Brother Savio, now ordained, arrived on the 1st to study in preparation for his comprehensive exam in spirituality. Brother Savio first came to us straight from Vietnam to learn English and to begin his studies several years ago.
From the 1st through the 10th, the Elmira Soaring Museum sponsored a national glider competition with pilots from across the country. During that time, gliders filled the daytime sky. Fortunately, the sailplanes are pretty noiseless as they have no motors. Elmira, NY, is called the “Soaring Capital of America,” in part because of soaring’s central role for over 80 years in the social and economic history of the region, attracting individuals and associations from around the world for contests, lectures, symposia, and special events. Paragliders and hang gliders are also a frequent sight overhead.
The first of two Orien Arts Residency Weeks took place from the 7th through the 13th. The residency brings together artists and writers to live, create, and seek beauty for a week at the monastery. The groups of 12–15 include songwriters, poets, translators, textile artists, fiction writers, plein air painters, clowns, collage artists, actors, mixed media artists, filmmakers, composers, performance artists, folk musicians, essayists, art teachers….
On the 19th, Brother Bruno began the annual hay harvest to feed the sheep through the winter. The harvesting is always heavily dependent on the changeable weather and equipment breakdowns.
On the 26th, there was a memorial mass and reception for Connie Zehr, who died earlier this year. Connie is the artist we commissioned for the Memorial Wall Plaque in our crypt for our deceased brethren.
COMING EVENTS:
Sunday, August 17: Dedication Day. Mass will be at 10:00 am.