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March 19, 2004
60 Years in Georgia
This weekend, the Holy Spirit Trappist Monastery in Conyers, Georgia celebrates 60 years
Holy Spirit was organized in March 1944 as an offshoot of Gethsemani, another Cistercian monastery in Kentucky. Most of the 20 founding monks had never been in the Deep South.Father Luke Kot, 92, says the locals didn't know what to make of the strangers in white robes and black cowls. "Some people thought we were German POWs," he recalls. "The black people looked at our robes and thought we were KKK."
It was a rough beginning. It rained for days. The monks slept in a barn. When they sat down for their first meal, the table flipped over and dumped food all over them.
"I was not depressed," Kot says.
Posted by Amy Welborn | Permalink
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The Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia holds a special place in my heart: it's where my conversion experience started. Some of the bloggers associated with this site (including me) worked at the Monastery for several years a... [Read More]
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Comments
I worked at the monastery for several years and got to know many of the monks. It is a pretty amazing place and it's great to see these men living humbly for God. The monastery was a key part of my conversion process.
God bless,
Jay
Posted by: Jay at Mar 19, 2004 11:40:42 PM
I spent several weeks there over a year and a half some years ago. The place is remarkable and the monks a treasure. The guestmaster and I were unloading vegetables for the food bank one August day. I'm mid-40s and DYING, but this 70-something monk is throwing 50lb bags of potatoes like they're nothing.
There's a lesson in that...
Posted by: Ken at Mar 20, 2004 2:04:33 AM
Dear Amy Welborn: I read your book reviews on Catholic Exchange this morning: "Books that will take you on a Spiritual Journey", but even more interesting is the Paul Elie book "The Life You Save May Be Your Own." Merton,Day,O'Connor, Percy. Four of my favorites. A book to order.
I saw "Amy Welhorn" and went thorough my brain bank and connected with my daily devotional "Living Faith". Your March 2 "D" was meaningful..."Needs." Matthew 6:8 for me has always been a puzzle. If He knows my needs then why do I have to pray. And in another devotional today I read: "The reason for asking is so that I may get to know God better."
Last item. Did you read "Transformation In Christ" by Dietrich von Hildegrand? I am having a problem with the last chapter..."True Surrender of Self"
It is explained that when I "deny myself" and surrender unconditionally to Christ I am helped to overcome my attachment to 1.my secure natural base, 2.my contentment with a medium of petty and familiar safety,and 3. my fear of risk and venture.
It is further explained that "my supernatural life will not expand without my contribution.Christ must become the actual center of my life for my supernatural life to unfold." "Christ must become the center of my thought,yearning and will. My every act must be stamped....with his seal."
MY QUESTION: I am 1.secure, 2.content and 3.fearful. To do the above :"denial of self" how can I function daily when, as I understand,every daily deed, action,reading, writing is to be surrendered Christ motivated and "every act stamped with his seal."
Some perspective: I'm 72, six children, 20 grandchildren. Retired. 8 1/2 years alcoholic recovery. Best years of my life. I am close to Jesus. I want to be closer. How can I live life as I know it and "deny myself" as He wants without being,seemingly, Robotic?How does it mix? I guess I should have paid more attention in Theology 101.
I would appreciate your help. Blessings, jim connelly, avalon,. n.j.
Posted by: jim connelly at Mar 20, 2004 3:40:45 PM
