St Robert of Newminster (Solemnity)

A PRAYER CARD 850th Anniversary

St Robert of Newminster, Abbot
Memorial
(Solemnity in Fenham and Morpeth) 7th June

Born at Gargrave in Yorkshire. He spent the early years of his priesthood as rector of his home town, but later joined the Benedictine community at Whitby. In 1132 he helped to establish Fountains Abbey which embraced the Cistercian rule of St Bernard of Clairvaux. Fountains was to have a daughter abbey at Newminster near Morpeth and Robert became the first abbot in 1138/9. Little is known about Robert the man. He died on 7'h June 1159.

Opening Prayer
God our loving Father, you inspired Robert
to establish a new monastery, and to preside as abbot
with gentleness and justice.
As we honour today this man of prayer, may we also learn from his example.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Prayer over the Gifts
Lord,
accept our gifts
as we honour the memory of St Robert.
May they be for us a source of help and salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord

Prayer after Communion
Father,
you nourish us with the Bread of Life.
Just as Robert gave his own food to the poor, make us eager to help those in need,
that in your mercy
they may welcome us at your table in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Newminster Abbey Northumberland

Left:

Bishop S. Cunningham, Principal Celebrant, Dom Donald with the Pilgrims.
The Walk from the Church in Morpeth to the Site of Newminster could be describe as the Obstacle Pilgrimage, a long pathway including five or six kissing-gates or styles. I was amazed by the walking of one 90 year old lady with sticks among so many elders and also small children. Quite an achievement marking the historic event.

Right:

Within the cl austral site, only covering was for the group of the Deaf School.

After returning to the St. Robert of Newminster Church of Morpeth, there was a warm welcome to the visitors to the Marque for copious refreshments.
The Church itself is a very interesting building.

There is a glorious collection of Saints in the Church, the twelve and Apostles and the statues of St. Joseph and St. Benedict. My question was to ask everyone where was St. Robert. Eventually, Fr. John Cooper, PP., lead me and two priests from Germany, to show me the treasures of his Church. Saint Robert of Newminster is rather hidden in a colured window in the side of the Apse.

News from RCDHN - Roman Catholic Diocese of
Hexham and Newcastle

WEB VIDEO

On Trinity Sunday two parishes in the diocese whose patron is Robert of Newminster joined together for a Pilgrimage and Celebration at the Ancient Ruins of Newminster Abbey in Northumberland.

This Abbey was established in 1138 and St Robert of Newminster presided over the Abbey until 1159. It was one of the largest Cistercian Monasteries in the north of England. The site, near Morpeth, is now in ruins, with a few stones and walling and foundations remaining.

On June 7th, the Feast of St Robert of Newminster, hundreds of parishioners from St Robert's in Fenham, Newcastle, and St Robert of Newminster in Morpeth joined together with Bishop Seamus Cunningham and visitors for a very enjoyable pilgrimage and celebration of Mass at the ruins of the ancient Abbey.

The mass was also signed for the deaf.