Abbey News
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Rejoice Sunday
Along with rejoicing with the Church on this third Sunday of Advent six of our infirm and/or elderly brethren had additional cause for joy. In chapter this morning they received the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. One of the intended consequences of monasic life is the easy availability of several sacraments of the Church: Eucharist, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. The latter is administered to all the sick a couple of times during the year and to anyone whenever there is a medical emergency.
In case you haven't noticed, this year's Advent season is short nearly a full week. While there is cause for rejoicing in the fact that Christmas is just around the corner, there may be a bit of dismay over the last minute hustle and bustle as we try to get all things in readiness for the celebration. In keeping with our usual practice of keeping Advent a time of expectant waiting we wait until the last minute to begin putting up a few decorations so this week will find some of the brethren putting up the crib, tree and a few other ornaments about the place.
There is a flurry of activity in the fruit cake department and the on-line store too these days as several of the brothers are putting in extra time getting gift orders out on time. Perhaps there will be much more rejoicing on Christmas day itself when all the work is done and we can enter more quietly into the meaning of the Incarnation than on Rejoice Sunday.
This year's Christmas and New Years schedule changes have been posted on our Liturgical Schedule page.
Saint Benedict in Space
Throughout Christian history it is not uncommon to find believers expressing their faith, hope and love in images of all sorts, from the crucifix itself to various icons, statues, holy cards and even buildings to say nothing of the Christmas crib. Among these objects of faith and devotion can be found the somewhat famous medal of St. Benedict. Devotees of St. Benedict often carry the medal with them as an expression of their devotion and a reminder of what he means for them as well as an incentive to prayer.
It seems modern day astronauts are no exception. The following is an item from a Benedictine news note:
Station Commander Peggy Whitson, of the International Space Station's Expedition 16, is the daughter of a cousin of Sister Mary Ethel Burley OSB. Last summer when Sister Mary Ethel was visiting her family, she gave Peggy a medal of Saint Benedict to take with her on the six-month assignment to the space station.
Astronaut Whitson sent the picture at right that shows the Benedictine medal placed on one of the windows. Peggy's message indicated that she hopes the Sisters enjoy this unique view from space showing the curvature of Earth below the Benedictine medal.
For an explanation and history of the medal see Medal of St. Benedict.
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