January 2026 News – The Blessing of St Benedict’s Monastery in Harkerville

The administrative process of settling into the property continued during the past month, with the completion of the transfer of the Eskom electricity provision account and of the Bitou municipality account, and the renting of a mailbox with the local PostNet postal service. Coming to terms with the physical challenges also continued, with locks and latches being replaced, internal and external plumbing leaks being fixed and geyser elements being replaced. Fire safety equipment was serviced, the wastewater treatment system was revived, and an air-conditioning unit was relocated into the prayer space, so that the heat and humidity at Vespers evening prayer could be alleviated.

While the monks intend to do as much of the work on the property as possible ourselves, due to the size and complexity of the space we decided the use of a garden service to help bring the grounds under control was a prudent way forward. This means that we can have attractive and manageable gardens to support our hospitality when the time is right for us to open the guesthouse.

Our annual eight-day summer retreat early in the month provided opportunity for us each individually to attend to the spiritual process of settling into the property.

Being able to connect with others beyond the property is a significant concern for us, with phone conversations and email correspondence forming a part of that connection. A reliable online connection is also important, whether for providing spiritual accompaniment, attending meetings of our Order’s Council, of the Holy Cross School board, or with other religious communities, or attending combined classes with Brothers in the USA. It soon became evident that the online service we inherited with the property was not adequate for our needs, and so we are in the process of changing to a service that promises an improvement.

A local resident visited several times during the month, first with his mother, then with a friend to attend Lauds morning prayer and the Eucharist, then again for a period of personal prayer and fasting. Several Anglican clergy visited informally on two occasions and were shown around the property. Less welcome was a group of vervet monkeys who took advantage of an open door to enter the monastic enclosure (without invitation!) and make their way to the kitchen then make off with several bananas.

Br Robert James, the Superior of our Order, arrived mid-month to make his annual visitation with our monastic community. In addition to the formal aspects of meeting with each community member individually and then with the community together, he has helped with making the place feel more like our home.

Br Daniel accompanied Br Robert on a day visit to the Order’s Holy Cross School in Makhanda. While there, they were able to meet with the new principal of the Diocesan School for Girls to renew the relationship regarding DSG’s use of part of the Order’s property, alongside HCS.

Br Robert’s presence made for a good opportunity to have the formal dedication and blessing of the property, in early February. Bishop Edwin, of the Anglican Diocese of George in which we are now situated, graciously agreed to attend and officiate at the ceremony, during which we asked God to bless our life and work on the property and those with whom we will share this space, including visitors and guests. He was accompanied by Dean Linden of George Diocese and Ven. Rudy, Archdeacon of Knysna. We were also pleased to have Rev. Melany, Rector of the local Formosa Parish and Dean Terry of Cape Town Diocese, both friends of the community, with us for the occasion, together with several people who have had a significant presence during our relocation, not least Helene, the estate agent who did so much to facilitate the transfer.

The reception of Robert Falconer as an Associate of Holy Cross brought the blessing ceremony to a fitting conclusion, before all enjoyed a delicious catered meal together. We were glad that his wife Catherine could be present with Robert.

Sadly, during the preparations for the Blessing, Br Mpumelelo experienced a bereavement in his immediate family. He went to KZN for the funeral, and was able to return in time to attend the Blessing with us.