Pluscarden Abbey News

Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage

On Sunday 25th June, the annual diocesan pilgrimage took place here as usual, with warm sunny weather encouraging the 300 or more pilgrims. Bishop Peter Moran was chief celebrant at the afternoon Mass. At the end of Mass there was a procession out into St Benedict’s garden, where the Rosary was recited and Marian hymns were sung. This year, the celebration was enhanced by the presence of the 30-strong diocesan choir, under the direction of David Meiklejohn, with Ronald Leith playing the organ.

New Abbey Website

The Abbey website has been fully revised and was put online on May 25th. Our grateful thanks go to Colin Wood of Image Logistics, who did this as a charitable donation, and to Stuart Deans who worked on the design for the site.

Disappearance of Fr Maurus

There is still no news of Fr Maurus after his mysterious disappearance last May. Fr Maurus, who would have been 94 years old last August, is presumed to be dead; but the circumstances of his death are entirely unknown. He was last seen going for a walk on the local roads on the 12th May. When he failed to return for lunch and supper, a police search was instigated. This failed to find the slightest clue as to his fate, even after repeated attempts with helicopters and search dogs.

Fr Giles Posted to Ghana

Fr Giles Conacher has been appointed as Superior in our monastery in Ghana, effective from Easter 2006. The monastery of Kristo Buase was founded in 1989 as a joint foundation of the English Province of our Congregation, canonically dependent on Prinknash Abbey. Another of our monks, Fr Ambrose Flavell, had been Superior at Kristo Buase since January 2001; but a succession of serious illnesses has obliged him to take a less demanding role in the running of the monastery. All being well, he will remain at the monastery and be responsible for the formation of the novices.

Fr Giles was, until last year, Prior and Cellarer here at Pluscarden and has been greatly missed. In his place, Br Meinrad has been appointed Prior, and Br Michael has been appointed Cellarer. We ask your prayers for God's blessing on all their undertakings.