Oblate Letter 27 Autumn 2015 Exaltation of the Cross

Nothing Dearer Than Christ

 

Oblate Letter of the

Pluscarden Benedictines

Elgin, Moray, IV30 8UA, Scotland .U.K..

ph(01343) 890257 fax(01343) 890258

 

www.pluscardenabbey.org

DMB Series No.27 2015 Exaltation of the Cross Autumn quarter

Monastic Voice

Cassiodorus:-

COMMENTARY ON PSALM 116 "Alleluia." Though there are only two verses, the full glory of a heading is assigned to them, so that we may realise that however few the words uttered in the Lord's praises, they are always as full as can be. None can doubt that the source of praise of heavenly splendour must not be labelled insignificant. Appropriately joined to it is the figure called in Greek hormos, for it preserves the continuity of the speech to the end with no change of spokesman or theme, continuing with the one meaning from beginning to end.

Content of the Psalm

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Though this psalm does not allow of division because of the small number of verses, it transcends all others in the economy of its utterance. It is the prime particle of the psalms, exhibiting the distinction of the point from which the line grows and from which different types of figures are shaped in most learned diversity.

Explanation of the Psalm

"Praise the Lord, all ye nations, and praise him together, all ye people." We must associate this psalm too with the character of martyrs, for the holy men speak as though they have already completed their glorious suffering, saying that all nations must be roused to praise the Lord, for He bestowed on His servants such things as caused them to be inspired by His exemplary deeds. Where are the Donatists, who lyingly boast that the faith has been bestowed on their gathering alone? 2 That chorus of the saints cries out that all nations must praise the Lord; if only the Donatists even in our company would do what they lyingly claim to perform uniquely. Next comes: And praise him together, all ye people. Collective praise is that uttered in unison by all the faithful, and is seen to befit the Catholic Church assembled from different parts of the world. All nations in common are exhorted among the people so that none at the Lord's judgment may claim that they were not included." For his

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mercy is confirmed upon us, and the truth of the Lord remains forever." The reason is given why the Lord must be praised throughout the world: it is because He has fulfilled His promises made through the holy prophets by His coming to us. His mercy towards the Christian people is confirmed and will not be moved forever, for He who granted it, as we justly believe, protects us with His pity. He added: "And the truth of the Lord remains for ever." The truth of the Lord here means the Son; as He Himself says: I am the way, the truth and the life! In the view of the utterly mad Arian, there was a time- this is a sacrilege to utter-when the Son was not. That means that there would have been a time when the Father was without the Truth, the Way and the Life. But since we must believe that the Father was never without them, it befits our salvation and truth itself to confess the Son as coeternal and consubstantial with the Father through all things. In addition Scripture says: All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made. If time was created through the Son, how could time exist when its Creator was not? Absurdity always thus attends on base errors. They append a third falsehood: The Father is always predicated as anterior to the Son. Where is the relevant passage? "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God." You observe that there is no anterior order there. Indeed, in many places the Son is named first, as in the

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passage of Paul to the Ephesians: "Do you not know that no fornicator and unclean person has inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God?" And to the Galatians: "Paul an apostle, not by man nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father." And to the Thessalonians: "Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who has loved us." And the second letter to the Corinthians: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God." So that you would understand the equality of the whole Trinity, he added:" And the communication of the holy Spirit be with you all." We read also of the holy Spirit as Lord, and placed first. Paul says to the Thessalonians:"The Lord direct your hearts in the charity of God and the patience of Christ." The holy Spirit is being implored to guide the hearts of believers in both the love of God and the patience of Christ. So citation of one of the Trinity earlier or later will indicate no preference to the listener; human speech cannot express itself otherwise. In God we must reckon there is no disparity or diversity. We rightly believe that where there is one God, no lesser or greater can be found. Unity knows no number, equality allows no scale. As Scripture says: "Thou shalt not go up by steps to my altar."

Conclusion Drawn From the Psalm

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The tiny psalm is enclosed in the most capacious brevity. What more expansive sentiment can be spoken than that the Creator must be praised all over the world? This is a fertile brevity, a restricted abundance, the broadest of confines, narrows which have no boundary. What sweet and remarkable variation, now expressing saving thoughts in a few aphorisms, now relating great tidings in extended speech, so that weary mortals should not experience distaste in their very diligence; for the pleasant diversity gives them appetite. Perhaps the enquiry may be raised why this psalm contains only two verses whereas by contrast Psalm 118 is seen to be prolonged to 176 verses, and several others are shaped differently according to the nature of the themes. Perhaps this consideration is found to explain it: just as a harmony or beautiful melody of musical power makes a perfect song from different sounds and tones, so these psalms, now short, now of medium length, now very long form a single harmony with the most delightful sweetness. An alternative credible explanation is that they denote the Lord's future kingdom in which the saints' diverse merits shine according to the nature of their deeds, though the one blessedness and eternal sweetness is bestowed on all of them."

From The Oblatemaster's Desk

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The "Suscipe" that we say at our oblation is from the longest psalm 118 and today we have a monastic commentary from Cassiodorus ( whom we quoted 23 oblate letters ago, six years ago on psalm 94 in oblate letter number 3) a commentary on the shortest psalm number 116-- which comes into, is the meat in the sandwich of "THE "LITTLE OFFICE"(that is always an alternative "Divine Office" for hard pressed oblates whether hard pressed by time, age or illness--reminder, as follows:

V/ O GOD, COME TO MY AID.

R/ O LORD, MAKE HASTE TO HELP ME.

GLORY BE TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.

AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE, WORLD

WITHOUT END. AMEN.

PSALM 116

O PRAISE THE LORD, ALL YOU NATIONS,

ACCLAIM HIM ALL YOU PEOPLES!

STRONG IS HIS LOVE FOR US;

HE IS FAITHFUL FOR EVER.

GLORY BE TO THE FATHER AND TO THE SON AND TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.

AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING, IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE, WORLD

WITHOUT END. AMEN."

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If we read Cassiodorus' commentary (or any other commentary of the Fathers of the Church) we realize that such a small psalm prayed with the right intention is not insignificant. As St Benedict emphatically makes plain, following our Lord, it is not by our length that we are heard in our prayers but by our compunction and purity of heart. Nevertheless we still pray our Divine office if and as we are able and may the Lord bless us in all our efforts-- and the smallest visible performance may sometimes take the largest and sincerest effort.

Books and Media Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska--Divine Mercy in My Soul --'"I am sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to my merciful heart. Jesus also tells her to record His message of mercy in a diary:"You are the secretary of My mercy. I have chosen you for that office in this life and the next."'What better way of preparing for the Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis about to begin than reading this diary of a Saint so dear to St John-Paul? ISBN number 976-1-59614-110-0 published by the Marian Press. Price new 20 Euros The “UK Oblates Team" have a website www.benedictine-oblates.net that often has very useful information and articles and advertises events.

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Our own website is www.Pluscardenabbey.org and it has a section "Oblates" which has all the oblate letters of Pluscarden for the last eighteen years or so-- the most recent- mid-2011 onwards are on the link which you click onto on the oblate part of the website where it says "HERE" or use this link valeofstandrew.blogspot Kristo Buase's new website: www.kristobuasemonastery.org sign up for its newsletter-- Br Martin is making his solemn profession on the 1st November 2015 I think.

Prayer Intentions. 

For our new Oblates Kevin Maximilian Shinkwin, now Lord Shinkwin! and Dr. Deirdre Benedict McGovern; new novice oblates David Muir and Siobhan Gilmour. Golden Jubilarian's:- priesthood -Fr. John Kirwan, John McKinlay-marriage. For Pat Carrigan's diaconal studies. For Deacon Peter Morris C.Ss R. being ordained priest at St Mary's Cathedral Aberdeen on the 26th October. For Abbot Anselm's and Bishop Hugh's intentions. For vocations to Pluscarden-- for Br Mina who is from Egypt a country of persecution and is a pre--postulant and all aspirants. St Mary's, Petersham and Kristo Buase. Br. Adrian and Br. Finbar, and Br. Timothy's health.

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Please pray for Br. Cyprian who is in his Silver Jubilee year of Profession

For Brothers Joseph( whose mother just had a stroke) and John who have come to us from Tien Phuoc priory in Vietnam for two years.

For the repose of the soul of Oblate Maurice Dufficy, and for his wife who has just had a stroke.

Please pray for our sick Oblates and their relatives & especially Oblates Fr. Bob Halshaw, Paul Costello and postulant Oblate Albert Paterson both cancer treatment. Mrs. Allie Brien, Mrs. Alice Sullivan who was 90 on the 21st August. Gitte Mackay and Maggie Barrett, Paul Miller, Margaret Rawcliffe, Mrs. Gertrude Corker’s two daughters, Bob Barr, Brian Milne, Gail Schmitz continued improvement, Fiona Sellar, Martin's wife Mary, Graham Dunbar, Alison Donald, Beth Fraser and her husband Chris, Bob Clark, Nick MaCrae’s son, Martin MaCrae battling illness, Dr. David Paterson and his wife Angela, Jacqui’s daughter Sally, Hester, Poppy Sinclair, Ian and Frederick Brodie--the twins, for Pat Foster poorly, Eddy Sands, Johan Baillie, James and Helen Timoney both very ill and Pat Foster also very ill, Carolyn and Marshall Boardman and especially their son Malcolm, Martin Farrelly and especially for his wife Val(anyone got any news of them?), David Braine, Susan Stephen, Evelyn needs prayers for illness, Violet, Sheila and all friends of the Abbey

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and for all oblates, and all the sick, and those who care for them--and for Josaphat our sponsored seminarian.

Events

 

  •  Mass of Re-dedication of the Abbey Church here this November 5th 2015 at 11.00 am followed by buffet lunch (sorry accommodation full up).
  •  
  • 21st November Presentation of Our Lady---renewal of oblation after Mass at the Abbey, preceded by a talk by Fr. Benedict.
  •  
  •  Oblate Retreat here at Pluscarden--NB Change of time SECOND weekend of Lent February 2015 led by Fr. Abbot, our Abbot Anselm, as before, a great success-- thank you Fr. Abbot! Do mark it in your diary for the SECOND Weekend of the Second Sunday of Lent for 2016. (The change is because of Fr. Dunstan's Silver Jubilee!)--if staying arrange with the guestmaster, Fr. Bede, please.

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•St Mungo’s Chapter Glasgow. As announced. Peter Aitken 11, Maxwell Grove, Glasgow. G41 5JP. Phone: 0141 4272084. Numbers have been steadily increasing.

•St Margaret’s Chapter, Dunfermline as announced. Contact 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 as announced.

 

ST.PETER'S CHAPTER OF OBLATES-restored: Aberdeen-- GOOD NEWS --MEETINGS WILL START AGAIN ON NOVEMBER THE FIRST WEDNESDAY(4th November) IN ST.PETER'S church parish ROOM BETWEEN 5PM AND 6PM AND WILL MEET EVERY MONTH AFTER THAT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE AND IT WILL BE "ST.PETER'S CHAPTER". AS I AM INTO CHURCH ON WEDNESDAY'S PREPARING THE BULLETIN ANYWAY ---Brian---- MY CONTACT DETAILS WILL BE e-mail brianbmilne2647@gmail.com that's my personal e-mail address my tel no 01224 485781 mobile no 07443032289 ----- from Brian Milne

 

•New Chapter—St.Mirin’s Chapter. Date: 1st Saturday each month. Time 2-4 pm. Venue: Hall 2, St Mirin’s Cathedral, Cathedral Precincts, Incle Street Paisley, PA1 1HR—secure parking there within Cathedral enclosure. Farther information: St Mirin Chapter, Benedictine Oblate Group, c/o Campbell Murdoch, Fircroft, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4JT m: 07810 350006

 

UGANDAN SEMINARIAN NEW UPDATE 

The Pluscarden Oblates continue to support Josaphat our 22 year old

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Seminarian. He is about to begin MAJOR SEMINARY with your help. Letter follows from Paul Costello:-

"Dear Sponsors,

I am writing to you all, after informing Fr. Martin, of the position I find myself in. I have recently been diagnosed with a Melanoma Cancer on the lung. As the future is unclear I feel unable to continue with the organisation of the sponsorship. I am therefore asking for someone to take up this important task.

In addition, as the cost of Josaphat’s education has increased now that he is in the Major Seminary, there is a real need to attract more sponsors.

Please keep me in your prayers.

Yours in Christ,

Paul."

Paul Costello, 4, Commercial Road, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 9BD Tel:- 01358-721512 Mobile:- 07762-432080

As the Year of Mercy approaches may the Lord grant that we may all even now take up the tools of Good Works "and never to despair of the mercy of God" RB ch. 4

 

May God bless you all!

 

                                             Fr. Martin            PAX

Oblate Letter 26 Easter Pentecost Summer 2015

Nothing Dearer than  Christ”
Oblate letter of the Pluscarden Benedictines,
Elgin, Moray, Scotland. IV30 8UA.
Ph. (01343) 890257 fax 890258

DMB series  No 26
Oblate Letter Easter Pentecost Summer 2015


Monastic voice:  From the Praktikos of Evagrius Ponticus ( 345-  389 AD) Translated  by Fr. Luke Dysinger OSB (to whom thanks for putting his translation in the "public domain"!
"[CONCERNING THE EIGHT [TEMPTING-] THOUGHTS]
6. THERE are eight generic [tempting-] thoughts that contain within themselves every [tempting-] thought:
first is that of gluttony;
and with it, sexual immorality;
third, love of money;
fourth, sadness;
fifth, anger;
sixth acedia;
seventh, vainglory;
eighth, pride.
Whether these thoughts are able to disturb the soul or not is not up to us; but whether they linger or not, and whether they arouse passions or not; that is up to us.
7. THE [tempting]-thought of gluttony suggests to the monk the quick abandonment of his asceticism.  The stomach, liver, spleen, and [resultant] congestive heart failure are depicted, along with long sickness, lack of necessities, and unavailability of physicians.  It often leads him to recall those of the brethren who have suffered these things. Sometimes it even deceives those who have suffered from this kind of thing to go and visit [others] who are practicing self-control, to tell them all about their misfortunes and how this resulted from their asceticism.
8. THE demon of sexual immorality (porneia) compels desiring for different bodies. Especially violently does it attack those who practice self-control, so that they will cease, as if achieving nothing. Contaminating the soul, it bends it down towards these sorts of deeds: it makes it speak certain words and then hear them, as if the thing were actually there to be seen.
9. LOVE of money (avarice) suggests: a long old age; hands powerless to work; hunger and disease yet to come; the bitterness of poverty; and the disgrace of receiving the necessities [of life] from others.
10. GLOOMINESS sometimes arises from frustrated desires; but sometimes it is the result of anger. When desires are frustrated it arises thus: certain [tempting-]thoughts first seize the soul and remind it of home and parents and its former course of life.
When they see the soul following them without resistance,  and dissipating itself in mental pleasures, they take and dunk [lit baptize] it in gloom, since it is the case that these earlier things are gone and cannot be recovered due to the [monk's] present way of life Then the miserable soul, having been dissipated by the first [tempting-]thought, is humiliated all the more by the second.
11. ANGER (orgē) is the sharpest passion. It is said to be a boiling up and movement of indignation (thumos) against a wrongdoer or a presumed wrongdoer: it causes the soul to be savage all day long, but especially in prayers it seizes the nous, reflecting back the face of the distressing person. Then sometimes it is lingering and is changed into rancor (mēnis). and [thus] it causes disturbances at night: bodily weakness and pallor; and attacks from poisonous beasts. These four things associated with rancour may be found to have been summoned up by many other [tempting-] thoughts.
12. THE demon of acedia, which is also called the noonday demon, is the most burdensome of all the demons. It besets the monk at about the fourth hour (10 am) of the morning, encircling his soul until about the eighth hour (2 pm).
[1] First it makes the sun seem to slow down or stop moving , so that the day appears to be fifty hours long.
[2] Then it makes the monk keep looking out of his window and forces him to go bounding out of his cell to examine the sun to see how much longer it is to 3 o’clock, and to look round in all directions in case any of the brethren is there.
[3] Then it makes him hate the place and his way of life and his manual work It makes him think that there is no charity left among the brethren; no one is going to come and visit him.
[4] If anyone has upset the monk recently, the demon throws this in too to increase his hatred
[5] It makes him desire other places where he can easily find all that he needs and practice an easier, more convenient craft  After all, pleasing the Lord is not dependent on geography, the demon adds; God is to be worshipped everywhere.
[6] It joins to this the remembrance of the monk’s family and his previous way of life, and suggests to him that he still has a long time to live, raising up before his eyes a vision of how burdensome the ascetic life is. So, it employs, as they say, every [possible] means to move the monk to abandon his cell and give up the race. No other demon follows on immediately after this one but after its struggle the soul receives in turn a peaceful condition and unspeakable joy.
13. THE thought of vainglory is especially subtle and it easily infiltrates those whose lives are going well,
[A] wanting to publish their efforts
[B] and go hunting for glory among men;
[1] it raises up a fantasy of demons shouting,
[2] and women being healed,
[3] and a crowd of people wanting to touch the monk’s clothes.
[4] It prophesies priesthood for him, and sets the stage with people thronging at his door, calling for him, and even though he resists he will be carried off under constraint.
Then, having raised him up with empty hopes like this, it suddenly leaps away and leaves him, abandoning him to be tempted either by the demon of pride or by the demon of gloominess, which brings on thoughts contrary to the previous hopes
Sometimes it also hands over to the demon of sexual immorality the man who, a moment before, was being carried off forcibly to be made a holy priest.
14. THE demon of pride conducts the soul to its worst fall. It urges it:
[1] not to admit God’s help
[2] and to believe that the soul is responsible for its own achievements,
[3] and to disdain the brethren as fools because they do not all see this about it.
This demon is followed by:
[1] anger and
[2] sadness and
[3] utter insanity and madness, and visions of mobs of demons in the air.

Non-Monastic voice
The following are the original twelve steps as published by Alcoholics Anonymous to whom grateful thanks and acknowledgement and attribution ( summary):-
1.   We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2.   Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3.   Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4.   Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5.   Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6.   Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7.   Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8.   Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9.   Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
With grateful acknowledgement to the "Big Book"

Another Non-Monastic voice
"John Ogilvie  an account of His Life and Death" by W.E. Brown
(from the scaffold the saint in dialogue with the crowd) “.....( for) religion alone?" "Of that alone," cried the people." Very well," triumphantly replied Ogilvie (and Browne ( a friend nearby) joined in his triumph), " that is enough; on the head of religion alone I am condemned and for that I would willingly and joyfully pour forth even a hundred lives. Take from me that one which I have, and make no delay, for my religion you shall never take from me."A man named Abercromby, a friend of Ogilvie's, had accompanied the latter to the scaffold. He urged Ogilvie to suffer his wrongs patiently, taking his attention probably from the people to his approaching end. "The more wrongs the better”, John Browne heard him say, and noticed that the two were busy with a last colloquy. The officers were impatient at this; by their command Abercromby was flung from the scaffold on to the people below, and orders were given to bind the prisoner's hands. Ogilvie, knowing that the end had come, flung his rosary to the crowd. By chance it fell, not where Browne or the boy Heygate stood, but in another direction. A young Hungarian noble, a Calvinist, happened to be in Glasgow on this February 28th (in the old  uncorrected calendar) The crowd and the excitement had drawn him to the place of execution. The noble bearing, the haughty courage of the prisoner had attracted the young man. Caring nothing for religion he was present, however, as at a spectacle, when suddenly the rosary struck him in the chest. Immediately the people around, whom he supposed (probably from their sympathetic bearing) to be Catholics, flung themselves upon him, eager to snatch even one of the beads as a relic of the man who was to die. From that moment Jean de Eckersdorff (so was the young man named) (he) knew no peace of mind until he found it in the Catholic Faith. Ogilvie's last gesture was to add yet one more to the converts for whom he lived and died.”


FROM THE OBLATEMASTER'S DESK

Our three voices are , the first, a very monastic basic text which lies behind  much of St John Cassian's conferences and is a guide for Christian's in their warfare  against sin and satan and pilgrimage to God. The second is a modern , classic non - monastic text for those battling the gravitational pull of sin following much the same wisdom as the desert -monk fathers who thought they had left all that behind -- and learnt better.
 The third text is from the Life of Jesuit St. John Ogilvie whose 400th anniversary of Martyrdom is this year with a national pilgrimage to Keith on July the 4th -- please note! He died for the primacy of religion over the state. Right and wrong comes from God not parliament! Don't be confused by the labels Calvinist-- Catholic. It was a victory for God, conversion of life and prayer ( symbolised by the rosary). Everyone who has a reason for living  has a religion. We honour God by aligning our wills with His as long as His gift of life should last  without ever saying " the gift is Yours , You have it back!"
Suffering and especially sin, the hardest  kind of suffering, can make of our lives an ordeal. Only life lived hand in hand with the Maker Whose gift it is can be a life of peace and happiness at the deepest level.
Prayer is the answer to life's difficulties!
As the prologue of St Benedict's Rule says " What could be sweeter than that voice of God saying when I call "Here I am!!" What could be sweeter indeed! We (the monks) all hope to be at Keith when Bishop Hugh is preaching on the 4th of July (a Saturday)--- See you there on that historic day which is a celebration of God before all secularism, religion before materialism!

Our own website is www.Pluscardenabbey.org  and it has a section "Oblates" which has all the oblate letters of Pluscarden for the last eighteen years or so-- the most recent- mid-2011 onwards are on the link which you click onto on the oblate part of the website where it says"HERE" or use this link valeofstandrew.blogspot



Books and Media
The Smile of a Ragpicker The Life of Satoko Kitahara - Convert and Servant of the Slums of Tokyo
Author: Paul Glynn Format: Paperback Product Code:SMR-P ISBN978-1-58617-881-9
Length:289 pages
Description
Following his acclaimed work, A Song for Nagasaki, in which Fr. Paul Glynn told the powerful story of Dr. Nagai, a Christian convert of remarkable courage and compassion who ministered to victims of the atomic bomb attack on his city, The Smile of a Ragpicker brings us the heroic story of Satoko Kitahara, a young, beautiful woman of wealth who gave up her riches and comfort to be among the ragpickers in the Tokyo slums. Motivated by her newfound faith in Christ, she plunged into the life of the poor, regardless of the consequences. If you want to understand the incarnation then this comes at it in an untheological way. We had it in the ref--- great!

Reminder: the “UK Oblates Team have a website www.benedictine-oblates.net that often has very useful information and articles and advertises events.
From Fr. Ambrose launched a new website: www.kristobuasemonastery.org

Prayer Intentions  For our oblate Bishop Richard Moth who is now installed as Archbishop of Arundel and Brighton ( formerly Bishop of the forces) For Oblate George Brand our diocesan MC and as a Papal Knight is MC at so many big events-- God's blessing on him. For our new Oblates David James Tringham DOMINIC Miller, Eileen MARGARET Fitzpatrick, Kathleen MARY MAGDALENE Hoy, Rev. Angus Robert MAELRHUBBHA Macleod, Alexander Graham John ANSELM Maclean; new novice oblate, Fr. Andrew Clark, John Gleeson. For Oblate Margaret Kessack just awarded the Bene Merenti medal for her work as an organist-- we could second that at the Abbey for training our organists! For Br. Peter Morris now Solemnly professed as a Redemptorist and  now Deacon Peter Morris-- blessings.
For Abbot Anselm's and Bishop Hugh's intentions. For vocations to Pluscarden-- for Br Mina who is from Egypt a country of persecution and is a pre--postulant with us. St Mary's, Petersham and Kristo Buase. Br. Adrian and Br. Finbar, health.
Please pray for Br. Gabriel who is in his Silver Jubilee year of Profession
For Brothers Joseph and John who have come to us from Tien Phuoc priory in Vietnam for two years for their English and for a broadening of their monastic experience.
For the repose of the soul Glynis Stranraer-Mull who died suddenly last week - and for her family-- She was seen frequently at the Abbey.
Please pray for our sick Oblates and their relatives & especially Albert Paterson ( whose 90 year old mother is in hospital after a fall), Eileen Grant's son Robin recovering , Sarah Drever’s husband Leslie, , Mrs. Allie Brien, Mrs. Alice Sullivan who is 90 on the 21st August. Brigitte Mackay and Maggie Barrett, Paul Miller, Margaret Rawcliffe( and for the repose of her sister Veronica’s soul) , Mrs. Gertrude Corker’s two daughters, Bob Barr, Brian Milne, Gail Schmitz continued improvement, Fiona Sellar, Martin's wife Mary, Maurice Dufficy,  recovering, Maureen’s sister Dorothy, Leonora, Graham Dunbar, Alison Donald, Beth Fraser and her husband Chris, Paul Costello health, Bob Clark, Nick MaCrae’s son, Martin MaCrae battling illness, Dr. David Paterson and his wife Angela, Jacqui’s daughter Sally, Hester, Poppy Sinclair, Ian Brodie and his twin brother, for Pat Foster, Johan Baillie, James and Helen Timoney--Just had their Diamond Wedding Anniversary and James his 87th Bithday! Congratulations and prayers-- both very ill, Carolyn and Marshall Boardman and especially their son Macolm, Martin Farrelly and especially for his wife Val -- recent heart attack , David Braine of Aberdeen, foremost philosopher in Scotland( read his books if you are up to the challenge!), Susan Stephen, Evelyn needs prayers for illness, Violet, Sheila and all friends of the Abbey and for all oblates, and all the sick, and those who care for them--and for Josaphat our sponsored seminarian. Also John McKinlay Golden wedding anniversary.
Also late extra--- prayers that A96 dual carriageway may avoid our valley, if it is built. ALSO RIP Connie Reid, Oblate.
Events---- Past
• Oblate Retreat here at Pluscarden first weekend of Lent February 2015 led by Fr. Abbot, our Abbot Anselm, as before a great success-- thank you Fr. Abbot! Do mark it in your diary for the first Weekend of the First Sunday of Lent for 2016.

The inter-monasterial exchange here at Pluscarden in May was also a success - -many thanks to all who supported it in so many ways, not least the meal in the village Hall! ( Thank you Fr. Mark and Br. Michael, Colin and Rita and Eileen and of course Fr. Martin McLaughlin and the Prinknash oblates!)

Could you let me know if you would ever want another Summer Oblate weekend at Pluscarden as before?
5th National U.K. inter-oblate Retreat is taking place 4-6 September 2015 at Douai Abbey. The theme is ‘What does it mean to be an Oblate in 2015?’ Fr Gervase, the Oblate Director at Douai, will act as Facilitator. Please contact Stephen Day (Oblate of Prinknash Abbey) for more details email day.sj@virgin.net
or telephone 01453 860367. Spaces are limited.

St  Mungo’s Chapter Glasgow. As announced. Peter Aitken 11, Maxwell Grove, Glasgow. G41 5JP.  Phone: 0141 4272084. Numbers have been steadily increasing.
St Margaret’s Chapter, Dunfermline  as annoounced.
Contact 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  as annonounced.

 Aberdeen meetings in abeyance.
New Chapter—St.Mirin’s Chapter. Date: 1st Saturday each month. Time 2-4 pm. Venue: Hall 2, St Mirin’s Cathedral, Cathedral Precincts, Incle Stret Paisley, PA1 1HR—secure parking there within Cathedral enclosure. Farther information: St Mirin Chapter, Benedictine Oblate Group, c/o Campbell Murdoch, Fircroft, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4JT m: 07810 350006 ejcmurdoch@yahoo.co.uk

UGANDAN SEMINARIAN. UPDATE JANUARY 2015.
The Pluscarden Oblates continue to support Josaphat Christian our 22 year old Seminarian. He is currently involved in Pastoral work as part of his formation for the Archdiocese or Tororo in Eastern Uganda about 130 miles northeast of Kampala. His present parish is in the village of Magale were he had to learn the local tribal language for the Bagisu tribe. He appears to be very popular with the Parish Priest who seems to enjoy Josaphat’s culinary skills together with his ability in the music ministry.
He has recently spent a few days in Convocation for Seminarians allowing him to receive teachings and to meet other Seminarians.
Josaphat will remain in the Parish till August and with good reports, he will enter the Major Seminary in September this year.
We continue to receive communication from Josaphat and also from Sr. Catherine at the Benedictine Priory in Tororo who keeps us  fully informed.
Please keep him in your prayers.
If you are called to sponsor Josaphat in any way please contact me, Paul Costello at 4, Commercial Road, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 9BD Tel:- 01358-721512 or e-mail:- paulandjocostello@btinternet.com

Please send me your email ( again!) if you would be quite happy to receive this oblate letter by email RATHER than by post. You can still have it by post if that is your preference!!
When this letter appears by post and on the website there may be additions or alterations or corrections-- I'm rushing to get this out since it might almost seem late-- I'm following the quoted dictum of my mentor that I cannot begin to imitate I should hasten to add -- was he quoting Chesterton " If a thing's worth doing it's worth doing badly!"-- if I didn't follow that dictum you would never get another oblate letter from me(Notice it is an Oblate Letter not an Oblate Newsletter I leave the news to our magazine "Pluscarden Benedictines" to which hope you subscribe ( Fr. Bede is the Editor if you want to)

May the Lord's Face shine upon you this Summer!
Yours in Christ and SPNB
Fr. Martin
+pax



Oblate Letter 25 Lent 2015

     “Nothing Dearer than  Christ”
                             Oblate letter of the Pluscarden Benedictines,
                                    Elgin, Moray, Scotland. IV30 8UA.                    
                                   Ph. (01343) 890257 fax 890258
                                  

                                       
                                   Website www.pluscardenabbey.org
                                    DMB series  No 25
                                 Oblate Letter Lent 2015
Monastic voice:        
“The most important need in the Christian world today is this inner truth nourished by this Spirit of contemplation: the praise and love of God, the longing for the coming of Christ, the thirst for the manifestation of God's glory, his truth, his justice, his Kingdom in the world. These are all characteristically "contemplative" and eschatological aspirations of the Christian heart, and they are the very essence of monastic prayer. Without them our apostolate is more for our own glory than for the glory of God.
Without this contemplative orientation we are building churches not to praise him but to establish more firmly the social structures, values and benefits that we presently enjoy. Without this contemplative basis to our preaching, our apostolate is no apostolate at all, but  mere proselytizing to insure universal conformity with our own national way of life.
Without contemplation and interior prayer the Church cannot fulfil her mission to transform and save mankind. Without contemplation, she will be reduced to being the servant of cynical and worldly powers, no matter how hard her faithful may protest that they are fighting for the Kingdom of God. Without true, deep contemplative aspirations, without a total love for God and an uncompromising thirst for his truth, religion tends in the end to become an opiate.”
“The Climate of Monastic Prayer”—Fr. Louis (Thomas) Merton OCSO

“Out of the false peace that is imposed by means of an arbitrary system comes nothing but further conflict, resentment, hatred, war. We live on the brink of disaster because we do not know how to let life alone. We do not respect the living and fruitful contradictions and paradoxes of which true life is full. We destroy them, or try to destroy them, with our obsessive and absurd systematizations. Whether we do this in the name of matter or in the name of spirit makes little difference in the end. There are atheists who fight God and atheists who claim to believe in Him: what they both have in common is the hatred of life, the fear of the unpredictable, the dread of grace, and the refusal of every spiritual gift.
Nor can I complacently say "they" and blame others as if I were not to blame. The evil is in us all. It is the blindness of a world that wants to end itself. It is the blindness from which we must pray with tears and anguish that we may be delivered. It is the blindness with which we must never cease to struggle as long as we are in the world. Those who give up the struggle are themselves in turmoil, and impose their turmoil on the whole human race. Those who continue to struggle are at peace. If God wills, they can pacify the world. For he who accepts the struggle in the name of Christ is delivered from its power by the victory of Christ.
My first and last words in this book are, then, to summarize whatever "witness" these pages may contain. When a man enters a monastery he has to stand before the community, and formally responds to a ritual question: "Quid petis?" 'What do you ask?" His answer is not that he seeks a happy life, or escape from anxiety, or freedom from sin, or, moral perfection, or the summit of contemplation. The answer is that he seeks mercy, "The mercy of God and of the Order." Whatever else it may do, this book should bear witness to the fact that I have found what I sought and continue to find it. The Order has been patient with me, God has been merciful to me, and more, countless readers have given me a gift of friendship and of love which is to me precious beyond estimation.
These readers sometimes write to me, and generally I am not able to reply. But here at least let me assure them of my gratitude, my love, and my prayers. They are in my silence, in my Mass, and in my solitude. I hope we will be together in Paradise.” “First and Last Thoughts: an author’s preface” from “A Thomas Merton Reader” ed. by McDonnell---Fr. Louis (Thomas) Merton OCSO

FROM THE OBLATEMASTER'S DESK
          Fr. Louis (Thomas) Merton OCSO—Cistercian of the Strict Observance ( Trappist monk) must be one of the better known monks of the modern era trying to follow the Rule of our Holy Father St. Benedict like us but according to the constitutions of the “Reformed” Benedictines, Trappist, Cistercians (like Nunraw Abbey). Only he could have answered whether he was first a writer and second a monk. I tend to think he would have asserted that he was first a monk. Be that as it may he was called to the monastic life as a writer just as Peter was called as a fisherman. Peter became a fisher of men, Fr. Louis (his religious name) became a fisher of men for Christ, for the monastic vocation and for contemplation, through his books.
The Monastic Voices above are both Merton’s and both final in different ways. The first piece on the “Climate of Monastic Prayer” is the actual ending of the last book Merton prepared for publication before his untimely, accidental death, probably through touching faulty wiring. It is his providential last words as it were, on the fundamental importance of contemplative prayer to the Church, to humanity, to the individual Christian and monk. In its own way it seems to echo the thought of St Thérèse that contemplation and the life of the monk is the “heart” of the Church and without that contemplation the love that is the Life of God dwindles in the heart of the Church and her apostolate. But the last sentence (above) of Fr. Louis’s published works sounds a strange note: “Without true, deep contemplative aspirations, without a total love for God and an uncompromising thirst for his truth, religion tends in the end to become an opiate” At the time this was written it must have been highly provocative seeming to echo Karl Marx’s “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people” That is not fair to Merton. He is saying that religion essentially MUST be salted with prayer, and that contemplative prayer. It is not a decorative extra. Still the writer in Fr. Louis cannot avoid or eschew the well-turned phrase, the trenchant word, even at the risk of sometimes misleading ambiguities that might hinder his message.
But Fr. Louis Merton filled the monasteries with monks and called oblates to their oblate lives. The tree is known by its fruit our Lord teaches us and so it is with Fr. Louis’s good fruit. This brings us to our second quotation.
The second quotation is from Merton’s deliberate, meditated, planned, intentional last words from the preface of a then comprehensive reader of his works. It is meant as his postscript to his life and in many ways his intended wisdom for any monk, any oblate, any Christian:
 “'What do you ask?" His answer is not that he seeks a happy life, or escape from anxiety, or freedom from sin, or, moral perfection, or the summit of contemplation. The answer is that he seeks mercy, "The mercy of God and of the Order." Whatever else it may do, this book should bear witness to the fact that I have found what I sought and continue to find it. The Order has been patient with me, God has been merciful to me, and more…..”
The delightful peace and joy that is the “pearl of great price” for which we are prepared to sacrifice everything is God’s superabundant loving mercy. As imperfect and sinners we have this daily, pilgrim necessity of seeking God’s mercy. As Our Holy Father, Pope Francis reminds us, God is always ready to show His mercy to us if we seek it--- if we seek it. God our loving Father never tires of showing His mercy to us—but we sometimes tire of seeking God’s mercy.
From the whole of his lifetime’s valuable writings it is the mercy of God that Fr. Louis Merton singled out for us his readers as his bequest, the pearl of great price that he treasured and passed on as the essence of his message as a spiritual guide. Our Holy Father St. Benedict gave us the key to that mercy in his little guide for we beginner’s namely the ever-growing humility to keep seeking the treasure of God’s mercy each and every day. Our Holy Father St Benedict help us! Amen.
Books and Media      Fr. Louis (Thomas) Merton wrote over 60 readable books of all kinds and poetry –some of his better known and more highly valued books are:

·         The Seven Storey Mountain, 1948
  • The Tears of the Blind Lions, 1949
  • Waters of Siloe, 1949
  • Seeds of Contemplation, 1949
  • The Ascent to Truth, 1951
  • Bread in the Wilderness, 1953
  • The Sign of Jonas, 1953
  • The Last of the Fathers, 1954
  • No Man is an Island, 1955
  • The Living Bread, 1956
  • The Silent Life, 1957
  • Thoughts in Solitude, 1958

The above quoted work “A Thomas Merton Reader” edited by McDonnell 1962 No 62-1637 published by Harcourt, Brace &World Inc., New York, gives a good introductory selection approved by the author himself. This should be available second hand. Many would begin with his autobiographical works but biographies might usefully be consulted as well because the Order edited some of his own autobiographies-- worth noting in fairness to Fr. Louis.

Prayer Intentions  For our new Oblates, Mrs. Lilian ANNE Bailey, James PAUL Lavery, Cyprian FRANCIS Lee, Joseph EDWARD Staton; new novices, Stephen Connolly, William Moir, Kevin Shinkwin, Rev. Angus Macleod; new postulants including, Fr. Andrew Clark, John Gleeson and Albert Paterson ( whose 90 year old mother is in hospital after a fall). For Abbot Anselm's and Bishop Hugh's intentions. For vocations to Pluscarden, St Mary's, Petersham and Kristo Buase. Br. Adrian and Br. Finbar, health.
 The repose of the souls?
Please pray for Br. Gabriel who is in his Silver Jubilee year of Profession and for Br. Martin of KB who has just completed his 2 years preparation for farther vows and returned to his monastery with all our blessings and prayers following him.
For Brothers Joseph and John who have come to us from Tien Phuoc priory in Vietnam for two years for their English and for a broadening  of their monastic experience.
For the repose of the soul of Robert Cantafio’s father and Norbert cairns.

Please pray for our sick Oblates and their relatives & especially , Mgr. Robert after his hip replacement “recovering from his recovery!” and for his older brother Canon Bernard in his 91st year), Eileen Grant's son Robin recovering , Sarah Drever’s husband Leslie, , Mrs. Allie Brien, Brigitte Mackay and Maggie Barrett, Paul Miller, Margaret Rawcliffe( and for the repose of her sister Veronica’s soul) , Mrs. Gertrude Corker’s two daughters, Bob Barr, Brian Milne, Gail Schmitz continued improvement, Martin's wife Mary, Maurice Dufficy, Mary Bradley recovering, Maureen’s sister Dorothy, Leonora, Graham Dunbar, Alison Donald, Beth Fraser and her husband Chris, Bob Clark, Nick MaCrae’s son, Martin MaCrae battling illness, Dr. David Paterson and his wife Angela, Jacqui’s daughter Sally, Hester, Poppy Sinclair, Ian Brodie and his twin brother, for Pat Foster, Johan Baillie, James and Helen Timoney, both very ill, Carolyn Boardman and  especially her son Malcolm, Martin Farrelly and especially for his wife Val making  a good recovery from her recent heart attack , David Braine of Aberdeen,   foremost philosopher in Scotland( read his books if you are up to the challenge!), Susan Stephen, Evelyn, Violet, Sheila and all friends of the Abbey and for all oblates, and all the sick, and those who care for them--and for Josaphat our sponsored seminarian. 

Events----present and past
Oblate Retreat here at Pluscarden first weekend of Lent February 2015 led by Fr. Abbot, our Abbot Anselm, as before.
Friday 20th- Monday 23rd February 2015: book with Fr. Bede (may get a cancellation—no harm in trying!) ----or attend daily. As before—if attending traveling in each day then please bring your own sandwiches and flask—Lent!
Fr. Abbot’s Lenten Retreat Conferences in the Church:
1.  Saturday 21st February 10.30 am
2.  Saturday 21st  February 3.00 pm
3.  Sunday 22nd     February  3.00 pm


1 - 6 APRIL 2015(Please spread the word among your families and friends)
The Abbot and monks of Pluscarden Abbey invite young people (aged 18-30) to celebrate the Liturgy with them from Wednesday 1st April of Holy Week until Easter, 5th March 2015 (6th April Monday)
Our guests will stay in the abbey guest houses. Those taking part will be able to gain deeper insight into the Christian life, monastic life and the Abbey. There is no charge for staying; but if anyone wishes to make a donation, this will be gratefully received. “If you are interested in joining the Pluscarden community in celebrating Easter, contact Fr Bede Kierney OSB by email or at:

Fr. Bede Kierney O.S.B.
Pluscarden Abbey,
Elgin
IV30 8UA”

Pluscarden: Return "Intermonasterial" exchange this time of Prinknash to Pluscarden. Fr. Martin McLaughlin and 14 of their Prinknash Oblates will be here on retreat 1st -5th May 2015 (arriving and departing) During that time you are invited to:
1.  Saturday Retreat talk from Fr. Martin Birrell in the Church, Saturday, 2nd May at 11.15 am
2.  Sunday Sit-down lunch, their Oblates and our Oblates in the Pluscarden Village Hall (green wooden building with parking, past the Kirk turn-off on the Pluscarden Elgin side)12.55 for 1.00 pm approx., Sunday 3rd May 2015. You are invited. Please let me know as soon as possible by post or my email oblatemaster@pluscardenabbey.org     if you think you are coming and your spouse etc for the numbers (essential) (They fed us very well at Prinknash—we’ve promised not to be outdone so your cash donations made out to “Pluscarden Abbey” are cordially requested—envelope: “Fr. Martin, Oblate Meal” and address as at head of the Oblate Letter, please.) You can come even if you can’t donate and you can donate even if you can’t come! I don’t want to be left with “egg on my face!”----The Prinknash Oblates are having an outing too!
3.  Monday Final Retreat talk from Fr. Martin B., Monday 4th May at 11.15 am in the Church

•Pentecost Lectures Fr. Erik Varden 26th -28th May 2015—St Scholastica’s as before pm Tues, am & pm Wed, am Thurs.
•National Pilgrimage in honour of St John Ogilvie being held in Keith.
•“THE BENEDICTINE WAY”—A RETREAT FOR OBLATES OF ANY COMMUNITY BEING HELD AT TURVEY ABBEY 9TH-11TH OCTOBER COST OF WEEKEND £110 AT TIME OF BOOKING   CONTACT: SR JUDITH, PRIORY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE, TURVEY ABBEY, TURVEY, BEDFORD, MK43 8DE. 
WEB turveyabbey.org.uk
5th National Inter-Abbey Retreat ( arranged by the UK Oblate Team) for Benedictine Oblates being held at Douai Abbey 4-6th September— Fr.Gervase Holdaway, OSB Oblatemaster of Douai on “ What does it mean to be an Oblate in 2015?” To book email Stephen Day on day.sj@virgin.net or tel. 01453 860367


PAST:
From the INTERMONASTERIAL EXCHANGE( AT PRINKNASH) PRINKNASH/PLUSCARDEN 12-14 JULY 2014 LAST YEAR—Our Oblate John Mackinnon’s presentation at it to his fellow-Oblatesfollows:-
“MY PERSONAL HISTORY:-
To begin my presentation I would like to just say a little about myself, who I am and my experience as an oblate of Pluscarden Abbey near Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland. 
I have been married for 39 years and have three grown up children. Catriona, the eldest, is 31, happily married and a primary schoolteacher; David, second in line, 30 years of age in August this year, works for the Royal College of Surgeons, and is getting married next May. Katherine, the youngest at 29, works as a policy officer for the GLA, and is also getting married next year, in the autumn.
 Initially trained as a primary schoolteacher, I have been involved in education for over 40 years. I gained an MA in Education from London University, and an MBA from Lincoln, and went on to lead 5 primary schools in London, and later worked as an educational consultant in the Middle East before retiring from full time education, allowing me to spend time doing voluntary work travelling, visiting my spiritual home Pluscarden Abbey, and enjoying watching and participating in sport. I’ve been involved in supporting development projects in the Philippines, Bangladesh and Sierra Leone, and more recently an educational project in Cambodia, where I’ve worked as a teacher of English, on a voluntary basis, an donated funds to support the building of additional classrooms.

My own personal mission statement is as follows:
“To strive to show God’s love to those whom I meet in my daily walk through life, without seeking reward or favour;  to be guided by my principles which are based on Gospel values, respect for oneself and one’s neighbour, and a desire to communicate God’s Love to others.”

I was born in 1948 the year Pluscarden Abbey was refounded. I came to know of the Abbey through a friend of mine whose parents were both oblates. Michael invited me to join him on retreat at the Abbey the summer following my graduation as a primary schoolteacher, and having booked a week’s retreat with Fr Camillus, the then guestmaster, I duly set off on my motorbike from Glasgow, where I was living at the time to begin my retreat.
If only life was so simple! Half way to the Abbey my bike broke down, it was late evening, I was in a small village in the middle of nowhere and the local garage was closed for the night.  Luckily I met a neighbour who tried to fix my bike, then offered to provide accommodation for me until the following day.  After supper and breakfast he took me down to the garage and facilitated repairs to the bike.  On leaving his home, his wife offered me a packed lunch to take with me on my journey.  This family’s kindness, complete strangers as they were, has stayed with me throughout my life. They enabled me to reach my destination safely.  I still feel the hand of the Holy Spirit at work in ensuring I arrived at Pluscarden Abbey.
Pluscarden Abbey I now regard as my spiritual home.  I remember, in 1970, the Abbot, Dom Alfred, Father Giles, Prior, Father Camillus, Guestmaster, Father Maurus, Oblatemaster, and numerous other monks who I encountered from time to time, as if it were yesterday. There is a certain spirituality about the Abbey, which inspired me then and continues to inspire me today.  Every time I visit Pluscarden I feel a connection with the Holy Spirit and there is always some problem/issue which needed to be resolved and I am always guided to make the right decisions following my retreat there.  I would arrive at the Abbey at the beginning of the week with a burning issue concerning a member of my family, my work, a health problem etc. and by the end of the week I would know with certainty how I was going to deal with it.  The Holy Spirit has never let me down, and I always leave a better person than when I arrived.
I have learn to “Listen” – to shut out the clutter, and cacophony of daily life – and find the space (and TIME) to hear God’s voice in the silence of my heart. I believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, calls out to all of us, but sometimes we don’t HEAR HIM, because we are too preoccupied with our own thoughts! Like Samuel, I repeat constantly:-
“Speak Lord, your servant is listening!”
Sometimes I feel inspiration flowing out from the words of the particular day’s Gospel reading, as if they were meant for me alone! It’s message resonating with some pressing issue in my life. I remember visiting Des Moines, Iowa, USA, on a Fullbright exchange and going to Chicago for the weekend with a friend. It was a Sunday, and we wanted to attend Mass. My friend said that unfortunately we had missed the service. I believed in that instant that we could still go to Mass; that there was a service on. We parked near St Patrick’s cathedral, and on entering, found Mass just about to start. My friend, astonished, said, “How did you know?”
I replied, “The Holy Spirit told me!”

“BECOMING AN OBLATE
I understand that oblates of St Benedict are Christian individuals who have associated themselves with the Benedictine community in order to enrich their Christian way of life.  Oblates shape their lives by living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St Benedict.  They seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of life.  By integrating their prayer and work they manifest Christ’s presence in society.  The role of the oblate is to live in the world, to become holy in the world, to do what they can to bring the world to God by being witnesses of Christ, by word and example to those around them.  Oblates concern themselves with striving to be what they are, people of God and temples of the Holy Spirit.  Their prayer life flows from this awareness as is their willingness to offer themselves for the service of God and neighbour to the best of their ability.
For me, becoming an oblate at Pluscarden Abbey was an opportunity to share in a great Benedictine tradition with the only medieval monastery in Britain, still inhabited by monks and being used for its original purpose.  The atmosphere of quiet reflection and of work dedicated to the glory of God is the same now as it was in the 13th century, when a community of monks first came to this part of Morayshire.  Oblates are able to share with the monastic community the sacrifice of the Mass and full Divine Office, sung in the Abbey church in Gregorian chant.  Its position, situated 6 miles SW of Elgin in a secluded glen, surrounded by forest and close to the sea engenders a special atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. I have very fond memories of my time spent at Pluscarden over the years, and the inspiration I have felt from being on retreat there!
I know that Oblation is made with the intention that it should be for life.  As oblates we “preserve in stability” by frequently renewing our commitment in our hearts.  The 21st November is the principal oblate feast and I try to visit Pluscarden Abbey at least once a year to renew my oblation.
The oblate’s promise of “conversion of life” is a ratification of baptismal consecration. It is also a statement that I wish by entering St Benedict’s “school of the Lord’s services’ to make progress In the Christian life, especially through prayer, lectio divina, work and the practice of the virtues, guided by the Holy Spirit.
MEMORIES
I remember on one of my first retreats in the early 1970s, I was accommodated in one of the old Nissen huts and was doing some gardening when I noticed a fellow retreatant working nearby.  We started talking and I learnt that he was also a teacher, as it happened. He was Dr Rae the Head Master of Westminster Public school.  He told me that his wife and children were also staying at the monastery and his wife was shortly leaving for Calcutta to work with Mother Theresa. On another occasion I met Graham Dunbar, a local artist, who painted a picture of the Abbey for me to hang on my wall. I have met numerous interesting, and some famous personalities staying at the Abbey over the years, and learnt a great deal from them as a result!  I enjoyed attending the services which are in Latin and the rich singing of the monks in their Gregorian chant.  I used to look forward to coffee after lunch in the Refectory hosted by Fr Camillus, the Guestmaster, where we as a group of retreatants would discuss current affairs and shared many a joke with fellow retreatants and members of the community. 
One of my favourites is the following:
There was a terrible flood and the preacher was trapped on the roof of his house as the waters rose higher.  The preacher was a man of indomitable faith and when two men in a rowing boat came by and offered to rescue him he replied, “No need to bother, I have faith that the Lord will save me.”  Hours passed and the waters rose to the preacher’s waist.  Another rowing boat passed and again rescuers offered, but the preacher simply said, “I do not need rescue, the Lord my God will save me.”  Even more time passed by and the water continued to rise until it was up to the preacher’s neck.  A rescue helicopter swooped down and threw him a line but still the preacher was unswerving in his faith.  “I thank you my sons but my Father in heaven will deliver me from this flood.”  After  a short while the water rose above the preacher’s head and he drowned.  When he arrived in heaven, the preacher was furious. “ Lord” he said “ I was sure you would save me!  Why did you let me drown?”  “I can’t understand it,”  replied God.  “I sent two boats and a helicopter, didn’t you see them?”
I’ve seen enormous changes in Pluscarden Abbey over the years! When I first arrived it was a Priory, with much of the former Abbey still in ruin. Accommodation was quite spartan. There were no modern guesthouses as there are now. Many years later the Abbey looks much like it would have in the 13th century, although not completely restored! It is a magnificent building, with a thriving community, led by the current Abbot, Fr Anselm.
Mealtimes were always very interesting especially if I was staying in the monastery itself and eating in the Refectory with the monks.  The readings are varied incorporating Holy Scripture, the lives of the saints as well as excerpts from Catholic journals.  The meals too were very interesting, depending on who was working in the kitchen that week.  I remember biting into some fruit crumble and feeling something crunch between my teeth.  To my surprise I pulled out half a black beetle.  I am not sure what happened to the other half!

In conclusion I believe that as oblates we have a duty to preserve, live and develop the monastic tradition in our various cultural and individual circumstances; truly the task of a lifetime for us as oblates.  When we visit our monasteries we listen to the word of God and we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, incorporating the monastic tradition, into our daily lives, so we can leave refreshed and better able to cope with life’s slings and arrows, as we  journey through life. 
As Cardinal Hume used to say to the children in my school, in his homily, following his visits to my school:-
“Remember above all that Jesus LOVES YOU very much! In His eyes you are precious, and very special. Hold firm to His love, and your step will be firm, and will not falter.”
In times of my great need, it was Jesus’ love for me that carried me forward, and enabled me to endure!
I would like to close my presentation with a quotation from Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a famous Roman philosopher:-“Virtue closes the door to no-one. It is open to all, admits all, invites all: freeborn and freedman, slave and king.”
Note from Fr. Martin: I think we will all see John’s infectious enthusiasm and one of his inspirations is the following invitation from him that I pass on to you:-
>>Benedictine Shared Prayer Circle<<
There has been a need  felt by some for a shared prayer circle, for a  time to allow oblates to come together using modern communications even though in many different locations, and with varying degrees of health and fitness, perhaps unable to attend meetings, to be able to join in prayer together, to Our Blessed Lord, Our Blessed Lady, and St Benedict, our patron, and to ask for their assistance and blessing in our lives! This notion has been discussed and shared and has also been warmly welcomed.
The idea is to help oblates who might feel lonely or isolated to connect, through prayer, with their brother and sister oblates, and so be part of the Oblate brotherhood of prayer. The prayer schedule is taken from the “Benedictine Prayer Book” (John will let you know which one!) - a breviary, based of course, on the rule of St Benedict, and will be made available to all oblates who wish to sign up, and make a commitment to this form of shared prayer.
There is opportunity for personal intentions, within the schedule, and in this way we are praying together for our own as well as the intentions of our fellow oblates.
It is hoped that we those who wish may be able to join in prayer with other Oblates at midday on Friday each week. Those who wish may pray together on a daily basis if they so wish. The prayers will only take 5 minutes of our time, so it is not arduous!
If interested please contact me for further details, and/or a copy of the prayer schedule.
Best wishes,
PAX,
John G McKinlay      jmgm07@yahoo.co.uk        --You can see John is very enthusiastic and you might have suggestions how he can take this farther and might want to share with him by email in the first instance and receive  the material he has garnered so far. Fr. Martin

St  Mungo’s Chapter Glasgow. As announced. Peter Aitken 11, Maxwell Grove, Glasgow. G41 5JP.  Phone: 0141 4272084. Numbers have been steadily increasing.
St Margaret’s Chapter, Dunfermline.
Contact 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 OF OBLATES Aberdeen NEXT MEETING  February -2015-- Mr Brian Milne Tel 01224 485781 stpetersbulletin1803@talktalk.net     (Brian’s  HEALTH IS POORLY SO PLEASE CHECK)
New Chapter—St.Mirin’s Chapter. Date: 1st Saturday each month. Time 2-4 pm. Venue: Hall 2, St Mirin’s Cathedral, Cathedral Precincts, Incle Stret Paisley, PA1 1HR—secure parking there within Cathedral enclosure. Farther information: St Mirin Chapter, Benedictine Oblate Group, c/o Campbell Murdoch, Fircroft, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4JT m: 07810 350006 ejcmurdoch@yahoo.co.uk

 UGANDAN SEMINARIAN. UPDATE JANUARY 2015.
The Pluscarden Oblates continue to support Josaphat Christian our 22 year old Seminarian. He is currently involved in Pastoral work as part of his formation for the Archdiocese or Tororo in Eastern Uganda about 130 miles northeast of Kampala. His present parish is in the village of Magale were he had to learn the local tribal language for the Bagisu tribe. He appears to be very popular with the Parish Priest who seems to enjoy Josaphat’s culinary skills together with his ability in the music ministry.
He has recently spent a few days in Convocation for Seminarians allowing him to receive teachings and to meet other Seminarians.
Josaphat will remain in the Parish till August and with good reports, he will enter the Major Seminary in September this year.
We continue to receive communication from Josaphat and also from Sr. Catherine at the Benedictine Priory in Tororo who keeps us  fully informed.
Please keep him in your prayers.
If you are called to sponsor Josaphat in any way please contact me, Paul Costello at 4, Commercial Road, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 9BD Tel:- 01358-721512 or e-mail:- paulandjocostello@btinternet.com

From Fr. Ambrose-- former Oblatemaster, now superior of KB--Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters, Greetings from Kristo Buase! We have just launched a new website: www.kristobuasemonastery.org       Prayers please for the repose of the soul of our dear Father Bartholomew Banzie OSB  and for Br Anthony who is now studying for the monastic priesthood.

Reminder: the “UK Oblates Team”  who comprise oblates of different monasteries including our own(Jane Coll, lead writer for website, and John MacKinlay are members) plan biennial, inter-oblate conferences in Rome and also plan other events in the U.K (as above) and have a website www.benedictine-oblates.net that often has very useful information and articles and advertises events.
“For He says: At the favourable time, I have listened to you; on the day of salvation I came to your help. Well, now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation” 
          Lenten Blessings!             
   
   Yours in Christ and SPNB                                
                        Fr. Martin      
                              

                                  +pa x 

Oblate Letter 24 Advent Christmas 2014


Nothing Dearer than Christ” 

Oblate letter of the Pluscarden Benedictines 

Pluscarden Abbey,Elgin, Moray, Scotland.

 IV30 8UA.

Ph. (01343) 890257    fax (01343) 890258


Website    www.pluscardenabbey.org 

DMB series No 24

Oblate Letter: Advent and Christmas 2014


Monastic voice: St Augustine Sermon 256

And-so it is too, when this body has been made immortal and
incorruptible, when every trial and temptation has passed away. For 'the
body indeed is dead'-and why? 'Because of sin. But the spirit is life', as the
apostle says. Why? 'Because of righteousness.' Is it a dead body we give up?
Indeed no, for hear what Paul says: 'If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from
the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life also
to your mortal bodies. 'So now the body is of an animal nature, then it will be
spiritual. How happy will be our shout of Alleluia there, how
carefree, how secure from any adversary, where there is no enemy, where no
friend perishes. There praise is offered to God, and here, too, but here it is by
men who are anxious, there by men who are free from care, here by men
who must die, there by men who will live forever. Here praise is offered in
hope, there by men who enjoy the reality, here by men who are pilgrims on
the way, there by men who have reached their own country.
So, brethren, now let us sing Alleluia, not in the enjoyment of
heavenly rest, but to sweeten our toil. Sing as travellers sing along the road:
but keep on walking. Solace your toil by singing-do not yield to idleness. Sing
but keep on walking. What do I mean by 'walking'? I mean, press on from
good to better. The apostle says there are some who go from bad to worse.
But if you press on, you keep on walking. Go forward then in virtue, in true
faith and right conduct. Sing up-and keep on walking.
St Augustine Homily 35 on St John's gospel
I beg you, join with me in love. Run with me in faith. Let us yearn for
our heavenly home. Let us sigh for it. Let us realize that we are strangers here
below. What shall we see then? Listen to the words of the gospel now: 'In the
beginning was the Word, and 'the Word was with God, and the Word was
God' You will come to the fountain from which flows the-water with which
you have been sprinkled.
You will see that light in all its clarity from which fitful and broken
gleams shone into your heart whilst it was in darkness here below. You are
being made pure, that you may see and be able to look into that light. John
himself says: 'Beloved, we are God's children; it does not yet appear what we
shall be; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall
see him as
He is'
I can see your feelings are being lifted up with me to heavenly things,
but the perishable body weighs down the soul, and this earthly tent burdens
the thoughtful mind. I am now going to put down that book. You are going to
go away, each one of you to his own home. To have been
together in the same light has been good. To have been glad together has
been good. To have rejoiced together has been good. But when we part from
one another, let us not part, from God.

FROM THE OBLATEMASTER'S DESK

Very rarely does one hear the praises of the Roman Office sung but
the above two extracts from the Divine Office volume three for the last
ordinary week of the year, from the Office of Readings (no we don’t expect
you to “do” that too!)—these two extracts alone show the care made in
choosing readings suitable for the “last things” and the end of the year and
their resonating beauty. These products of an exemplary and tireless bishop
whose conversion is a story of hope for all and whose inspired industry fills 40
fat volumes that are food for the soul—all available in modern English(New
City Press 2009 ISBN 978-1-56548-318-7-paperback) evoke the intensity of
the psalms and take us to a deeper spiritual level-“When we part from one
another let us not part from God”.
So often St. Augustine’s faith takes off so that it soars and sings—you
can almost hear him singing the psalms. He has commentaries on every psalm
–and the whole Bible, book by book, verse by verse—and he found time to be
a very pastoral bishop too! Miraculous!
The Roman Office accesses these jewels for us even if we only
occasionally delve into the Office of Readings. The Catechism of the Catholic
Church accesses all these riches too as well as being a textbook of reading
Scripture, of Lectio, of prayer and of Christian living.
I mention this because sometimes we tend to read modern Scripture
commentaries and spiritual works without scratching the surface too much of
the classics of faith—classics that converted for example Blessed John Henry
Newman.. ”For what page, what saying of the divinely inspired Old and New
Testaments is not a perfectly straight rule for the life of man? Or what book of
the holy Catholic Fathers does not loudly proclaim how we may come by a
straight course to our Creator”—we who are” hastening soon to reach the
heavenly fatherland” RB73 “. Sing as travellers sing along the road: but keep
on walking. Solace your toil by singing-do not yield to idleness. Sing but keep
on walking.”

Books and Media 

If I have mentioned in the past books that have come back to me by circuitous paths I now mention one that was returned to me in the last week—and I was surprised to find what a good and useful book it is:”FREQUENT CONFESSION—Its place in the Spiritual Life” by Dom
Benedict Baur O.S.B., Archabbot of St Martin’s Abbey Beuron, translated(
from the German) by Patrick C. Barry S.J. Scepter Publishers 1999 ( first
published Freiburg 1922) ISBN 1-889334-16-2 (first English edition St. Paul
Publications 1959, “1984 Four Courts Press Dublin) The 1999 edition would be
a good buy even for its introduction which is an excellent piece in praise of the
worth and utility of this Sacrament from so many worthy and saintly
exponents.This is a book for “ the health and growth of the spiritual life of all
the faithful —What more could one say?

Prayer Intentions

 For our new Oblate, Fiona Cecilia Mitchell. Mgr. Robert
impending hip replacements, For Abbot Anselm's and Bishop Hugh's
intentions. For vocations to Pluscarden, St Mary's, Petersham and Kristo
Buase. Br. Adrian and Br.Finbar, health.The repose of the souls of Sarah
Boyle, Br Finbar’s mother and Irene Potter, Br Gabriel's mother-both have
just died in November.Also Mrs Jessie Johnston, Robert Johnston's mother.
For the repose of the soul of Willie Reid, Connie Reid’s husband who died just
about the time the last oblate letter came out. Br Jerome Leo oblate Master
of St. Mary’s Massachusetts has been very ill and needs our prayers( Do you
read his online daily commentary on the Rule?) Please pray for our sick
Oblates and their relatives & especially Eileen Grant's son Robin recovering ,
Sarah Drever’s husband Leslie, Leandro Herrero, Mrs. Allie Brien, Brigitte
Mackay and Maggie Barrett, Paul Miller 90's and hernia, Margaret Rawcliffe,
Mrs. Gertrude Corker’s two daughters, Bob Barr, Brian Milne, Gail Schmitz
who has been poorly, Martin's wife Mary, Maurice Dufficy, Mary Bradley
recovering, Maureen’s sister Dorothy, Leonora, Graham Dunbar, Alison
Donald, Beth Fraser and her husband Chris, Bob Clark, Nick MaCrae’s son,
Martin MaCrae battling illness, Dr. David Paterson and his wife Angela,
Jacqui’s daughter Sally, Hester, Poppy Sinclair, Ian Brodie and his twin
brother, Carolyn Boardman and especially her son Malcolm, Martin Farrelly ,
David Braine, philosopher, Susan Stephen, Evelyn, Violet, Sheila and all
friends of the Abbey (especially the Rodway's grandchild Kiara) and for all
oblates, and all the sick, and those who care for them--and for Josaphat our
sponsored seminarian.

Events 

NB Oblate Retreat here at Pluscarden first weekend of Lent 2015
led by our Abbot Anselm as before.( 20th-23rd February 2015) book with
Fr.Bede or attend daily.
St Mungo’s Chapter Glasgow. As announced. Peter Aitken 11, Maxwell Grove,
Glasgow. G41 5JP. Phone: 0141 4272084. Numbers have been steadily increasing.
St Margaret’s Chapter Dunfermline..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 OF OBLATES Aberdeen NEXT MEETING not until February --- Mr
Brian Milne Tel 01224 485781 stpetersbulletin1803@talktalk.net (Brian’s HEALTH
IS POORLY AGAIN SO PLEASE CHECK)
New Chapter—St.Mirin’s Chapter. Date: Saturday, 6th December. Time 2-4 pm.
Venue Hall 2, St Mirin’s Cathedral, Cathedral Precincts, Incle Stret Paisley, PA1
1HR—secure parking there within Cathedral enclosure. Meetings thereafter on the
first Sarurday of each month.—If you haven’t received a personal invitation (my
fault—Fr. Martin-- if not!—apologies!) –this is your personal invite! You are warmly
invited to the inaugural meeting one and all. Farther information St Mirin Chapter,
Benedictine Oblate Group, c/o Campbell Murdoch, Fircroft, Knockbuckle Road,
Kilmacolm, PA13 4JT m: 07810 350006 ejcmurdoch@yahoo.co.uk

Ugandan Seminarian update:-

The Oblates are supporting Josaphat in his year of
Pastoral work. The Parish will give him the accommodation and food but he needs
money for:- Clothing: he needs a white cassock. Books: Morning and Evening
Prayers, Hymn books, African or Jerusalem Bible and a Catechism. During the year
he will be called away for Seminars and so will need travel expenses and
sustenance.I believe that Josaphat is a mature young man focused on the
Priesthood. Please remember him in your prayers.—(Paul Costello—all
correspondence to him.)If you feel drawn to assisting Josaphat in any way then
please contact me, Paul Costello, 4, Commercial Road, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41
9BD. Telephone 01358-721512 e-mail:paulandjocostello@btinternet.com
From Fr. Ambrose-- former Oblatemaster, now superior of KB-
-Dear Fathers, Brothers and Sisters, Greetings from Kristo Buase! We have
just launched a new website: www.kristobuasemonastery.org Prayers
please for the repose of the soul of our dear Father Bartholomew Banzie OSB
“The Word was made flesh, he lived among us and we saw his glory”
With blessings and prayer that the Christ Child may be at home in our
hearts this Christmas and always. Yours in Christ and SPNB,
Fr. Martin pax
+Christmas Blessings! Nothing Dearer than Christ”