Dear Brothers and Companions of the Order of St. Columba,

It is with great joy that write this letter as we approach the approaching celebration of Samhain at the end of the month. It is so imperative that we celebrate our cultural holidays that verifies our identity in Christ and in the culture from which we come, a Gaelic culture wrapped in mystery and love of God. In this time, our ancestors recognized that the days were getting longer, the nights more frequently approaching faster than before, the descent of the world into darkness. 

How fitting that as I write this letter, it seems that our world is descending into darkness all around us, the hope of the future seems uncertain, but we must not fret, because we have "seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” (Mt. 4:16) That light is the light of Christ, ever before us, shining forth throughout the world, the cross before us, we are to be the bearers of this light so that all might know that Christ is truly with us, he is amongst us, he has not abandoned his people. That light is the resurrection, in which we are called to preach and proclaim unto all the nations! It is the light that grants us eternal reward, or condemnation. As proclaimers of the gospel, ministers of Him who reigns supreme in the world, we must remember that we are not our own. Just as the Apostle Paul called himself, "I, Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ" (cf. Romans 1:1), we two are slaves, not free to do as we please, but at the service of our Lord King Jesus Christ. This is because we are bound to the Gospel, to bringing its message and pushing it forward in a world that is so darkened. Yet, we have coming up the light of the Birth of Christ, just as the world needs to have Christ birthed once more into her, incarnate amongst the world. It is not just good liturgies and strong preaching that is going to allow for this to take place, the incarnation of Christ in the world, but by our example that we might become truly sons of God, adopted by the blood of our Lord Jesus, who for us and for many died for our salvation and rose in glorious resurrection on the third day! We are not our own brothers, our life must be devoted to living the Rule of our Order, praying the Breviary and praying the Mass with heartfelt adoration and all love that all might come to see the love of the Father, shining forth through us! For people do not follow preaching and liturgies, they follow people. We must give the those that come to us something that they do not get in the world, because that is the purpose of our religion. It is to show that there is a greater relationship than the mundane and carnal relationships that our world demands that we have. Yet, time and again we see that while these relationships are important, they cannot provide the true satisfaction that a relationship with God provides. It is only from this relationship that we can find our ultimate expression and find true love and satisfaction in this life and the next. 

Brothers, this year is exciting! As we will be having three of us ordained to not only the diaconate, but also the Priesthood. Each of us has ministries that we are interested in or are looking at starting a mission where they reside. We also have all of you that will be receiving the great joy of receiving the habit of St. Columba in the coming months. While our formation program is very important, I want to express my desire for each of you that are preparing for Ordination to focus on your ordination studies. Our first year is literally just reading the Life of St. Columba and getting into a prayer routine. I hope that this leaves ample time for you to complete your seminary studies so that you can continue your work in ordained ministry as a Columban Priest or Deacon. Please let us keep all those who are preparing for Ordination in our prayers. 

Lastly, I want to speak very quickly about new opportunities because that is the theme of this year! This year, we will be forming many new missions. I have interest not only in Cleveland, GA and Cumming, GA, but also have interest in Pembroke, NC among the Lumbee Indians and Dillon, SC. I am continuing the talks with the individuals in these areas so that hopefully something will happen. If so, it will be the beginning of two new missions for the Order of St. Columba. It is imperative that we keep these communities-in-formation in our prayers. It is my hope that we will be able to form these missions and that we would have a few more to add to our number, another opportunity to save souls. Please keep this mission work in your heart and I hope to keep you up to date on everything going on as I have the opportunity. 

Our annual retreat this year will be in June in a place TBD. It will be from June 5-8, 2025. Please keep this on your calendar as we will be clothing men in the habit on that weekend. A schedule of activities, lectures and formation will take place during the retreat. I am hoping to have a few guest speakers as well. Please keep these endeavors in your prayers as well. 

Brothers, let us pray for a good year and that there might be many good things that come from it as we move closer to St. Martin's Fast on November 15th. May the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ keep you all now and unto the ages of ages. 



Br. Bartimaeus Cook, OSC
Abbot-Elect
Order of St. Columba