Church guide

Today (Wednesday, July 31, 2019) we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), Spanish Basque Catholic Priest, theologian, and founder of the religious order Society of Jesus (Jesuits) St. Ignatius, pray for us! The icon may be found at: https://www.monasteryicons.com/product/st-ignatius-loyola-icon-393/icons-of-saints

A contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth, the great Roman philosopher Seneca (ca. 4 BC – 65 AD) is quoted as saying, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” This week we apply this maxim to a long time employee of the Abbey, Kathleen Jeffrey. Her most recent employ, of several years, is the Glastonbury Abbey Book Store and Gift Shop, but she had managed the Mass Guild for several years while also working in the book store, spearheading the move to an on-line presence. In total, she has worked for the Abbey for twelve years. She is a project-oriented person and has been discerning for a while as to what project or challenge is next in her life. We very much appreciate what she has done for the book store and are looking forward to her working a bit in the background this summer to bring some book store projects to a good conclusion. She remains active in the Oblates and as a member of our extended community. This Facebook post is to alert fans and friends of Kathleen that her last day in the store, behind the counter so to speak, is this Friday, August 2nd. If you have a chance please stop by the store on Friday or comment below. Thank you Kathleen for all you have done (and will do) for Glastonbury Abbey! Fr. Albrecht Nyce, OSB Bookstore and Gift Shop Manager

We are excited to announce Glastonbury Abbey's Retreat Schedule for 2019-2020! Click on this link https://www.glastonburyabbey.org/index.php/about-retreats/Schedule/ and check out the wonderful selection of retreat offerings, including: "The Practice of Presence to Self," An Icon Retreat Worshop, "After the Ecstasy, the Laundry;" as well as our regular Advent, New Year and Easter retreats. All are welcome! Contact our retreat office to reserve your place today: 781-749-2155 ext. 300 or email [email protected]

Today (Monday, July 29, 2019) we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Martha (Martha of Bethany). On the same day we also celebrate her sister (Mary of Bethany) and brother Lazarus. These were very close friends of Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels. Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, pray for us! The Martha icon may be found at: https://www.monasteryicons.com/product/st-martha-icon-731/women-saints The Martha, Mary and Lazarus icon may be found at: https://www.monasteryicons.com/product/st-martha-icon-731/women-saints

Sunday, July 28, 4:30 p.m., Glastonbury Abbey's monthly supper served by the monks for those living alone or in difficult circumstances. Please join us for a nice, home-cooked meal! No registration required.

Today (Friday, July 26, 2019) we celebrate the Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Information about them comes from the apocryphal gospel of James (the protoevangelium of James). Tradition has it that they were both born ca. 50 BC and Anne died about 12 AD and Joachim about 15 AD. Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us! The icon may be found at: https://www.monasteryicons.com/product/ss-joachim-and-anna-icon-725/women-saints

Today, (Thursday, July 25, 2019) we celebrate the Feast of St. James (the Greater), Apostle and Martyr. Son of Zebedee, he and his brother John were among the first to be called by Jesus. He died ca. 44 AD. Today is also the name day of our own Brother James. Blessings on him. Saint James, pray for us! The icon may be found at: https://www.monasteryicons.com/product/st-james-the-greater-icon-743/icons-of-saints

Here is an update on the renovation of our Monastery, which the grace of God and many generous souls have made possible! Last month, we moved into our new cells in the new wing. “Move-in Day” was a bit emotional; some of us have lived in our cells in the original part of the monastery for over 30 years. The new rooms (see photo of Fr. Albrecht in his cell), with private baths! and air conditioning!, are simple and full of light. It's good that we added the additional cells as we have a junior monk, as well as a new postulant, more on him later... The new refectory is complete (see photos, with the Tomie dePaola murals), and we are enjoying meals together there in prayer and friendship. Phase 2 of the renovation is underway. It consists of renovating the kitchen, the 2 community rooms, 3 existing bedrooms and the parlor. We hope that the entire project will be completed in November?? and will keep you apprised of our progress. THANK YOU for making this dream possible.

Today (Monday, July 22, 2019) we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. Apostle to the Apostles! St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us! The icon may be found at: https://www.monasteryicons.com/product/st-mary-magdalene-icon-728/women-saints

Hingham Fire and Emergency Management posted this list of Cooling Centers in Hingham - thank you. Glastonbury Abbey's church is also air conditioned and our prayer service Monday-Saturday is as follows: 6:30am Vigils 7:45am Lauds 12:00noon Mass 5:15pm Vespers 7:45pm Compline

This mischievous angel is 75 years young today! Brother Dan, we were ALL blessed on the day you were born, and we thank God for your shining light.

Golden Rule 1961 by Norman Rockwell

#TBT Br. Simon (1917 - 1987) drives the Glastonbury float in the 1968 Hingham 4th of July parade. Br. Simon was an orphan who spent several years in Boys' Town in Nebraska, where Fr. Flanagan became his hero for life. Br. Simon loved trains, farming and animals. "His care for animals at the monastery gave him the aura of a modern St. Francis... He tended to sheep, goats, rabbits and geese and felt they were a blessing for all people. He would name animals, as well as farm machinery, in honor of people he liked. Francis the donkey was a favorite for years... On a cold January morning following a snowfall, Br. Simon went to feed the animals after prayer. He found a newborn lamb (a black one, which he had always dreamed of having), picked it up, and started to walk back to the monastery to show it off. He had a heart attack and died with the lamb in his arms." (From "The Story of Glastonbury Abbey" by Timothy Joyce, OSB)

Come join us on Monday, July 22, at the Abbey Church for Mass at 12 noon followed by lunch at the Morcone Center to celebrate the life of St. Mary Magdalene, the "Apostle to the Apostles." Margaret Arnold, author of The Magdalene in the Reformation and Rector of St. Stephen's Parish Church in Cohasset, will be the speaker. Sign up sheets are on the church bulletin boards or RSVP directly to Pat Murphy: [email protected] or call 781-383-6570. All are welcome! Suggested donation $10.

Here's Brother James working in the Glastonbury Abbey community garden, where everything grown is donated to food pantries. He recently harvested beets, turnips, garlic and potatoes.

Please note, the Abbey bookstore and office are closed this morning for a staff meeting. We reopen at 1 p.m. Apologies for any inconvenience.

DON'T FORGET: During Amazon Prime Day deals on July 15 & 16, you can contribute to your favorite charity (us!) -- simply shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/04-2308718 and AmazonSmile donates to Glastonbury Abbey!

TOMORROW: Join us for our annual outdoor mass and picnic on Sunday, July 14, 9:30 a.m. on the great lawn. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy refreshments including: burgers, hot dogs, salad, chips, watermelon and lemonade. Nona's ice cream truck will be there too! For your entertainment we will have a Barbershop Quartet, caricature artists and games for all ages! Free and all are welcome. Donations gratefully received. No registration required.

Happy birthday to someone driven by faith and love of Christ. And compassion. And laughter. We thank Jesus for bringing you into this glorious world, Abbot Thomas!🎈🎈

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at Glastonbury Abbey. Thankful for every brave American who faithfully gave everything, even their lives. God bless you all.

Meditation Under the Stars is cancelled for Monday, May 27, 2019 in observation of Memorial Day. We will resume our group Meditation practice on June 3, 2019. Peace.

JUST IN! Baxter wins the 2019 BEST IN SHOW award at Glastonbury Abbey's version of the Westminster Dog Show here in Hingham, MA. Please see video attached of one of the many amazing tricks Baxter can do. Shown with one of his biggest fans, Fr. Nicholas.

A friend sent us this recording of her 4 year-old grandson, Bentley, saying his evening prayers. We just had to share. Happy Friday!

#TBT Out with the old, in with the new! Photos of our beautiful Abbey through the years, 1958, 1986 and 2019. We are filled with enormous gratitude to our friends and donors who are making our dream of a more spacious monastery come true. THANK YOU.

SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, January 17, 2019, 7:15 p.m. Join us for the 3rd lecture in our Listening to Other Voices series: Elie Wiesel (1928-2016), presented by Rabbi Joseph A. Polak, Boston University faculty colleague and friend of Mr. Wiesel. Rabbi Polak's book, "After the Holocaust, the Bells Still Ring" will be available for purchase that evening and he will also be signing copies. Book is also available now at the Abbey bookstore. Eliezer Wiesel was a Romanian-born American Jewish writer, professor, political activist, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor. He told the world it must never forget the Nazi horror: "Because if we forget, we are guilty, we are accomplices." No registration required. All are welcome! Donations gratefully received.

This happened earlier today at Glastonbury Abbey...Bells of Peace: A World War One Remembrance...the community gathered to pray, share and sing ending with the song 'Battle Hymn of the Republic' led by Brother David.

Artisan Fair: we are excited to share with you the final group of artisans who will be participating in this weekend's artisan fair at Glastonbury Abbey. Join us! Fri., Nov. 9, 4-8 PM & Sat., Nov. 10, 9 AM - 3 PM. Anne Marie Reardon, Guatemalan hand work. Non profit. (facebook.com/UTSMGuatemala) Cindy Ryder, pottery (hullartists.com/cynthia-ryder) Martha Schleiff, pottery Sandi Smith, photo gifts & cards (facebook.com/artisansinthesquare) Michael Weddell, wood toys & birdhouses (facebook.com/foobywooby)

Artisan Fair: each week we are featuring a group of artisans who will be participating in the 4th annual artisan fair on Fri., Nov. 9, 4-8 PM & Sat., Nov. 10, 9 AM - 3 PM. this week's artisans are: Hortense McCarthy, handmade artisan soaps, soy wax candles (backtobasicssoaps.com) Valerie Mine & Kathy Lesko, fused glass art (vminedesign.com) Bob Mosher, traditional decoys Susies O'Gara & Jennifer Vitelli, burlap wreaths (facebook.com/burlapbees)