Tag: monk
The Algerian martyrs shed their blood for Christ
Vatican City, Dec 7, 2018 / 10:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Ahead of the beatification Saturday of Bishop Pierre Claverie and his 18 companions, who were martyred in Algeria between 1994 and 1996, Pope Francis said martyrs have a special place in the Church. “The Church has always paid special devotion to the martyrs, who have… Read More ›
Alone before God
We all carry the monk archetype in our souls A man came to me and asked me why the monastery was so important to him. He went on to say that when he is here staying at our retreat house, he feels at peace and more centered. However when he leaves it seems to go… Read More ›
What Is the Difference Between a Friar, a Monk and a Priest?
Their priesthoods are equivalent, but their vocations are not exactly alike A reader writes to Aleteia: “Can you please help me to understand the differences between friar, monk and priest? I appreciate your attention. [Signed,] Lorena F.” These are somewhat flexible terms; popularly they are all understood to involve a life of sacrifice and poverty…. Read More ›
Renouncing the World
A brother renounced the world and gave his goods to the poor, but he kept back a little for his personal expenses. He went to see Abba Anthony. When he told him this, the old man said to him, ‘If you want to be a monk, go into the village, buy some meat, cover your… Read More ›
September 3: St. Gregory the Great
St. Gregory the Great, a central figure of the medieval western Church and one of the most admired Popes in history, is commemorated in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Catholic liturgy today, September 3. Born near the middle of the sixth century into a noble Roman family, Gregory received a classical education in liberal… Read More ›
St. Pachomius
Catholic News Agency: St. Pachomius can justifiably be called the founder of of cenobitic monasticism, monks who live in community. Even though St. Antony the Great was the first to go into the desert to live a life of seclusion pursuing evangelical perfection, he lived a heremitic life, that is, a primarily solitary life. Pachomius… Read More ›
You know not the day nor the hour
Abba Antony heard of a very young monk who had performed a miracle on the road. Seeing the old men walking with difficulty along the road, he ordered the wild asses to come and carry them until they reached Abba Antony. Those whom they had carried told Abba Antony about it. He said to them,… Read More ›
Father Taras Kraychuk: From drug dealer to Ukrainian Catholic monk
LAC STE. ANNE, Alberta (CNS) — For years, the alcohol, the drugs, the parties consumed Taras Kraychuk. Then, literally, he saw the light. He’s now Father Taras (Terry) Kraychuk, serving as a hieromonk — pastor-monk — in the Ukrainian Catholic Church and living the monastic life near Derwent, Alberta. For 12 years, Father Kraychuk has… Read More ›
Archbishop of Canterbury visits Montecassino
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams visited the Benedictine abbey of Montecassino on Monday, the final stage of his 3 day visit to Italy and the Vatican. Over the weekend, the Anglican leader had an audience with Pope Benedict and attended Papal Vespers at the Church of San Gregorio al Celio marking the millennium… Read More ›
Pope: monasteries have a precious social function
Serra San Bruno, Italy, Oct 9, 2011 / 02:28 pm (CNA/EWTN News) Pope Benedict XVI called the Carthusian charism of silence “a precious gift for the Church and the world,” and one that contained “a profound message for our life and for humanity.” “Retiring into silence and solitude, man, so to speak, is ‘exposed’ to… Read More ›