Trappist – Page 3

Thomas Merton: 40 years after he died

Today is the 40th anniversary of the death of Father Mary Louis, a monk and priest of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance (aka the Trappists). In history he was known as Thomas Merton.

When I was in high school (more than 20 years ago now) I discovered Thomas Merton but I don’t remember who put his writings into my hands. I read his significant works; I marveled at him, with him, in him. Merton made it possible for me to understand God and being a Christian better. His writings gave voice to the interior life for which I am grateful. Now we are remembering him 40 years after his died. My how time flies.

O God, Thou did raise Thy servant, Father Mary Louis, to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the Order of Melchisedech as a son of Saint Benedict, giving him the sublime power to offer the Eternal Sacrifice, to bring the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ down upon the altar, and to absolve the sins of men in Thine own Holy Name. We beseech Thee to reward his faithfulness and to forget his faults, admitting him speedily into Thy Holy Presence, there to enjoy forever the recompense of his labors. This we ask through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

An appreciative report on Merton was done by Religion and Ethics Newsweekly.

If you are interested in reading some recent essays on Thomas Merton, order Cistercian Studies Quarterly 43.4

New Abbot General of the Trappists

Dom Eamon Fitzgerald, Abbot of Mount Melleray (County Waterford, Ireland) has been canonically and regularly elected as abbot general of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. In 2007, Dom Eamon was re-elected for his 4th 6-year term abbot of his abbey; the new abbot general was born in 1945. Dom Eamon succeeds Dom Bernardo who has served for the last 18 years as abbot general.

According to the statistics of January 1, 2008, there are 2,185 monks and 1,782 nuns, for a total of 3,967 persons living in 47 different countries. In context the Trappists are canonically speaking, a monastic Congregation which at present unites 97 monasteries of monks and 72 of nuns.

May God grant many fruitful years to Abbot Eamon!

Trappist General Chapter begins

Today, September 2, 2008, will mark the opening of the General Chapter of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (the Trappists) in Assisi and will remain in session until September 23rd.

What a great place to meet!

For the Abbots and Abbesses in General Chapter this is an important moment for the Order and the Church, but this Chapter’s importance lies in the fact that they will be saying good bye to the current Abbot General, Dom Bernardo Olivera, after 18 years in office. He will submit his resignation and return to his home monastery. It is presumed that the Chapter will accept Dom Bernardo’s request to resign; an election of his successor will follow.

You can follow the progress of the Mixed General Meeting (MGM) by visiting the blog or visit the Order’s website.

Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the deliberations of the Trappist abbots and abbesses. And after the election of Dom Bernardo’s successor we’ll raise a pint of beer to honor both.

All Cistercian saints and blesseds, pray for the Chapter.