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Holocaust Remembrance Week 2013

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.
(Psalm 118:24)

Today begins Holocaust Remembrance Week 2013, established by Congress, and lasting until April 14. The theme of this year’s observance:

holocaust remembrance week, never again: heeding the warning signs

Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 8, marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising during the Nazi occupation of Poland in April-May 1943. A total of six million Jews lost their lives in the Holocaust during World War II.

On this day of Blessing and Remembrance we pray for Norbertines in Holland and Jews everywhere the words of today’s Psalm, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.”

– Father McLaughlin

Norbertine Abbey of Berne Blesses 71st Abbot

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Father Denis Hendrickx, O.Praem, 63 years of age, was blessed as the 71st Abbot of Berne Abbey today. The Norbertine community began on August 3, 1134, two months after the death of Saint Norbert – founder of the Order of Prémontré.

Berne Abbey is the oldest religious community in the Netherlands. The Abbey was founded on the banks of the river Maas by a knight, Fulcold, who would later retire his armor and become a lay brother before dying on April 12, 1149.

Norbertine Abbey of Berne

Gates of Berne Abbey

Abbots Richard Antonucci and Ronald Rossi of Daylesford Abbey were in attendance at today’s abbatial blessing. Abbot Gary Neville of Saint Norbert Abbey also made the transatlantic trip. Both Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA and Saint Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI trace their roots back to Berne Abbey.

– Father McLaughlin