Notes from November

We began the month with a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of Mississippi Abbey. Several monks went to join the sisters in a Eucharistic celebration, with Fr. Brendan presiding and giving an inspiring homily which focused on “lovers of the place.” This was followed by a meal and a sharing of memories and history of the early days of the community. Sr. Joan, who had died the previous week, was one of the founders and so there were only two (Sr. Gail and Sr. Genevieve) with us at this celebration.

On the following Wednesday (the 6th), we celebrated our annual Memorial Mass for all those who had died the past year and had been buried in Trappist caskets and urns. Several relatives and friends of these deceased were with us, as well as a good number of the employees of Trappist Caskets. We frequently remember in our prayers those who have been buried in Trappist Caskets and Urns. This intercession continues our support and accompaniment of those who have died and those who grieve their loss.

We sponsored another Come-and-See vocational discernment weekend on the 8th – 10th. Six men joined us for this experience and we pray that the Spirit will guide them in following his movement in their lives.

More windows have been installed in the basement areas, notably the laundry which is lit up by natural light and sheltered from winds sneaking through cracks. Clean-up work is still in progress, but a considerable amount of dead wood and trees have been removed from areas in front of the monastery buildings. This has brought about a real transformation in the landscape. Not quite mountains being made low and valleys filled in, but in that category. A blessed Advent.