Mount Saviour Monastery

April 2101   News:
Mother Nature pulled an April Fools' joke by beginning the month with a snowstorm after three weeks of tantalizingly pleasant spring weather. The day also began the Easter Triduum. It was celebrated, like last year, by only Father Don and the community. Brother Isaiah underwent his own passion the following day, Good Friday. He was admitted to the hospital with chest pains, not to be released until Easter Tuesday after a barrage of inconclusive tests. Brother Francis had passed his driver's test the previous day. He took his first solo drive to his vaccination for Covid-19. Six other brothers had also received their second shots before the month was half over. Many of us experienced side effects from the vaccine with some of us being laid low for a day or so. On the 13th the new lambs received their various vaccinations also. Their worst side effects came from a momentary separation from their mothers.   On the 17th the community celebrated with a special meal the 50th anniversary of Father Don's ordination. Brother Gabriel missed out on the celebration. He had to be admitted to the hospital with a severe ear infection of unknown cause. On the 23rd he was released after receiving a continuous IV drip of antibiotics which needed to be continued at home in pill form.

On the 24th (Sam)antha and Nick, a married couple, officially moved into Saint Gertrude's to become its new caretakers. They had watched over it during the winter months until their move could be made.

With spring moving along, grass mowing commenced on the 26th. With all the various areas that need mowing, the job could almost be full time for one person alone. On the same day a vocational Observer, Ramon, arrived to begin his period of discernment with the community. Please join your prayer to his and ours that God's will be discerned.
 

Brother Gabriel returned to the hospital on the 27th where he underwent physical therapy as he tries to regain his equilibrium due to a continuing ear infection. He has been transferred to a short- term rehabilitation center where he will receive skilled nursing care plus physical and occupational therapy. Please remember Brother Gabriel in prayer.

At the end of the month, the landscaping around the grounds took on a different look after the removal of several dead trees on the 28th. We hope the many woodpeckers will be able to adjust to the change.