“Schola Caritatis.” Latin for school of love. Our Lady of the Angles Abbey in Crozet is the ‘youngest’ of Trappist Abbeys, being built in 1984. The land was used as a cheese farm, and the sisters of Crozet continue that work to this day. Crozet is tucked away in the hills of Virginia surrounded byContinue reading “Our Lady of the Angels Abbey • Crozet, VA”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Holy Cross Abbey • Berryhill, VA
The first blatant difference I noticed coming into Berryhill was the weather. It was the my first run in with the lovely winter, and I’m happy to report I was not only safe, but I also gazed in wonder like a child at the delicate snowfall (perhaps it helped that it still wasn’t as coldContinue reading “Holy Cross Abbey • Berryhill, VA”
Holy Spirit Abbey • Conyers, GA
A trip that began with humility, upon arriving a day early late at night and being welcomed by a monk, ended with extreme elation, in being able to meet with several monks regarding the topics I had hoped to discuss. Going from Assumption Abbey to Holy Spirit Abbey may be an extreme contrast – butContinue reading “Holy Spirit Abbey • Conyers, GA”
Assumption Abbey • Ava, MO
It’s interesting how complacency draws us away from a place or position. I’ve found in my own life that complacency can be a friend or an enemy (in which case my lack of contentment may not be due to complacency — ugh, semantics). I often wonder and look back on times in which what IContinue reading “Assumption Abbey • Ava, MO”
Breathing room
While I don’t leave for my trip to visit monasteries until mid January, I was able to make it up to New Melleray Abbey near Peosta, IA for a weekend prior to my departure. I have grown to consider this particular monastery somewhat of a second home. I have felt so welcome, so loved, so encouraged,Continue reading “Breathing room”
home away from home
Many people ask me why I call this ’17 spaces.’ The reason for this is that for every Trappist Monastery I have traveled to, I have felt it to be a free space for me to explore, learn, grow, ask hard questions of myself and the world, and ultimately deepen my sense and understanding ofContinue reading “home away from home”
A glimpse
Of Love, By Mary Oliver I have been in love more times than one, thank the Lord. Sometimes it was lasting whether active or not. Sometimes it was all but ephemeral, maybe only an afternoon, but not less real for that. They stay in my mind, these beautiful people, or anyway beautiful people to me,Continue reading “A glimpse”
Thomas Merton
My interest in the Trappist’s lifestyle began when I first read some of the work of Thomas Merton. This seems to be a common starting place for many who find themselves retreating at Monasteries, so I have pondered what makes my experience different, what has God pointed me in this direction for? I’ve spoken withContinue reading “Thomas Merton”
