Lenten Day of Recollection

(Picture: Br. Benedict imitating Christ by washing the feet of a student altar server from the Portsmouth Abbey School.)

Dear Oblates & Friends of Portsmouth Abbey,
 
The Meditation of the Day for Sunday, February 16, in this month’s edition of Magnificat is titled, ‘Called to Surpassing Righteousness.’  It is a translation from the original Italian edition of daily meditations by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. (+1952), a Belgian Carmelite priest, teacher and spiritual director.  Providentially perhaps, he cites a quote which reflects the theme of our next Day of Recollection:
 
“Christ has called the whole human race to the lofty heights of sanctity....There are some who say that sanctity is not everyone’s vocation; on the contrary, it is everyone’s vocation, and all are called to it....Jesus Christ has given himself as an example for all to imitate.”
 
Our conference at the Abbey for Sunday, March 15, will focus on “A World View of Imitating Christ in the Context of the Way of the Cross.”  To this day Christian communities around the globe re-enact the devotional practice of the Stations of the Cross on the Fridays of Lent, in particular on Good Friday.  It is believed that the Blessed Virgin Mary and the early Christians retraced the actual steps of Jesus in the years following his crucifixion.  This continued through the Middle Ages when pilgrims to the Holy Land returned to their own countries and reproduced the stations.  In more recent times the Church has granted indulgences to those who imitate Christ and “make” the stations in Jerusalem and elsewhere.
 
Remember, too, that on the night before he died, that is on Holy Thursday after the Last Supper was finished, Jesus humbly washed the feet of his disciples.  Afterwards he exhorted them, and us, by saying, “I have given you an example so that you may copy (i.e. imitate) what I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
 
Attached is a flyer with details for our day together.  The school students will be in the middle of their spring break so the relatively empty campus will afford us a contemplative atmosphere during this penitential period.  The conference will take place in the Abbey Church, with seating in the monks’ choir. 
 
One last thing to share with you.  On Thursday evening (February 13th ) at The University Club in Providence, author and N.Y. Times Op-Ed contributor Ross Douthat ventured north from his home in New Haven as the guest of The Portsmouth Institute.  Chris Fisher, the Institute’s Executive Director, introduced Ross, Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans, other clerics and religious, as well as other guests who included a number of Portsmouth Abbey Oblates. 
 
Chris stressed the underlying importance of the program’s academic and educational goals by saying that “the concerns of the teachers [at Portsmouth Abbey School and St. Louis Priory School] are the students’ souls, not just their salaries” following graduation.  Well said.
 
I look forward to seeing all of you in Portsmouth Abbey!
Much love & in Christ,
Br. Sixtus O.S.B.
Director of Oblates