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Summer-Fall Newsletter

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Summer-Fall Newsletter Abbey Mission Statement Daylesford Abbey exists to enrich the church by our Norbertine communio, nourished by contemplation on God’s word, made visible in worship and service within the local church. As Norbertine Communities News throughout the world celebrate a Year of Jubilee, Pope Francis D has written our Abbot General to join us in gratitude for the gift of nine centuries of common life and ministry. His gracious words open this Newsletter. Together with God, Among the People Father Michael J. Lee, O. Praem. Born: September 25, 1943 Vested: August 28, 1961 Professed: August 28, 1963 AYLESFOR For the friends of Daylesford Abbey Summer / Fall 2021 Ordained: May 16, 1970 Born to Eternal Life: February 11, 2021 D Contents 1. A Letter from the Abbot A Letter From the Abbot by Abbot Domenic A. Rossi, O. Praem. Words from Pope Francis 2. Words from Pope Francis For a number of years now, the Abbey has had two fig trees nestled in an 4. In Memoriam: outside area of one of our gardens, Fr. Michael Lee, O. Praem. well protected from winter winds. by Joseph McLaughlin, O. Praem. We would typically get at most, a few 5. Norbertine Farewell dozen figs and only at the very end to Saint Gabriel Parish of the summer. This year, however, was very different. by Francis X. Cortese, O. Praem. On just one of the fig trees, as soon as the leaves were starting to appear this spring, there also appeared dozens 7. Development Corner and dozens of figs(I counted 72). Moreover, the fruit were by John J. Novielli, O. Praem. much larger than we had ever seen in the past. By early July, we were gorging ourselves on an abundance of this 8. Spirituality Center News sweet fruit. This was a very new and happy experience Including “The Springhouse: for us. Hopefully, this portends a time of new and greater A Media Ministry fruitfulness for the Abbey. of Daylesford Abbey” Thankfully, we, like nature all around us, are starting to emerge from our pandemic cocoons – that time when so much of our social and religious activity was greatly curtailed. Overall, I believe, this has had a depressing impact on our individual and corporate psyche. But, this dark time is gradually giving way to a time of new beginnings. Not only have more people returned to the Abbey’s Sunday and weekday Masses, but the Abbey has also seen an exponential increase in the number of private retreatants coming to spend some time with us for spiritual refreshment – taking advantage of our beautiful grounds and facility. And the Abbey will once again be able to host groups who want to make their retreats here. Furthermore, as you will see in this newsletter, we are again able to offer a number of in-person programs to For additional PLEASE HELP KEEP edify our spirits. A few examples. Abbot Emeritus Ron copies, call OUR MAILING LIST Rossi will be offering a book study on contemplation. Daylesford Abbey CURRENT (610) 647-2530 Father Joe Serano will give an overview of Catholic social Are you no longer teaching, something very relevant as our Church struggles (610) 651-0219 Fax interested in receiving our with some contemporary issues. Father John Zagarella EDITOR mailings? will offer an afternoon of recollection based on his insights Joseph Serano, Are you receiving from some popular rock music. He’s calling this, “a day O. Praem. more than one copy, of Rock-ollection.” And Father Andrew Ciferni will share LAYOUT and or do you know insights into the mystical realm of Christian iconography. someone interested DESIGN Lastly, we are praying through some ideas for new in receiving a copy? Sonia Moore avenues of ministry here at the Abbey. We hope that you Go paperless will engage with us as we seek ways to grow in our ability Visit us online and receive our to bring healing and new life to our Church. daylesford.org newsletter online. Please leave a message at (610) 647-2530 ext. 1001 Words from Pope Francis Letter of Pope Francis to the Most Reverend Father Jozef Wouters, Abbot General of the Premonstratensian Canons Regular I learned the good news that you have announced a Jubilee to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the foundation of the Abbey of Prémontré by St.Norbert, the first community from which the Order of Premonstratensian Canons Regular originated. St. Norbert is rightly considered one of the most zealous architects of the Gregorian reform. Born around 1075, he became a canon of the chapter of Xanten after his ecclesiastical studies. Through the then Bishop of Cologne, Frederick, Norbert was introduced to the court of Emperor Henry V. Thus, he got involved early in the events that marked the beginnings of the 12th century. While the Emperor and the lords of the realm claimed a right to intervene personally in the appointment of bishops and abbots by favoring people whom they liked, a new sensitivity to the demands of the Gospel and of the mission proper to the clergy grew within the Church. There were not a few men and women, inspired by God, who began to question the attachment ministers of the Church had with merely worldly interests. Norbert was one of these. When, in 1115, at the height of the investiture controversy (should the monarch or the church appoint bishops) he had to choose a position between the Pope and the Emperor, he followed Bishop Frederick of Cologne and began a spiritual journey that was to lead him to an authentic conversion after a long process of discernment. Norbert gave up his life at the court . Ordained a deacon and a priest on the same day, he abandoned the refined apparel of a courtier and put on the habit of a penitent . In Rolduc he became acquainted with a community of reformed canons regular who based their life on the Rule of St. Augustine. Thus, he too began to preach penance and conversion and to lead a life of prayer and mortification; and – not a common practice at that time – he often, if not daily, celebrated the Eucharist . Norbert opted for an itinerant life. He walked on foot, with only one garment, a cloak, and a stick, always carrying with him what was necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist, accompanied by two fellow pilgrims. In Saint Gilles, he met Pope Gelasius II who authorized him to be an apostolic preacher. Since his conversion and throughout his life, Norbert was a faithful servant of the Gospel and a loving son of the Church, obedient to the Pope. In order to receive confirmation of his status as a preacher and to meet the new Pope – Callixtus II, elected in 1119 — he returned to northern France where he met his childhood friend, Bishop Burchard of Cambrai, who marveled at the change in his lifestyle . Norbert’s biographies tell how he healed the sick along the way, chased away evil spirits and managed to placate ancient feuds between noble families. These reconciliations brought peace to the regions where the population suffered greatly from the continuous local wars. For this, Norbert is considered an apostle of peace. He did the work of God, acting in the name of Christ’s charity. The ancient authors insist that Norbert always gathered in prayer before setting out to mediate and to foster reconciliations and restore peace and that he was always faithful to celebrate the Eucharist to meet the Lord whose work he desired to undertake. (continued on next page) Daylesford Abbey Summer / Fall 2021 2 On his way to Reims to be received by Callixtus II, Norbert met with Bartholomew, bishop of Laon, who proposed to welcome him into his diocese. He offered him various possible places to settle. It In Memoriam: was 1120, and Norbert chose the valley of Prémontré. Here he assembled a group of followers with whom he initiated an intense dialogue about the nature of their nascent community. Since many of Fr. Michael J. Lee, O. Praem. them, like himself, were canons, all made canonical profession according to the Rule of St. Augustine, on Christmas Day 1121, the date that marks the foundation of the community of Prémontré . From the beginning, Prémontré has exerted great fascination. Many men and women joined the community of canons, which intended to mirror the primitive Church, described in the Acts of the Apostles. The initial ardent enthusiasm of Prémontré was structured in an austere religious life, of which hospitality and care for the poor and for pilgrims were an integral part. From the beginning, the Premonstratensians have shown great commitment to people outside the community, welcoming them willingly . Dear sons and daughters of St. Norbert, always keep this open heart, which also opens the doors of your house, to welcome those looking for a spiritual counselor, those who ask for material help, those who wish to share your prayer. May your liturgy always be “canonical”, that is, given to praise of God, for the people of God and with the people. Norbert’s strong link with the Eucharist is still a source of inspiration for your apostolic life . A model of faith for all and, in particular, for priests, Norbert always drew strength from the Eucharistic celebration . A few years after the foundation of Prémontré, in 1126, Norbert became Archbishop of Magdeburg . He remained faithful to his original evangelical inspiration and supported the Pope in conflicts with the Emperor, making every effort to establish good relations between them, while maintaining the principle of free appointment to ecclesiastical offices . Nine centuries later, we give thanks for the movement initiated by St.
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