Liturgy in the pandemic
We celebrate Mass every day, as we always do. This is a Sunday celebration.
Some of our bothers (and three visiting sisters) gather to the left of the altar.
But, as we look out into the nave where our guests sit – we see empty space.
We are looking forward to the day when our friends and visitors will be able to celebrate with us again.
Fourth of July
Yes, we celebrated the Fourth of July as we usually do. A cook-out eaten in our cloister. And fireworks in the noon sun. That may be one of the prime examples of monastic ascesis: setting off fireworks in the middle of the day!
Here are two of our older monks lighting the fireworks and our abbot (in the blue cap) watching for some sparks.
One landed in our lily and gold fish pond. There was a bit of drama until we were able to dowse the burning reeds with more water.
A good time was had by all. And we all survived.
A walk
Continuing to make fruit cakes
During this time of confinement, without any visitors at Mass and no guests in our Retreat House, we continue to work in our bakery. We are currently making our one-pound fruitcakes, filling these pans with our gourmet mixture of fruit and nuts.
They come out of the oven . . .
. . . are placed on a table to cool and . . .
. . . glazed and, later after they are cool . . .
. . . injected with peach brandy.
They will be wrapped, boxed and cured for several months, ready for the Christmas holidays.
