Feasts

In the monastery we have the privilege of celebrating nearly all the lesser feasts on the calendar. On certain occasions, such as someone’s name day, the specialness of the day is enriched by particular community celebrations. From the vigil through the feast day the saint’s icon—and relic if we have it—are placed on the altar with a light. There is a special dessert at dinner. Sometimes flowers may appear out of nowhere! It is a celebration for everyone in community, and an opportunity to reflect anew on one particular saint and their significance both to the Order and to the Church. And especially an opportunity to joy in the fellowship of heaven.

In the early darkness of the chapel, the saint’s light is a star on the altar, illuminating gratuitously. It is a reminder to us of our call to also become saints, to freely shine the light of Christ. We may not be very much by ourselves—”just nothing”, as Julian puts it— yet one tiny light can give so much joy—and can also become a means of spreading the fire.