Much of our attention during March was directed towards the preparation of the guesthouse to enable us to receive guests hospitably. Maintenance issues were attended to, the guesthouse was furnished and decorated, and security was improved.
Br Aelred persevered through various challenges to ensure that the entrance to our property now proclaims our presence to all who pass by. Elegant signage also clarifies the use of various spaces on the property, which includes dissuading those who are not members of the monastic community from entering the enclosure area without invitation.
No sooner was the new entrance signage in place than it proved its effectiveness. That same weekend, Peter – who had known the community from its time in the Eastern Cape and who now lives a short distance down the road from the monastery – driving past on Palm Sunday morning, saw the new sign and immediately turned in to greet us and renew the relationship. Br Josias is now journeying with him to revive his Associate connection.
Our Lenten journey culminated as always in the observances of Holy Week, beginning with that same Palm Sunday. Our first three guests arrived to stay in our newly prepared guesthouse in the afternoon of Maundy Thursday, in time for supper with the community and for the evening liturgy during which we are reminded of our Lord Jesus’ invitation to love one another as He has loved us.
All spent time after the service at the altar of repose which had been prepared in the sacrament chapel, to reflect on Jesus’ approaching passion and death, which we remembered during the Good Friday liturgy the following day. That solemn commemoration was attended by our recently received Associate Robert and his two sons, by two neighbours from the Stromboli retirement community across the road from us, as well as by Peter and his partner Margaret and our three guests on the property.
The sombreness of Holy Saturday began to be dispelled at 5am on Easter Sunday by the lighting of the new fire declaring Jesus Christ’s resurrection triumph over the darkness of death. Our three guests were joined by Peter and Margaret in attendance at the Great Vigil liturgy and festal Eucharist. Each of the three guests participated by reading one of the Scripture passages recounting the history of our salvation, and guest Xander further enhanced our celebration by lending his well-trained voice to lead the singing of two great Easter hymns.
Easter eggs, hot cross buns and coffee provided welcome refreshment in the refectory as the day dawned after the service. All joined the monastic community for a convivial lunch later in the day.
Other visitors during the month included a local couple recently returned from Australia who noticed a Facebook posting about the establishment of the monastery and came to pray with us. Rev. Melany, the local Rector, joined Pam from her parish at some of our prayers. Ray and Margie, longtime friends of Br Roger, were visiting their son in Knysna as part of a wedding anniversary road trip and came to see our new home and to pray with the community. It was good to catch up with them in person.
Brs Aelred and Mpumelelo attended a Monday morning Benediction service at St George’s Anglican church in Knysna. They were enthusiastically welcomed and invited to tea afterwards by the local Archdeacon, the Ven. Rudy Laws.