As mentioned in last month’s news, Brother John left at the end of August for monastery business in Europe. The first set of meetings was at Montserrat Abbey outside of Barcelona. The Subiaco Cassinese Congregation we belong to held its General Chapter there until September 8. Much of the time was spent on updating legislation which will be submitted to Rome for approval. A new Abbot President for our congregation was also elected.
From the 9th to the 20th, meetings switched to Rome for the worldwide meeting of Benedictine Abbots and Priors. There were 220 in attendance. Many helpful workshops on a wide variety of monastic subjects were held. The election of a new Abbot Primate for the Benedictines was an important element of the gathering.
On the 21st Brother Matthew celebrated his names’ day with a festive evening recreation.
On the same day France Verley, an oblate and early and long time friend of the monastery, was laid to rest in the Good Shepherd Cemetery. France was one of the last on a list made in the 80’s before we closed the cemetery who asked to be buried there. She was a beloved matriarch of a family of over 500 descendants.
A large group of students from Nazareth University in Rochester spent the last weekend of the month here on retreat.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
October 14 – 18, 2024: Mass will be combined with Lauds at 7 am so a ventilation system can be installed in the chapel.