Our annual community retreat ended on the 2nd and we resumed our usual schedule.
Then we got off our schedule again on the 4th which was Shrove Tuesday this year. That day is an opportunity for the brothers to set their own schedule and to eat out or stay home with festive meals before the Lenten Season begins. It was a nice day to be out as the temperature reached into the 60’s for the first time this year.
Spring birds continued to make their way back. Buzzards on the 9th and Killdeer on the 11th when the temperature rose to 73 degrees.
Olaf, our most recent Livestock Guardian dog had another run–in with a porcupine on the 13th. And another trip to the vet. He seems to find them hard to pass by.
On the 16th the monastery and more than 20,000 local households lost power due to high winds. Most power was restored within two days. The first of three solemnities, Saint Joseph, was celebrated on the 19th. Our first woodchucks made their spring appearance. Saint Joseph was followed by Saint Benedict on the 21st. It was also the occasion of Brother Matthew’s admittance to Temporary Profession. The Annunciation followed on the 25th.
Brother John left for Saint Joseph’s Abbey in Louisiana on the 31st to attend the Provincial Assembly. There will be reports on the province and communities then reports concerning the General Chapter and revision of our Constitutions. He expects to return on April 4th. Two monks left early morning for the hospital: Br. Pierre for a lung infection and Br. Mark for his second knee surgery
2025 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:
Maundy Thursday, April 17 – Mass of the Last Supper at 5:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 18 – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 20 – Paschal Vigil including Mass will begin at 5:00 a.m. There is NO 9:00 a.m. Mass.
Easter Monday, April 21 – Mass at 9:00 a.m.