Oblate letter of the Pluscarden Benedictines, Elgin, Moray, Scotland. IV30 8UA. Ph. (01343) 890257 fax 890258
Website www.pluscardenabbey.org
DMB series No 18
Summer--Birth of St John the
Baptist--2013
Monastic Voice of a century ago from Caldey
Benedictine Abbey:-
"Our
Purpose and Method"---Abbot Aelred
Carlyle "A Need of the Church Years ago, in a sermon by Father
Maturin, I heard some words which have been an inspiration ever since. Speaking
of ideals he said: "Paint your picture in strong colours, keep it ever
before you, and strive to live up to it; if you do this conscientiously, you
will not find yourself very much out in the end." And what was my picture?
The Church of England—Catholic in Constitution—in Tradition—the Mother of the
English people—indigenous to the soil on which had lived and died so many holy
Monks and Nuns—with her Orders—her Sacraments—her Jurisdiction—her Cathedrals
intact—with activities so numerous and well arranged: and yet, without one
single Monastery of the Benedictine Rule remaining, of which so many formed her
crown three hundred years ago—nothing left but desolate and empty ruins—the
voice of praise silent in the moss-grown choirs—no home for weary souls and
loving hearts—no men to be found for the work of prayer—and no room for such. But
were there really no men? Was there no room? My picture told me there were
both.
I saw a Revival of the Spiritual
Life spreading through England, with here and there men waiting and longing for
the opportunity of withdrawing themselves from the hurried life of the day, to
seek the peace and regulated discipline of the Cloister. I thought that surely
if the need were felt, it would be met; that Authority would once more sanction
the system which had so abundantly flourished, and been so blessed in the past.
The revival of external activity in the Church, the increased effectiveness of
parochial work, the growing love and appreciation of the Sacraments, the care
lavished on the fabrics themselves and upon the ornaments of the sanctuary, all
showed that a corresponding revival of the Interior Life was needed, nay
demanded, as a balance to this marked increase of exterior organization. And
that as the Catholic Church in all ages has possessed her Religious
Communities, so now, after her long sleep, the Church in England, roused at
last to the realization of her Catholic heritage, would awake to the fact that
she alone in Catholic Christendom possessed few Religious Houses for men, and
none dedicated solely to the Life of Prayer.
Thus our little work has been to
gather together a nucleus of men animated with the desire of reviving under
Authority the practice of the Rule of S. Benedict. The Authority has been
granted, and of men eager to try their vocations there is no lack.
The
Necessity of Slow Growth In
a work of this sort, fraught with so many difficulties, slow and steady growth
was to be desired, rather than a rapid increase. We had to profit by our own
mistakes, as well as by those of others: great care had to be taken with
individuals, so that the nucleus might be strong, and able to stand the
addition of fresh material from without. It was gradually found that only men
of a certain type were suitable, that all who professed to have a vocation were
not to be credited until they had proved it. Many were at once found to be
unsuitable, others required a prolonged trial to discover that they were not
called to the Life; and so from time to time a careful weeding out has been
necessary, and new men are very cautiously taken. Our practice now is to make
our door with a very small aperture for entrance, and a very wide one for
departure.
Signs of Vocation An
applicant must have certain qualifications which will commend him to the
Community; he must have a blameless past, for which he can provide sufficient
reference; his health must be good: and in most cases he must be under the age
of twenty-five. It is desirable, also, that a man should come from work at
which he is earning his own living, and it is essential that he should be free
from all other obligations to his family and to his secular life. So much for
this aspect of his vocation. Spiritually, he must feel that God is really
calling him to a life of closer union with Himself, and that, with a great
desire of self-dedication in his heart, he will persevere in spite of
obstacles.
The Four Seals
as they are called, of a Benedictine Vocation, are laid down in the Holy Rule
as follows: and it is by these signs that the seniors are bidden to judge of
new-comers. The Benedictine Novice must (1) truly seek God, (2) show himself
fervent in the Work of God, (3) be eager for Obedience, (4) and Humiliation. A
little thought will show that these Four Seals practically cover the whole
ground of a man's spiritual life. He who truly seeks God and is fervent in the
work of the Divine Praise will be chaste, honest, and conscientious. He who is
obedient and humble will be contented, unselfish, and cheerful."
From The
Oblatemaster’s Desk
Yes this is the year of the Caldey conversion and before
I go farther I must correct an error in the last oblate Letter. The appearance
of our Lady at a monastic forerunner of Caldey was at Llanthony in Wales not
Painesthorpe.
With
the help of God sixteen oblates, eight
form Prinknash, eight from Pluscarden,
are going with four monks, to Caldey Abbey(Cistercian) from the 2nd to
the 5th August, shortly.
The
above "monastic Voice" from the(to us) well-known source "Our
Purpose & Method" by Abbot Aelred
Carlyle ( our "founder") was written when the community on Caldey
were all Anglicans despite its specialised reference to themselves even then
prophetically in some sense as "Catholic".
I think we can all sense very familiar aspects of
monastic life " painted" in "strong colours"-- colours still
recognisable in our own lives as monks and oblates of Pluscarden. The monastery
is the great master & apprentice teacher of us all under God and the
elements once in place are passed on , handed on, the tradition.
The Rule of St Benedict itself is that tradition. That
was the blueprint that led the Caldey monks first into monastic life, then
deeper and deeper into the contemplative heart of the Church until incorporated
into that Catholic mystical Body in the fullest sense.
St
Thérése of Lisieux Carmelite Doctor of the Church and patroness of the
missions, saw that the contemplative vocation of love from within incorporates
us into the very heart of the Church. The contemplative heart of the Church and
of the Christian is as essential as the heart to the human body. Monks and
Benedictine Oblates have this charism which is not superficial or dispensable .
Prayer
Intentions For vocations at
Pluscarden, St Mary's, Petersham & Kristo Buase. For Br. Adrian in his
Diamond Jubliee year and Fr. Ambrose in his silver Jubilee year of profession. Br Gabriel’s mother failing and Br. Antony’s
father, Benjamin, RIP and Oblate Mary Roche RIP
Our new Oblates: Lorn Adomnan Macintyre and Fiona Bernadette Sellar. Please pray for emeritus Pope Benedict & his successor Pope Francis, and please pray also for Cardinal Keith Patrick and for all the vacancies in the episcopate in Scotland. Please pray for sick Oblates especially for Sarah Drever’s husband Leslie,Anne Morgan's brother-heart surgery, Mrs. Gertrude Corker’s two daughters, for Bob Barr, Brian Milne, Mary Buist, Gail Schmitz and her son Antony-- kidney transplant, Beth Fraser & her husband Chris, Marie Claire Hérnandez, Bob Clark(poorly), Nick Macrae’s son, Martin Macrae, Dr.David Paterson & his wife Angela, Jacqui’s daughter, Sally, Deacon William Joss, Margaret Barrett ( heart surgery), Poppy Sinclair, Ian Brodie, Carolyn Boardman & son Malcolm, Val Farrelly, Margaret Rawcliffe David Braine, philosopher, Susan Stephen, Violet and all friends of the Abbey and for all oblates, friends and the sick, and those who care for them. For Sr.Claire of Ryde Abbey) better health.
Our new Oblates: Lorn Adomnan Macintyre and Fiona Bernadette Sellar. Please pray for emeritus Pope Benedict & his successor Pope Francis, and please pray also for Cardinal Keith Patrick and for all the vacancies in the episcopate in Scotland. Please pray for sick Oblates especially for Sarah Drever’s husband Leslie,Anne Morgan's brother-heart surgery, Mrs. Gertrude Corker’s two daughters, for Bob Barr, Brian Milne, Mary Buist, Gail Schmitz and her son Antony-- kidney transplant, Beth Fraser & her husband Chris, Marie Claire Hérnandez, Bob Clark(poorly), Nick Macrae’s son, Martin Macrae, Dr.David Paterson & his wife Angela, Jacqui’s daughter, Sally, Deacon William Joss, Margaret Barrett ( heart surgery), Poppy Sinclair, Ian Brodie, Carolyn Boardman & son Malcolm, Val Farrelly, Margaret Rawcliffe David Braine, philosopher, Susan Stephen, Violet and all friends of the Abbey and for all oblates, friends and the sick, and those who care for them. For Sr.Claire of Ryde Abbey) better health.
BOOKS"The
Conscience of our Age" by Fr Vincent Twomey SVD ( missionary priest) who gave
our Pentecost lectures this year which were much acclaimed and appreciated.--A close, long-time associate of emeritus Pope Benedict
presents a unique theological and personal portrait of the Pope that gives
wonderful insights to both his teachings, and the man himself. This work on our
last Pope, important in its unique approach to the thought and person of he who
was as Pontiff, is a help for Christians everywhere to better understand him,
his leadership and his role as one of
the most respected spiritual teachers in the world. Ignatius Press ISBN
978-1-58617-170-4 priced £13.05
CTS
Pamphlet Understanding The Story
Of The Bible By: Eileen Clare Grant £2.50 Format: A6 Booklet Publication Date: 10/May/2013-----Catholics have been encouraged since the Second Vatican Council to become more familiar with the Holy Bible, yet many still find it a daunting book. The Lectionary gives generous extracts throughout the liturgical year, but at the cost of losing sight of the historical context of each extract.
In order to recover our sense of the narrative as a whole, we need to understand Salvation History as the true history of the world, from creation and fall to salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ,leading to eternal happiness in God.
About the author---Eileen Clare Grant works as a freelance editor and RCIA catechist in the Diocese of Aberdeen, and has written for PB, the Tablet, the Sower and Magnificat, as well as the Aberdeen diocesan magazine. She is a Benedictine oblate of Pluscarden Abbey.
" Understanding the Story of the Bible ", by Eileen Clare Grant, a Benedictine oblate of Pluscarden Abbey. This surveys carefully chosen strategic landmarks of the Old Testament, arriving at the New Covenant only in the last chapter: it is all designed to prepare us for the story of Our Lord’s Birth, “in the fullness of time”, It is, in fact, a brilliant preliminary introduction to the New Testament itself.
The community magazine Pluscarden
Benedictines: subscription of £5, or £10 airmail. We are trying
to build up our subscription list. If you would like to go on the mailing list,
please contact The Editor(Fr. Bede) of Pluscarden Benedictines at
the Abbey.
Events ----- Pilgrimage
30th June NB!
The Next Oblate Congress(near Rome!) is October 10th to the 14th
2013.
UK
monasteries have been allocated 13 places at the World Congress of Oblates in
Rome 10-14 October 2013 where the theme is 'Obsculta' - the Oblate listening in
the World'.
Martin Gardner and Jim Bradley are
representing Pluscarden. Thank you both.
OBLATE WEEKEND 2013
2nd
to 5th August on CALDEY ISLAND (WALES!)Principal speaker Fr. Aelred
Baker of Prinknash; expert on the origins. Also Fr. Giles on " After
Caldey".
This is to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the conversion of
the Caldey community. All the places are taken already though you can go on a
short leet for a cancellation There are 20 places & those intending coming
already:-4 monks:- 1. Fr Aelred Baker 2. Fr. Giles Connacher 3 Dom Michael De
Klerk. 4. Fr. Martin Birrell + * Pluscarden Oblates 5. Jim Bradley 6
Christina Nicol 7. Marie Cumming 8.. Rebecka Winell-Reid, 9 Martin Gardner 10 Joseph Ly 11. Margaret Kessack 12. Leonora
Duson + 8 Prinknash Oblates:-13.Pam Morey, 14. Stephen Day, 15. Christina
Caldwell, 16. Mary Jones, 17. Robert Jones, 18 Dr Sarah Richards 19.Sally Mercer ,20 John Vivian.=20 on the boat at 2.30 pm pier in Tenby Friday
August 2nd. Again 20 arrive from Caldey at Tenby pier 11.00 am Monday 5th August.
We may plan to give a statue of St. Samson, Caldey's
patron- but we have an awful lot of the £2000
still to raise in a very short time if the sculptor is to have time to
carve it!(donations Br. Michael- cellarer, please)
“Oblate,
Highland Caldey roundup” August 20th-22nd (two nights—one
full day) 21st: 10.30 am DVD of Caldey Talks 2.45 pm DVD of Caldey Island
Each of the two guest houses AT PLUSCARDEN has been
set aside for this. 7 places for men left, and 10 for ladies. Ladies are
self-catering – but I take it upon me that the ladies will have two meals
provided at St Scholastica's on the 21st by the locals (monks & Pluscarden
Oblates)—if staying other days as well (as negotiated with Fr. Bede
individually) then they must themselves bring farther food apart from those two
meals on the 21st. Their main costs are the travel. All
wanting to come should book now. Open season now for everyone for this event!(oblates,
postulants, novices) You can come just for the day--residents front seats!
INVITATION FROM PAM MOREY, PRINKNASH
OBLATE, ON THEIR BEHALF: Now
looking ahead.... 2014: the Prinknash Annual Oblate Day,
Sunday 13th July 2014
Pam
Morey is the organiser.----(If you’re interested I’ll forward your details to
Pam--Fr.Martin--I'll put the fuller details in again in the Autumn or Winter--
see the last Oblate Letter 17)
St Mungo’s Chapter Glasgow. As announced. Peter Aitken 11, Maxwell
Grove, Glasgow. G41 5JP. Phone:0141
4272084.
St Margaret’s Chapter Dunfermline. Had
a meeting a few days ago-this letter just too late to advertise! Sorry. Pat Carrigan smcb_oblates@live.co.uk
St. Monica’s Chapter, Thurso. Contact Jane Coll. "Scaraben”,
Westside, Dunnet, Thurso, Caithness, KY14 8YD. Phone 01847 851467
St. Peter’s Chapter Aberdeen.
St.Peter’s Chapter Oblates Group Having a sabbatical while Brian Milne recovers
his health ( please pray).
St Mary’s Chapter
Dundee. Dates
as announced, at St. Mary’s High Street, Lochee, Dundee. -------information
from St Mary’s, or samsiamese@googlemail.com
Moray Group: Next
meeting---as arranged--Kathie Moar .
Ugandan Seminarian appeal for Sponsors.
The Oblates currently sponsor
two Ugandan Seminarians for the Priesthood. The first Seminarian, Dominic, is
in his third of four years at the Junior Seminary. His funding is secure for
2014 and into the future as the Oblates have committed to sponsor him.
The second Seminarian,
Josaphat, has funding only up until the end of 2013. It is hoped that in
January 2014 he will go to the Major Seminary for 3 years of Philosophy &
Theology. Presently there is no funding for this.
I am therefore repeating
my appeal for further sponsors for 20 year old Josaphat for 2014 and onwards in
the form of “one off donations” or preferably small monthly standing orders.
Please also remember them both in your prayers.For further detail or
clarification please contact me, Paul Costello
at:-
Phone:-01358-721512 or
Mobile:- 07762-432080
LOVE & BLESSINGS., MAY GOD GRANT
YOU RESTORATIVE RECREATION OVER THE SUMMER SEASON,
YOURS ALWAYS in CHRIST & S.P.N.B.,
Fr Martin PAX
Caldey
Programme
Friday 2nd August
Arrive Tenby in time for
2.30 pm crossing
3.30 arrive guest house Caldey
informal greetings tea &
coffee
17.30 Vespers
18.15 Supper
19.35 Compline
Saturday
3rd
August
vigils 3.30 am
6.00 am Lauds
6.45 am Holy Mass
8.15 Breakfast
8.15 Breakfast
8.50 am Terce
thereafter
chance for confession or speak with a priest
Sext 12.15
Dinner 12.30
none at St
Philomena 14.20
followed by talk one Fr Aelred Baker on the Caldey Conversinon
16.00 talk two, Fr Giles Cladey to Pluscarden
17,30 Vespers
supper 18.15
compline
19.30
Sunday
4th August
vigils 3.30
6.30
am Lauds
8.30 Breakfast
10.30 am Terce & Holy Mass
10.30 am Terce & Holy Mass
sext 12.15
Dinner 12.30
14.20 None
Guided Tour
16.45
Holy Hour
& Vespers
supper 18.15
Compline
19.30
Monday
5th
August
( vigils 3.30a.m.)
6.00 am Lauds
6.45 HolyMass
8.15? Breakfast
(8.45 am Terce)
Ca.7.30- 10.30 am Boat departure 11.00--very approximate am
Tenby..
wend our ways!
PAX!
PAX!
