Mount Saviour Monastery

December 2020 NEWS:
Br. Antonio gave all of us a scare on the 3rd when he experienced a seizure during Vespers and had to be rushed to the hospital. By the time he arrived there, all systems had returned to normal. He was released from hospital on the 5th after a period of observation.

Painters arrived on the 7th and worked through the month painting the interiors of several guest houses and the Chapel crypt, taking advantage of our down time and what would usually be theirs as well.

On the 9th, Brothers Bruno and Mark made a quick trip to Lexington, VA, returning just after Compline. In tow were two more Livestock Guardian Dogs donated to us that our dogs already knew from Mississippi. One is a daughter of our Aria. Coyotes beware!

  Br. John and Br. Pierre surrounded by guard dogs

The monastery never named the road leading from the Chapel to St. Gertrude's guest house. It is maintained entirely by Mount Saviour and remains a private road. Years ago to our consternation it appeared on Google Maps as a thoroughfare and had been christened as St. Gertrude's Road. Well, anyway, we closed that road on the 14th for at least the winter for the safety of drivers who were determined to navigate the steep, winding road in winter weather and would often need to be rescued. As more and more vehicles are now using the road as a shortcut, it has also become noisier and more hazardous for walkers which are additional reasons for the road closure.

We received word on the 15th of the death of Father Peter Vu, the Prior of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Aptos, CA. He was a good friend of Mount Saviour and superior of Brother Dominic Savio. Please remember him and their community in prayer.

The outdoor Christmas lights were put up just in time before the arrival of our first winter snowstorm. On the 16th-17th we received 19 inches of white while a town in the county just east of us was walloped with 44 inches. The dogs love it. Our two donkeys with their longer legs made a path for the sheep to be able to get to the haystacks.

The traditional blessing of the Christmas Creche and singing of Silent Night took place as usual after the First Vespers of Christmas. Unlike previous years there was plenty of room in the crypt as only Father Don and the community were on hand. We rejoice in the birth of our Saviour and for the completion of the course of another year. We wish all our friends, benefactors, Oblates and readers a happy and healthy New Year!