NEW CAMALDOLI HERMITAGE: WHAT WE DO
Daily Life
St. Benedict challenged each monk to "pray without
ceasing" during a day devoted to the practice of Liturgy, Lectio and
Labor.
Liturgy refers to the four times a day when the monks gather in
common prayer.
Lectio is solitary prayer, a practice especially emphasized in Camaldolese
spirituality. It incorporates scriptural study and contemplative meditation.
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
The Sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated at 11:30 am on
Monday through Saturday and at I 1.- 00 am on Sundays and major
Feast Days.
The Presider generally offers a homily applying the scripture
readings to daily life.
LITURGY OF THE HOURS
5:45 am vigils
7:00 am Lauds
6:00pm* Vespers
Monks and guests pray as prescribed by Saint Benedict
in the 6th century. Chants, hymns, readings, andprayer are offered
in the Chapel.
* Vespers is held at 5. 00 pm on Sundays and major Feast
Days.
EVENING MEDITATION
Monks and guests practice thirty minutes of silent meditation
before the Holy Eucharist in the Chapel each evening following
Vespers.
|
Labor is a required part of each day. All monks routinely share the daily
tasks of community living, from preparing the daily
common meal to washing pots and pans.
In addition, monks employ their personal talents
in art, music, writing, baking, office management, gardening,
etc.
Throughout the day, each monk attempts first and foremost to remain
constantly aware of the Camaldolese Oblates presence
of God
Spiritual Ministry
Since 1958, nearly 150,000 men and women h a v e made a residential
retreat at New Camaldoli and nearly half a million visitors have spent
all or part of a day here.
Thousands of others have attended retreats offered by Camaldolese monks
in their home communities or at Incarnation Monastery.
Camaldolese Oblates
Over three hundred men and women have become Camaldolese Oblates, lay
persons who strive to integrate monastic spirituality into their daily
lives.
Oblates regularly return to the Hermitage for spiritual counseling,
and attend retreats conducted in northern and southern California by
the Oblate Chaplain for active local oblate groups in those areas.
|
