ABBEY NEWS
Community Photo – August 2016
FRONT ROW
Br. Brian, Br. Lawrence, Br. Cyril, Fr. John Eudes, Fr. Isaac, Abbot Gerard, Br. David W., Fr. John D., Br. Christian, Fr. Marcellus
SECOND ROW
Fr. Sanjay, Br. Augustine, Br. David B., Br. Louis, Br. Anthony, Fr. Jerome, Br. Gregory, Br. Alberic, Br. Benedict, Fr. Aelred
THIRD ROW
Br. Peter, Br. Paul, Br. Walter, Br. James, Br. Joachim, Br. Placid, Fr. Stephen, Fr. Eugene, Fr. Justin
Change of Stability
Last Thursday we celebrated the Feast of The Nativity of Mary with an added cause for rejoicing: Br. Cyril’s making the vow of stability to Genesee and the vow of 
obedience to Abbot Gerard by which he becomes a full fledged member of the community. Br. Cyril Anderson came to Genesee from Holy Trinity Abbey, Huntsville, Utah which is officially closed. Whenever a monastery has to close the members of the community can apply to another community in the Order and he and Br. David Baumbach chose Genesee.
Br. Cyril, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, was born in Omaha, Nebraska and was drafted into
the Marines at age 18 when a high school senior. During his tour of duty he served in the Battle of Iwo Jima. At age 28 he joined Holy Trinity monastery where he served in various important jobs including some twenty years as cook for the community and retreatants. Although legally blind he continued cooking until he left for Genesee in November, 2014. Because of multiple health issues Br. Cyril resides in the community infirmary and is able to join the community for Mass and meals in the infirm refectory. One of his most appreciated contributions to the community is his gentle smile and friendly disposition towards everyone.
LECTIO NOTEBOOK
The knowledge that Jesus came to dress our mortal bodies with immortality must help us develop an inner desire to be born to a new, eternal life with him and encourage us to find ways to prepare for it.
It is important to nurture constantly the life of the Spirit of Jesus – which is eternal life – that is already in us. Baptism gave us this life, the Eucharist maintains it, and our many spiritual practices – such as prayer, meditation, spiritual reading, and spiritual guidance – can help us to deepen and solidify it.
The sacramental life and life with the Word of God gradually make us ready to let go of our mortal bodies and receive the mantle of immortality. Thus death is not the enemy who puts an end to everything but the friend who takes us by the hand and leads us into the Kingdom of eternal love.
Bread for the Journey
Henri Nouwen
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