After Matins, we gathered in the Refractory (dining room) for an incredible feast of roast beef, turkey breast, a carrot dish, potatoes, and another incredible green salad. The room was splendid, complete with tablecloths, and we had a fabulous bread pudding (as well as wine and some leftover eggnog). What a meal!
A great meal requires recognition... Edward (I hope I have his name right, he's the chef) and Laurie (she is also the guesthouse manager, but today her title was "Queen of Desserts") were the masters of the feast and the room broke into applause as they appeared.
So that's Christmas the Monastery Way. What an experience... try it if you can.
I have a quick blog entry, then some packing and driving and a chance to rest before invading the nieces and nephews tomorrow.
Merry Christmas everyone and thanks for a wonderful time!
Thanks for the visit, George. We're happy you celebrated the feast of the Incarnation with us and your fellow guests.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blogging. It's always great to see how our life is perceived by a guest.
Our cook is Edward Wolf; he was assisted by Robin throughout these days. On the picture with Edward is Lori Callaway. They all worked hard and have earned a good rest. We'll be alright with the leftovers for a while!
The room where we take our meals is the Refectory (spell-checkers are not great with monastic vocabulary). The name evolved from the latin word for "to remake, to restore" (think "restaurant").
George, so wonderful to read about Christmas at Holy Cross from all the way over here on the left coast! (I came via Br. Bernard's blog, by the way). I've only been to Holy Cross once, but loved it. it is unfortunately, a long way to go...
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your posts about your next visit!
Leanne S.
Thank you for posting, George. I couldn't come this year, so am pleased to hear about it and see pictures of familiar faces..
ReplyDelete