In the early years of our community, the brethren used these wooden utensils in the refectory. Each monk had a set which they washed at their place in their water cup at the end of their meal. They are tiny embodiments, sacraments if you will, of the desire to live frugally and simply. As our Constitutions tells us, "Our lifestyle is to be plain and frugal.
Everything should avoid excess so that its very simplicity can be
instructive for all. This is to be clearly apparent in buildings and their
furnishings, in food and clothing, and even in the celebration of the liturgy."
A recent photograph taken at the Abbey archives by Brother Brian.
