Mount Saviour Monastery

December 2021 News:
 On the 7th, Brother Bruno brought this year's last load of sheep to auction in New Jersey. The brothers also finished stuffing this year's edition of the Chronicle into envelopes. Brother Pierre, who handles our mailings, brought them to the post office that afternoon.

Our governor issued a new mask mandate to help limit the spread of COVID-19, which became effective on the 13th. To be compliant with the new directive, we are now asking all guests who enter our chapel or gift shop to please wear a mask.

On the 16th, we were informed that our 13-year old Toyota Matrix needed $3,700 worth of repairs. We decided to begin a search for another vehicle instead.

In consideration of the safety of the large numbers that often attend, we decided against having our usual blessing of the crèche in the crypt this year. We did have Vespers by candlelight as usual and then the singing of the carol Silent Night at its conclusion.

Our Christmas was green, unlike last year when we were shoveling snow. In the afternoon, the thermometer registered a relatively balmy 50 degrees.

The chapel for Christmas Vespers

A group of eight Servants of the Word from Michigan arrived on the 26th to spend several days with us, as they customarily do this time of year. As we head into what are supposed to be our colder weather months, the number of guests tends to thin out. With all the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, it's already been pretty thin to begin with. Our prayers are for everyone's health, safety, and Peace in the New Year.

One tree reflecting in the windows of the round cloister