The prophecy of Zephaniah is perhaps rather easily overlooked; but as we glimpse from today’s first reading, it’s well worthy of our attention. Zephaniah was a contemporary of Jeremiah, active in the second half of the 7th century before Christ. By the time he was born, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had ceased to exist. Judah remained tenuously independent for now, but its Kings indulged in religious syncretism or outright idolatry; and with their pagan practices went also pagan morals, including much shedding of innocent blood (cf. 2 Kings 21:16).
St. Joseph's House December 2024
Bishop Hugh was with the community on St. Andrew's Day, 30th November, for the Blessing of St. Joseph's House. That was a happy occasion, much enjoyed by all able to be present for it.
As of mid-December 2024, there are still some small details of the house waiting to be finished. We also await the completion of the large central St. Joseph Statue.
Christ the King, Year B, 24 November 2024, Dan 7:13-1, Apoc 1:5-8, John 18:33-37
If we needed reassurance, having spent the last three weeks or so praying for the dead and perhaps thinking of our own death, and about the Last Things, then the Church in Her wisdom delivers it. Sometimes the link between the readings at Mass is subtle, even difficult to discern. Not this time! The passage from the Apocalypse unambiguously answers any questions that were perhaps left hanging in the air by the other two readings
Dom Simon Piątkowski is appointed Prior Administrator of Pluscarden
The Abbot President of the Subiaco-Cassinese Benedictine Congregation, Dom Ignasi Fossa, with his Council of Assistants, has appointed Dom Simon Piątkowski as Prior Administrator of Pluscarden, until the next regular canonical Visitation: that is, until June 2027. This decision was recommended to the President by our Abbot Visitor, Dom Cuthbert Brogan of Farnborough Abbey, who reached it together with his Provincial Council.
Abbatial Election
Thanks to our Builders!
On Friday 15 November a number of prominent members of our building team assembled at the Abbey in order to be properly thanked for their hard work, professionalism and dedication.
Each was given a specially carved and inscribed wooden plaque as a memento of their months spent toiling here: also a pound jar of Pluscarden honey, and a bottle of Pluscarden apple juice! After suitable speeches and presentations, a lunch followed for all, served up from the kitchen these workers had themselves constructed.