Before our Order’s annual Chapter meeting formally began at our Holy Cross Monastery near West Park, in upstate New York in the USA, the entire group of six junior monks (including the three from South Africa) were taken by Br Ephrem for a day of hiking and sightseeing in the Catskills. This was a good time of being together for all of them.
The actual Chapter meeting included the passing of resolutions on various aspects of our life, presentations on such matters as the Order’s financial situation, our Holy Cross School near Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, and the journey towards a new home for the community currently at St Benedict’s Priory in South Africa. There were also elections to positions on the Order’s Council. Br Roger continues to serve on the Council for another year, as does Br Scott. The Council met several times while we were all over there.
with Bp Andrew (centre)
There were also several combinations of small-group and plenary discussions, considering questions regarding the significant change in the Order’s leadership that will take place at next year’s Triennial Chapter. These discussions were complemented by input from our Bishop Visitor, Bp Andrew Dietsche, reflecting on aspects of the experience of transition.
Our times of fellowship together were deepened by the sharing of Lectio Divina in groups. The formal Chapter gathering concluded with a Eucharist that included the renewal of vows.
After a few more days with the community over there, we departed on Wednesday 11 June for Newark airport, scheduled to fly back to Cape Town that evening. It was not to be. Having boarded the plane, we were told after a while that it was grounded due to a technical problem, so we all disembarked and boarded another plane that was available. That, in turn, was grounded due to regulatory issues regarding the crew’s duty cycle. After some time back in the airport concourse, our flight was rebooked for the following Sunday evening and we were provided with hotel and meal vouchers by the airline. Br Ephrem kindly came to fetch us from the hotel the following morning, after we had a good breakfast.
Our flight on the Sunday evening proceeded according to schedule, thankfully. The Western Cape season had changed noticeably while we were away, having become colder and wetter in contrast with the generally warm weather we experienced in the USA.
Br Daniel and Rev John de Gruchy between them had ensured that the Sunday morning Eucharists continued in our absence.
The Cape Town Diocese Fellowship of Vocation group spent a quiet day at Volmoed after our return. They arrived in time to join us for Lauds and the Eucharist in the morning, and departed after Vespers in the evening. Br Roger met with the group during the day to reflect on the theme of Spirituality, and Brothers made themselves available for individual meetings with members of the group.
Br Aelred participated in another module of the online Spiritual Direction course he has been attending. Brothers continued to provide spiritual accompaniment to individuals online.
At the end of the month, Br Roger appreciated a visit from a good friend whom he first came to know years before entering monastic life.
Wow – sounds like a meaningful and powerful time together despite the lengthy adventure coming home. Would love to hear some of the wisdoms regarding transition if there is anything recorded or on paper somewhere. And yes, freezing it definitely is!