Homily by Fr. Prior Simon for the Solemnity of St Aelred, 5th March 2026

David I, King of Scotland, died on the 24th of May 1153 in Carlisle. Soon afterwards St Aelred, who in his youth had served at David's court, wrote the celebrated Lament in his honour. That same year in England, king Stephen, under pressure from an invading army and from public opinion in his own realm, agreed to name his second cousin Henry of Anjou as his successor.

Heaven, Earth and Jesus: The Mysteries of Christian Eschatology

The 2026 Pluscarden Pentecost Lectures to be given by Fr Simon Francis Gaine OP Professor of Theological Anthropology, Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, Rome.

Homily for Lent 1A, Sunday, 22 February 2026

From the earliest times the Church has imitated the 40 days fast of Jesus. As Jesus prepared for his public ministry by a fast of 40 days, so we all together prepare for the annual celebration of Easter by a fast of 40 days. Lent for us is always a time of special grace.

Fr. Prior Simon’s Homily for Ash Wednesday: 18 February 2026

Once there was a monk whose name was Zossima. He was “renowned for his way of life and gift of words”. “From his infancy he was nourished in the monastic way of life” and, staying in the same monastery for fifty years, “he observed in everything the rule”; adding to it exercises and devotions of his own.

Homily for 15 February 2026, Sunday 6A

You have heard that it was said of old… But I say to you… (Mt 5:21).

Six times in the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded by St. Matthew, our Lord uses this formula. Next week is the First Sunday of Lent: so we will miss the continuation and completion of this series of sayings, which contrast the standards of the law with the standards of the Kingdom.