Holy Family

On this very snowy morning, on this Feast of the Holy Family, our monastic "family" was absorbed in all the activities that make the community run smoothly. While one group cleared the paths and entryways of snow, others were preparing the noon meal, still others caring for the infirm, while others were praying quietly.

We were reminded of these words of the early Cistercian abbot, Baldwin of Forde:

 

Since they have one heart and one soul and all things in common, there is concord and unanimity throughout, and they always put the general profit and the common good before their own individual convenience…The greater their love, the stronger is their bond and the more perfect is their communion: and conversely, the greater their communion, the stronger their bond and the more perfect their love.

 

Photographs by Brother Anthony Khan and Brother Brian.