I just returned from attending our Congregations General Chapter which was held at the Archabbey Monte Oliveto near Siena. Br Timothy accompanied me on the trip which was his first visit to the Archabbey. We flew to Venice and stayed a few days at our monastery in Lendinara, which is about an hour drive from Venice airport. We then drove with Abbot Christopher to the Archabbey. We were there for nine days. The General Chapter was arranged to elect a new Abbot General for the Congregation along with the various committees that help govern the Congregation.

It was a challenging time – the heat wave across Europe continued – day time temperatures were in the high 90’s with 100% humidity. We were all so uncomfortable and it really was a penance being there! I offered it all up to God for the world. We met every day for 8-9 hours – fortunately the meeting room is now air conditioned after being remodelled some years ago. Superiors were present from our monasteries in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Israel, Guatemala, Korea and of course the United States (yours truly). I happened to sit next to Abbot Jacomo from Korea – he speaks very good English so we were able to converse with one another comfortably. At the conclusion of the Chapter Br Timothy and I travelled back to Lendinara for an overnight before flying back to the US the next day. It is good to be home in New Mexico.

All is well here at the monastery – we continue to have groups staying at the Tolomei Center which is nice, and they have their own cooks which helps me out. I will be cooking for a group at the end of this month, and for a couple more during the first two weeks of October. As always we are grateful for those who come and stay with us.

You were in my prayer intentions while I was away – I pray you are all doing well.

God bless you all,

Abbot Aidan,