boston area on the 10th. God-willing this will be Brother Savio's final semester at seminary.

Spring was positively springing up all over come mid-month with the return of red-wing blackbirds, flocks of robins and geese and temperatures in the 60's. During the course of the following week we celebrated three solemnities, St. Joseph on the 19th, St. Benedict on the 21st, and the Annunciation on the 25th which is also Brother Gabriel's name day. In between the feasts, on the first Vespers of St. Benedict, Brother Donald was clothed as a Novice and received the habit as well as the new name of Thomas by which he will now be known. Please pray for his continued discernment as he moves into this next stage of monastic life. On the final day of the month, Laetare Sunday, the community joined the worshipping community at Grace Church in Elmira for Vespers, Compline and fellowship, continuing a tradition that extends back many years.

Coming Events:

Masses for reparation of sin and healing in the church will be held on April 5 and 12.

Holy Week:
Maundy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Last Supper at 5:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 19:  Celebration of the Lord's Passion at 3:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 21: Paschal Vigil including Mass will begin at 4:30 a.m. followed by breakfast for everyone. There is NO 9:00 a.m. Mass.
Easter Monday, April 22: Mass at 9:00 a.m.

MAY 5th at 10:30 a.m.: The yearly Damasus Winzen Lecture with Sr. Julie Upton, RSM and Benedictine Oblate, past President of the American Benedictine Academy.

OCTOBER 6th: A talk will be given in Saint Joseph's lounge with Sr. Mary Donald Corcoran as the presenter.
 
October 17-20: Oblate Retreat Weekend