The first half of the month continued the trend of cold, windy, and icy weather that began in January.
On Sunday, the second of the month, we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation. This joyous event included a procession from the crypt to the upper chapel, while participants carried lit candles symbolizing the light of Christ.
The following Sunday, the 9th, Dr. Keith Fisher delivered a lecture on the Cosmos: Current Theories and Discoveries in Saint Joseph’s lounge after Mass. The event was organized by the Friends of Mount Saviour. Due to adverse weather conditions only two dozen attendees, along with local community members, were present for the Mass.
The subsequent Sunday saw merely twelve determined individuals brave the elements to attend Mass, again due to the severe weather.
Our area also faced considerable freezing rain, resulting in perilously slick conditions. With no ice melt available locally, we traveled an hour away to procure what we could find, at prices significantly higher than usual. In light of the hazardous conditions, we reached out to visitors scheduled to come, advising them to delay their visits due to the dangerous ice encased grounds and walkways.
The community was on retreat the last week of the month. There were no guests and the community observed a more relaxed Sunday schedule with informal meals throughout the week. As part of the retreat, we were able to tap into our newly digitized archive of 831 talks given in past years at Mount Saviour. From time to time we hope to make some of Father Damasus’ talks available on our website. The first posted is his Introduction to the Psalms part one. Each will include a transcript. https://msaviour.org/psalms-cosmic-liturgy-of-creation/
The first red-winged blackbird was sighted on the 26th as well as the first new green plant shoots. On the 28th wave after wave of honking geese made their voices heard. Later than usual but always a welcome sight and sound. All signs pointing to spring!
Robert and the guard dogs