Mount Saviour Monastery

November 2023

News:
The month began with the solemnity of All Saints on the 1st followed by All Souls the next day. As is our usual custom, the community paid a visit to the monastic cemetery after None to pray and bless the graves of our brothers who have preceded us in death.

On the 7th Brother Bruno took the first of several loads of sheep to auction in New Jersey as the yearly cycle winds down for them and for us. The first to depart with one way tickets was a group of 19 ram lambs. A second group with the rest of the ram lambs went a week later on the 14th. A third group consisting of ewes departed on the 28th.

On the 19th a group of about 30 Friends of Mount Saviour met for coffee and conversation after Sunday Mass in Saint Joseph's Lounge. This is the first gathering of the group since before the COVID pandemic began. New members are cordially invited to join.

Three days of working with the sheep took place from the 20th through the 22nd. The first two days involved vaccinations and a yearly examination. On the final day the ewes and rams were paired and taken to fields according to blood lines.

On the 23rd we celebrated a special day of Thanksgiving and were joined by guests in the monastic refectory. Unlike last year when COVID was more prevalent, this year was a talking meal without social distancing.

Our first snow flurries of the year waited until the next day. The cold and snow prompted the closing of the outside chapel doors until warmer weather arrives in the spring.
 

  On the 27th work began on replacing a water line from the northwest corner of the West Building to the fire hydrant across from the driveway of Saint Joseph's. A total of
about 850 feet at the cost of $88,000. Parts of the old water line were original and had sprung three leaks the last few years. The work will continue into December.

 

COMING EVENTS:

Dec. 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: December 8th. We will observe a Sunday schedule.

December 24 at 6:00 p.m. First Vespers of Christmas followed by the Blessing of the Creche.