Brother Isaiah traveled to Christ in the Desert Monastery on the 1st for an extended stay. That is the monastery in New Mexico founded by Mount Saviour in 1964. The following day, flocks of geese were seen and heard heading south as well. Perhaps they know a thing or two we don’t. We also received word of the death of Veronica Devlin at the remarkable age of 108! She had been an oblate of Mount Saviour since 1960.
About 20 oblates arrived for the beginning of their retreat from the 3rd through the 6th. That was as many as we could comfortably fit in our refectory for meals.
As the days grew chillier, our heating system was turned on the 6th when outside temperatures dipped into the 30’s for the first time this fall. Our observer for the next 30 days arrived just in time for the autumn chill. Please say a prayer for Richard’s discernment.
On the night of the 11th, the Northern Lights could be seen from our property. No one in the monastery was aware of the rare spectacle at the time. Fortunately, we were sent photos of what we failed to see in person. The 11th was also celebrated as the 45th anniversary of the dedication of our church, so it seemed appropriate to observe it against the special backdrop.
From the 14th – 18th we celebrated Mass in conjunction with Lauds. This enabled workers to install a ventilation unit in the crypt area which should improve the air quality in the upper chapel as well.
Our first frost occurred on the 18th which is about two weeks later than the norm. We then quickly went back into the 80’s for a few days in the third week of the month. On the 22nd, Father Gregory Carey OSB from Farnborough, England, paid us an overnight visit during the gloriously warm spell.
Our orchard produced an abundance of apples this year and quite a few pears as well. Brother Michael and helpers finished pressing apple cider on the 24th. About 135 gallons were made. The cider is stored in our freezer and used throughout the year at meals.
On the 27th we had a youth group from Wellsboro, PA, here for the day. We then finished the month out with temperatures back in the 80’s!