This is an overdue post but one still worth publishing. The community Mass was celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Joseph Wittstock presiding and preaching. The Mass concluded with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.
Following Midday Prayer, the community retired to the refectory for a festive dinner. Yesterday had been the Memorial of St. Barnabas and the sixtieth anniversary of Fr. Paschal’s priestly ordination. Today we combined the celebrations of the Solemnity and the Anniversary to good effect. The meal, cooked by Fr. Vincent, certainly honored the fruits of God’s creation and the appreciative appetite of the community. Fr. Paschal was enthroned at the head table between Abbot Damian of Spencer–here for our Visitation–and Abbot Robert; Fr. Paschal’s finely tuned wit was in good form. Ad multos annos, as we would say in Latin.
Maureen says
I’m sure all of the Lay Cistercians will join me in wishing Father Paschal a very happy anniversary! Ad multos annos indeed!