Fr. Prior Simon’s Homily for the Ascension of the Lord, Year A Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20

Early on the first day of the week, the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee all the way to Jerusalem, went to the tomb, “but they did not find the body of the Lord”. And “while they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel” and said to them: “why do you seek the living among the dead?

Homily for the 8 o’clock Mass, Sunday 10 May 2026, Easter 6A: John 14:15-21

With today’s Gospel we continue reading John Chapter 14, which we started last Sunday. We are preparing just now for the Ascension and Pentecost, so it’s very appropriate for us to hear Jesus speak at the Last Supper of his imminent departure, and of the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Homily for Sunday 3 May 2026, Paschaltide 5A: John 14:1-12

Someone recently asked: “How can I get to know Jesus?” I said: “Read the Gospel of St. John, and especially the final discourse of Jesus, given at the Last Supper.”

Over these 5 Chapters, we hear Jesus revealing the secrets of his heart. He speaks of his relationship with his Father; of the meaning of his mission; of the greatness of the Christian vocation; of the activity of the Holy Spirit; of the mystery of the Holy Trinity.

Homily for the 8 o’clock Mass, Easter Day, 5 April 2026

We speak of the “Paschal Mystery”: that is, the mystery of Christ’s saving death and resurrection; his passing over from death to life; his passage from defeat to victory; from humiliation to glory; from this world to the Father.

Holy Week and Easter at Pluscarden

The ceremonies for Holy Week at Pluscarden were enhanced this year by the presence of 5 youthful seminarians from the Pontifical North Amerian College in Rome. They were here on retreat, but happily offered their services for whatever liturgical serving was required.