Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9; Romans 8:14-23; John 14:1-6 It is fitting to mention as a preface for our readers, that Br. Edward’s family and friends appreciated the understated irony of Abbot Robert’s characterization of our deceased brother, who was an “original”. The delivery of this homily was punctuated by the congregation’s laughter. After the burial, Br. […]
Fr. Robert’s Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, 3 May, 2015
If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask for what you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified…Abide in me as I abide in you. This Sunday the Church continues to unfold the grace of the paschal mystery for us. A new image appears […]
Brother Edward and the beauty of going to God
I am always struck when the Abbot talks about how lucky one of the monks who has gone to God is to have done just that-gone to God. Father Robert always says this in his homily at the funeral of a monk. For Brother Edward he told me when I saw him in the hall […]
Men’s MIW Almost Full
If you have ever wanted to spend a full two days with the monks living their life, the Monastic Immersion Weekend is for you. For two full days you get to sit in choir, take conferences from the monks and follow the full schedule of the community. The Men’s retreat in September, is, however, almost full already… […]
Br. Edward McLean
James A. McLean was born to Catherine Grady McLean and Alexander W. McLean on 8 April, 1921 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. James had two brothers and a younger sister; Francis McLean would become a Christian Brother. James had already graduated from St. Joseph’s College (Philadelphia) with a Bachelor’s Degree when he entered the novitiate of Our Lady […]
Schedule for Br. Edward’s Funeral
All the rites listed below are celebrated in the Abbey Church. Our friends, neighbors, visitors and Br. Ed’s family are all invited to participate in the recitation of the Psalms between 10:10 AM and 1:55 PM; there will be a sign-up sheet just inside the church door. Friday, 1 May, 5:30 PM: Vespers of the […]
Br. Edward McLean (8 April, 1921-27 April, 2015) Requiescat In Pace
Abbot Robert was informed last evening, 27 April, after 11:00 PM that Br. Edward had died. Earlier that day, Abbot Robert had visited Br. Edward at Carroll Manor and administered the Anointing of the Infirm to prepare him for his final journey. Later today an obituary and, perhaps, details of the funeral and burial schedule will be posted here. […]
SAT, 2 MAY: Mass of the Resuurection for Br. Edward McLean
MEETING OF THE SUPERIORS AND VOCATION DIRECTORS, PART ONE Last week the Vocation Directors and the Superiors of our monasteries of the United States Region met to consider the current vocation crisis and what response our communities might make. Our nuns and monks convened at Holy Spirit Abbey, Conyers, Georgia, bringing together sixteen vocation directors and thirteen superiors. […]
Prayers for Br. Edward
This past week, Br. Edward was moved from Carroll Manor to Providence Hospital because of unexplained vomiting. With a very clear mind, Br. Edward declined further investigation and treatment for palliative care. He is back at Carroll Manor. Given his strength, there’s no predicting how he may do. But given the fact that he’s 94 […]
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B, 26 April, 2015
Readings: Acts of the Apostles 4:8-12; 1 John3:1-2; John 10:11-18 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Joseph Wittstock preaching and presiding.