As autumn looms
» As some portents of autumn began to manifest themselves, some traditional pre-winter tasks are being done. Several of the community have been picking fruit, much of which is already being made into jam by Fr Gervase, and Fr Gabriel has bottled a new batch of honey. Some maintenance work is also being done avant le deluge, including the sacristy block and Lady Chapel roofs, and in a couple of weeks, the bank at the edge of the roadway near the Cottages.
» Over the last 24 hours the superiors of most of the EBC monasteries have been at Douai for their annual conference. Last night the community shared a cheerily festive supper with them.
» Since the last update, the monks serving the abbey parish have been ecumenical in their activities, Fr Benjamin attending the induction of the new vicar of Woolhampton on 6 September, and Fr Peter the farewell for the vicar of Theale.
» Happily, a postulant is settling into the community at present, preparing to be clothed as a novice. Please keep Br Paul in your prayers.