ABBEY NEWS
On-Going Discernment
Even though we are saddened at the departure a few days ago of Br. Placid, one of our novices, we take heart in realizing that he was able to come to a clear vocational decision that cloistered, monastic life isn’t for him. And that is no small grace. We miss him, of course, but support him as he continues with his vocational discernment.
For a few days this past week we were happy to have Fr. Peter Amsczej, diocesan priest from London, Ontario, with us for an in-house vocational discernment retreat. He too continues his vocational discernment. Needless to say we continue to support them both with our prayer for the light and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Organic Venture
Making use of some spare room in our shop building where it is easy to establish a controlled environment it was decided to try our hand at growing a a young vegetable green known as microgreens. Originally seen mostly in fine dining establishments, microgreens are growing in popularity with the health conscious and ‘foodie’ culture as a way to enhance the beauty, taste and freshness of their dishes with their delicate textures and distinctive flavors.
Our own Monks, microgreen mix currently combines sunflower, beets and radish flavors Think of it as a base, (sunflower) with sweet (beets) and spicy (radish). Researchers with the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) and the United States Department 
of Agriculture (USDA) completed a study in 2012 to determine the level of nutrients in microgreens compared to their mature counterparts. The study looked at looked at nutrients like Vitamin C, E, K and beta carotene found in 25 different types of microgreens The research ultimately discovered that the microgreens contained four to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts.
Our microgreens are grown on premises by Fr. Aelred and served in many of our own meals and at our retreat house. No GMO seeds are used and they are grown organically. They are used in countless dishes but you can begin by adding them to wraps, soups, your green salads and scrambled eggs, or eat them right out of the bag!
They are available at the Abbey in our bread store at the low price of 3 ounces for $5.00.
Lectio Notebook
Jesus does not promise happiness itself or its various forms. He announces and proclaims the beatitudes. (Mt. 5:1-2). In Hebrew as in Greek the word implies an idea of divine blessing, of supernatural joy. Such is the joy which Jesus communicates: joy which He promised to the poor, to the meek, to the pure, to the afflicted. It is a joy which is just the opposite of men’s usual joy; it is a joy based on the reversal of all customary values.
The beatitudes are placed on a plane which transcends man. In relation to us, this is something completely different; it has to be sought after and explored as something absolutely new. These beatitudes are within our reach. Is there any joy more visible, more radiant, that the calm of those who possess Jesus?
Jesus: A Dialog With The Savior
A Monk of the Eastern Church
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