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Talk about the tevelision doing inadvertant evangilization. Totally cool! Lives changed. I bet the news really really disappointed in this reality show. PRAISE THE LORD! Pani Rose
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reality TV in monastery changes five lives forever
By Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent
(Filed: 30/04/2005)

Five men, ranging from an atheist in the pornography trade to a former Protestant paramilitary, have found their lives unexpectedly transformed in the latest incarnation of reality television - the monastery.


More Oh Brother! than Big Brother, the five underwent a spiritual makeover by spending 40 days and 40 nights living with Roman Catholic monks in Worth Abbey, West Sussex.

The experiment, which will be shown on BBC 2 this month, was designed to test whether the monastic tradition begun by St Benedict 1,500 years ago still has any relevance to the modern world.

Although participants were not required to vote each other out, they faced the challenge of living together in a community and following a disciplined regime of work and prayer. By the end, the atheist, Tony Burke, 29, became a believer and gave up his job producing trailers for a sex chat line after having what he described as a "religious experience".

Gary McCormick, 36, the former Ulster Defence Association member, who spent much of his early life in prison, began to overcome his inner demons.

Peter Gruffydd, a retired teacher, regained the faith he had rejected in his youth and Nick Buxton, 37, a Cambridge undergraduate, edged closer to becoming an Anglican priest.

The fifth "novice", 32-year-old Anthony Wright, who works for a London legal publishing company, started to come to terms with his childhood traumas.

The three-part series called The Monastery shows the five abiding by the monastery rules, with a strict timetable of instruction, study, prayer, reflection and work duties. They are also shown holding intense and often painful sessions with their religious mentors, individual monks assigned to guide each of them on their spiritual journeys.

At the end of one of these sessions, Mr Burke, his voicing breaking with emotion, confessed his feelings in a video-diary entry. "I didn't want this to happen," he said.

"But something touched me, something spoke to me very deeply. It was a religious experience.

"When I woke up this morning, I didn't believe in this but, as I speak to you now, I do. Whatever it is, I believe in it."

The participants, none of whom was a Roman Catholic, shared meals with the monks, worked in the grounds and joined in the daily office, from early morning Matins to Compline. They were also obliged to follow the monks' rules of silence, obedience and humility.

At the start, the new arrivals were sceptical and discipline did not come easily - two of them were reprimanded for leaving the monastery "looking for virgins and cigarettes".

By the end, they all conceded that the experience had made a profound impression on them.

Fr Christopher Jamison, the Abbot, said that the monastery had been delighted with the results.

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That truely is evangelism.

Dan L

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Alright!! I just hope it gets publicity. I'll pray for it.


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Dear Friends,

The Buddhists of Southeast Asia have a tradition of making 18-year olds spend one year in a Buddhist monastery before going on to higher education or whatever.

Is this not the missing link to catechesis in the Church?

Having some real "hands on" experience in Christian monasticism where one is trained in prayer and meditation and self-discipline - hopefully inculcating habits that will remain for a life-time?

How many Catholics and Orthodox in the pews (or just standing there, as the case may be) can have their spiritual lives revolutionized through such an experience?

For my part, I'm organizing field trips to monastic foundations here for my students.

Simply showing up for Church doesn't "do it" any more.

Alex

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Wow! A reality show that is about reality!!

Paul

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Professor Alex,

I love your idea and it is one that has been used in many parts of the world. I like hanging around here. It fills in so many blank spaces I have because I'm not a cradle Catholic. Now, where are those monastaries around here?

Dan L

I just did some google searches and so far have not turned up any listing of monestaries. Where might I turn for such a list. I take my 101 students on field trips and I'd like to add at least one monestary. I know a few but not many. Help!

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St. Procopius Benedictine Abbey is preety close to you Dan. Thi sis where our priests were trained for a time before SS. Cyril and Methodius was opened.

Fr. Deacon Lance


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Dan:

I hope this has been updated:

http://www.catholiclinks.org/monasteriosestadosunidos.htm

Amado

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Father Deacon,

Yes, I'm familiar with St. Procopius in Lisle. Father Benedict has preached at our Church. There's a RC monestary in Darien which isn't far. Thanks.

Others?

dan L

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It is becoming more and more difficult to "get away". The pressure once experienced by, say, a medical doctor - being on call at all times, has now been extended to other professions. It can become "techno-slavery"; in my own job, it is expected that I will keep my cell phone charged/on in case I need to be contacted (even on vacations). I am thankful when I go to places which say - "cell phones must be turned off". I see people constantly surrounding themselves with sound/distractions - perhaps afraid of the silence or prospect of being with themselves - with their own thoughts for a few minutes. No time to question, contemplate, etc. My biggest blessing is that my car radio doesn't work - and I have 30 minutes each morning (and again in the evening) to pray, think and - sometimes - sing! Anyway ... my point is that the Church's monasteries are just "what the doctor ordered" for such times as these; people are stuck on the merry-go-round and truly need to step off and examine their lives and their relationship with God. Most are unable to take a year, but shorter retreats are also beneficial. I went on a "silent retreat" for an extended weekend several years ago; visitors could participate in the hours, choirs, etc - it was my first introduction to the Breviary. There was time for reading, talking to a spiritual director, etc. Looking back, one thing I treasure and miss about that time was "the rhythm of prayer" - set hours in which whatever was being done was put "on hold" in order to join with the others in the community and pray and worship. Just as I was getting used to the routine ... it was time to go - back to family, job, etc.

I think Professor Alex's suggestion is very good - we all need to experience first hand the spiritual discipline of a life of prayer, work, accountablity, alms, etc. I have read of some entire familes who have spent a vacation at a monastery - prayer, helping with meals, learning to tie prayer ropes, etc. I guess this is why the Eastern Catholic/Orthodox church appealed to me after this experience - there is definitely a "monastic community" environment with much emphasis on prayer, fasting, spirituality, etc.

My chief concern is that such a show does not become "intrusive" - the camera always on, etc. and undermine the monastic environment. There are times and places where cameras (and cell phones) need to be turned off! Also, there is a temptation to "perform" when the camera is on - emphasis on "the sensational", etc. My hope is that people looking for answers/meaning in their lives will be encouraged to visit and find true rest for their souls in Christ.

Christ is risen!

Woody

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Amado,

Thanks. That's just what I was looking for.

Dan L

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What about monthly days of recollection and annual spiritual retreats? Dont your parishes and diocese's provide those services? Parochial missions?


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For those in the Pittsburgh area, arrange time at St. Cyril and Methodius for the young men and teens. If I remember right Fr. invited any young man that wanted to come for spring break to join them for a week of prayer. (besides that the kids love the bowling alley)

For the young women why not arrage time at St. Mt. Macrina with the sisters. I would think the monasteries all over the states would be delighted to have them spend time with them. Also, the sisters in Washington State would be a good place.

Another awesome place if you want to put in the effort is the Antiocheian Village in PA. Though this is not with monks, it is a good place to get your kids away and give them a time to reflect of their spiritual life by taking them completely out of their environments.

Pani Rose

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I think Woody is right. One of the major ploys of this world is sound. AS long as the darkness can keep us traped in sound, it is very hard to hear what Jesus has to say to us.

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Quote
Originally posted by Dan Lauffer:
Professor Alex,

I love your idea and it is one that has been used in many parts of the world. I like hanging around here. It fills in so many blank spaces I have because I'm not a cradle Catholic. Now, where are those monastaries around here?

Dan L

I just did some google searches and so far have not turned up any listing of monestaries. Where might I turn for such a list. I take my 101 students on field trips and I'd like to add at least one monestary. I know a few but not many. Help!
Monasteries not too far from Joliet:

http://www.perrycountyindiana.org/attract/archabbey.html

http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/ ... been there thrice, once for a course, once on retreat and once on a day out-- absolutely wonderful! Benedictine.

or

http://www.monks.org/aloneingod.html

http://www.monks.org/dir_chicago.html ... Thomas Merton and such like...! Trappist, of course.

Either of these would be good places for a weekend away. Sounds like a great plan to which to take the 101 students. Best wishes, wg

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