Thank you to all of you who follow this website and have commented on the Refounding Retreat with your support and prayers and understanding.
Abbot Robert has noted that in our challenges, as ageing monks and as a small community, our grace-filled time at Priestfield helps him to see the hand of God in our present circumstances. That is, we are not blocked by statistics but are invited to new possibilities: “We can have full confidence that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us in our discernment for the community’s future”, he said. To help accomplish God’s purpose for us, here in Clarke County, we must be conscientious to keep the spirit of Priestfield alive and continue to tap into that energy.
As we open ourselves more deeply and spontaneously to one another–perhaps not the easiest thing for guys to do!–we find healing of old wounds replacing picking away at scabs! How do we do that? By acknowledging the gifts of one another that keep this community afloat. As Fr. Vincent summed up our situation on the last session of the Retreat, “We are more than a community of survivors.”