"We are witnesses of these things, and also the Holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him" (Acts 5: 31-32). This quotation begins the description offered by the Manquehue Apostolic Movement of the “Misión Portsmouth” being undertaken by James Rudge and Francisca Berger. Seeking to “energize and motivate lectio groups” as well as to strengthen the bond and relationship with the monastic community, the faculty, and leaders of lectio. The depths of our winter term coincide with summer vacation for our southern hemisphere Manquehue friends, and they are offering that time in service to our community. In a Manquehue notice, James also notes that, as newlyweds, he and Francisca are “in this mission together” and are themselves being provided an opportunity to build the distinctive and foundational community they create as a couple. They have prepared for their journey not only through their experience in the Manquehue schools and other programs, but in prayer dedicated to this mission in particular.

James first arrived in Santiago in 2007, an alumnus of Ampleforth College in England, engaging in the life of the movement as part of a post-graduate gap year. This experience led to many more visits and ever-deeper involvement with the movement, including serving in the leadership of the Patagonia retreat center of San José de Mallín Grande. Francisca graduated in 2009 from San Anselmo College, one the three Manquehue schools in the Santiago area, and was herself increasingly involved in the movement, spending extended time in Patagonia. She also participated in a Manquehue group at Downside School in England in 2013, a group that had been headed by Catalina Quiroga, who later spent two years with us at Portsmouth.

The extended community of the monastery and School is pleased to be able to host the two for the upcoming weeks of our winter term. The ongoing connection we have cultivated with our winter Manquehue visitors, now for over ten years, has been fruitful in the development of our lectio groups and of our own growth in the fellowship of faith. Having just celebrated the feast of St. Aelred, one of the movement’s patrons and important in our own community’s history, we echo his central theme of “friendship,” grateful for the bond that has linked us with this dynamic and gracious Chilean community.