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.