Monday, February 11, 2008

Silence is Golden


I spent another couple of days in Rostrevor last weekend with the Benedictine Monks. I wrote about my previous visit here. I would highly recommend a retreat there for anyone who would like to get away from the noise and stress of life.

The monastry is a modern building set in a valley surrounded by the mourne mountains. It is designed to let the maximum amount of light in.

Brother Thierry has become a friend (a friend who reads this blog!). An hour in conversation with him provided me with more wisdom and reality that reading 20 books could. It feels like having a chat with Jesus, at least how I imagine that would feel.

Come on now, little one, get away from your worldly occupations for a while, escape from your tumultuous thoughts. Lay aside your burdensome cares and put off your laborious exertions. Give yourself over to God for a little while, and rest for a while in Him. Enter into the cell of your mind, shut out everything except God and whatever helps you to seek Him once the door is shut. Speak now, my heart, and say to God, "I seek your face; your face, Lord, I seek." [Anselm's Proslogion xxvi]

5 comments:

EF said...

i'd love to do this j.mac. how's it work?

EF said...

i'd love to do this j.mac. how's it work?

Anonymous said...

Like having a chat with Jesus? Big statement there John

Anonymous said...

Good for you John, this sounds lovely. I have seen the monastery, it is amazing.

Taking time out for retreats is one of my main aims for this year. My 'sacred place' where I have gone a few times is the Christian Renewal Centre, also in Rostrevor. The Benedictine monastery would be interesting to try but it seems so MALE I think I would feel intimidated... do they allow women??

Nina

J-Mac said...

Eilis/Nina,
Yeah there was a lady there the first time I visited. I wouldn't be gender concerned, you could stay there for 2 days and not speak to anyone if you want.

You can book on their website I think or just send Bro T an email.