Br Ephrem has returned to our Holy Cross Monastery in the USA, after spending a month with the monastic community here. In addition to teaching a weekly class for all of the Junior monks – those both here and in the USA – and meeting with each Junior individually, he enjoyed several outings together with the Juniors. Br Ephrem also celebrated at several Eucharists, preached and contributed his piano skills at Sunday mass, and even cooked a couple of times for our monastic community. His enthusiastic presence was much appreciated. Before he left us, we enjoyed being hosted to supper by Alyson and Mike, one of the long-time Volmoed residential couples.
The timing of Br Ephrem’s visit with us meant that he could accompany us when we returned for a couple of days to the property in Harkerville outside Plettenberg Bay that we are in the process of acquiring. With the transfer approaching, we decided to spend more time there so that we could improve the preparations for our relocation. The current owners generously allowed us to stay on the property for two nights. While there, we met with several people involved in the negotiations, including Helene the sales agent and Dave the property inspector, whose contributions have been very helpful.
Before we returned to Volmoed, we visited with Rev Melany Adonis, the Rector of Plettenberg Bay’s Formosa Parish (in the Anglican Diocese of George). Rev Melany has been a friend of our community for many years, since our time together in the Makhanda (Grahamstown) area of the Eastern Cape.
Guests at our chapel prayers during the month included a Benedictine oblate from the USA, four women from All Saints Anglican Church in Plumstead, and three ministers from the Dutch Reformed Church in Gauteng. Br Daniel met with this last group during their time of retreat at Volmoed.
Near the beginning of August, Rev Michael Battle brought a small group of pilgrims from the USA to Volmoed. Br Roger met with the group on the Thursday afternoon for a discussion, and they attended Lauds and the Eucharist with us the following morning.
Over the last weekend of the month, young people came to Volmoed to participate in a Christian-Muslim dialogue. The group attended our chapel prayer on the Saturday morning, and Br Aelred was a welcome presence during some of their sessions.
Bishop David Walker from the Diocese of Manchester in the UK was at Volmoed for a week of retreat from the end of August. He attended our chapel prayers and Br Roger accompanied him in a daily time of reflection.
Br Josias enjoyed a couple of weeks of family time in Gauteng, during which he celebrated his birthday.
Hi Roger, Always nice to have your news, especially as you prepare to make the Big Move soon. I wonder if the building behind you in the photo here is of your new home. The tree there reminds me of the old oak in the small cloister at West Park, and that would be a nice thread of Community attachment. Blessings on you all as you make your way to the new Priory. Ellie