Candlemas or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on 2 February fell this year on a Sunday. At our conventual Mass, apart from the usual Candlemas ceremonies, Fr. Abbot Anselm instituted our Brothers Joseph and Simon into the Ministry of Acolyte. Both already officially hold the ministry of "Lector". "Acolyte" is the second of the "minor ministries" normally given to candidates for Priestly Ordination. An Acolyte is officially commissioned to serve at the Altar in various ways. He may for example bring up the sacred vessels, assist with their purification, and in exceptional circumstances assist also with the distribution of Holy Communion.
Brs. Joseph & Simon
As they prepare for eventual Priestly Ordination, Brs. Joseph and Simon are both currently studying theology within the monastery, participating in an online degree programme run by Dominicans, based at the Angelicum College in Rome.
Meanwhile, our two postulants are preparing in their turn to begin their canonical Novitiate.
Brs. Innocent & Benjamin
Brs. Innocent and Benjamin will be clothed as novices together on 4 April, Eve of the Solemnity (here) of St. Aelred.
Two other community events are planned for later on this year. On 15 August we will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of monastic vows of Dom Martin Birrell. And on 24 August we will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination of Dom Benedict Hardy with Fr. Ambrose Flavell.
Friends of the community are invited as always to keep our community in their prayers, but perhaps at this time especially these brethren!