Dear Friends,
On January 3rd the community celebrated with great joy the Solemn Profession of Monastic Vows of Brother
Thomas Harper. Dom Thomas came to us some five years ago, in order to seek the Lord’s will for him in the
context of our community. He has persevered through the various ups and downs of community life and,
towards the end of last year, petitioned the Chapter of the Abbey to meet and discuss and vote on his
suitability for life profession.
After a preparatory retreat at Worth Abbey in Sussex, and a day of reflection under the guidance of Mother
Mary Xavier, the Mother General of the Tyburn nuns, the great day finally arrived.
Surrounded by his family and friends, Dom Thomas pronounced the same vows of Stability, Obedience, and
Conversion of Life, that he had already pronounced at his Simple Profession. This time, however,
he promised them for life, and became a full member of the community with all the rights and obligations of
a solemnly professed monk.
Amongst the friends of Dom Thomas who attended the ceremonies were Fathers Charles and Ian of Worth, and
Father Nicholas of Quarr Abbey.
Three monks of the Abbey of Saint Louis, in the USA, were also present for some days with us after
Christmas, and were therefore able to share the joyful day. The enclosure of the monastery was opened for
the afternoon and our guests were able to share in a splendid buffet served in the monastic refectory and
cloister.
Thanks to Mr Arthur Hall, we are able to share with you some photographs of the day, as well as the homily
of the Mass.
With all our good wishes and blessings
Sincerely in the Lord,
rchived 
ews
