New Camaldoli Hermitage LENT/EASTER 2020

TRANSFORMATION

There is a natural movement from the illumination of baptism to the unitive self-gift or oblation of eucharist, and from light to fire, from manifestation to transformation, illumination to union. The movement is from faith to obedience, and through remaining in the obedience of faith to bearing the fruit of love.

Bruno Barnhart, Second Simplicity

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TRANSFORMATION Thoughts from the Editor Lisa Benner, Oblate, OSB Cam.

In this newsletter, we explore the theme of “transformation.” In This Issue The church seasons of Lent and Easter seem appropriate to dig a little deeper into this broad topic. What does it mean for 2 Thoughts from the Editor each of us? How do we do it? Lisa Benner, Oblate, OSB Cam. In my work as a therapist, I have the privilege of accompany- 3 A New Consciousness in an Epoch of Change Prior Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam. ing people as they change and transform into who they want to be. This always requires hard work and commitment, but 4 The Real, Invisible Transformers the outcome is worth it. Pico Iyer The six weeks of Lent can be a time of reflection and hopefully 6 Diving Deep Into Lent growth. In a homily years ago, a parish priest said to us, “Lent Miguel Perez-Gibson, Oblate, OSB Cam. is hard work.” I suppose that can be true, but I like to think of it more as rewarding work. To ponder our lives, to review 7 Risotto—or How to Fall Apart and Become Something Amazing where changes might need to be made, can be a good start. Lorienne Schwenk Then with diligence and integrity, the transformation begins, often slowly and at times painfully. But if we use Jesus as our 8 The Beautiful Changes archetype for transformation and rely on his love and support, Andrew Nguyen our own transformation becomes blessed and holy. 9 A Celebration of Therese Prior Cyprian delves into a pivotal writing from St. Paul which Lynne Clarkin emphasizes the mind of Christ. In his essay we are reminded 11 Personal Transformation in Agape of the changing times in our world and that if we remain in Fr. Steve Coffey, OSB Cam. Christ consciousness, then transformation can occur as we choose renewal instead of conformity. 12 Transformation: New Camaldoli Bookstore Jill Gisselere A visit to the Hermitage, as so many will agree, is soothing for body, mind and spirit. Pico Iyer shares in his lovely essay about 14 Preached Retreats for 2020 a visit to that sacred place and how silence is “the greatest 15 Activities and Visitors transformer.” Silence, for him, provoked a cleansing of vision and a clarity of heart. 15 What the Are Reading I had the pleasure of being present for the oblation of Miguel Perez-Gibson, that in and of itself was a special transforma- tion for him. In his essay, he shares his thoughts on embrac- ing transformation. He urges us to recognize that change is inevitable and being open and ready to embrace all that shows up along the way can be done with the grace and peace of God.

Lorienne Schwenk joyfully shares how through the making of a scrumptious risotto, she has a new appreciation for the transformations we go through. She reminds us to remain focused on the Holy Spirit during trying times and in doing so, resilience prevails!

Lent is to Easter as death is to resurrection—great examples of triumphant transformation. Andrew Nguyen eloquently details his experiences with dying and death through his work as a hospice chaplain. He shares how watching and witnessing this ending process in others has transformed him within—to remain steadfast and appreciate each moment.

May your transformations be blessed and holy. May your Lent be peaceful and profound. May your Easter be beautiful, hopeful and full of joy!

2 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage contemplation.com ~ 3 as Christians, Catholics, , a rich A New Consciousness in an Epoch patrimony of which we are both the recipients and guardians. of Change We are, however, also charged to imbue that heritage with “a new ardor, new methods, and new expressions,” as Pope Prior Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam. St. John Paul II said of the new evangelization. And we are There is a famous saying of Albert Einstein that comes not going to be able to accomplish that without a new con- to my mind often these days: “No problem can be solved sciousness, without a transformation of our consciousness. from the same consciousness that created it.” And this ap- plies directly, especially, to the issues we are facing in our If the word “consciousness” sounds too humanistic, recall day and age—everything from climate change to the polar- the words of Saint Paul in the Letter to the Romans: Do not ization in our nation and international relations. (As I wrote be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renew- this, Australia was on fire and ing of your minds, so that you the US was poised to go to may discern what is the will of war with Iran, for instance.) God—what is good and accept- The problems we face today able and perfect.1 We need to be are not going to be solved by transformed by the renewing the same consciousness that of our minds, a transformation created them. of our consciousness, because the problems we face today I was taught a marvelous les- are not going to be solved with son that has served me very the same consciousness that well in my years as prior dur- created them. This is where I ing this change of epoch: the agree with much of modern difference between a techni- thinking—evolutionary scientists cal solution and an adaptive and transpersonal psycholo- challenge. A technical solution gists particularly. What I think is what you apply to blocked the spiritual traditions in general plumbing, for instance, or an and contemplative Christian- IT issue, perhaps some health ity in particular have to offer problems—call a plumber, the discussion, however, which contact your IT tech, take a pill science and psychology do not or get an operation. An adap- offer and may not accept, is this tive challenge, on the other piece of wisdom: the real agent hand, is a situation where of said transformation is the something is growing and Spirit and the spiritual. changing, or even dying, and applying a technical solution What does this have to do with is simply not going to work. (I Lent and Easter? The answer would hazard to say many of is embedded in the famous our health problems actually kenosis hymn from Paul’s Letter call for adaptive solutions like to the Philippians, which again lifestyle changes rather than “Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and St John,” Michelangelo speaks of the mind and con- technical solutions, but that is Buonarroti (1531–32) sciousness. As a matter of fact, a whole other subject.) Living things change and grow, whenever the topic of “Christ Consciousness” comes up, evolve, and even have their moment to die. It is quite a this is the same passage I turn to. Let the same mind be in discernment to figure out what we should simply repair you that was in Christ Jesus, Paul says, who, until it is up and running again, and when we ourselves are supposed to grow, change, and evolve with a situation. though he was in the form of God, In other words, transform. did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, Pope Francis has declared our age to be not an epoch but emptied himself, of change but a change of epoch. And in this epoch of taking the form of a slave, change we are not going to be able to solve the problems being born in human likeness. we are facing by applying technical solutions that come And being found in human form, from the same consciousness that got us into the prob- he humbled himself lems to begin with. We need to face the adaptive chal- and became obedient to the point of death— lenge of a new environment with new knowledge and new even death on a cross. extenuating circumstances. Obviously there are perennial Therefore God also highly exalted him truths enshrined and embedded in our spiritual heritage and gave him the name. that is above every name.2

contemplation.com ~ 3 Our Lenten observance, indeed all of our ascetical life, has The Real, Invisible Transformers this proximate goal: to empty ourselves—“and sit wait- Pico Iyer ing,” Holy Father Romuald would add, “content with the grace of God.” We hope that if we do, God will make us alive I pull onto the freeway for the four-hour trip, along a series together with Christ and raise us up with him and seat us with of winding turns, to my secret home, and my mind, as ever, him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages is crowded and agitated as Times Square on the eve of a to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace new year. How could that editor ever have messed with my in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.3 This will be our own immortal sentence? What was I thinking—not thinking— Easter, resurrection following death, new life springing up when I entrusted myself to that kind-seeming rogue who’s where all seemed dead, fullness where all seemed empty, fleecing us even now? What will my poor mother do now with the mind of Christ. And so, to prepare ourselves to that she can’t reach me for three full days?

Sometimes my mind is so full of swarming bees that I have to pull off the 101 to open a window to let them out. I scribble down, on a pad I keep for the purpose, thoughts to remember and things I have to do, deadlines and dates: all the everyday rush of anxieties and distractions and regrets that make up the static in our heads.

Then, three hours later, I open the door to my little room above the sea, and I can’t even remember what words such as “rush” or “agitation” mean. Whoever was fretting and fuming and arguing with himself, unceasingly, is left somewhere on the road far below.

I look out the window to where the sun is scattering dia- monds across the sea. How quibble with that? I pull open the drawer in my desk and find words of solace some unmet pilgrim has left behind, in case they might be of use. I step out into the garden and notice a small red flower: the same flower, I later realize, I could notice any day at home, if only I “The Resurrection (recto, detail)” Michelangelo Buonarroti 1531 thought to stop face the challenges of this change of epoch, let’s not be and look. conformed to this world but allow ourselves to be trans- formed by the renewal of our minds, having the same The transforma- mind that was in Christ Jesus, emptied of the old ways of tion is instant, thinking, and waiting in joyful expectation for the Spirit of mysterious. the Risen Christ who will instruct us and teach us the way What I most we should go, with a consciousness evolved by the power distrust in my- of Spirit. self and in my

1 circumstances can hardly be imagined now. All’s right with Rom 12:2 the world, I’m back in the Garden and whatever was lost 2 Phil 2:5–8 will one day be restored.

3 Eph 2:5–7 I know that some part of this transformation comes from the simple beauty of the Big Sur coastline: the calendar

4 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage contemplation.com ~ 5 falls away as soon as you enter that enchanted landscape, and its almost Grecian landscape of sky and rock and sea. And I know that whatever is being sung and said in the chapel is also working an alchemy, converting the things of earth into those of heaven. Inside the enclosure it’s all grit and movement as the monks and their colleagues work round the clock to give us visitors this singing peace.

But what I’ve slowly come to see, over twenty-years of heart-changing visits, is that, for me at least, the greatest transformer of all is just the silence. My friends in white hoods would call this the voice of God, which sounds like a beautiful and fitting phrase. Others would say that they need no names at all. Silence makes us new precisely by bringing us to the place where no words are necessary or appropriate. Pico Iyer is the author of 15 books, including Abandon (about the I’m washed clean in this silence, which is something much mystical quest), The Open Road (about his first 34 years of travels more active—more alive—than the mere absence of noise. with the Dalai Lama) and The Art of Stillness (about the spirit of The windows of the world are also made transparent, so New Camaldoli). In 2019 he brought out three books, including that I no longer see divisions. I remember that long-ago Autumn Light and A Beginner’s Guide to Japan. love, whose tenderness—and anger—changed me for the better. I recollect—potent word—what I care most about and should be doing with my life. I read the lines on any page before me and they seem to be my words, to the syllable.

I also notice a deeper change. That rogue I was cursing eight hours ago? He’s probably just trying to support an aging mother of his own. That deadline that seemed so urgent? Shouldn’t I be thinking more of lifelines? Arguments have nothing to bounce against in the silence, and so they fall away and all I recall is what I love.

I step out of my room and find myself smiling at a stranger; she’s come for much the same reason I have, I suspect, and so we’re joined at the very core. I hear myself, as I walk to the far-off bench, saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” never “Please.” No news is going to arrive today through cell-phone or on laptop; I’m free to live for as long as I’m here in the company of Eternity.

If I had read these words thirty years ago, I’d have been instantly on guard. What’s this person trying to sell me? I don’t need conversion; I’m happy enough with my kids and my humble job and my day-to-day life. But defensive- ness and quibbling are exactly what dissolve in the cleans- ing light; in silence something larger and more spacious comes forth, and I’m humbled into grandeur.

I’ve made the trip often enough by now to know that the transformation doesn’t last forever, or even for very long. Never cease loving a person, and never give up hope Once I’m down from the mountain, I’m soon enough for him, for even the prodigal son who had fallen caught up again in trivia and distraction. And I realize, most low, could still be saved; the bitterest enemy thanks to my trips, that true transformation—of heart and and also he who was your friend could again be your mind and spirit—takes at least a lifetime. But a window friend; love that has grown cold can kindle. has been opened and now it can never be closed again. Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, I’ll always have a Soren Kierkegaard memory, and a prospect, of that luminous place of peace and certainty known as the hermitage within. contemplation.com ~ 5 aside our routine path, to explore the unmapped regions Diving Deep Into Lent of our true selves. As a forester, becoming lost was not an Miguel Perez-Gibson, Oblate, OSB Cam. option. My compass held me to my true course. I had to interpret the terrain to find my way. Crossing creeks, crawl- My father was a walker, often with a dog in tow. Over the ing through brush, and covering the ups and downs of the years, we had many dogs that benefitted from Dad’s daily hillsides offers a metaphor for a transformative Lenten walk, except our Siberian husky, Sitka. She had no patience journey. for walking. Sitka was bred for sledding. My father decided Sitka needed to pull. However, we lived in snowless south- Embracing change allows for transformation. Opening ern . Instead of using a sled, my father would ourselves to the change we need to make—the release of hop on my brother’s stingray bike—one hand on the a calcified self that has been carved and fashioned by us leash and the other on the handlebar—and off they went for years—is necessary work for the 40 days of Lent. through the neighbor- hood. Later in life, he Father Keating took up walking with once said: his buddy Mike. Mike was in his 90s, and my “Letting go of the self, father was in his 80s. defeats, failures, humili- The bike was no longer ations, [and] rejections needed. I joined them are treasures planned by on one of their walks God with great love as and observed how fit stepping-stones in this and happy the two old transformative process, friends were. “What’s to deepen our surren- your secret to a long der. People say if you let and happy life?” I asked God do it, nothing will Mike. He replied with happen; on the contrary, just two words: “em- if you let God do it, brace change.” everything will happen.”

Embracing change Embracing change as differs from tolerating part of the path of trans- change. Substitute formation is not easy. the word hug for an Some years ago, I lost embrace. That’s the my job; actually, a loss essence of what Mike of career and identity. It advised. took time to fully recover and to find my way to But why would we want ultimately recognize that to wrap our arms God’s path for me had around change? Not yet to begin. all change appears to be for the better, even When we are in the if it is inevitable. middle of hard changes, faith is the compass to The Buddhist philoso- keep us on course. phy recognizes that all existence is impermanent—nothing lasts. Understanding The first time I attempted to dive off the high dive, I was impermanence is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice. afraid. But I jumped on the springboard, sailed into the air, held my breath, dove deep down into the water, and joy- The answer lies not in embracing a particular change but fully surfaced. embracing the transformative evolutionary dynamism of God. Life is ever new and ever-changing. While change May we all dive deep this Lent and joyfully surface at Easter. may be difficult, the pathways through change deepen our Alleluia! relationship to God. To paraphrase James Finley, “God pro- tects us from nothing, but sustains us through everything.” Miguel Perez-Gibson is an oblate of New Camaldoli Hermitage. I have been a forester for a good portion of my life, hiking He served as the Legislative Director for Washington State off-trail through the wilderness. Our Lenten journey of 40 Governor Inslee and has a contemplative psychotherapy practice. days in the wilderness is an invitation to go off-trail, to set He enjoys playing flamenco guitar.

6 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage And then—transformation—risotto happens. There is Risotto—or How to Fall Apart and enough broth and enough time and enough stirring. The Become Something Amazing bran and germ layers which make brown rice my prefer- ence finally surrender and the pectins work their magic. Lorienne Schwenk The transformation is like a surrender; the rice is still discrete grains while perfectly married to the broth, the The cutting board is ready. My aromatics are finely diced, wine, and the lemon. Now creamy and mellow, nutty with perhaps this time it’s shallots, another time leek, and the brown rice flavor and perfumed by the broth, some- definitely garlic. There is a little mound of lemon zest and thing is there that was not there before. Once again, I am the zested lemons are ready to be juiced. There is a bottle struck that all my stirring seemed ineffectual and, like that of white wine on the counter. The olive oil is heating in the seed that dies in the ground to rise as a new stalk of grain cast iron skillet and homemade broth is simmering. And, (paraphrasing John 12:24), the risotto was going to trans- of course, there are two cups of sweet brown rice waiting. form with my help and also via a mysterious process all its own. A handful of grated parmesan, a little more stirring, There might be quicker ways to make risotto—my eyes and it is finished. have occasionally spotted a headline to an online recipe, and then I have looked away. Risotto is traditionally made Since we all with lots of time and patience and stirring and I prefer that. come from the And yes, it is usually made with white rice, most often Ar- same Creator borio rice. This rice, grown in the Po Valley in Italy and now and the same in California and other states, is loved for risotto because planet, it is no it has a high starch content, amylopectin, to be precise. You surprise that may recognize the word pectin there; the magic soluble recent research fibre that causes fruit jams to gel. In other words, pectin estimates we transforms. share about 25% of our DNA with Back to risotto. The aromatics are added to the oil over rice1. I have been pondering this recently, tongue gently a low heat. Then the lemon zest and the juice. Then my planted in cheek, as I have contemplated times of transfor- beloved brown rice is added directly into that citrus-y bath mation in my life. I am frequently about as aware as a grain to start taking on flavors. A swirl of wine may be added of rice of the transformations happening to me. I most here. The more flavor the better for the rice. And then, the relate to an awareness that I am troubled, out of tune, out stirring begins. I use my mother’s old wooden spatula and of balance. Perhaps it is folly to look for meaning, or at carve figure eights over and over, making sure every grain least a narrative, when times are difficult, my resilience is of rice is absorbing the liquids introduced thus far. Now it tested, and my usual routines and practices are about as is time to add the broth, a ladleful at a time. Stir, stir, stir effective as a child’s beach shovel would be for digging a 20 until that liquid is absorbed. Another ladle. More stirring. foot-deep trench in dry dirt. Nevertheless, I trust that Holy More broth. More stirring. Spirit is working on me and could I please cooperate? Why am I sharing this? There are several things that hap- During this Lent, I invite you to join me in praying that our pen while making risotto, both in the pan and to the chef! tough outer shells, that bran and germ layer on our hearts, First, as the liquid is absorbed and I am stirring, it is time may start to soften and that we invite what comes next on to pray, unless I am chatting with my guests, or listening our road with God in this life. God is stirring and stirring, to music. Like knitting, the stirring is one of those activities flavoring us to be God’s image in the world. It is a mystery that constricts my body and frees up my heart and mind. and I know we are all on the road to being delicious! Pray In fact, as I am “stuck” by the stove and if I am alone, it is with me: a small idea of a monastic’s cell, or a brief experience of the charism of solitude. It is not unlike doing a rosary or Grant, O God, that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we contemplation. Stir, add, pray, stir, add, pray, repeat. The may face transformation with grace, strength, and prayer. figure eights are the scaffolding for my prayers. Remind us that you make all things new. Make us yours each day and renew your presence within us. Amen. Something else happens while making risotto. I reach a point of abject anxiety. I invite you in to the inner monologue: The risotto is going to fail. The rice is still hard, it might as 1 (https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/04/14/how-much-of-our-genome-do- well be completely raw. I am certain that I am going to run we-share-with-other-organisms-take-this-quiz/) at this website, you can compare out of broth and the rice will be hard, chewy, unpalatable. human genomes with many other organisms with whom we share this planet. Why did I decide to do this tonight? The guests will be here and there will be no food. Why am I so stubborn about Lorienne Schwenk lives in Cambria, California with her husband using the brown rice instead of the Arborio like every other and three cats. Her life is a mosaic of music, chef work, contem- reasonable person out there? plation, customer service, and searching for jade in Big Sur or marble from Iona.

contemplation.com ~ 7 me: Is there any beauty in the transition from life to death, The Beautiful Changes beyond the visual ugliness of the dying process itself? Andrew Nguyen I dare to believe that until we accept the fact that death, I must admit that I was never much of an enthusiast for though it can be ugly and earthy and perhaps even smelly, poetry, nor one to appreciate the way a poem was written, is also a beautiful and natural end to our life cycle, we will with the ebb and flow of its hidden beauty and the trans- continue to fear it and, even more, continue to fear being formation that flows from the heart of the poet’s intention near death and near dying people. This was actually one to those who dare to read their poems. (Even though a of my own great fears. What I really feared, however, was friend a mine told me recently that I am a natural poet!) my own mortality, especially a mortality that might involve In order to enjoy a really good poem one has to read it dragged-out, lingering pain and suffering up until the last with an open heart, allowing the multifaceted meanings to breath. But even if that is a legitimate fear, the greatest fear come through and merge with one’s own experiences in of all is of not being in control of one’s own process life and ministry. Recently I allowed that merging to take of transition to a final and peaceful end. place in me with this poem of Richard Wilbur, “The Beauti- ful Changes,” as I spent four hours with a hospice patient in In other words, the beautiful transformation is not so much in the visual aspects––the emaciated body, the discol- oration of the appendages, at times even the startling seepage of bodily fluids. The beautiful transition is in the final peace and ease of suffering at the last breath. I could see that the face of this dying patient exuded an indescribable inner peace that more resembled someone in a deep and peaceful sleep.

So, while transformation requires us to pay atten- tion to changes outside of ourselves, in other people, it also asks us to see the changes within ourselves. Time will go on, and we healthy individuals will also decline someday. This is not to be morbid about it, but rather to learn to recognize and accept the her room, with her husband, as she lay dying. I was particu- changes within us, to be truly in touch with ourselves and larly struck by this line of the poem: “Your hands hold roses to feel everything from within ourselves––the reaction or in a way that says / They are not only yours; the beautiful non-reaction to the sad or the joyful, and even our indiffer- changes / In such kind ways…” ence. There is no use in being afraid or in dreaming about the future and how we will live if we don’t work out our in- I have been a hospice chaplain for a year and a half now, ner peace in the present moment when we are faced with and for three years before that I was a chaplain in three heavy, difficult emotions. different hospitals. I have witnessed tremendous sadness and deep emotion in these years. I have shared in mo- Perhaps spending time with hospice patients and being ments of grief with families, and I have grown to appreciate present with their every breath has taught me to appre- the transformation that happens within me when I am fully ciate the present moment and not to run from what is present in those moments, when life and death separate unpleasant and sad in that moment, but to remain and members of a family from one another for a time that to appreciate the transformation, “the beautiful changes,” seems like forever. within myself.

And that recent visit to this hospice patient and her husband Andrew Nguyen lives in Palo Alto, California. He works full time was no different. However, this time it raised a question in as a hospice chaplain. He is rewarded by the ministry of this work and the deep impact it has on him, his patients, and their families. 8 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage the creek to occupy her time, and by doing so he gave her A Celebration of Therese the key to the wilderness. He seemed to know her deepest Lynne Clarkin dream even before she did herself!

Therese and Eric Gagnon’s life in Big Sur and at the - age began in 1983. Fr. Bruno Barnhart was the prior and was the one instrumental in asking the community to allow Therese and Eric to come and live on the Hermitage prop- erty. That year there was the disaster on Highway One and the Gagnons were not quite the last car for almost a year!

Therese’s Chapel with the sweetness in full bloom

All the events that followed are too numerous to men- tion, but her presence has Fr. Isaiah holding a sculpture that Therese had made and his family had been a posi- purchased. tive impact on the envi- The Gagnons lived in a very small trailer their first year on ronment and the flat area just below the Cloister. This was suggested the life at the by Fr. Bruno. The community was concerned about a Hermitage. woman living on the property and also about how she should dress. In the end they decided she should wear On Febru- ary 27, 2020 Therese turned 95! She is a blessing to her commu- nity and the community has become her family. Her trailer has become a way station Therese discovered the beauty of this tree which she for monks, called the Womb Tree. staff and guests from far and wide. We celebrate and give thanks for Therese and Fr. Michael Fish the unique life and times of our friend, our oblate, our sister in Christ, Therese Gagnon. long dresses! Another problem was Therese’s participation in daily prayer and the liturgy due to the fact she was not allowed in the cloister. So, for almost a year she walked Lynne Clarkin lives in Massachusetts but lived in California, the long gravel road, past the retreat area, to the chapel near the Hermitage for many years. Fr. Bruno introduced her to three times a day. Eventually Eric built stairs just outside Therese. She visits the Hermitage often to see her dear friend and the monks and the forest in Big Sur! the cloister that gave Therese a more direct path to the chapel. Fr. Bruno thought that she could open an access to

contemplation.com ~ 9 OBLATE COMMUNITY AND PEER MENTORING

FOR THERESE ON HER BIRTHDAY, 1999 A hummingbird in whirling car Exacts from winter blossoms here I visited the temples one by one The tax-collector of some Queen I listened to the music of each stone In rainbow capital unseen. Each rock construction sang its silent hymn I knew some feminine adept Sheltered from time’s busy winds Had seen where Lady Wisdom slept Within this covert we can hear And rendered the Essential in these runes. One meaning multiple in streams That water vivid lands in dreams. Custodians and guardians they sat Each stone more cryptic than the Pharoah’s cat To live with monks and wilderness A single thing they all together thought May speak of fear or bitterness More comprehensive than the doctors taught. Or something precedent to speech An infinite and silent ground Meekly two by two they came From which the world is being born. Each pair received a single name And when the litany was done As years flow faster we return He sat and pondered on his stone. More often to these thickets where World’s chatter does not penetrate He walked among the silent trees and silent mind may dumbly share He felt a presence there in each In earth’s communion with herself, An inner woman veiled to eyes Where heart awakening may hear But pressing toward him, near to speech. The constant beating of that strong and gentle heart above the womb. The wood’s defective and complete This musing place recalls for me A country plenteous but mute The loving hands that set it free Which cultivated to a tip That it might free the ones who come Bears fullness swelling at its lip. To find again their inner home.

A world of small epiphanies Therese, in celebrating you Of wonders little stations where We gratefully acknowledge too You stop to listen once again The music moving in your soul To that river underground That ever celebrates the Whole. Those humming waters just beneath The surface of each brimming thing. Love, Bruno

Photo taken from Therese’s Chapel Madonna and Child made by Therese Therese’s 90th birthday.

10 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage OBLATE COMMUNITY AND PEER MENTORING Trinitarian dynamism. The Persons are engaged with each Personal Transformation in Agape other as partners in a dance. Not only do they dance Fr. Steve Coffey, OSB Cam. around each other, but they literally dance into each other, they “indwell” each other, and with the added incarnational “Personal Transformation and a New Creation” was a phrase thrust they indwell the whole universe. dear to scientist and mystic Beatrice Bruteau. This is how she subtitled her book The Grand Option, and how Sister Ilia In a chapter in The Grand Option, “Freedom: If Anyone Is in Delio, OSF, titled a collection of essays on Bruteau’s spiritual Christ, That Person is a New Creation,” Beatrice speaks of revolution. A key essay in this collection by Kerrie Hide, a self-emptying energy that is necessary to practice agape “The Ecstasy of Agape,” summarizes the heart of her message. love. She calls it “spondic” energy, and she likens it to St. During these 40 days of Lent and 50 days of Easter it is Paul’s expression: “I am poured out like a libation!” She precisely this personal transformation and new creation writes: [Spondic energy] is an outpouring that is an act of that we celebrate liturgically and that is at the heart of the reverence, of worship. We experience it as a projection Rule of St. Benedict that shapes our monastic conversatio of personal, spiritual, self-existent energy towards and for both monks and oblates. into other persons, and even towards the infrapersonal universe. We will to pour our own life, our own existence, Kerrie Hide begins her article with a quote from Beatrice’s into others that they may be and may be abundantly.” Do God’s Ecstasy, a book of science that she wrote for contem- we hear an echo of St. Romuald’s Rule: “Empty yourself platives! “God’s ecstasy creates the world, and the world’s completely”? No wonder she was a favorite of Fr. Bruno! ecstasy realizes God. And you are right in the midst of it.” For Beatrice, God’s ecstasy is Agape, and the icon of the In the Camaldolese tradition it is this self-emptying in Holy Trinity exemplifies this. Then the icon of the Incarnation solitude and contemplation, an intimate communion with exemplifies God’s ecstasy creating the world, while the the Trinity that leads to an enfleshed communion in the icon of the God-Bearer (Theotokos) exemplifies the world’s that extends to the whole world. So Beatrice’s ecstasy realizing God. And so we are invited to see ourselves three “icons” are once again dancing with each other. In in the midst of the reciprocal ecstasy of God and the the Rite of Admission of Oblates we pray: “He/she has world, called to be at the heart of the world revealing requested to be a member of the larger Camaldolese divine Agape. Benedictine family and to live by the Rule of the Camaldolese Benedictine Oblates. We desire to honor this request and For Beatrice the Trinitarian relations are based upon commitment. By the power of the Holy Spirit, this koinonia reciprocal outpourings which overflow into the creation (communion) shall be a mutual bond of strength and of the world: total self-giving of each person to the other consolation as we endeavor to live together the life of our and total self-giving of the whole Trinity to creation. She one Lord Jesus Christ.” And in the words of St. Benedict employs the ancient Greek term perichoresis to this “may he lead us all together [in agape] to everlasting life!”

contemplation.com ~ 11 Transformation: New Camaldoli Bookstore Jill Gisselere, Director of Development

Rich Veum, Commercial Operations Manager, shares his thoughts about the Hermitage bookstore. The first thing most visitors do upon arriving at the Hermitage is to step into the bookstore. It is the first impression for those who have never been here, and a warm welcome for return- ing guests. The bookstore allows individuals, perhaps for their first time, to encounter monks and to begin to experi- ence the world of nature, silence and spirituality that is the Hermitage. And it is an important source of income for the community, who have taken a vow of poverty and struggle to pay for the upkeep of this place loved by so many. thing once thought of as useless and expendable is now At the bookstore over the last several years, it has been all changed into beautiful hand-made crosses that reflect about transformation. Imagine a chrysalis—containing a the transformation of Christ- so important in the story of great promise that has not yet been fully revealed to the humankind’s salvation. world. When the butterfly finally emerges and spreads its wings for the first time, its full beauty is expressed for all Many first-time visitors enter the store and look up at the to see and delight in. Similarly, the bookstore had great paintings and stained glass and seem entranced by the promise in years past but had never really fully spread its simple beauty. Guests who are staying here sometimes wings. Dull gray walls and a book and gift selection that was need a break from the hard work of silence and introspec- nice but not quite reflective of the entire spectrum of God’s tion, and they too come into the store to connect with a beauty. It needed an update! Even the windows looking monk or others, pick an inspirational book to read, or a gift down on the store were stark and did not reflect the beauty that will remind them of their visit. all around them.

So, the store began to transmute. Walls and doors were painted from a palette of living greens and blues reflective of the ocean that surrounds Big Sur. Upper windows were adorned with stained glass appliques to filter in colorful sunlight and give the feeling of sacredness. Books were brought in that were more inclusive; not just of the Catholic or Benedictine faiths but also of spirituality & other tradi- tions and life in general. Gifts that reflected the creativity of God’s world and made by locals and by artisans around the world added beauty and sparkle while reflecting spirituality and respect.

Other transformations began to take place as well such as a way to buy gifts and books from the store online for those who cannot travel to the Hermitage. Our famous Holy Gra- nola, which once was a substitute breakfast for monks who were tired of eggs and bacon every morning, became popu- It is safe to say that most people who come to the Hermit- lar with guests and even celebrities like Larry King, and is age experience a transformation of thoughts or perceptions now our biggest seller! Even such a simple thing as peanut in some way or another. By the beauty that surrounds them butter—which­ the only choice for years was Skippy—now in nature and reflected by the bookstore and chapel, by the the Hermitage grinds its own peanut butter and offers it to kind and gentle nature of the monks, and by the silence and guests (and visitors to the store). solitude that allows them to hear God speaking to them. And that then begins a transformation of the heart. Some of the gifts offered in the store have their own trans- formation stories. For example, the rustic wooden crosses sold in the store are made here at the Hermitage from reclaimed scrap wood headed for the burn pile. Some-

12 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage “If we raise funds for the creation of a community of love, we are helping God build the kingdom. We are doing exactly what we are supposed to do as Christians. Want the Change Paul is clear about this: “Make love your aim” (Cor.14:1) Want the change. Be inspired by the flame Henri J. M. Nouwen, A Spirituality of Fundraising

where everything shines as it disappears. Several of the New Camaldoli employees and community contrib- The artist, when sketching, loves nothing ute to the bookstore so much by volunteering and creating products which are available for as the curve of the body as it turns away. purchase. There are notecards and leather goods created by Katee What locks itself in sameness has congealed. Armstrong, Honey sourced from the Is it safer to be grey and numb? Hermitage Bees by Vickie Conte, the Reclaimed Wood What turns hard becomes rigid Crosses built by Rich Notecards by Katee Armstrong Veum, and Homemade jam from JillBird’s Jam sourced from the fruit trees at the and is easily shattered. Hermitage. Pour yourself out like a fountain. Other ways to support the Hermitage: Flow into the knowledge that what you are Monthly Giving, seeking Gifts of Stock, Bequests, Wall Tiles, Yeast and finishes often at the start, and, with ending, Light Capital begins. Campaign.

Wood crosses made by Rich Veum Every happiness is the child of a separation

For more information it did not think it could survive. And Daph- please contact jill@ ne, becoming a laurel, contemplation.com or 831.667.2456 x114 dares you to become the wind. If you are travelling through Big Sur please stop by and visit our ever-evolving bookstore and please tell your Rainer Marie Rilke, from Sonnet to friends. All proceeds Orpheus II, 12 go right back to our beloved monks.

JillBird’s Jam made by Jill Gisselere contemplation.com ~ 13 Preached Retreats for 2020

May 15–17 Steve Coffey OSB Cam. God Is Love: The Heart of All Creation This retreat will afford the opportunity to view several video presentations by Fr. Thomas Keating on the themes of cosmology; human evolution; and evolution, religion, and all creation in its relationship to Christ. Silence, centering prayer periods, and times of visio divina of artistic repre- sentations related to the themes will help facilitate the integration of the retreat’s content.

Save the Date! June 19–21 Jacob Riyeff and Fr. Cyprian Consiglio OSB Cam. The Upanishads and New Wineskins -The Camaldolese Monks and The Upanishads are central holy texts of the Hindu reli- Oblates invite you to our 8th Annual Retreat at gion, and their key insights also speak to all of humanity the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA, and transcend religious boundaries. Fr. and on July 24-26, 2020. Swami Abhishiktananda (Henri Le Saux)—two Benedictine monks who spent much of their lives in India—taught that Christians can learn much from these texts and the living Our retreat explores New - how do tradition that has passed their message down thru the we live Camaldolese life outside of a monastery? centuries.

For information please contact Jill Gisselere at Taking these two monks as our guides, on this retreat we [email protected], (831) 667-2456 x 114 will reflect on excerpts from the Upanishads to develop spiritual understanding and pair this understanding with teachings on Christian contemplation, in order to see the Christian contemplative tradition with fresh eyes. In addi- tion to the Upanishads we will learn from the Gospel and Letters of St. John, St. Gregory the Great and Gertrude More, and St. Romuald, the founder of the Camaldolese Benedictines. As we plumb these depths, we will also take time together to enter into silent contemplation and have question and answer sessions to explore the material more fully together. Everyone is welcome!

July 24–26 Suzanne Guthrie OSB Cam. Contemplation and Climate Change Suzanne Guthrie is a writer, Episcopal priest, Camaldolese Oblate, retreat leader, and the curator of the lectionary website Soulwork Toward Sunday at EdgeOfEnclosure.org. For over three decades, Suzanne led retreats and classes with the late Father Robert Hale. The climate crisis affects the contemplative dimension of every aspect of our prayer—intercession, repentance, Save the Date! lamentation, thanksgiving, awe—even our deepest intuitive silence. During the retreat we will draw “from the store- Benefit Concert New Camaldoli Hermitage house that which is new and that which is old” (Matthew Sunday, August 16th 2020 13:52); to strengthen and renew our practice, our hope, Featuring James Mara and Jackie Chew and our hospitality to God and our “universal family” (Pope Cass Vineyard and Winery Francis) to try to meet the challenge to our souls and to our Paso Robles, California life of prayer in this apocalyptic time.

For Ticket information please contact If you would like to book a Preached Retreat, you can do Jill Gisselere at [email protected] so by contacting Katee Armstrong, in the Guest Ministry Department. Please contact her via email katee@contem- plation.com or phone at 831-667-2456 ext. 143 during the hours of Monday-Thursday 9am-2pm. 14 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage Activities and Visitors What the Monks Are Reading

NOVEMBER Fr. Cyprian: A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick; Both Br. Benedict and Fr. Zacchaeus made their an- Jesus the Wisdom of God by Denis Edwards nual visits to family, Pennsylvania and Texas, respectively; our Financial Advisory Board met at Monastery of the Fr. Isaiah: Anna Karenina by ; The Quotable Risen Christ; the monks had an excellent three-day future Fulton Sheen by Fulton Sheen planning meeting led by our Singaporean oblate Aaron Maniam; Br. Michael returned from his three-month Br. Timothy: Radical Amazement by Judy Cannato; The stay at the Sacro Eremo of Camaldoli in time for a beautiful Wilderness of God by Andrew Louth Thanksgiving celebration here at home. Br. Martin: Poverty of Spirit by Fr. Johannes Baptist Metz; Strength to Love by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. DECEMBER Our neighbors at Lucia Lodge closed down their restau- Fr. Thomas: The Universe Story by Brian Swimme; Sapiens: rant and hosted us once again to a wonderful holiday A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Harari meal; our oblate Jackie Chew gave us a concert of piano music accompanying Fr. Ignatius reciting the poetry of Staff Submissions Robert Lax; after a quiet Christmas we had a two-day All- Camaldolese Gathering with all of our California monks in Lisa Washio-Collette: Birth of a Dancing Star: My Journey attendance; Zacchaeus made his annual retreat. from Cradle Catholic to Cyborg Christian by Ilia Delio

JANUARY Therese Gagnon: The Art of Gracious Aging by Anselm Grum Br. Timothy and Br. Jim made a quick trip to Santa Barba- OSB; Thomas Merton on Mysticism by Thomas Merton ra; our friend gave us his 27th annual Rev. Scott Sinclair Michael Richards: Principles by Ray Dalio series of scripture conferences, this year on “The Resur- rection of Jesus and Christian Faith; Fr. Raniero did some Julian Washio-Collette: Creation and the Cross: The Mercy travelling for our Capital Campaign; the Prior’s Advisory of God for a Planet in Peril by Elizabeth Johnson; Braiding Board held their annual meeting; we had our annual visit Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the from the Capuchin novices from Santa Ines; Fr. Isaiah Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer spent time with his family; Zacchaeus left for two months’ studying Spanish in Guatemala. Jill Gisselere: Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child by Nancy Newton Verrier; The Girls Who Went Away FEBRUARY by Ann Fessler Members of Sangha Shantivanam spent a retreat day with us; the following week we had a visit from the young people of the St. Thomas Collective in southern California; The triannual newsletter is published by the Cyprian met our Prior General Alessandro Barban and Camaldolese of America for our friends, Mother Graziana, prioress of our women’s monastery in oblates, and sponsors. Poppi, for the official visitation of our atTransfigura - tion Monastery in Windsor, NY; Br. Hugh Varesse, OCSO Director: Prior Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam. began another extended stay with us; Fr. Thomas spent Editor: Lisa Benner, Oblate, OSB Cam. some time at Incarnation in Berkeley; Cyprian preached Editing Team: Aaron Maniam, Phil McManus, and the contemplative Mass at LA Congress. Caitlin Lorenc Design: Debi Lorenc Development: Jill Gisselere

Photo Credits Debi Lorenc: Cover, page 4, back cover Devin Kumar: Page 5, 11, and 12 Miguel Perez-Gibson: Page 6 Vickie Conte: Page 9 and 10 Jill Gisselere: Page 13

If you have questions or comments, please email [email protected].

New Camaldoli Hermitage 62475 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920

Visit us at www.contemplation.com and “New Camaldoli Hermitage” on Facebook. Fr. Zacchaeus with Deacon Nate Bacon, friend of the Hermitage, and his wife Jenny; sister- in- law Yudi Avila and in-laws Julio and Olga Avila, who are hosting Zacchaeus. contemplation.com ~ 15 The answer lies not in embracing a particular change but embracing the transformative evolutionary dynamism of God.

Miguel Perez-Gibson