March Mildness

The past month has been quiet and normal. We did complete our mini-workshop on the Letter to the Hebrews, presented by Dr. Anthony Pagliarini of Notre Dame University. We have been joining with the sisters of Mississippi Abbey in a program of on-going formation. As last month, Dr. Pagliarini presented the first lecture here at New Melleray Abbey to both communities on Friday morning. The two communities then celebrated mid-day prayer and ate lunch together. In the afternoon, Dr. Pagliarini gave the second presentation to the monks alone, and then gave this same lecture Saturday morning to the sisters at OLM. The monks then travelled to OLM to join the sisters for the final conference. This seems to be the simplest way to combine our sessions and keep travel at a minimum. We are fortunate to being within less than a half-hour’s drive apart. These presentations have been rich and deeply appreciated by our communities.

Another installation of new windows on the ground floor has begun and replacement of light fixtures with long-lasting and brighter LED lights continues. Someone remarked that sun glasses might now be needed to go to the toilets. We are also happy to be welcoming a candidate here during Lent who is more closely examining the possibility of monastic life. He has already made several visits here.

The schedule for Holy Week has been prepared and again this year we will be celebrating the Easter Vigil with the sisters of Mississippi Abbey here at New Melleray. Their presence adds a great deal to our prayer and singing.