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Daylesford

Abbey

On January 23, 2018, the Norbertine community

chose Domenic Rossi, O. Praem. to be the 5th Abbot of Daylesford Abbey

for a term of nine years. He succeeds

Abbot Richard Antonucci, O. Praem.

who has just completed his nine year term.

Daylesford News

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Abbey Mission Statement

Daylesford Abbey exists

to enrich the church by

our Norbertine communio,

nourished by contemplation

on God’s Word, made visible

in worship and service

within the local church.

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Daylesford News

Contents

2 A letter from Abbot Domenic by Abbot Domenic A. Rossi, O. Praem. 3 Introducing Our New Abbot

by Joseph Serano, O. Praem. 5. Abbey’s Prayer Shawl Ministry by Susan Collins 6 Remembering Our Brother David Lawlor by Joseph McLaughlin, O. Praem. 7 Development Corner by John Joseph Novielli, O. Praem. 8 - 9 Annual Stewardship Report by Joseph Serano, O. Praem. 10 - 14 Spirituality Center News and Programs 15 - Phyllis Martin Lecture:

Sister Ilia Delio, OSF “The Challenges of Living

in a Sacramental World”

For additional copies, call Daylesford Abbey (610) 647-2530 Fax: (610) 651-0219

EDITOR

Joseph Serano, O. Praem.

LAYOUT and DESIGN

Sonia Moore

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Dear Friends,

Almost exactly 51 years ago I came to Daylesford as a high

school senior for a visit. I was intrigued by the peace that I

immediately felt here. I wanted to give this Abbey life a try -

to see if I really belonged. I was deeply inspired by the motto

of John Neitzel, the first Abbot, “That all may be one.” I soon

discovered that St. Norbert was well known in his time as a

minister of reconciliation. I have to say that I quickly felt at

home and wanted to be a part of a community which aspired

to be ministers of reconciliation. I could never have imagined

that my Norbertine brothers would one day call on me to

shepherd them as “Father Abbot.”

Given the growing polarization in our world, our nation, and

even in our Church, I believe deeply that our mission - as

followers of Saint Norbert - is more relevant today than ever.

Our mission is born in the Norbertine charism of “communio”

or communion in Christ. When ideally lived (and to be honest,

we often fall short), we are called to see what unites us before

we would allow our differences to divide us. So, if I love

Christ before all else, I must be looking for his presence in

you. If we are able to see Christ in one another - even through

our weaknesses - how then could we possibly justify

alienating and even demonizing one another because of some

political, or theological, or social position?

Our way of loving Jesus is THROUGH one another, including

those on the margins of society. This is precisely why I

committed to serve the homeless over the past 38 years with

Bethesda Project. Jesus is crying out through them: “When I

was hungry … ”

I have come to recognize that when compassion moves us to

reach out to another - whether we like one another or not —

that graciousness of God is healing and blessing for both of

us. This understanding is the source and fruit of our commun-

ion in Christ.

As I begin this new phase of my ministry, I ask you to pray

for me and my Norbertine brothers, that we may grow in

fidelity to our mission to be ministers of reconciliation.

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 15

Sunday, May 6, 2017 @ 1 pm - RSVP by Friday, April 27

$35 (with breakfast after Sunday Mass) $25 (lecture only)

One of the hallmarks of the Catholic tradition is a sacramental view of the

world. Nature is not mere matter but bears the depths of divine grace

with in it. Yet, today we are confronted by the realities of global warming,

war, mass immigration and political opposition. We are becoming detached from nature and intolerant of

diverse views. Here we will take up the challenge of living in a sacramental world and explore it through the

lens of Franciscan spirituality.

Ilia Delio, OSF, a Franciscan Sister of Washington, D.C. holds the Josephine Connelly

Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova Universe. Previously, she was the Haub

Director of Catholic Studies at Georgetown University and a Senior Research Fellow at

Woodstock Theological Center. Her area of research is Science and Religion with

interests in artificial intelligence, evolution, quantum physics and the import of these

for Christian doctrine and life. She holds a doctorate in Pharmacology from Rutgers

University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and a doctorate in Historical

Theology from Fordham University. She is the author of eighteen books and numer-

ous articles. Her recent books include Making All Things New: Catholicity, Cosmology

and Consciousness and The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution and the Power of

Love, for which she won the 2014 Silver Nautilus Book Award and a 2014 Catholic

Press Association Book Award in Faith and Science.

2/1/2018 - Annual Giving begins & continues through June 30, 2018 3/29/2018 - Holy Thursday 3/30/2018 - Good Friday 4/1/2018 - Easter Sunday 4/14/2018 - Blessing of the New Abbot 4/15/2018 - First Pontifical Mass of the New Abbot 6/10/2018 - Benefactors’ Appreciation Mass, Brunch & Presentation 6/18/2018 - Golf Outing 9/09/2018 - Abbey Picnic & Raffle 9/15/2018 - AbbeyFest 10/05/2018 - 10/07/2018 - Art Show 11/16/2018 - Dinner Dance

Save These Important Dates

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 14

With opportunities for prayer and reflection, simply-furnished rooms, and

delicious meals, we can help you design a retreat that fits your needs.

Prayer with the Norbertine Community

You are always invited to pray with the Norbertine community. Prayer

times can be found online at www.daylesfordabbey.org or on the

information sheet in your private room.

What do we all need more of? Silence. When we enter into silence, we

start to see things with greater clarity. When we make room for silence we

make room for ourselves and God. Silence invites the unknown, the

mystery of life, God’s healing touch, the unfathomable - that which rarely

has a chance to surface within us.

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is a one-to-one meeting with a trained spiritual director providing the opportunity to grow

in an awareness of God’s movements within oneself. Contact Fr. Jim Garvey, Spiritual Direction Coordinator

(610) 647-2530 ext. 102 to schedule a spiritual direction meeting during your retreat. We suggest a sliding scale

of $40 to $60 a session which is shared between the director and the Spirituality Center. It is, however, our

desire that no one be turned away for financial reasons, so partial scholarships are available.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross, the Way of the Cross, the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis, all refer to the journey

Jesus Christ traveled from the time he was condemned to death until his Body was placed in a burial tomb,

concluding with His Easter Rising, the 15th Station. When we pray the Stations, it is not for the purpose of

undertaking an historical remembering of what occurred but to show us what is happening now – what is

happening within each of us. The reason for praying the Stations of the Cross is to enter into the mystery of

Jesus’ gift of himself for us – to experience his means of transforming suffering through love. We do this

“through, with and in him”, step by step, learning how this plan of love can be carried out by us today

Schedule Your Retreat

Retreats should be scheduled at least one week in advance by calling the

Spirituality Center at (610) 647-2530 ext. 100.

• Overnight stay:

$92 (including 3 meals)

• Private room:

Daytime use offering: $30

• Individual meals:

Breakfast $7, Lunch $10, Dinner $15

Sometimes you have to

retreat to the sanctuary within yourself, so that you can find the peace & strength

to continue.

Introducing Abbot Domenic Rossi, O. Praem. by Joseph Serano, O. Praem.

Abbot Domenic and I share a birthday, although he’s six years younger. (He

was born in 1949). We also went to the same grade school (Saint Monica in

South Philadelphia), high school (Bishop Neumann) and college (Saint Norbert

College in DePere, Wisconsin). He joined the community in 1966 and took

solemn vows in 1971. The following year, Frater Domenic started the “Body

of Christ Prayer Community” at the Abbey. On Wednesday nights they

gathered to praise the Lord in prayer and song and filled our nave. Each

Sunday, Domenic served as cantor for our full worshipping community. (He

has a gift for getting people to sing — and he’s also an excellent cook!) In 1974,

with Fathers John Novielli and Blaise Krautsack, he was ordained a priest as

he continued to lead the Prayer Community.

In 1979, with the support of many members of that Community, especially Phyllis Martin (who eventually

became a Norbertine Oblate), Father Domenic founded Bethesda Project and its ministry to the homeless in

Philadelphia. To quote its mission statement, Bethesda exists “to find and care for the abandoned poor and be

family for those who have none”. It has now grown to serve over 2000 homeless persons per year.

After twelve years of service as Director of Bethesda Project, Father Domenic was assigned to live and work

with the Norbertine community (now Abbey) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. From 1991 to 1997, he ministered

and eventually became pastor at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish. After several immersion programs in

Costa Rica, he was able to celebrate the parish’s weekly Spanish Mass.

In 1997, Father Domenic was appointed pastor of Saint Norbert Parish in Paoli. From its beginnings in 1956,

the parish had been staffed by Norbertines, but Domenic was the first pastor to live not in the rectory but with

the community in the Abbey (which is about a mile away). Another first during his tenure was the hiring of a

full time Youth Minister for high schoolers and young adults to supplement the good work being done in the

parish grade school. He also began a Spanish Mass for the many Spanish-speaking families in the area.

Towards the end of his time at the parish, Father Domenic had a sabbatical during which he wrote a personal

memoir entitled “Listening to God’s Whispers”.

In 2010, when Father Michael Lee became pastor at Saint Norbert, Father Domenic returned to full time

ministry at Bethesda. Then, in late 2013, he was appointed administrator of Saint Gabriel Parish in South

Philadelphia and pastor in 2014, while continuing to lead Bethesda Project until July of 2015.

On January 23, 2018, he became the fifth Abbot of Daylesford Abbey. The Norbertine community gathered in

the Abbey church, with some fifty Associates and other good friends, for a Mass of the Holy Spirit. Our Abbot

General from Rome, Thomas Handgratinger, presided and Abbot Gary Neville from DePere, our mother

Abbey, gave the homily. After Mass, the professed Norbertines went to the Chapter Room, while many of our

friends stayed in the nave and continued to pray for us. At four o’clock, thanking God in song, we returned to

the church where our new Abbot (elected for a nine year term) took the oath of office and embraced each of us as

we promised him obedience and support. We just made it for Vespers at 4:30.

Abbot Domenic will be formally blessed on Saturday, April 14th, by Archbishop Charles Chaput, and then on

Sunday he will celebrate his first Pontifical Mass.

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 3

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 4

Christ’s Humility & Greatness

The Challenge & Mystery of the Cross

Presenter: Father Maurice Avicolli, O. Praem.

Dates: March 30 (Good Friday) & March 31 (Holy Saturday)

Time: 10:30 am Offering : Free Will

Good Friday confronts Christians with the challenge of the Cross: an instrument of brutality, torture and

death, which Christ faced and assumed for the salvation of the world. Sacred Scripture proclaims: "By His

Wounds We Are Healed!" Christ's crucifixion becomes a mystery to be pondered and prayed over. It was

Jesus' yoke which God the Father laid upon His shoulders, to atone for and take away the sins of the world.

Yet Jesus says to His followers: "My Yoke Is Easy And My Burden Is Light", thereby calling His Church to

claim His yoke, i.e. to walk in the Master's footsteps by claiming, accepting and carrying the Cross of

Christ - every day, come what may.

It's a Mystery that entails humble submission to the Lord and the Way of the Lord, in all things and

sometimes above all things. Holy Saturday, in this sense, enables Christians to appreciate our fundamental

belief, the Paschal Mystery, which is God's Promise of Redemption/Salvation fulfilled through, with and in

the Christ's Way Of The Cross, always unfolding in history by the fidelity of His Disciples.

Spending These Sacred Days, Living at the Abbey

Different people come to the Abbey for the Triduum with different expectations. Our ideas of the Triduum as

a time of retreat differ. Some of us will often be busy preparing liturgies and attending to the details of

hospitality. For some, this might be a time of reunion; for others, there is a desire for more quiet.

We would appreciate your respecting the solemn nature of these days and refraining from loud conversation

especially in the bedroom areas where the walls are thin. Weather permitting our grounds are good for

quiet reflection. A floor plan of the first floor and our grounds is available.

Triduum Schedule

Holy Thursday, March 29

5:40 pm Dinner (optional for overnight guests)

7:30 pm Eucharist of the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday, March 30

8:00 am Office of Vigils

8:30 am Morning Prayer

10:30 am Triduum Conference

12:00 Noon Midday Prayer

3:00 pm Solemn Service of the Lord’s Passion & Death

7:30 pm Taizé Around the Cross

Holy Saturday, March 31

8:00 am Office of Vigils

8:30 am Morning Prayer

10:30 am Triduum Conference

12:00 Noon Midday Prayer

4:30 pm Vespers

7:30 pm Solemn Easter Vigil & Eucharist

Easter Sunday, April 1

8:30 am Morning Prayer

10:30 am Eucharist

4:30 pm Easter Vespers

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 13

MINISTERING TO THOSE IN 12-STEP RECOVERY

RITA WOEHICKE, SSJ

WEDNESDAY

MARCH 14th, 2018

8 AM REGISTRATION

1 - 4 PM CONFERENCE

4 - 5 PM NETWORKING

Every minister will encounter the challenge of ministering to those who struggle with addiction

and recovery. What becomes necessary is a thorough and experiential understanding of the

12-Steps. This seminar prepares the minister’s heart to recognize God’s activity and support the

movements of grace. The Steps are as much for the minister as for those the minister serves.

CONFERENCE

GENERAL ADMISSION $50

RELIGIOUS & CLERGY $35

STUDENTS $10

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Rita Woehlcke, S.S.J. is the Director of the SSJ Associates in Mission of Philadelphia. Her recent

work was in spiritual direction, retreats and programs for personal and ministerial growth.

In addition to Masters degrees in Literature and Pastoral Counseling, Sr. Rita holds a Graduate

Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Twelve -Step spirituality is an integral part of her personal

and professional life.

Continuing Education Credit Hours Available

REGISTER ON-LINE: www.DAYLESFORD.ORG OR CALL: 610 647-2530 x 133

DETAILS AT: DAYLESFORD.ORG/MINISTIRES/SPIRITUAL-DIRECTION

EMAIL: SPIRITUALDIRECTION@DAYLESFORD.ORG 220 S VALLEY ROAD PAOLI, PA 19301

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 12

A little know ministry is “wrapping the arms of the Abbey”

around those who are in need of comfort and prayer, those

who are burdened by the demands of poor health, or

loneliness. Each week women of the Abbey meet to

socialize, pray and create beautiful warm coverings that are

called “Prayer Shawls”. Led by Grace Sicignano and Pat

Lewis, the women volunteer time to be together to support

each other in creating beautiful works of warmth such as

capes, shawls, and blankets.

These wonderfully woven pieces created by Abbey women

are distributed with a leaflet of prayers selected by the

group. Some members continue knitting or crocheting at

home and bring in their creations.

Do you or somebody you know, need a shawl? Just ask a

member of the Prayer Shawl team or the Abbey receptionist.

With it come the love and prayers of these ladies.

Here are some of the places to which the shawls have been

distributed : Saint Gabriel (a parish served by the Norbertines),

Visitation parish in NE Philadelphia, Saint Malachy’s (Sisters

of Life), Mary’s Shelter (a home for Moms in need, located in

Bethlehem). Some Prayer Shawls have also gone to Camilla

Hall (retired IHM Sisters) and have been shared by Abbey

Stephen Ministers who are care-receivers.

Words of thanks have come in to the women and they are

grateful that God’s love has been shared.

Want to learn how to knit? The ladies of the Prayer Shawl

Ministries are more that eager to teach you. The gift of

learning to knit is one of those skills that you will be able to

share with others in their time of need and always seems to

be appreciated, particularly during those difficult moments

in life.

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 5

May Our Brother David Lawlor Rest in Peace… by Joseph McLaughlin, O. Praem.

On August 17, 1962 Thomas Lawlor entered the Norbertine Order at

the first Daylesford Priory, on Berwyn-Paoli Road, along with nine

other postulants, two of them also named "Thomas" - Thomas

Dunphy from Neumann and Thomas Urian from Archmere. On that

same day fourteen postulants entered in DePere, three of them also

with the name "Thomas." All twenty-four were vested with the

white habit on August 28, and all received new names. Thomas

Lawlor received the name "David." David professed Simple Vows

on August 28, 1964 at Saint Norbert Parish and was ordained a

priest at Daylesford Abbey on April 3, 1971.

Father David's first assignment was teaching at Bishop Neumann

High School in South Philadelphia, his alma mater. However, by

1978 he was serving as a counselor at Alina Lodge in Blairstown, NJ.

For over 35 years David was a "friend of Bill W," and was very

devoted to his self-care, and helping others get the care they needed.

Father David was chaplain at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, PA, where many other Norbertines of

Daylesford have served. He ministered in parishes in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Some parishioners

from Mount Joy in Lancaster County, where David was pastor, attended his interment at Daylesford on

January 20, 2018.

While living at Daylesford Father David served as cellarer for ten years, work-

ing closely with the kitchen staff, especially Mary Kenworthy, to provide

meals for the Norbertines and for the guests and retreatants who came to the

Abbey. He also was novice master, while working as a counselor for Mustard

Seed.

In his more recent years Father David was a devoted beekeeper, tending the

honeybees on the Abbey property and providing honey for the community

and for friends of the Abbey. Early in the morning David would make the

sugar water needed to feed the bees. Up to his last days he would go out to

the apiary to tend the hives. Thus, the First Reading at David's Funeral Mass

was the message of Moses about the Promised Land: "a land of wheat and bar-

ley, a land of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, of live trees and hon-

ey" (Deuteronomy 8:6).

Father David went to Paoli Hospital early on December 30. Father John Joseph Novielli anointed him at

mid-morning. He died peacefully at the hospital at 3:00 PM in the presence of Father Maurice Avicolli

who took great care of David. David suffered much from his cancer but maintained his humor and

patience to the end. The Mass of Christian Burial took place on Thursday, January 4, 2018, the "Eleventh

Day of Christmas”. Father David is survived by his sisters, Mrs. Kathleen Mulcahy and Sister Frances

Lawlor, VHM. He is also survived by his Norbertine confreres, including three classmates: Fathers

Eugene Gries (Albuquerque), John MacCarthy (DePere), and Joseph McLaughlin (Daylesford).

www.daylesford.org Winter 2017 6 www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 12

Four Evening Presentations

Father Joseph Serano, O. Praem.

Monday, February 19 - RSVP by Monday, February 12

Lent: Preparing To Renew the Promises of our Baptism ... Lent began as a retreat for

catechumens, a final preparation for being baptized at the Easter Vigil. Soon the church

realized that it was also an opportunity for those already baptized to renew and deepen

their understanding of the Dying and Rising that is at the heart of Discipleship.

Monday, February 26 - RSVP by Monday, February 19

Lent: A Season of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving... These three traditional Lenten

practices help us remember that we are created by God (and so we pray), broken by sin

(and so we fast) but redeemed by grace (and so we give to others as God has given to us).

Phone: (610) 647-2530 ext. 133 Fax: (610) 651-0219

Email: registrations@daylesford.org Online: www.daylesford.org

Time: 5:40 pm (dinner) 6:30 pm (presentation)

Offering: One Session: $25 (dinner) $15 (presentation only)

Four Sessions: $90 (dinner) $50 (presentation only)

Monday, March 5 - RSVP by Monday, February 26

Lent: Remembering our Fundamental Call to Join the Communion of Saints ... In

the final analysis, we are all called to be holy/whole, indeed called to be saints. Yes,

that entails behavior ("doing") but first it entails identity ("being true to our best

selves"). Baptized into Christ, we are called to be His Body in the world.

Monday, March 12 - RSVP by Monday, March 5

A Closer Look at Mary: the First Christian, the First Saint ... The Catholic Tradi-

tion has always seen in the Blessed Virgin a glimpse of the "Church at its Best".

Thus, not only does Mary help us to understand the Christ whom she bore in her

womb, but she also helps us to understand what it means to follow Him, to be

Christian.

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 11

Could you use A Simple Day Away Sometimes the heart longs for a day away.

Whether experiencing a day of solitude, learning new ways to pray, delving more

deeply into Scripture, or enjoying nature on the beautiful grounds, the Abbey

offers the freedom to design the day according to your needs. Participants have the

option of attending Morning Prayer @ 7:30 am, Mass @ 8:00 am, Midday prayer @

noon, and Evening Prayer @ 4:30 pm with the Norbertine community

Facilitator: Rev. W. A. Trader, O. Praem. Available dates: February 20 & March 6

Cost: $35 (includes orientation, private room for the day, Abbey amenities, lunch)

Ash Wednesday Day of Reflection - February 14, 2018

"Those who are on the outside of the door have already a good part of the journey behind them." Dutch Proverb

To where?

To where are you going?

Life can be described as a journey. In this Ash Wednesday day of reflection we

will look at some of the dynamics of this inner journey. For example, the turn

toward the inner journey is often hastened by a crisis in life.

The day begins with Morning Prayer at 8:30 am in the Church, and includes

presentations, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Mass, and the Sacrament of

Reconciliation. The day will end by 1:30 pm.

Facilitator: Abbot Ronald Rossi, O.Praem

Offering: $30 per person (includes a light Lenten lunch)

Enhancing the Lenten Sunday Scriptures - Wednesdays - 6:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Join us each Wednesday of Lent for a Lectio Divina to reflect on the upcoming

Sunday Gospel in a way that allows the sacred text not only to inform us

but also transform us.

Offering: Free will

Date Facilitator Date Facilitator

February 14 Rev. John Joseph Novielli, O. Praem. March 7 Rev. Theodore Antry, O. Praem.

February 21 Rev. David Driesch, O. Praem. March 14 Rev. Carl Braschoss, O. Praem

February 28 Rev. Arul Amalraj, O Praem. March 21 Frater Jeff Himes, O. Praem

March 28 Rev. Francis Danielski, O. Praem.

Annual Giving 2018 Annual Giving began this year on February 1 and will run until June 30, 2018. The

2017 Annual Giving appeal contributed $227,000 to last year’s budget. Hopefully,

we can surpass that amount this year. We have already received $25,000. We are

grateful for your support of our Mission, Vision, and Ministries. With your 2018

donation, the Abbey will continue to do what we have tried to do for 55 years:

worship the Lord and minister to God’s people. As we are happy to report, each

year Annual Giving is the largest single source of donations for the Abbey

Golf Outing Hershey’s Mill Golf Club was host once again for our 14th annual Golf Outing.

There were 66 golfers and an additional 26 that joined us for dinner. Even if you

aren’t a golfer, please strongly consider joining us for a great barbecue and for

some friendly conversation with friends. Reserve the date of Monday, June 18,

2018 for our 15th Golf Outing at Hershey’s Mill Golf Club.

49th Dinner Dance & Silent Auction For 49 consecutive years the Abbey has hosted many fun-filled Dinner Dances.

The committees, venues, and places have changed but what has always been

consistent, is the coming together of Norbertines and Abbey friends for a night

of celebration to open the Thanksgiving - Christmas Seasons.

Our 2017 evening followed this wonderful tradition. Under the leadership of

Michael & Linda Sanderson, the Committee was generous, talented and very

committed to their distinctive responsibilities. Aronimink Country Club was a

perfect setting. We Norbertines are very grateful

to the Committee and to all our benefactors and

friends who supported our dance and silent

auction, which netted close to $50,000, for the

Abbey. May God bless you. Please mark your calendars for our 50th Dinner Dance

to be held at Aronimink on Friday, November 16, 2018. It should be a blast!

John Joseph Novielli, O. Praem

Mike & Linda Sanderson (Chairs) (Right) Rev. John Joseph Novielli, O. Praem.(Moderator),

Doug & Barbara Bigford (Co-Chair)

www.daylesford.org Winter 2017 7

And don’t forget … Our 2018 Picnic and Raffle will be

held on Sunday, September 9, 2018.

Last year’s $5,000 winners were Ed

and Carol Gilardi. Please consider

joining us this year. It is a wonderful

barbecue and an afternoon of fun

with family and friends of the Abbey.

Last year made twenty years since our re-founding in

1997. A lot of financial events have happened over those

two decades, but I’d like to mention just three. Under

Abbot Ronald Rossi, we renovated the Abbey’s original

wing and created what we call the “Spirituality Center”.

It was a $ 7,000,000+ project, with almost half the money

coming from generous benefactors, past and present, and

the remainder borrowed via a bank mortgage and an

interest-free loan from our mother Abbey in Wisconsin.

Then, under Abbot Richard Antonucci, we celebrated our

fiftieth anniversary of independence from Wisconsin and

conducted a campaign to endow our “50th Anniversary

Fund”, which entailed gifts totaling $ 1,800,000.

Beginning under Abbot Ronald and ending under Abbot

Richard, we sold 42 of our 130 acres to help relieve our

indebtedness and to fund much of our Retirement Plan.

When the last of the 55 houses to be built on the 42 acres

is sold — the development is called “Chapel Hill” — we

expect to be almost debt free and to have our Retirement

Plan close to 70% funded.

Clearly God has blessed us in many ways over the past

twenty years. But, we immediately have to add the

simple truth that those blessings have usually taken the

form of generous support from people like yourselves.

For, as the accompanying numbers & charts demonstrate,

more than one-third of our income comes from donations

and fund-raising — and that is to say nothing of the hun-

dreds of volunteers who help us throughout the year or

the baskets of food collected at Mass each Sunday and

delivered to needy individuals and families in both

Philadelphia and Chester County.

The Norbertine community of Daylesford Abbey is

grateful for your many kindnesses and goodness toward

us and those we seek to serve. Indeed, as our Order has

done for almost 900 years, our community Eucharist each

day is offered for a simple intention: in thanksgiving for

our “families, friends and benefactors” and in petition

that the good Lord may bless you all with the gifts of

health, happiness and peace.

Father Joseph Serano, O. Praem. (Abbey Treasurer)

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 8

* 2016-17: This does not include a further $ 20,000 given to Outreach for St. Gabriel’s Food Cupboard, Bethesda Project and Mision Santa Maria.

www.daylesford.org Winter/Spring 2018 9