First, concerning cats…You’re probably more aware than I am that a tsunami can hit Japan and an eyewitness’ video from an smartphone can appear on Youtube and there will be thousands of viewers in the first minute. On the other hand, someone can post on Youtube yet another video of a cat snoring or playing with a ball of yarn and there will be two-million viewers in the first three seconds. Why are we so taken by cats? The ancient Egyptians thought cats were deities and cats have never doubted it since (though their mummies–and there are cat mummies–look more than a little ridiculous). I think cats have exerted some kind of mind control over us and even I’ll admit to watching a cat’s interpretation of the blockbuster, Titanic, and I have to say that it’s a superior to the original with human actors.
So I just want to let our readers know that through the generous efforts of two volunteers, the cats that once dwelt at the Gift Shop have been rounded up (evidently a cat whisperer can herd cats), inoculated, neutered and placed in loving homes. If any of you fear that there are now no cats on the property of Holy Cross Abbey, be at peace. Feral cats are never gone from anywhere. In fact small cat houses have been placed strategically under bushes and hedgerows away from the gift shop to encourage their continued employment as mouse-catchers. It’s so good foe anyone, felines included, to have a purpose and mission in life.
I have to confess that I really have nothing to report about cabbages, though when it comes to vegetation, the tall, decorative grasses around the gift shop have been trimmed back and the earth has been tilled. The shop’s stock has been packed up and is presently stored at the abbey, the refrigerator and desks thoroughly cleaned, the shelving removed and the book cases shifted to the center, the walls washed and await the painters. Then a new rug will be installed and everything moved back in. That’s a lot of progress for one month and the Abbey thanks the volunteers, employees and monks who have made this happen.
As to kings, well, that would only return our attention to cats and of them, enough has been said.
Future posts will keep you informed of the state of the Gift Shop and when it will re-open.
Martha Christian says
January 31, 2015 at 1:31 pmI love your essay on cats! Thank you.
D. Paden says
January 31, 2015 at 1:50 pmThank you, as always, to Fr. James and all the community for the continuous updates–often with much appreciated wit and context–on everyone and thing from cats and the physical plant progress to all the homilies and rich seeds for reflection and insights they provide. I know I’m not alone in feeing deep gratitude, between visits to HCA, for your presence on the Web–the posts help so many of us stay connected, even if in a mediated and virtual way, to the community and grounds we so cherish. It’s a testament to HCA’s strong commitment to stewardship that these animals have been so cared for, and that those who remain have places to escape the cold and elements.
Sister Marie de Chantal says
February 3, 2015 at 9:26 pmLive + Jesus !
Hope Father Vincent doesn’t miss his cats too much !!!!!
Ann says
February 4, 2015 at 7:06 pmWell, I have to confess to watching a great deal of cat videos, even making some, and today I just ran across this unique thing, which is the myers-briggs personality types reinterpreted by cats: http://personalitygrowth.com/the-myers-briggs-cat-edition/
How about ONE neutered cat being allowed as the official ‘monastery store cat?’ I know of several shops in Richmond where they have such cats, which often are sleeping in the display window… For those of us deeply fond to cats it’s difficult to not have their energy around. This is not eligible for renunciation. One has cats as patrons to the arts; we support them for doing their art.
m. kamien says
February 4, 2015 at 9:25 pmGee Whiz, I acquiesce to your admittedly moderate and humane dealings with the cats. BUT I will miss them, along with – I suspect – many others. As for cabbages, I do have a very nice Irish Cabbage Soup recipe that my mother used to make on cold days. So now that’s taken care of as well!