Mount Saviour Monastery

November 2022 News:
The month began with the solemnity of All Saints Day with the thermometer registering a pleasant 66 degrees. On the 2nd, All Souls Day, the community and guests gathered in the monk's cemetery as is our custom to pray for our deceased brethren and to bless the graves. On the 6th the overnight low temperature was only 69 degrees which set a record and helped our fuel oil bills.
 

Brother Bruno hauled four loads of sheep to the auction in New Jersey this month starting on the 8th   and continuing on the following Tuesdays. There is a need for at least five loads which show that our guard dogs are successful in keeping our sheep from predators.
 

The south and west side chapel doors were closed on the 13th after more frigid weather finally arrived. The statue of the Resurrected Christ was secured under wraps to protect it from the ravages of winter weather until its' unveiling again around Easter time. The brown wrappings look more Franciscan than Benedictine but they serve the purpose!
 

On the 23rd the rams were put in the fields with the ewes as a new cycle of births begins again. They remain with the ewes until just before Christmas when they are then separated for another 11 months.
 

Brother Francis arranged our Advent wreath this year located in our refectory in front of the reader's stand.

 

It seems it was bound to happen sooner or later. One of our brothers returned from a home visit on the 21st and tested negative for COVID. On the 26th he tested positive and so was isolated as all the brothers took to wearing masks throughout the day. On the 28th all the brothers self-tested resulting in two more positives. At that point we decided a COVID-lockdown was in order. We will receive no guests until at least December 12th and for the safety of visitors have closed the chapel and gift shop. We will reopen when the current threat has passed.