In the last week we have welcomed four Franciscans and a Jesuit to our house. The Franciscans are the delightful Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal who came from their convent in Leeds to stay in our guest house for their annual retreat. Their retreat master, who lived with us in the monastery, was Fr Simon Bishop SJ, one of the chaplains to the University of Oxford. The photograph of the sisters is taken in front of the barn where the new lambs are. The sisters were quite taken with the lambs, as were the lambs with the sisters.

Making these new friends was a great blessing. Benedictines gave hospitality to St Francis himself, and St Ignatius left his sword at our Abbey of Montserrat, so we are happy to welcome their sons and daughters. And –  we have to admit it – the Jesuit was a great cook!