The transfer papers for the property in Harkerville outside Plettenberg Bay that we are in the process of acquiring were signed at the beginning of September. The transfer is all but ready to be lodged at the deeds office in Cape Town, with provision having been made for a process of regularization of the property with the local Bitou Municipality after the transfer. Attention is being given to what happens after the Brothers leave Volmoed, in terms of such aspects as the future use of the Priory buildings, the form of a Sunday morning worship service, and even the continued ringing of the Angelus bell at midday, to call all of Volmoed to a time of prayer.
Also at the beginning of the month, Br Roger accompanied Bp David Walker from the Diocese of Manchester in the UK in a daily time of reflection during his week of retreat at Volmoed, after the bishop’s attendance at the centenary celebration in the Anglican Diocese of Namibia.
During the following week, clergy from the Anglican Archdeaconries of Constantia and Ibongoletu in Cape Town Diocese came to Volmoed. They attended our chapel prayers during their retreat.
Holy Cross Day on 14 September is a significant occasion on the annual calendar of our Order of the Holy Cross. This year, it fell on a Sunday, which made for a worthy celebration.
In the week after Holy Cross Day, we enjoyed a visit from two members of the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield in the UK, Nicholas CR and Charlie CR, together with Michael oblCR, an Oblate of that community who resides in Cape Town. It was good to strengthen the relationship between our communities through times of prayer as well as meals and conversations together.
During the month, Br Daniel was able to spend time with family gathered in Robertson, and also enjoyed visits from long-time friends, one of whom he had not seen in a while.
We recently enjoyed a visit from Lindsay AHC, an Associate of our Order who lives in the Eastern Cape, with prayers, meals and conversations together.
Our Br Robert Leo, a former Superior of our Order, is on sabbatical and arrived at Volmoed at the beginning of October, after time well spent in the UK. He will be with us for much of the month.
So sad for all of us that you will be leaving Hermanus. Volmoed will not be the same! Godspeed.