Wednesday 1st. Our small, commercial dishwasher is showing signs of age, and making a plethora of unusual sounds. But, it still gets the job done.  Thursday 2nd. With winter sunshine a-plenty outside, we had a nice Mass of the Presentation of Our Lord. As Brother Leo heads towards his 70th anniversary of entry he reflects…

Sunday 1st.  Our Abbot General asked all our monasteries to offer Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict January 5th, and shared the letter of condolence he sent to Pope Francis on the behalf of all the members of our Order. Monday 2nd. We are enjoying Christmas treats, on a table under…

Thursday 1st. As scheduled, Anna Stuart, a resource person,  was here for a few days. Friday 2nd. The technician was by again to touch up the  heating system, whose 40 geothermal wells in our backyard have served us well over the years. Saturday 3rd. Dom Innocent placed some fresh foliage before the altar. Sunday 4th.…

Tuesday 1st. The 120th anniversary of our monastery, a day filled with memories and joy. At lunch, a remarkable meal, we discussed many things, including the waterfalls of Canada: Grand Falls, not too far from here, is the biggest waterfall east of Niagara.    Wednesday 2nd. Having slowed down a bit the last while, Brother Leo…

Saturday 1st. A wedding party posed for photos across our long front drive. A parish Priest who gave monastic life a try here some time ago, came by to pray with us a bit.   Sunday 2nd. There were steamed mussels for lunch, with nice October sunshine outside. Monday 3rd. We learned today of the…

Thursday 1st. Father Roger offered Mass especially for the Care of Creation, on this world day of prayer. Friday 2nd. Father Roger offered Mass of the Holy Spirit, to mark the beginning of the Chapter’s work, helping us to join in. Saturday 3rd. Our Abbot General Bernardus posted his opening conference, built around dreams for…

  Monday 1st. Dom Innocent got an early start mowing the lawns today. Inside the monastery, the rocking recliner Brother Leo frequently uses in the scriptorium got some needed new covering for the arm rest, which he has worn away. Leo is impressed with the late American author Michael Novak, whom he’s now reading. Tuesday…

Friday 1st. Father Bede said our Canada Day Mass this morning. Dom Innocent did some mowing in the cemetery. Saturday 2nd. Starting this week, we leave off our cowls for Lauds and Vespers, till things cool down. Sunday 3rd. Brother Leo was talking about monks of yesteryear, and about his today, at 95 years old.…

Wednesday 1st. Brother Leo had the first visit from family in a while, and enjoyed a cool Pepsi with them. Though Leo is second oldest in a family of seven children, he has outlived all but the youngest, Anna. Thursday 2nd. A helper got the basement corridor tidied up, post-ceiling renovations. Friday 3rd. Dom Innocent…

Sunday 1st. Dom Innocent got back early this afternoon, rounding out our number of six monks. Monday 2nd. As we undertook Vigils, the power went off for just a moment. Then the generator and the lights came on. Tuesday 3rd. Brother Stephan is doing maintenance of the wall heater units, which for now are still…