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“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.

While it may have been but a brief eight weeks, our Manquehue friends see great significance in their time with us this winter. Rosario, Berni, Trini, and Teresa have found many highpoints in their Portsmouth experience.

Brother Sixtus Roslevich reflects on his long connection with the Manquehue Apostolic Movement, particularly through the lens of his retreat in Patagonia in 2002. He tells us that his journey, strengthened by lectio divina and impacted by a powerful conversion experience, and enriched through encounters with Abbot Patrick Barry, founder Jose Manuel Eguiguren, and others of the Movement, had an undeniable impact on his monastic vocation.

In offering his greetings and best wishes for 2021, Prior Michael Brunner reflects on the passage of time, and our orientation to time through the birth of Christ. He encourages us to make the best of this new chapter of 365 days.

Prior Michael calls our attention to theosis, the theology of “divinization” popular in eastern Christianity. We speak such a language in the Mass as well, when we pray in light of God’s humbling Himself in taking on our humanity, that we may “come to share in the divinity of Christ.” This prayer in the Mass points to the Incarnation and leads us to consider the feast of Christmas.

It is with faith in the promises of Christ that we share with you the news of the passing of Reverend Dom Julian Stead O.S.B.'43, monk and priest of Portsmouth Abbey and alumnus of Portsmouth Priory School. Fr. Julian died early on the morning of Dec 23rd, 2020 at St. Clare-Newport where he had been in residence for the past several years. Please join us in praying for the repose and eternal happiness of Fr. Julian.