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Home , Bede, Bede Griffiths, Cyprian, Henry Miller, New Camaldoli Hermitage

SUMMER 2016

SEEDS OF THE WORD and Lisa Benner on inclusivity and openness to wisdom in the thought of Justin and Griffiths. pages 2-4

IN THIS ISSUE 2 “ and Seeds of the Word” 4 “The Fire of ’ Legacy” 5 Lectio Divina 6 “A Journey to the Mountain of Love” 7 Solemnity of St. Romuald 8 Development 9 Vita Monastica 10 Oblate Column 11 of the Risen Christ 12 Activities and Visitors

62475 Highway 1, , CA 93920 • 831 667 2456 • www.contemplation.com MESSAGE FROM THE PRIOR JUSTIN MARTYR AND SEEDS OF THE WORD

Summer seems to be a perfect season to ex- Prior Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam plore “Seeds of the Word,” when all of spring- time’s hidden seeds have germinated and are There is a pithy and important little phrase that has come to mean a great made manifest in stem and leaf and fruit. deal to me in my work in interreligious dialogue: “seeds of the Word.”

Fr. Thomas says about our old monastery in It comes from the second century Justin Martyr whose feast , Santa Maria degli Angeli, that the we celebrate June 2. Justin was a philosopher; there were two sides lived like there but “the doors to his conversion. On the one hand, as he said of himself as he opened inward.” There was always lively conversation with great thinkers of the time, was led to his death before the Emperor Rusticus, he had tried to philosophers and scholars, which made the learn every system before he came to believe that was place the center of the true philosophy. On the other hand, even though he had come during the Renaissance. to regard Christianity as the true philosophy, he didn’t dismiss the other philosophies out of hand. He regarded Plato’s and others’ We have quite a legacy of open philosophies as not only pre-Christian but (as the late Jesuit scholar conversation with folks outside of the visible Jacques Dupuis put it) pro-Christian. So it is from Justin that we get fold of the Church. Our Ambrogio Traversari the Christian use of the phrase spermatikos logos in Greek (semina convened the Council of Ferrara to try to reunite the Eastern and Western churches in verbi in )—“seed of the Word,” which was already a concept the 15th century. Our monastery San Gregorio among Stoic philosophers. in , from which St. Gregory the Great sent St. Augustine of to evangelize According to Greek thought, this Britain, is a center for Anglican-Roman en- word—logos was the genera- counters, a matter dear to the heart also tive principle of the universe, the of our Fr. Robert. germ from which all else devel- ops. It is this same Word—­ logos Our Don Innocenzo Gargono is one of the Church’s experts on Eastern Christianity and that John says in the prologue to hosted Rumanian monks at San Gregorio as well. his was with God, and was God, and became flesh in . Then there is the astounding legacy of Fr. And Justin thought that all those Bede Griffiths, a pioneer and prophet of “who live in accordance with reason [logos] are Christians, even interreligious dialogue, who brought himself though they are godless.” and the monks of our Shantivanam in South India into our congregation, and whose Here is a Christian proclaiming that the Word can be detected work several of us, especially Fr. Thomas and I, have continued extensively. (See the article outside the visible boundaries of Christianity, predating by about th in this issue on the Bede Griffiths Trust.) 1700 years a famous phrase of the 20 century theologian, : “anonymous Christian.” Closer to home, there is the Four Winds Coun- cil, of which we have been a part for almost a There are both narrow and broad interpretations of this concept quarter of a century, gathering with the Esalen of “seed of the Word”. Some say that Justin was only referring to Institute, the Tribe, and the Tassajara Greek philosophers and not to so-called “pagan religions,” so that Zen Mountain Center four times a year. this seminal power would not apply to other religions. But it I often recall the image (the certainly seems as if Vatican II had a broader interpretation: Semina French who was one of the founders of verbi appears in both Lumen Gentium 17 and Ad Gentes 11. Those Shantivanam) uses of the magi in the Gospel of documents apply it broadly, teaching that “seeds of the Word” were Matthew: the visitors come to Jesus not just to implanted in all human beings, and it is those seeds which allow adore, but they also come bearing gifts—which­­ all people some ability to see spiritual realities. Jesus received! May our doors, especially the Therefore whatever is “true and holy” in other doors of our hearts, always remain open to traditions can be upheld. recognizing, encouraging and promoting the seeds of the Word wherever they sprout; may we receive as gift the wisdom of other paths. Fr. Bede Griffiths, in a well-known article about the Jesus Prayer entitled “How I Pray,” explains his understanding of Jesus as Word and expands Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam the concept even further. 2 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage

This Word, this playful Sophia, embraces heaven and earth, and Fr. Bede wrote that the Word is revealed “in different ways and under different names and forms to all humanity.” This is the Word that Nostra Aetate (the Vatican II Declaration on Non-Christian Religions) says, quoting the Prologue of John, “enlightens everyone coming into the world.” And “though they may not recognize it,” Bede says, “it is present to every human being in the depths of their soul. Beyond word and thought, beyond all signs and symbols, this Word is being secretly spoken in every heart in every place and at every time. People may be utterly ignorant of it or may choose to ignore it” but still, as Bede continues...

...whenever and wherever anyone responds to truth or love or kindness, whenever and wherever anyone responds to the demand for justice, concern for others, care of those in need, they are responding to the voice of the Word. So also when anyone seeks truth or beauty in science, philosophy, poetry or art, they are responding to the invitation of the Word. What counts is not so much the name and the form as the response in the heart to the hidden mystery, which is present to each one of us in one way or another and awaits our response in faith and hope and love. So this is not just about being in dialogue with other religions: it means wherever Beauty, Truth or Goodness are mani- fested—be that in a string This verse by Rumi, the 13th c. quartet or a scientific Persian poet, Sufi mystic and experiment, in acts of Islamic scholar is carved in stone justice or self-giving love— over the door of a Christian wherever there is beauty, church in Shiraz, Iran: truth or goodness being manifested, there is the Word, the fullness of which we believe was made flesh in Jesus. This is Where Jesus lives, the great- why a visit to an art museum can feel like a pilgrimage, studying good hearted gather. poetry can be like lectio divina, why we can stand in awe at a view from a telescope or in admiration at the sublime economy of a mathematical We are a doo r t h a t ’ s n e v e r equation or a feat of engineering. locked. If you are suffering any kind Hence it should come as no surprise that Francis talks about of pain, being in partnership with non-believers who are people of good will too. As Jesus says in Matthew and Luke, Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds (or Stay near this door. Open it. by her children—Mt 11:19; Lk 7:35). We are exhorted by the Church, especially in that “language event” that was Vatican II, to be in dialogue and collaboration with people of good will, not only the followers of From The Essential Rumi: other religions, but noble hearted scientists and artists too; and with by Coleman Barks those who work for justice and those who care for the planet. What and John Moyne (Harper San a great witness it is to our faith and life when and if we “recognize, Francisco 1995) p. 201 preserve and promote”—the three verbs that Nostra Aetate uses— good things, especially the “spiritual and moral socio-cultural values,” wherever we find them, in the name of Jesus, not only claiming them for Christ, but claiming them as Christ, as Christic, as a manifestation of the Word that has come into the world and enlightens everyone. contemplation.com ~ 3 THE FIRE OF BEDE GRIFFITHS’ LEGACY In 1968 he arrived at Shantivanam’s . This humble ashram, now a Camaldolese Lisa Benner, Oblate OSB Cam Benedictine house, was founded by the French Bene- dictine monk Fr. Henry Le Saux (Abishiktananda: “Bliss Father Bede Griffiths of Christ”) and the French Fr. Jules Monchanin (1907-1993), a British-born (Parma Arupi Anananda, “Supreme Joy of the Spirit”). Benedictine monk, was Upon Bede’s arrival he began to turn this ashram into an early pioneer of inter- a contemplative house of prayer. Having studied with religious dialogue (specifi- the likes of Raimundo Panikkar, and cally Hindu-Christian) and C.S. Lewis, Father Bede deliberately created, in the enculturation of Christian forest of peace, a place for interiority and interfaith worship and liturgy. He dialog. was introduced to East- Prior to his death in 1993, he founded a Trust to ern thought and the oversee and care for his many manuscripts, articles practice of in 1940 and books and to further promote his spiritual vision and went to India in 1955. for fostering contemplative life and interfaith Drawn to the Camaldolese vision of contempla- conversation. tive solitude within community, he brought the Indian ashram community Shantivanam within Sr. Pascaline Coff OSB, who lived in India alongside the Camaldolese order in 1983. Bede for a year, was instrumental in carrying the torch and keeping the home fires burning after Camaldolese oblate Lisa Benner has been helping Father Bede’s death. She, among others, managed the Trust Cyprian with the Bede Griffiths Trust archives, now and protected Bede’s works and ongoing vision. housed at the GTU Library in Berkeley. She and Steve Recently she stepped down from this position and Schlicht, an IT friend of New Camaldoli, have also passed the torch to Cyprian Consiglio at New revitalized the website, a storehouse of rich resources Camaldoli Hermitage. online: www.bedegriffiths.com. The Bede Griffiths Trust has now been revitalized. Father Bede Griffiths left for India in 1955, Over the last several many boxes have been a momentous journey that would change many lives. unpacked and organized. Some cherished articles He lived first in Kurisumala, where he dove deep into and items were taken to the archives at Berkeley; the study of Hindu and tradition. His inter- most were filed away for safe keeping. The website est in the similarities (and his careful honoring of the has been revamped and updated—please check it differences) between Christianity and Hinduism blos- out at www.bedegriffiths.com. The wonderful somed during this time. He began his writing career, newsletter “The Golden String” is now in blog format publishing the first of many books. Baptized into the and can be found on the website as well. It includes colorful world of India and its sacred spirituality, he entries from various groups around the world lovingly presided over the marriage of East and West. honoring Bede.

At the Benedictine monastery Shantivanam (“forest The Holy Spirit has of peace”) in South India, Father Bede cultivated a splendidly and graciously way to live with intention, simplicity and integrity, kept alive the fire of this remaining mindful of his surroundings and creating legacy. With continued a space to see the Glory dwelling in all. He nurtured guidance who knows a safe space for Christians and to worship where flames will touch together, recognizing that the Ground of Truth flame? As our friend belongs to everyone. Bede said “God has graced Pascaline (left with Fr. every tradition with insight into the divine mystery, Bede) likes to say, from the most primitive to the most sophisticated— “Fr. Bede, intercede”! each has a gift to bring to the world.”

4 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage LECTIO DIVINA Br. Bede Healey, OSB Cam

Starting at the end of June and continuing through- out the summer, the Sunday readings are from the great middle section of Luke’s Gospel, which primarily records Jesus’ teaching.

Jesus addresses three different groups of people: his disciples, toward whom the great teach- ing of this section is primarily directed; the crowd, whom Jesus On June 22 five of us took an overnight Recreation Day calls to conversion and to whom at the Vajrapani Institute, a Tibetan Buddhist retreat he offers warnings; and finally center in Boulder Creek, hosted by our friend Venerable to those who oppose him, typically Pharisees and Tenzin Chogkyi (far left). scribes. IN MEMORIAM In the different times and seasons of our lives, Dr. Pat Mitchell unexpectedly we may find that we are the disciples, the crowds, finished his earthly pilgrimage on and even those who disdain the word of God. May 23. He spent his long career in service to the in It is as if Jesus had us, and our broken scattered so many diverse ways. Pat was a hearts, in mind. student of Raimon Panikkar at the University of , Santa When we enter into the experience of lectio divina Barbara; Panikkar directed his we need to bring all of who we really are to the doctoral thesis on the writings of Marechal. process. The way to know the includes coming to know ourselves. Even Christ’s sometimes harsh Pat had an extraordinarily long tenure as professorof rebukes to the Pharisees and the crowds reveal his theology at St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo, where he compassionate longing to bring all of us to him— mentored scores of future . He also had strong as his disciples and friends, as his sisters and interest in the ministry of spiritual direction and was brothers, as his sons and daughters. It is only in a graduate of the Shalem Institute. Spiritual direction facing our dividedness, in realizing that we have took up much of his free time, both in seeing direct- ees and in serving as formator in several training drifted away from the vital reality of God’s word programs In addition Pat was heavily involved in the that we can return to the fullness of life. World Community of Christian Meditation, led medi- tation groups, and organized workshops to enhance The Camaldolese monastic tradition, based on the spirituality of meditators. He also was involved the Rule of Benedict and its daily rounds of lectio, in diaconate formation for the Archdiocese of Los prayer and work of so many different kinds, along Angeles and was a founding member and served on with opportunities for solitude, allows us—indeed the Archdiocesan Spirituality Commission. But Pat’s calls us—to face ourselves: to find and to re- focus for all of this was his Benedictine spirituality. He center ourselves. was an oblate of St. Andrew’s Abbey, Valyermo, for many years before transferring his oblation to New All those with monastic hearts seek one thing: union Camaldoli Hermitage, which benefitted from his with God. In our prayer and solitude and in our life wisdom and expertise in recent days. But most of in general, we are never alone. We are with the Lord all Pat was the kindest of human beings and made and with each other. By the grace of God and with friends with all whom he encountered. the help of others, we can discover our true selves.

contemplation.com ~ 5 A JOURNEY TO THE MOUNTAIN OF LOVE of humor. I took a morn- ing walk gazing out at By Bill Osuna the sleepy blue Pacific that seemed to change Bill Osuna first came to the Hermitage more than forty with the wind of the years ago and is now in the oblate formation program. Spirit at a moment’s no- tice. Hiking off-trail in the My journey began in spring 1973 when I made my wilderness made me feel first visit on retreat to New Camaldoli. I already felt connected with some- an inner, even somewhat mystical, connection to thing bigger and awe- the area since it held many happy adventurous inspiring. The chapel memories for me. To this day, Big Sur remains my bell tolled and broke the favorite destination in the world. silence. It was time for prayer with the monks. I was in heaven and remember thinking that the experience I called the Hermitage to get information about was like being introduced to someone you hope will spending a few days on retreat. Wow. It was perched become a lasting friend. So it was all meant to be. in the mountains near a little place called Lucia. When I left the Hermitage, I took with me a profound- Sounded like taking a road-trip to Tuscany: Lucia and ly meaningful experience that marked my soul. What Camaldoli. I asked about the fee. The monk on the did I find on the mountain with the monks? I really phone said: “Oh, no fee. Just a free-will donation if didn’t know. But I knew I’d be back. you can. Or you could bring a 50 lb. bag of potatoes and a 25 lb. of oranges. We could really use them.” So fast-forwarding into the 2000’s…I was making So I picked up the big bags of potatoes and oranges, two visits a year now, usually in and October, in packed up my red VW bug, and set out for Lucia. silent retreat with the monks, but as is my personality, keeping a shy distance. A one-way relationship, if you I traveled Highway 1 and past Lucia came to a weath- will. But then I met Camaldolese and began ered white cross that read “Immaculate Heart - to learn something about deepening this relationship age.” I turned onto the dusty gravel road and began through friendship and prayer. Through study and my slow ascent, stopping along the way to take in the discernment, I realized it was time to change this breathtaking views that we’ve all grown to appreciate one-way relationship and to share more deeply in so much. the Camaldolese charism by becoming an oblate . After 42 years, it was time. I’ve learned The friendly monk who checked me in at the book- that what we have to offer is enough because God store assigned my room and explained the schedule supplies what we ourselves cannot. And so I’ve made of , , and Eucharist as well as carefully the journey from being an initial visitor and retreatant explaining the importance of silence and solitude. to a more mutual relationship based on the Oblate Silence and solitude were new concepts for me, but Rule. So many times in contemplative prayer I visual- I soon found myself taking to them readily. Even on ize myself in prayer with the monks—the immense that first night, after Vespers and the evening meal, cone above the rotunda pulling Divine energy onto I was already used to my humble cell, reading and the . It seems an apex of mystical energy. The writing happily. In those days, meals were passed place where Love is found on a mountaintop. through the two-way cabinet door. And, sure enough, there were potatoes and wedges of orange on my Fr. Fish has given me this poem of Wendell plate! By this time I had a deep feeling that I was in Berry, entitled “A Spiritual Journey.” a special place that was spiritually nourishing. I journaled my innermost feelings of conflict and peace And the world cannot be discovered and found solace in the silence. by a journey of miles, no matter how long, That first night I was woken by an animal scratching but only by a spiritual journey, or thumping on the wall. Was it a wild boar or a a journey of one inch, mountain lion? I was petrified. The next morning, very arduous and humbling and joyful, though, I found an old water heater chugging and by which we arrive at the ground at our feet, wheezing against the wall. I thought: God has a sense and learn to be at home.

6 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage SOLEMNITY OF THE CAMALDOLESE FOUNDER ST. ROMUALD

Excerpts from the week… Barban OSB Cam, Prior General of the Camaldolese JUNE 19 Congregation OSB, in his letter to participants in the 2013 Camaldolese Assembly.) For the Solemnity of St. Romuald, which we postponed by a day JUNE 20 (EVENING) this year… This remains the core of the Camaldolese charism: “The Camaldolese the privilege of love. Solitude is never an end in identity, now more than and of itself: it is a response to love and must re- ever, is clearly a dynam- solve itself in love, the love that nurtures our privi- ic balance among vari- leged solitary time with the Beloved in the cell; the ous spiritual and struc- love that draws us to be and binds us as a com- tural elements united munity under the Rule with a common goal and in fruitful tension; it is mutual up-building; and the love that wells up from the awareness of the out of us like a stream of life-giving water in all that value of our own expe- we are called to do and be for the greater Body of rience, linked with the Christ, the Church and the world that God loves cordial acceptance of so much. (Fr. Cyprian Consiglio OSB Cam, Prior of others’ experience; it New Camaldoli, in his article “Solitude Within the is a search for an inner Tensions of the Camaldolese Charism” published disposition and an outward style that joins together in the American Benedictine Review in 2015). men and women in an exceptional charism uniting solitude and communion, rootedness and univer- sality, historical memory and openness to the SAVE THE DATE: “MONKS INSIDE OUT” present and the future, an essential spirit with a rich embodiment.” (Don Emanuele Bargellini OSB Wednesday August 24, 2016 at 7:30 pm Cam, former Prior General of the Camaldolese Memorial Library Congregation) An evening with photographer Kayleigh Meyers

and the monks of New Camaldoli featuring her JUNE 20 (MORNING) stunning intimate photo portraits of the monks of You all know about the pluralistic charism that we New Camaldoli. inherited from St. Romuald: the cenobium where we learn to grow together as a school for the service of God and neighbor; the hermitage, which enables us to live on a deeper level the processes of authentic human growth and the spiritual search; the mission, which gives us the opportunity to share our life of faith with the women and men of our time and to enter into an open dialogue with cultures and spiritual traditions different from our own. In our opening to dialogue and shared experience with all people, we find the basis for the discovery of a God who dwells in every hu- man being and is made manifest in myriad faces and forms, while remaining “One.” (Fr. Alessandro

contemplation.com ~ 7 FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE “Over time, I had the chance to photograph each monk, and hear his story. Summer greetings from Big Sur. “Creating this essay We at the Hermitage were recently blessed by a has had a deep effect visit from Br. ’s niece Kayleigh Meyers, an on me—far deeper accomplished photographer and recent studio-arts than I would have graduate from the University of Redlands. While she expected. I hope I was with us she took photographs of the monks, will be able to de- staff and Hermitage. velop my relationship with the community, These outstanding photographs will be featured in and document their an installation titled “Monks Inside Out” at the Henry life with my photog- Miller Memorial Library on Wednesday, August 24 raphy.” at a fundraiser benefitting the New Camaldoli Hermitage. Our annual summer Wish List should be arriving in your mailbox soon. Gifts made in response to these particular needs allow the Hermitage to make annual Kayleigh wrote of her experience at the Hermitage: upgrades to the property, including the renovation “Every morning during my stay at New Camaldoli, I of the monks’ cells, retreatant accommodations and woke up to the sound of the chapel bell ringing and the Chapel, providing both guests and monks a safe watched the sun rise over the ocean. The peace and and comfortable environment. We hope that you will silence are so deep that I could actually hear seals consider making a gift to our Wish List this year. barking and waves crashing a thousand feet below nd at the foot of the cliffs. This photo essay depicts the We will be hosting our 2 Annual Fall Open House communal and contemplative life of the Camaldolese at the Hermitage on Sunday, November 6, 2016. It will Benedictine monks who live there, both in the choir be held in the Cloister: a and cheese reception robes they wear for services in the church and in and a musical performance by Fr. Cyprian. There is no their informal garb (‘unrobed’) outside the hours of charge for this event; it is a wonderful opportunity to prayer. meet the monks and staff members.

“As a woman in the midst of a men’s monastic We invite you to stop by the Hermitage if you are in community, I was worried that I would be denied the area and enjoy the daily services in the Chapel. access and that it would be difficult to connect with A complete schedule in posted on our website at the monks. Though a few places in the enclosure www.contemplation.com. If you have not made your remained closed to me (as to all guests), the monks summer or fall plans to visit the Hermitage please graciously allowed me access to much of their lives, check availability on our website, or contact and even granted permission to photograph them [email protected]. in the sanctuary during the liturgy. If you would like additional information on any of the upcoming events we are hosting, or how you can support the Hermitage please let me know.

Wishing you and your loved ones an enjoyable summer.

Jill [email protected] 831-667-2456 x114

8 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage FROM THE PAGES OF VITA MONASTICA Yet within any charism that has given rise to a com- munity there was an implicit protest against what was By Fr. Bonifacio Filippetti OSB Cam stable and perfect and magically linear. The process of

changing and updating a religious order is the dynam- and introduction by Fr. Thomas Matus, OSB Cam ic aspect of an original charism, which was an initiative of the Holy Spirit. A founder was animated by the Holy Father Bonifacio Filippetti is long resident at our mon- Spirit, but so are the founder’s offspring, who live the astery in Rome, San Gregorio al Celio. His articles in Vita charism according to the signs of the times. Keep- Monastica began with the and ing faith with the founder’s charism does not mean the committee charged with rewriting our Camaldolese repeating what he or she did in times past Constitutions in the light of the Council (our own Fr. was also a member of the committee). In an We need to discover the signs of our times. There is article written in 1970, Bonifacio reflected on some of an inner dynamic of a founder’s charism that took the then-recent protest movements in France and Italy on visible forms in response to the realities of his or (which many see as a model for the “Occupy Wall Street” her own day. A new generation of religious needs and similar protests in our days); he asks whether there to express the same dynamic in its special way. A is something in such movements that can resonate with religious order can raise a protest against itself; the monastics yesterday and today. Church has done the same, showing her courage in protesting against the wrong paths she has chosen Charism and Protest down through history. This fact challenges our sense “Charism” is a free gift, an initiative of the Holy Spirit of security and shakes us up a bit. within us, setting a new direction and planting a seed of something new in the Church and in our Religious life cannot be imagined as if it were a boat communities. Among religious there is a standing drifting downstream between the grassy banks of a concern to seek and follow the “founder’s charism,” river protected by ancient levees. Today’s river of but less concern about the charism of individual legal norms seems to have become turbulent: streams religious. On the contrary, focusing on gifts of are flowing into it from every side, and these streams religious today raises the fear of contradicting the represent the charisms of our time and the religious founder’s spirit. who add their water to the river of religious life.

contemplation.com ~ 9 Oblates and Lectio Divina By Fr. Robert Hale, OSB Cam

One of the spiritual practices set forth in the Oblate phrases. One ‘personalizes’ the message, renders it Rule is that of Spiritual Reading, often referred to by “existential” with the help of the Holy Spirit. its traditional title of lectio divina. This powerful prac- tice can benefit the spiritual journeys of all Christians, Oratio: The deep meditation on the text leads one indeed of all seekers of God, not just monastics and to pray to the loving and merciful God in words of oblates. thanksgiving, or petition, or maybe , or intercession for others, or maybe all of these dimen- Lectio is used primarily for an in-depth reading of sions of prayer. One turns from the inspired text Holy Scripture, but in an extended way it can be directly to God, in childlike trust and love. used for other profound books, or even for events in one’s life, or for God’s wondrous creation. It is a Contemplatio: The meditation and subsequent way of deeply engaging. The author of the “Cloud of prayer might well lead one, guided by the Holy Spirit, Unknowing” and Thomas Merton would do a kind of beyond words and images into a silent awareness lectio divina on magnificent trees! of God’s presence, so that one is simply abiding in the ineffable, loving presence of God. Modern Classically, as noted in the Oblate Rule, there are four writers on lectio divina add a fifth step, also decisive basic steps to lectio divina: for a full encounter with the sacred text.

Lectio: One reads the text carefully, perhaps rereads Actio: By means of the above steps one comes to it, and explores footnotes in a good study Bible, or a realization of how one might and should put commentaries, to get a sense of what the original one’s lectio divina into practice. Maybe in a fuller writer was intending to express in that particular time commitment to prayer, a different way of relating to the particular audience. And one is attentive to to others, etc. certain words or phrases that particularly seem to speak to the reader. For those who wish to read further about lectio divina, these books can be helpful: Meditatio: One then meditates on what the passage, Lectio Matters by Mary Margaret Funk, OSB. especially the key words and phrases, mean to the Holy Reading: Lectio Divina by Innocenzo reader today, in one’s own spiritual journey. How is Gargano, OSB Cam. God speaking to the reader through these words and Lectio divina by M. Basil Pennington, OCSO.

10 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage MONASTERY OF THE RISEN CHRIST Benedictine women and men these past two months. gave retreats for all of the schools’ Fr. Daniel Manger, OSB Cam principals in the diocese of Fresno, and the Catholic Daughters of San Luis Obispo. On May 19, the monks of the Monastery of the Risen Christ welcomed our Prior General Alessandro God has deeply blessed us and our monastic outreach. Barban and our visitator Fr. Mario Zanotti from Italy, along with Prior Cyprian, for a tour of the facility and We are thriving—and­­ grateful. property here, followed by a festive meal. It was a wonderful visit; we received good encouragement for CALLING ALL FRIENDS AND OBLATES the work done for the transition of the monastery to a Camaldolese house. Don Alessandro remarked on Have you had a time on retreat at New Camaldoli or the “sweet silence” that pervaded the atmosphere. Incarnation or the Monastery of the Risen Christ that changed something in you? An inward shift that was Our chapel, hospitality center, conference space, reflected in an outward way in your life or work? oblate resource center and bookstore were in If so, we’d love to readiness for that visit, as were the labyrinth, hear from you. outdoor Stations of the Cross, the Celtic High Cross, We hope to make and the two other meditation paths available for re- a regular feature treat guests on the upper mount of Cerro Romauldo of short pieces (sic. We are very grateful to God and to many who like this. We are have worked and donated toward all these improve- also hoping to run ments over these past two and a half years. occasional short pieces by friends In May we also hosted both the local Hospice and oblates who have brought young friends (chil- Chaplains and the Catholic Woman’s Guild, who were dren, grandchildren, Godchildren) to the Hermitage all quite taken by the environment. for a glimpse of monastic life. Students from Cal Poly University’s landscape and Please contact Father Cyprian at prior@contemplation. architectural department took our future hospitality com or Deborah Douglas as deborahsmithdouglas@ center garden project and created some wonderful gmail.com for more information. designs for monastic gardens for meditation. Fr. Daniel spoke on the spirituality of monastic gardens and their symbols in a historical overview. The quarterly newsletter is published by the Then over the next few weeks the students Camaldolese Hermits of America for our friends, developed plans that the monastic community will oblates and sponsors. be able to implement to enhance our meditation gardens. There will be a file and a booklet assembled Director: Father Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam that will have all of the various plans contained within Editor: Deborah Smith Douglas, Oblate, OSB Cam it for future reference. Associate Editor: Chris Lorenc, Oblate, OSB Cam Design: Debi Lorenc In the resource library, the flat screen TV monitor Development: Jill Gisselere with wifi capability and many book donations have Photo credits: Devin Kumar (cover), Debi Lorenc (p. 3), been put in place for the enrichment of our oblates Kayleigh Meyers (p.10) and the mentoring program. We are happy to house these additions to our library and hope that they If you have questions or comments, please contact will aid those who seek to learn more about our Jill Gisselere. Camaldolese charism. We will soon have the cata- logue for books ready as well. We have developed [email protected] a QR code for the monastery and have it on our New Camaldoli Hermitage signage so that visitors can access our complete 62475 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 website by cell phone or iPad. Visit us at www.contemplation.com Fr. Stephen has been busy ministering to various

contemplation.com ~ 11 ACTIVITIES AND VISITORS join us. We had an All-Camaldolese Chapter, a beautiful liturgy, and a festive lunch with many visitors. APRIL For our Recreation Day several of us spent an overnight Fr. Robert celebrated 50 years of to the at the Vajrapani Institute, a Tibetan Buddhist center in priesthood on April 3. Boulder Creek. We were hosted by our friend Tenzin Chogkyi, who has visited here We hosted the Four Winds Council for the spring several times and offered a much appreciated confer- meeting. ence to the brothers. A group of students from Loyola Marymount made We joyfully welcomed Br. Ignatius home at the end of retreat here together, with our old friend Douglas the , his first visit since going off to school in Rome. Burton, who is on the faculty there. He will be with us until early October. Br. Bede spent six weeks with the brothers at Incarnation in Berkeley. JULY Speaking of “Seeds of the Word”: July 1-3 we hosted a Professor Ron Dart from Vancouver, BC, was here and symposium entitled “Towards the Rebirth of Wisdom: gave several talks on Bede Griffiths and C. S. Lewis A Christian Conversation,” based on the thought and writings of our late beloved Fr. Bruno. The symposium MAY was organized by our oblates Nanette Walsh and We had the first gathering of theOblate Peer Mentors Chris Morris, and featured such eminent scholars as Fr. here at New Camaldoli. (More on that to come.) Roger Haight, SJ and Dr. Richard Tarnas. We’ll have Br. Michael went back to Michigan for his college re- more to report on that in the next issue. union, and Robert went to Colorado for the funeral of his sister-in-law. Fr. Cyprian did an evening event for students at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and led an oblate day at Monastery of the Risen Christ. The monks had their annual eight day retreat. Our leader was Sr. Margaret Michaud, OSB, of St. Benedict’s Monastery in Minnesota, who offered six conferences on the Beatitudes. We had a wonderful fraternal visit from Don Alessandro Barban, our Prior General, and Fr. Mario Zanotti, his assistant and our main visitator. Brs. and Michael attended the Charismatic Conference in Santa Clara, CA. THE READING LIST Cyprian offered a retreat for the monks of Assumption What the monks are reading these days. Abbey in North Dakota. Fr. Zacchaeus: Where God Hides, Liam Lawton. JUNE Bede spent a week with his family in Wisconsin and Fr. Cyprian: Embodied Spirituality in a Sacred World, participated in the Contemplative Days with our friend Michael Washburn; The and the Religious Dan Riley, OFM and the at Mount in Experience of Man, Raimundo Panikkar. upstate . He then led the Benedictine Experi- Fr. : Quo Vadis? Henry Sienkiewicz; ence with Sr. Donald Corcoran, OSB, at ’s Ranch Commentary, Frederick Bruner. in Healdsburg, California. Br. Joshua: A Relational Human Development Perspective on Fr. Raniero went to Minnesota to celebrate the gradu- Benedictine Spirituality. ation of Ben Chong, the son and nephew of our good The Prayer of Jesus, A Monk of the Eastern friends and benefactors Alex and Veronica Chong. Fr. Robert: Church; Prayer of the Heart, George Maloney. We postponed St. Romuald’s Day to June 20 this year Fr. Thomas: The Singing Neanderthals, Steven Mithen. (since the June 19 was a Sunday) so that the brothers from San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz and Berkeley could Br. Michael: Spiritual Maxims, John Nicholas Group. 12 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage