May Convocation was especially unique as the number of those attending were smaller than in the past and because of that we were able to host the gathering at our spiritual home at the Abbey. While our times at St. Dunstan has been beautiful and gracious, there was an intimacy about having the family gather on our on holy ground, in our on holy space. It was made especially important as the reredos and the brass work that had been brought down from Iowa that had been worked on during the prior November was in place. The work of many hands brought a sense of personal ownership to our worship and praise. Thank you every one for your efforts and especially to Sister Sophia and the angels who helped lift the huge reredos pieces in place.

We were once again honored to have our Bishop Companion with us, The Right Reverend Michael Garrison. It is always a joy to have him with us. We are truly blessed to have a Bishop that is supportive of Religious life and of our Community particularly.

The Community had the privileged to receive the Solemn Vows of Brother Timothy-Titus on Friday May 3rd during the Mass, the Bishop celebrated and I preached. The occasion comes once in a while in the life of a Community. It takes approximately 5 plus years and sometimes more. But above all it not only suggests a certain amount of stability on the part of the individual but on the Community that has sustained Brother Timothy-Titus. We celebrate his vow taking but also the Community and its vision.

The other major event was the Full Oblation of Brother Justus-Martin [previously known as Brother Tyrone Teran]. Brother was able to get away from his new job and drive to Houston arriving Friday afternoon. His taking of promises was made during the Mass on Saturday morning. Oblation is a Life-long commitment just as vowed individuals are of the Community. It remains that way until they move into vowed life. I ask that all Oblates who have made Full Oblation and all Professed to read their documents that they have signed and you will see that their commitment is for life. You are forever tied to the Community and to me as your spiritual Father, or until I pass on.

Convocation is always about sharing, praying, eating, sharing, praying and eating…..more. And that is what we did in plenty. We made sure that we did not burden the Community with too much work, although there was some of that on Friday as each helped either inside or outside the Abbey. Benedict reminds us that manual labor is good and healthy for us.

Convocation came to a close with the Monastic Blessing. It was a time of renewal and a time of expectation. The theme of the week was “Prophetic Witness to the Church and the World”. We are that Witness crying out in the desert to all those willing to “listen”. The church is in need of Renewal. As the Archbishop of Canterbury has said recently: The Renewal of the church is dependent on praying and praying communities. That’s us!!!! Be faithful, be strong, be courageous, be persistent!! You never know when the Master of the House might come home.

Keep your brass oil lamps polished, wicks trimmed, and have plenty of oil on reserve!!!!!

With blessings and love……. Abba