On this past Sunday, May 8 our Brother Richard Hederstrom was clothed in the novice's habit during the weekly Chapter. Before entering the monastery Rick was head ethnobotanist at Kona Kai Botanic Gardens in Key Largo, Florida. We rejoice to have him as our brother in community.
O God, in that unutterable kindness by which you dispose all things sweetly and wisely, you gave us clothing, so that a triple benefit might be ours: we are covered with dignity, kept warm and protected in body and soul. Father, pour forth the blessing of your Holy Spirit upon us this morning and upon these clothes which your sons here before us have asked to receive, so that they may serve you faithfully in the Cistercian way of life.
Pictured above in the Abbey garth: sub-master of novices, Brother Daniel; Brother John Bosco, postulant; Brother Michael, junior professed; Father Luke, director of novices; Brother Richard and Brother Matthias, our two novices and between them, Father James, junior director.
Photographs by Brother Brian