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There are 187 guestbook entries in 19 pages and you are on page number 1

Comments by Mechthild on Friday, January 06, 2012 at 17:27 IP Logged IP Logged
I have a question. When one makes a solemn vow, one must legally renounce all the money etc s/he had. I suppose it will go to the family members. Now, I found that in the US there is a "gift tax": the tax that the giver of money has to pay. I would like to know how the monastic communities deal with it: I imagine nowadays some of the incoming monks had left a good career and may have money enough that this kind of thing may become an issue.
At solemn profession one must give away all possessions. They may be given to one's relatives, the poor, or other persons, or to the religious community. Any gift taxes over and above the annual gift tax exemption, have to be paid by the donor. We have not had anyone wealthy enough to be subject to such taxes at solemn vows.
United States

Comments by Anthony on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 21:13 IP Logged IP Logged
Greetings,
Would a chronic medical condition be an impediment to becoming a monk? Thank you and God bless.
A minor impediment like needing glasses would not be a problem, but a serious physical or mental impediment would be so.
United States

Comments by Duane Jackson on Tuesday, December 06, 2011 at 16:54 IP Logged IP Logged
Please greet Father Daniel and tell him I often think of him and of the time we spent together
United States

Comments by Christina Sims on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 23:56 IP Logged IP Logged
Dear brother monks:
Do you have the option of being buried in one of your hand made caskets? Many Cistercian Trappist Monks are lowered into the grave without being placed into a casket. I favor a New Melleray Casket for monastic burial. Thank you, Christina Sims
Like other Cistercian communities, the monks of New Melleray are buried with a white sheet over the body, in an open bier made at the monastery.
United States

Comments by Erica Seelig on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 00:20 IP Logged IP Logged
Dear Fathers and Brothers ~
I am not of your faith but I am a spiritual human who lives, I think, a good life. I help animals in need as my work now that I am retired from helping children in need.
I have a question about the nuns there and why they are not listed like the monks are? Thank you for this opportunity to communicate with you.
Erica
The Trappistine nuns of Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey have their own web site: www.mississippiabbey.org
United States

Comments by Prior Philip Vanderlin on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 17:03 IP Logged IP Logged
Please convey my greetings to Fr. Daniel Lenihan, on the occasion of his 104th birthday, tomorrow, July, 28. With prayers and best wishes to the community. Prior Philip Vanderlin, OSB
Colombia

Comments by Kristin a on Sunday, March 06, 2011 at 20:23 IP Logged IP Logged
Hello Father,
can you please tell me the charism of the Trappists monks? Also, their importance in the life of the church today and through the ages? Thank you.
Our Order has its origin in the monastic tradition expressed in the Rule for Monasteries of Saint Benedict of Nursia. Our way of life is wholly ordered to contemplation, worshiping God in a hidden life of solitude and silence, in assiduous prayer and joyful penitence. The Cistercian way of life is cenobitic, lived in community, seeking God and following Christ under a rule and an abbot in a school of brotherly love. By bearing one another's burdens we try to fulfill the law of Christ, participating in his sufferings in the hope of entering the kingdom of heaven.

Regarding the value of a life of prayer for the salvation of souls, Pope Pius the XI writes, "... they who assiduously fulfill the duty of prayer and penance contribute much more to the increase of the Church and the welfare of mankind than those who labor in tilling the Master's field; for unless the former drew down from heaven a shower of divine graces to water the field that is being tilled, the evangelical laborers would reap from their toil a more scanty crop." Umbratilum #12)
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Comments by Albert Waszok on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 23:16 IP Logged IP Logged
Ad multos annos, Dom Brendan!
from Albert Waszok, Monastic Center
United States

Comments by Lynn on Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 11:28 IP Logged IP Logged
Advent Blessings to all of you at New Melleray (my home away from home). After many years of using the New American Bible translation I have been on a search for a different translation. I don't know why, but it feels as if I cannot go deep enough into that particular translation like I used to. It's a feeling of needing to move on, but, oh my, there are so many translations. Do you possibly have any suggestions? I daily use my Bible for prayer and lectio divina. My gratitude for anything you may have to offer in regards to my search. May God forever bless New Melleray and all who make their home there....and open their hearts to those of us living in the world. Peace.
The RSV Catholic Edition (Revised Standard Version) is one of the most faithful translations of the original text, inspiring and easy to memorize. It is available from Ignatius Press and from Oxford University Press. A commentary may be helpful, especially William Barclay's commentary on the New Testament.
United States

Comments by christine on Tuesday, November 09, 2010 at 12:11 IP Logged IP Logged
If a monk or brother passes away how do you notify the family?

We notify his family as soon as possible by telephone. Unless his death is sudden and unexpected, we would already be in contact with his family, inviting them to come and be with him.
United States

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