News RSS Feed

Abbot Michael preached on the gospel about Poor Lazarus, and the prophetic message of Amos. And with our spiritual lives strengthened by a visit from our Chilean friends, we also offer here the Church Talk given by Trinidad Hüe of the Manquehue Movement.

Brother Sixtus Roslevich takes us on a quick journey through some of the many activities of the past busy week at the Abbey.

After two years of COVID-related delay, the monastery was finally able on June 11 to host the religious of the Diocese of Providence for a picnic gathering. Brother Sixtus Roslevich reports on the day.

Father Edward Mazuski returned to Portsmouth in mid-June, having completed a two-month “Formators' Programme” in Italy. He shares with us some of how the opportunity developed his understanding of formation in Benedictine life, and helped to further his personal formation.

The Portsmouth Institute for Faith and Culture held its flagship summer conference in a new and modified form this past month. In addition to its context of prayer and fellowship, the Institute offered a symposium-style program integrating more text-based group discussion and reflection. Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska offered the keynote address on the Symposium’s theme: “The Blessings of Liberty.”

Several oblates of the Abbey recently made a pilgrimage to Stockbridge, Massachusetts to the National shrine of The Divine Mercy. Br. Sixtus Roslevich comments on his own experiences with this special devotion.

“Saint Benedict says that Lent should be the happiest time of year for a Monk.” Abbot Michael Brunner offers thoughts on our Lenten practice, exploring the type of happiness Lent can truly provide.

On Monday, January 17, 2022, the Portsmouth monastic community gathered to elect a new abbot. Guided by the Holy Spirit, and led through the process by the visiting Abbot President Christopher Jamison, the community selected Michael Brunner to serve as its superior.

Prior Michael Brunner recounts some childhood memories and speaks of significance of family and Christmas stories, as pointing to the Incarnation itself. "It was the power of the Christmas story and my family's holiday traditions that ultimately reopened the door of my faith."

The Advent Service and Christmas Blessing which was to take place Tuesday, December 14 was cancelled that afternoon, “in the spirit of continued responsiveness to the constantly changing health landscape.” The School concluded that , “with a careful eye on student health in conjunction with our upcoming departure for the Christmas holiday, we need to avoid a large gathering tonight.” Prior Michael’s teaching for the evening was already prepared, and we offer it here to our readers. We also offer the blessing he was to give in person to the School and extended community for the Christmas season.

Brother Sixtus Roslevich offers a message inspired by a reading from Saint Augustine at Matins: "Three little words are all it took, 'Time marches on' or, as in a slightly different translation of Augustine, 'Time goes on.' His advent thoughts turn to life, death, and fleeting time.

"Now here we are at the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of another Church year. Advent reminds us of a time when the human race dreamed…" Prior Michael Brunner offers a message about Advent, and about dreams.

An overflow crowd was on hand to witness the Solemn Profession of Br. Benedict Maria, O.S.B., on Monday, November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints. Prior Michael Brunner welcomed the community's newest full member, marveling at his journey from the Andaman Islands of India to our Aquidneck Island.

We learn more of a visit this week from Fr. Laurence Kriegshauser and Fr. Cuthbert Elliott, both of Saint Louis Abbey, to assist in discussions of monastic discernment, part of an ongoing effort throughout the English Benedictine Congregation.

Br. Sixtus outlines some of the recent developments in the Abbey’s strengthening connection to the diocese. It is a relationship of significance that the Portsmouth monastic community has recently had opportunity to nurture.

We offer a reminder and some notes on this year’s Providence Symposium, coming up on Thursday, October 7, at 5:30pm, at the Hope Club, 6 Benevolent Street, Providence, featuring Robert Royal and James Matthew Wilson. Register soon to secure a spot.

Brother Sixtus updates us on the summer, including a transferal of vows of stability from Saint Louis to Portsmouth, ongoing renovations literal and metaphorical, as well as the long-awaited return of Days of Recollection for the oblate community.

This issue marks our return to monthly publication for summer (June, July, August). The monastery anticipates a wave of renovation, a series of conferences and retreats both online and in-person, and a return to less restricted liturgical life.

Prior Michael offers a message for Easter: “I think about contrasts. This week’s Easter liturgy begins with a contrast. In the darkness of the night of Holy Saturday, we light a fire outside and then bring that fire into the Church. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, has risen from the dead.”

The monastery recently completed its full, three-year accreditation with Praesidium, an accrediting agency specializing in abuse prevention and the safeguarding of minors. We explain further this important process for the monastery.