13. Agnes and Terd

Agnes came to Saugerties from our Brothers in Ireland as a designated Abbot, a rather unusual turn of events since we would normally elect our own from among us.  We took his arrival to mean we were in trouble.  At the time we didn't realize how much.

The Abbot Agnes is really a nice guy, but I suppose he has to maintain some level of separateness from us so that he can lead.  Therefore a certain amount of friction is bound to exist between the brothers and Agnes, although I don’t remember much tension surrounding Sparky, our previous abbot.   So I think the main problem with Agnes is his personality.  He’s a bit hard-nosed, even for an abbot.  Terd .. Brother Theresa … normally runs interference for the Abbot on any chores that need to be done outside of Our Lady, or “off planet” as we say. 

It’s only been lately that I’ve been asked to run errands in the village, getting plumbing parts and what not.  Terd always ran around in the SUV getting parts and other chores, but since Agnes arrived, Terd isn’t allowed out without a chaperone.  Instead, Agnes has asked me to travel into town.  I don’t mind, of course, but I feel bad for Terd.  From what I heard, Terd went with Agnes only once before being fired as the Abbot’s driver.  (Agnes needs a driver, having come from a left hand drive country and not being very alert.)

Down in the village, Agnes got into an argument with the nice people at the appliance store when he insisted they should be able to fix our fifty-five year old refrigerator.  Terd explained to the lady in the nicest way possible that “my lord and master doesn't know what he's talking about."  Addressing the Abbot in the presence of others as if Agnes  were bumbling royalty set Agnes off, but his anger did draw attention away from the issue at hand.  While the distracted Abbot launched into a brogue laden monologue on his humble status in the world, Terd placed an order for a new refrigerator.  Terd was a Rhodes Scholar years ago, and is a recognized expert on the writings of Athanasius.  He is a huge guy and has been known at times to impose his physical presence on anyone by placing himself directly in front of the person, the crucifix slung across his massive chest not 4 inches from the other’s nose, saying not a word.  When Terd bears down on you like that, he doesn’t need to tell you he owns the air you are breathing. 
Each in his own way is a big noise.