By Fr. Rafael, OES

New Monasticism - Spirituality and Prayer
My friends, centuries ago the tolling bells of a monastery called its inhabitants to prayer and to
follow a rhythm of life. For centuries monastic life was lived only within the confines of the walls of monasteries and monastics experience a sacred seclusion from all worldly troubles.

By Sr. Claire Agnes, OES

One who is practicing a monastic life should behave in such a way, that when others are a witness to their behavior they notice a distinction between the monastic and regular society. As Monastics we are to give up or limit worldly items but this also includes certain behaviors such as the use of foul language or intoxication by drugs and/or alcohol.

By Fr. Bjorn, OES

How awful would it be to have to go through life always looking over your shoulder, certain that an attack could come from anywhere? To have to watch your every move, thought, or desire, for fear that you will be punished by an angry and wrathful overlord?

This post was first published on Fr. Bjorn's personal blog, The Tiniest Hermit.

Hosea, chapter 2, verse 14:

"Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her."

When I talk about my vocation with monks or nuns who have been in vows longer than I have, I often hear the phrase "God never said it would be easy, only that it would be worth it". I'm sure many other people on many other paths have heard the same thing, however the choice of living out a monastic vocation (if it really is a choice) is an especially difficult way to live.

Having a spiritual director is essential for many monastics, but especially for monastics in positions of leadership. A good spiritual director holds you accountable and helps you explore both joyful and troublesome areas of your spiritual life and vocation.

Now today I am going to come at this from a few angles that I am sure will surprise many of you that chose to read this. It’s Good Friday, So part of this is what makes it good? Then the biggie most know, Easter is coming really soon and I have been thinking about the cross. This morning, I would like to look at four men whose names we are not given. They are the four soldiers that gambled for Jesus’ clothes.

These items are very much needed by the people we serve, and will go a long way toward helping them. Here are the items we still need:

• shampoo
• pocket tissues
• nail clippers
• can openers
• deodorant
• chap stick

We thank you in advance for your donation and if you include your name, we can add you to our prayer list.

Since our last posting, Br. Gabriel has had surgery, Sr. Marie is in the ICU, and Fr. Bjorn has had his hands quite full. While Br. Gabriel has made a steady recovery, Sr. Marie is in need of your prayers.

It's safe to say that the Divine has been very busy with us; our numbers are now up to six (three of them are novices). Fr. Bjorn and Br. Gabriel continue to distribute care kits, Br. Francis is preparing for mortuary school and continues to work with the homeless in his local area and Sr. Kathryn Francis is working on and alternative to our standard prayer book.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in regards to our lack of postings. Hopefully they will become more regular in the coming months.

By Fr. Bjorn, OES
"Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." -St. Francis of Assisi

This quote from the first of a long line of Franciscan saints is one of my favorites. It provokes a call to action over talk, making tangible effort the engine of evangelism instead of merely badgering another with carefully crafted arguments and assertions.