Monastery Sheep

Br Marcel-Marie warms a hypothermic lamb
in the warming drawer of the kitchen oven.

November 2000

It was a beautiful day on Stronsay when the brothers led the sheep
from the pier through Whitehall to the farm of Mr Ingrim Stout.

With the help of Stronsay neighbours, Mr Bill Miller and Mr James Stout senior,
the brothers herd the sheep onto the barge to be taken across Papa Sound.

Papa Stronsay sheep on the first stage of their journey to market in Kirkwall.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow Me.” [Jn 10,27] Lambing season on Golgotha Monastery Island involves a great deal of work, but at the end of the day it provides rewarding moments like these!

“For you were as sheep going astray;
but you are now converted to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”
[I Pet. 2, 25]
This picture of the Good Shepherd belonged to St Thérèse of Lisieux.

June 2002

During a rather difficult muster of the island’s sheep,
Brother Hohepa took a great weight on his shoulders –
which did not charm him in the sheep’s view of things,
but which did bring in the hundredth sheep
and allow us to close the barge for its trip across the water to Stronsay.
A novice monk indeed, but likely also a good shepherd in the making!

June 2004

February 2005

Some of the monastery’s harvest of 2004 lambs
are shipped for sale.

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