Mount Saviour Monastery

January 2022 News:
The first day of the year began on the very unwintry note of 54 degrees. The rest of the month did not follow suit. Eleven nights registered temperatures below zero at the Elmira airport which can be seen from our property.

Our most recent postulant, Robert, decided to leave the formation program on the 4th.  Please remember him in your prayers as he continues to discern.

The first haystack from the barn was placed in the field for the sheep on the 5th. There had been no need to bring any out this winter because there had been no significant snowfall and the sheep were perfectly content eating from the pasture. We only have the minimal amount of hay cut and stored for the winter months because last year was so wet. So the weather has been working in our favor.

 We celebrated Epiphany on the 6th. That is the traditional Western date that we continue to observe. Our Christmas decorations are then gradually taken down until the Lord's Baptism, when we usually take down the crèche and whatever else is left.

 

On the 7th, Abbot Cuthbert Brogan of St. Michael's Abbey in the United Kingdom arrived just before midnight. He made the transatlantic journey to receive the vows of brothers Mark and Isaiah, who made their solemn professions on the 9th, the Baptism. It was a joyous occasion for all who could be present, which was not too many. A freezing rainstorm held down the number of people who could attend the Mass and celebratory dinner that followed, but it did not dampen the spirit of the occasion.

  We have a steady stream of people who purchase 5-day vigil candles to place at the statue of the Virgin Mary in the crypt, asking for her intercession. Due to manufacturing price increases, we have had to raise the price of each candle to $3.00.

On the 13th, Brother Luke officially relieved Brother Gabriel as Oblate Director after his many years of dedicated service. All future Oblate inquiries should now be addressed to Brother Luke.

The winter snows were bound to come eventually, and on the 17th they could wait no more. We woke up to 11 inches worth on the ground. More fell during the day. It was the Memorial of St. Antony which is Brother Antonio's name day, so the community gathered for a festive evening recreation to celebrate. The celebration, however, did not extend to the snowfall.