June 24, 2011

The monks at St. Anselm's recognized Fr. Simon McGurk's five years of generous service to the community as Prior Administrator by a barbeque party with oblates and friends. At the conclusion of vespers for the solemnity, newly elected Abbot James Wiseman presented Fr. Simon with a print of Fr. Giles LeVasseur's sketch of the front of the church, with an inviting open door,a small token of appreciation for his many contributions to our liturgy, our future planning, and community unity during his years as Prior. The celebration during the barbeque was enlivened by Brother Ignacio Gonzalez's entertaining with his guitar and leading a sing-along of Mexican songs. The June weather cooperated to make it a very memorable evening. Fr. Simon will return to his own monastic community, Belmont Abbey, in Herefordshire, in early July.