Man lives in this world constantly seeking joy and peace. However, God alone, who is Love and the source of true joy, may satisfy this desire. Therfore man, even unnknowingly is constantly seeking God.
“Listen, O my son, to the precepts of your master, and incline the ear of your heart, and cheerfully receive and faithfully execute the council of your loving Father.” (RB Prol 1-2) “Who is the man that desires life and loves to see good days?” If hearing this you answer, “I am he,” God says to you: “If you want true and everlasting life, turn away from evil and do good; seek after peace and pursue it” (RB Prol 15-17).
For over 700 years the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto near Siena has been a priviliged place where men from all over the world “have advanced in the religious life and faith, have run the way of God’s commandments with expanded hearts and unspeakable sweetness of love”. (RB Prol, 49)
Even today the “white” monks follow in their founder, St. Bernard Tolomei’s footsteps and under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary live a life of prayer and work, in fraternal communion, sharing their joys and sorrows, carrying eachother’s burdens in a life of obedience under a Rule and an Abbot. This life of silence within the monastery brings interior peace.
Since 2008 a young Maltese Olivetan monk, dom Guglielmo Maria is living a monastic vocation in this Abbey.
If you too would like to further your vocational discernment (in Italian) write to [email protected].
If you wish to share in our life for a few days of peace and quiet write to [email protected]
For further information visit our website:
www.monteolivetomaggiore.it / www.agricolamonteoliveto.com
00390577707611
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