Our annual celebration of St Benedict’s Day on 11 July is always a special occasion for us, but this year it was especially so. Friends who know us from all times and places of our monastic community were present for the occasion, from our early years at Mariya Monastery near Grahamstown (now Makhanda), from the intermediate years at Volmoed near Hermanus, and now from our new home in Harkerville near Plettenberg Bay.
We were pleased to receive two new Associates of Holy Cross in person, and to honour four longstanding Associates who have each been AHC members for more than 25 years! Tally was able to be with us for the weekend with her husband Tony, while Harry, Lindsay, and Robin were invited to participate in the ceremony online. The festive meal afterwards was spiced with conversation and laughter.
Our annual winter retreat that followed was well timed for reflection on the grace of God that has been known by the community through the years. We spent the days in silence, with a reduced chapel prayer schedule that allowed more time for individual prayer and reflection.
Towards the end of the retreat, Br Josias departed for Makhanda to participate in facilitating the annual Reading Camp hosted by our Holy Cross School at the nearby Assegai Trails facility. The Reading Camp serves Grade 3 and 4 learners, combining intensive literacy activities with various forms of outdoor recreation. Br Josias’ presence at both Reading Camp specifically and the School generally was much appreciated by all concerned.
After the Reading Camp, Brs Roger, Aelred and Mpumelelo joined Br Josias at the School for the dedication and blessing of the new multi-purpose hall on 28 July. This proved to be another very special occasion, gathering people from all stages of the School’s history, who have supported the development of the School in various ways from various places. The joyful participation of the school children made for a delightful experience. The well-designed building will provide a space for all staff and students at the School to be together on various occasions.
Brs Josias, Roger, Mpumelelo and Aelred in the audience at the blessing of the new school hall 
The assembled learners of Holy Cross School 
A performance by HCS learners 
A performance by HCS learners 
HCS Principal Nicci Hayes 
Dr Sally James of Diocesan School for Girls 
Bp Stacy Sauls of Love Must Act 
Bp Mcebisi Pinyana of Grahamstown 
Impromptu singing and dancing after the blessing … 
… Accompanied by vibrant drumming 
A view of the new HCS hall 
A view of the new HCS hall
During the month of July, we also appreciated a visit by Harold and Helmi from Nieuw Sion community in the Netherlands. This is a flourishing new monastic community which is notable for the enthusiastic participation of many young people in its ecumenical life of prayer and work.
At the end of the month, Brs Roger and Aelred had an encouraging meeting with Bp Edwin of George Diocese. The focus of the meeting was on the possibilities for a schedule of retreats for diocesan clergy, hosted in our guesthouse through the year ahead.