“I will bring them into My holy mount, and will make them joyful in My house of prayer: their holocausts and their victims shall please Me upon My altar.” These inspired words from the Prophet Isaiah (56:7), as the chapter verse for the monastic office of Sext on this feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, were being chanted by the brethren when the conveyancer rang to say that the settlement was complete for the purchase of what we hope will become our future monastery.
The news is that Notre Dame Priory is now owner of 64 acres of land in the small town of Rhyndaston, Tasmania, just 7 minutes north of Colebrook in the Coal River Valley. It is roughly 50 mn north of Hobart, and about 1 h 45 mn south of Launceston.
The photo which has been on the “News” page of this website featuring Archbishop Porteous, Father Prior and the community was actually taken from the property several weeks ago. The view, as you can see, is stunning. Even though it is not visible on that particular photo, Mount Wellington rising majestically over Hobart can be seen from the top of the land.
Below there are a few other shots showing the land and the small house which is on it. Before we can move in however, we will need to get other accommodations set up. Our work for the next weeks and months is cut out for us, but you will be hearing more about that!
This evening, the entire community is chanting the Te Deum in thanksgiving to Our Lady and St Joseph and with gratitude to the generous benefactor whose loan made the purchase possible, as well as to all other benefactors who continue to support our work. Please unite with us in giving thanks to the Lord. God love you all!
