Right here in Georgia we have a unique place to spend time with God in a setting that is formally prayed in seven times a day. It's the Monastery of Holy Spirit at 2625 Highway 212 SW in Conyers, just east of Atlanta off Interstate 20 at the Panola Road Exit. See www.trappist.net for more information and a site map.
Sixty-three years ago today - March 21, 1944 - twenty monks arrived on the Georgia property from Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. One famous Trappist monk, Father Louis Merton (pen name: Thomas Merton) was not chosen to go to Georgia. His writings indicate that although he missed the 20 brothers, Fr. Louis did not regret being left behind. 
The chosen 20 monks put in years of hard work to build the new monastery from scratch. They labored in the felling of trees, the grooming of the grounds, the building of the church, and in the making of the stained glass for the windows. It was a labor of love. You can tell when you walk into that church that it is a place made holy by much prayer.
My favorite thing about the Monastery of the Holy Spirit is that their retreat house is open to women as well as to men. All those on retreat are welcome to pray with the Brothers, but brace yourself. The first bell rings at 3:45 a.m. and prayers begin at 4:00 a.m. The last prayers of the day are usually at 8:00 p.m., although that changes somewhat in summer. If you need a place to get away and spend quality time with God, this place is worth a trip from anywhere.
Happy Anniversary, Brothers!
Pastor Linda
Happy Anniversary, Brothers!
Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
No comments:
Post a Comment