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Br. Francis Kirchner, OSB,
Vocation Director |
The process of introduction to Subiaco Abbey begins with communication between the abbey
vocation director and yourself. We suggest a visit or two to the abbey,
including a stay of four or five days so you can see close-up what our life is
like. For the seriously interested, we have an annual "Come and See Monastic
Discernment Retreat." For five days, you pray, work, and live among us to get a
feel of the monastic vocation. The retreat for 2010 is scheduled for July 8-12,
2010.
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Br. Patrick makes
Solemn Profession |
As you move along in discerning if Subiaco Abbey is
the place where God is leading you, apply for entrance into our formation
program, which lasts four and a half years, until solemn profession. New
candidates enter the abbey in September for a period of six months. This
is a time for testing the waters and experiencing monastic life up close.
At the end of that time, you are voted upon by the community before
entering your novitiate. Towards the end of this novitiate year you are
voted upon again by the community, and if accepted, make first profession
of vows for a period of three years. This gives ample time to live in
community and be certain this is where you can best serve God. Another
vote by your fellow monks at the end of your three years determines if you
can proceed to solemn profession.
In a powerful ceremony that takes place
during Mass, you pronounce your vows and intone the words of Psalm 119:
"Sustain me, O Lord, as You have promised,
that I may live, and disappoint me not in my hope ." When you
have lived the monastic life fully for some years, you realize how
responsive God is to that petition -- He generously rewards you, never
disappointing you in your hope and expectations.
If you feel a gentle and persistent pull towards the monastic life at Subiaco and
want to learn more about its possibilities, feel free to be in touch with
me. I look forward to hearing from you and am glad to be able to assist
you in your vocational search.
Take a lingering look at the heart of our abbey, the altar in our church.
For a moment, sit quietly before the image of Christ Crucified. Consider His
words: "The man who would keep his life must lose it; the man who would
lose his life will keep it to life everlasting." What is your heartfelt
response to this invitation? |
