Collectively, the feasts we celebrate during these days are to remind us that the observance of Christmas cannot be isolated from the rest of the Church's observance of the Paschal Mystery (the suffering, dying, and rising of Christ); this is the reason he was born in the first place.
This is the Christmas tree and statue of the Infant Jesus which is in our refectory (monastic dining room)On another note, I would like to take this opportunity to mention that I am being transferred to another monastery, as of January 1. Although many people refer to me as a monk, technically I am not. A monk has stability to one particular monastery and it would be a rare exception that might take him away from that one monastery to another. I, on the other hand, am a friar. The word friar comes from the latin frater, which means brother. A friar is not attached to any one monastery and can be sent anywhere his Order has monasteries.
So, I have been asked to take up a new post in one of our two monasteries in Southern California. Although my responsibilities will be greater I don't foresee that it will be an obstacle from my continuing Monastery Daily Photo. So, please bear with me a few days while I spend a few days with my family and complete the transition.
In the meantime, please know that all of you, my blogger friends, go with me in my prayer.
13 comments:
Ok, FA, I get it. You're a mobile monk. Well, if that means you are allowed to move back down south, then Friar sounds better.
And, thanks for the spiritual education of Christmas for those of us who can do without the material parts.
wonderful post FA, I love coming here and learning something.
When you say Friar, I think of the Friar in Disney's Robin Hood. LOL I'm sorry but I do. I love him!!!
You will be in my prayers as you make your move, I hope all goes as planned and you get snuggled in comfy and start blogging again soon.
CP/CO - I like your way with words. Mobile monk sounds good to me.
Texasnascarcowgirl - Indeed, Friar Tuck. I almost used that name as a reference point. Everybody knows him. Thanks for your prayers.
And our prayers go with you, Friar A., as you move on to meet new challenges.
Stability always seemed to me to be the hardest of monastic vows.
Thanks for all the insight and in-sights you have given us from and of your old monastery. Looking forward to the new ones, when you can find time to blog.
Lech leshalom, go in peace (actually the Hebrew blessing says Go TO peace).
Friar A, our prayers follow with you! You will closer to Arizona now, haha! Thank you for your continued explanations of the seasons, of Christ my Lord, and of your tasks. Be safe until we hear from you again.
You will be in my thoughts.
I hope it's a smooth transition and a wonderful year ahead for you! The older I get the less I like change, but I always learn something meanwhile and end up grateful after all.
That's one of the prettiest Christmas trees I've ever seen--and are those angels holding the candles for baby Jesus?
Happy New Year to you and your family, and all your brothers!
Prayers for a safe trip and smooth transition. Life is more interesting when you can travel a bit. I too enjoy the reminder of the the feast days during Christmas. We celebrated every single one when was growing up.
I am glad to hear you plan to continue with Monastery Daily Photo. I only recently found your blog and am grateful that I did. Good luck with your move/transition, and I hope you will have an enjoyable, relaxing time with your family. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year and Happy Moving Day to my Favorite Friar or as someone said Mobile Monk. Mobile Monk---that's really funny!
And Happy Sixth Day of Christmas.
I am late in visiting so only found out about your transfer today. I hope you enjoyed the time you spent with your family, and good luck with the move and new responsibilities.
May you and all your loved ones be blessed with a new year full of peace and love.
FA:
You are such an asset to your community. Hopefully, the new Monastery will afford us the opportunity to glimpse into the daily life.
All the best to you. Transitions are never easy, even for those who are a little closer to the Lord!
Let us know when you are back online! Your "sermons" are the best-- subtle, yet powerful!
Jan
GDP
Happy New Year FA! So glad you are back in SoCal! Looking forward to your posts from the new monastery!
LL
Happy New Year to you!
Great news for us SoCal blogger friends...hope to meet you in person soon. Best wishes for a smooth transition. Tash
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