September featured two Anglican Archdeaconry clergy retreats at Volmoed. Clergy from Helderberg Archdeaconry joined us for chapel prayers during their retreat that was led by Rev Wilma. One of the clergy also met with Br Aelred for spiritual accompaniment.
Later in the month, clergy from Constantia Archdeaconry joined us for chapel prayers during their annual retreat, which they have made at Volmoed for the past several years. Brothers made themselves available for individual spiritual accompaniment, and Brs Aelred and Roger were involved in this ministry.
Several other guests joined us for chapel prayers during the month, including a small group of Open Table women on a retreat led by Rev Wilma. It was a particular pleasure to have Lavinia Crawford-Browne and her husband Terry attend one of our Sunday morning Eucharists, Lavinia having been the long-time personal assistant to ArchBishop Tutu.
Br Daniel enjoyed the opportunity to meet with some pilgrims from Namibia and to share a blessing with them. They then joined us for our Sunday Vespers prayer.
Br Josias continued to grow our relationship with local Associates of Holy Cross through frequent interactions with them. This included in particular a session in the afternoon of Holy Cross Day, during which he was able to share some of the wisdom of Francis de Sales with those who gathered online with him. Br Josias also attended a sports day in Villiersdorp for people with disabilities, together with others from the Ithemba centre.
Br Luc returned to us after some time at our Holy Cross Monastery in the USA. He immediately started the process to extend his visitor’s visa to six months so that he can be with us for a longer period this time. He is also investigating the possibility of even longer-term visas.
Brs Luc and Roger participated online in a meeting of our Order’s Council.
At the end of the month, Brs Luc, Aelred and Josias travelled to Bredasdorp to represent the Priory at a special Young Peoples’ Ministry service at the Church of the Holy Spirit. They were warmly welcomed and appreciation was expressed for their presence.
We look forward to Br Mpumelelo’s return to us at the end of October, after what will have been four months at our Holy Cross Monastery in the USA.