the Abbey of Gethsemani

It would be difficult to capture the full essence of my five days at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Kentucky.  This large plaque hung just outside the entrance to the Guest Wing of this impressive complex.  We truly were "received like Christ".
This was my bed in the comfortable room that included a desk, a couple of chairs, and a bathroom.  Small, simple, and immaculate.
Chairs like these just outside the dining hall  provided places to read and think, or to simply enjoy the quiet of the gardens.  Meals were eaten in silence, and windows looked out on this scene and the gardens below the wall.  See more of the gardens and flowers here....
I DO have pictures of the chapel and formal places of prayer and worship, but small reminders like this one "spoke" as loudly as the bells that rang throughout the day calling us:  "Listen and attend with the ear of your heart" (St. Benedict of Nursia).

12 comments:

  1. I love that pray-pray-pray sign . I may make me one like that , glad you have come back ! Gina

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  2. Oh, Rebecca...it sounds like such a piece of heaven...a perfect place for contemplation and prayer...how it must have refreshed your soul! I hope someday I will be able to experience something so wonderful! Thank you for sharing...and for these wonderful pictures...I can almost experience the Abbey vicariously this way! Love you much! Janine XOXO

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  3. Welcome Home! I'll be anxious to hear more about your experience. (I am currently in the lobby of the lodge at MC, catching up on a few things.) We are having a wonderful time with family

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  4. Rebecca....what a peaceful place to be.
    I am moved as I see the photos...read your words.
    Love to you from Jackie

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  5. I'm glad you had such an inspirational retreat in such peaceful, beautiful surroundings!
    Really sounds wonderful and your flower photos were so pretty!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Love to you,
    Eileen

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  6. You must have returned home very refreshed with a feeling of serene joy, Rebecca! Simplicity at it's best!
    ♥...Wanda

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  7. This place looks wonderful. How awesome it must have been to just focus on one's own thoughts and prayers. I can only imagine the peaceful silence.
    Love Di ♥

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  8. Wow! Sounds like a place of peace and serenity, Rebecca! I LOVE the pray pray pray sign! I think I am going to have to make one of those!

    Have a joy-filled Sunday, sweetie!
    HUGS,
    Becky

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  9. I have not had a a chance to visit you lately, so this afternoon I decided to drop by your place and read up on what I have missed. For me, it is a treat when I visit a blog and stay for an hour or so...reading up, browsing around. Doing this gives me a deeper understanding of the blog owner.

    You have shared so wonderfully...the pictures from your anniversary promenade, as well as your lovely visit to the Abbey of Gethsemani...it's located in Louiseville, KY, right?

    Years ago I contemplated on visiting that place. The monk I was in contact then was Father Carlos, a Filipino.

    I wonder if he was still the one in charge.

    I have loved the writings of Henri Nouwen who would always share of his time spent in solitude at Trappist Monasteries.

    What a privilege you had, dear Rebecca.

    I smiled when I read of the bucket story, and you are so right, we do tend to carry unnecessary buckets around.

    Thanks for sharing all these things. I truly enjoyed my visit here with you today. Grateful for the opportunity to get to know you more.

    Love
    Lidj

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  10. Welcome back..what a wonderful place.

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  11. There's nothing like a retreat to stir the heart. No doubt you'll have lots to share in the days to come.

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

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  12. Oh dear, it doesn't look like any of my comments have come through since your retreat. I've been having some problems with my server going out when I'm in the middle of something...grr...

    Yes, welcome back. I just knew it would all be wonderful. I'm reading everything you are sharing...thanks for doing that!

    The bedroom brings back memories...it looks exactly like a room I had at a convent while on retreat years ago.

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)