The Hawk And The Dove Trilogy by Penelope Wilcock

The Hawk and the Dove series is a trilogy which follows the life of Father Peregrine, the Abbot of St. Alcuin's Benedictine abbey. Along with learning about Father Peregrine's life, there is much to learn about  the brothers. After reading the first book The Hawk and the Dove" and the next two books, I wanted to immediately read another book in the series.

In each book, Penelope Wilcock describes these lovable characters not as saintly but as flawed men who love God and who have given their lives to please Him. The stories become deeply personal as we learn about men who struggle with befriending fellow brothers,  and also fight with the aging process and death. Not surprisingly, some brothers feel called away from the inner world of the abbey and back into society to love and be loved by someone other than their Christ. Then they become involved with a battle whether to  hold on to the world or to hold on to a life in the sanctuary of Christ. Also, Because of  the temptation to backslide, the men often find themselves on their knees asking for forgiveness. For example, one brother splits the air with the words "God's wounds!" Perhaps, this is blasphemy at its worse. Chastisement and repentance are necessary. However, one of the best times is when a family visits from the outside community. It is then that the brothers discover the joy and laughter of childhood again while at the same time serving a mother.

In the end, it was very hard to read about Father Peregrine's stroke. He is a strong man who loves to worship God and help the brothers. This part of the book is about the hardships of aging. When the battle becomes too difficult for him,  Father asks a favor of his friend, Brother Tom. This favor will shake up all of Brother Tom's values. It brings back the realization that Father Peregrine is still human. In order to save himself from bodily discomfort, he is willing to sacrifice his closest friend Brother Tom. This request will shake Brother Tom to his core.When a friend is in such awful pain, too paralyzed to rise and do anything, can you turn down their request?

The favor is very hard on Brother Tom. Already, Brother Tom has dealt with his negative emotions about how to  continue loving a friend in the midst of embarrassment and weakness. The Father's illness becomes a thorn in the flesh for Brother Tom. At first, it is very hard for him to walk into the infirmary. He begins to grumble to himself about what to do and what not to do about the sick Father Peregrine.

All  three of  these books are filled with love, unexpected loss, the beauty of nature, work and worship. Through it all is Father Peregrine's Broken Christ, his Truly Beloved. It has been his purpose to love Christ through all of his days. I will fondly remember his joy, his endurance and his sacrifice. Kregel 
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