What We Do

Daily Life

Saint 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.

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 presence of God.

Spiritual Ministry

Since 1958, nearly 160,000 men and women have 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.
 
  • An Image Slideshow
  • An Image Slideshow
  • An Image Slideshow
  • An Image Slideshow
Saint Romuald’s Brief Rule

Sit in your cell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish. The path you must follow is in the Psalms—never leave it.

If you have just come to the monastery, and in spite of your good will you cannot accomplish what you want, take every opportunity you can to sing the Psalms in your heart and to understand them with your mind.

And if your mind wanders as you read, do not give up; hurry back and apply your mind to the words once more.

Realize above all that you are in God's presence, and stand there with the attitude of one who stands before the emperor.

Empty yourself completely and sit waiting, content with the grace of God, like the chick who tastes nothing and eats nothing but what his mother brings him.