News - December 2020 RSS Feed

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.

Brother Sixtus Roslevich reminds us to beware the Ides of March, notorious from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. And precisely a half-year later, this year’s Third Sunday of Advent, six months into our extended pandemic restrictions, comes his latest update.

Brother Sixtus Roslevich reflects on images associated with Advent, seemingly one of the comparatively simpler, more quiet of liturgical seasons. Pitting the Advent wreath against the Christmas Star, the Magi, or even the dreidel or menorah, we find the season understated in its mode of anticipation - but no less significant in the formative memories it contains for us.