On 8 December 2023, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Brother Thomas celebrated his Silver Jubilee of vows. Bishop Hugh, who as Abbot of Pluscarden had received these vows 25 years ago, was happliy able to join us for the day's Mass.
O vere beata nox!
Retaining wall
Homily for the 8 o’clock Mass, Sunday 3 December 2023, Advent IB: Mark 13:33-37
Three times in today’s Gospel Jesus calls on us to stay awake. Here we are, once again, at the beginning of Advent: so once again we have a new start, and with it a new wake-up call. Advent issues us a new summons, or a new invitation : to sharpen our focus, to break out of our spiritual sloth; to direct all our attention ever anew towards Jesus.
The Closing of Pluscarden and Birnie Kirks
Sunday 26 November 2023, the Feast of Christ the King, marked the closing of Pluscarden Kirk; a landmark building that is noted by everyone who approaches the Abbey from the Elgin side. So ends official Presbyterean worship in our valley. This began not with the Scottish Reformation in 1560, but only in about 1736, when the first Kirk Minister was appointed.
Foundations - November 2023
The builders of our new St. Joseph's Guest House continue their work according to schedule. In fact they have work sheets which set out exactly what is to be achieved each day, what and who is required for that, and also how much it will cost. They all seem to work very hard, with great competence and efficiency, as do the many fascinating and large machines, which come and go according to need.