Two Farewells for One
Monk
Last month, two
monks were appointed as Co-Superiors of Holy Face
Monastery in Clifton, New Jersey. A ceremony at St.
Benedict Monastery blessed the new assignment for Fr.
Louis Navaratne and Br. Antony Maldonado. The former
travelled to New Jersey about a week later, while the
latter stayed behind for a while to attend to some of his
customary duties at St. Benedict’s as well as prepare to
make this major move in his life. Fr. Louis, who
originally was from our Priory in Sri Lanka, spent the
last 17 years at Holy Face (with the permission of the
Prior from Ampitiya until he officially transferred to our
Priory last year). Unlike Fr. Louis, Br. Antony has
always been at this monastery from the very beginning of
his formation as a monk. Because of this, Brother’s
departure was a bitter-sweet reality for our community as
well as for those who frequent our chapel for the
celebration of the Eucharist.
Therefore, after the Mass on
Sunday morning, February 3rd a gathering for Br. Antony
took place in which the friends of our community were able
to say farewell and offer their words of encouragement to
him. Later on the following Wednesday evening, the
day before he set out to travel to New Jersey, the monks
here enjoyed a special dinner with Brother and showed our
appreciation for the blessing that his presence has been
for us.
For last week's news story,
click here.
