St Aelred, 12 Jan. 2011 Fr. Mark

9th Centenary St. Aelred Rievaulx Abbey 2010

Introduction to Mass                       St Aelred, 12 Jan. 2011

St Aelred was an influential figure in the beginnings of the Cistercian Order.  He had connections with King David of Scotland and spent his life in Rievaulx which is relatively near our own monastery.  He is therefore an appropriate patron of Nunraw.

Aelred’s great authority came from his deep commitment to the monastic life and his inspirational teaching and writings.  He didn’t just live in the monastery, he gave himself to it with all his heart.  It is this which attracted so many monks to join Rievaulx.  Aelred loved the common life, but he must surely have desired more solitude and peace than his life as abbot allowed him.

Giving himself to the ideals of the Gospel as lived in the monastery involved suffering, as is true of all great commitments.  But it shaped him at the same time into the great monk and saint that he became.  We thank God for such a patron and pray that we may learn from St Aelred’s commitment in our own lives.

Penitential Rite

1.      Lord, you called us to leave all to follow your call.
- Lord, have mercy.

2.     Lord, you repay us a hundredfold for all that we have given up.
- Christ, gave mercy.

3.     Lord, you give us gifts of love, friendship and loyalty in our daily search for you.
- Lord, have mercy.

Conclusion to Prayer of the Faithful

God our Father, hear us in our daily needs.  May your gifts lead us to joy in your service and to love for one another.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.    

Mark