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A new group of Manquehue “missionaries” has arrived to work in the School over the next two months. We take a closer look at their community life and their work.

The Advent and Christmas seasons have found the monastic community busy with hosting guests at home, traveling to various events, and preparing for more of both.

Brother Sixtus Roslevich, Director of Oblates, offers a brief update and some reflections prompted by a discussion about oblate gatherings.

The monastic community gratefully hosted the religious of the Diocese of Providence for a day of recollection this past weekend.

We may now associate the Portsmouth Abbey horizon with images of the Church of St. Gregory the Great, accompanied in the background by our wind turbine. Many may not realize that in earlier times, other structures built to harness the wind could be seen here.

At a recent Penance Service, Abbot Michael Brunner offered the following reflection on Luke’s account of Jesus’ stern criticism of the pharisees and scribes – words of the “Son of God and Son of Humankind” who sought out the sinner in mercy.

Brother Sixtus Roslevich, writing while on the road and himself experiencing the hospitality of others, reflects on the role of hospitality at Portsmouth and in the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Abbot Matthew Stark offered a homily on Sunday, October 2, referring to three important twentieth-century Catholics – Padre Pio, Mother Teresa, and Flannery O’Connor – who shared similar experiences of faith as a struggle.

As we continue our reflections on the temporal aspects of liturgical life, we consider the week, and its defining role in monastic tradition.

Brother Benedict Maria continues his journey towards the priesthood with his formation program in Florida. Brother Sixtus Roslevich gives us an update.

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.