Tag: Monastery of the Holy Spirit

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retreating in the middle of the week

This afternoon I took a drive down to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, one of my favorite places to go when I need a break. It’s so peaceful there, and the grounds are perfect for a stroll and rosary. I always make my way to the abbey church and take pictures. The stained glass is mostly blue, with some darker and lighter shades of blue and maybe a random purple. That means I always get a different color palate depending on the time of day.

Here are three pictures taken at different times. The blue goes from a gray cast, to blue, to purple. My favorite is #3. Which is yours?

#1

one

 

#2

two

 

#3

three

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WPC: Inspiration

monastery

This little abbey at the opposite end of the county where I live is my favorite place to recharge. It’s a quiet monastery that follows the Rule of St. Benedict. Their motto, Ora et Labora, pray and work,  can be seen everywhere, if not in words, then certainly in action. It’s quiet there, but busy.

I go there often for inspiration, especially when I find myself in a creative funk. I walk around the grounds. Pray. Walk some more. Sit. Think. Take pictures. Think some more. Pray again.

Every time I leave, I’m recharged. I think the peace I feel opens up my heart and mind and I am able to work past the blocks. Its the prayer, and the work. The inspiration for me to pray. And work.

 

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weekly photo challenge: symmetry

symmetry

I had a lovely morning at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. I participated in an interesting project with an interfaith educational channel, and was charmed by the producer, an interesting woman who was a natural story-teller.

We spoke at length about our different faiths, our families, even a little bit about writing.

We ended up in the church for the midday prayers with the monks. It was a special treat for me, since I missed my usual holy hour earlier. I sat quietly, listening to their chant, listening to the words that have carried the faithful for centuries, and I felt the connection over time, transcending time in that moment. The concord, the harmony — not only of their voices but their movements, was all in balance.

The symmetry struck me.

I felt, in that moment, the breadth, the catholicity of my faith.

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