Camaldolese of America

Camaldolese Tidings

New Camaldoli Hermitage • Big Sur, • Volume 16 • Issue 3 • Fall 2010

The Blessing …

… of our new Residential Care Facility

July 29, 2010 2 ~ Camaldolese Tidings

Prior Knowledge – Father Raniero A Day of Grace, Blessing and Gratitude! It is Thursday evening, July 29th, deeply Jesus loved Lazarus!” Then Jesus and the sun is setting with grace and beauty taught Lazarus, Martha, Mary, those who over the ocean; a marvelously blessed gathered about, and us that there is life, day here at the Hermitage is coming to a there is death, and there is life beyond close. Today is both death – as Jesus the 52nd anniversary The blessed coming together raised Lazarus from of the founding of and camaraderie that followed, the dead. So there is New Camaldoli and and over many years, was and this mutual hosting the feast of Martha, is a great grace and a great gift that happened among come to know love, who is God, through Mary and Lazarus – Martha, Mary, that must be acknowledged. each other and through this project. As the the friends of Jesus. Lazarus and Jesus. Eucharist continued today, we prayed for Today we gathered I believe this kind the grace to know who we are as beloved with architects, of mutual hosting of God, as children of God. We prayed that contractors, , support staff, friends, is what happened in our Residential we may know and experience that love as and neighbors to give thanks to God as we Care Facility Project. I believe this God lives deep within us. We prayed that blessed and dedicated our new residential mutual hosting is equally important to we may continue to be witnesses of Love care facility. the Residential Care Facility building and God to and for each other and to and In the Gospel reading (Luke itself. In fact, I venture to say that this for our world, which so desperately needs 10:38-42) at the Eucharist, we saw that mutual hosting – all that we shared and such a witness in our times. oftentimes Jesus would break away experienced through the process of this After the Eucharist, we all moved from the demanding crowds and head project – is even more important than the from the inside of the Chapel to the outside to Bethany, to the house of his friends, building itself! We in our need for of the new Residential Care Facility. Martha, Mary and Lazarus. They would a residential care facility opened ourselves There we sang and blessed and dedicated! host Jesus, caring for his human, physical, to host planners, architects, contractors, Then we enjoyed a festive summer lunch. and psychological needs. And Jesus donors, neighbors, friends, our doctors, A day of grace and blessing and would host them, caring for their spiritual and our support staff. And all these gratitude! needs. Mary would sit at Jesus’ feet and wonderful people opened themselves listen to all that Jesus had to say about to us through their professions, their God and about God’s Love. Martha, who skills, and their generosity! The blessed was busy with all the coming together Camaldolese Tidings is published by the details of hospitality, I believe that the mutual host- and camaraderie Camaldolese Hermits of America for our was often distracted that followed, friends, oblates, and sponsors. – perhaps even angry ing that happened over many over many years, and irritable. Jesus years in the bringing forth of was and is a great Publisher would call Martha grace and a great Father Raniero Hoffman, OSB Cam. the Residential Care Facility is Editor aside and teach her gift that must be an expression of love. Healey, OSB Cam. how to be centered acknowledged. Development Director and focused in her St. John in the Robert J. Allen busyness; to be centered and focused second reading (1 John 4:7-16) for the Public Relations & Design by being mindful or conscious of God’s Eucharist on this feast says that “No one Susan Garrison presence and God’s love while being busy has ever seen God, but if we love one about many things. (This is a wonderful another, then God lives in us and God’s If you have questions or comments about message for us busy Americans!) love is brought to perfection in us!” This this publication, please address them to: Busyness is OK; but how is a most powerful statement. I believe we are centered and focused in the midst that the mutual hosting that happened over 62475 Coast Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920 of the busyness is where grace can be many years in the bringing forth of the (831) 667-2456 • Fax: (831) 667-0209 found! Then there is Lazarus. Jesus and Residential Care Facility is an expression E-mail: [email protected] Lazarus were the best of buddies; in fact, of love. So the monastic community, all when Lazarus died, Jesus went to Lazarus’ those who gathered with us today, and all or visit us on the web at: tomb and there Jesus wept bitterly! This those who brought the actual Residential www.contemplation.com caused the crowds to remark, “Look how Care Facility building to completion have Camaldolese Tidings ~ 3 Camaldolese Communications By Fr. Robert Hale, OSB Cam in our program can obtain further These past months have been rich information on our Oblate website at in events for our community. Certainly www.camaldolese.com. The site also among them we include the completion of includes the text of our brief Oblate Rule our beautiful Residential care facility, and and accompanying pages regarding how the dedication monument to the wonderful we see the Rule as flexible, according to Erica and Harry John foundation, which different personal, spiritual needs. purchased our property and has been so Then we have begun classes for our generous over the years (see the article two wonderful candidates, William, an Sacramentary, the changes, etc. in this issue by our Raniero, with Observer who is professor of religion Several of our monks have offered photos, etc.). at Syracuse University, and Chad, who retreats here, and several of us have Then more recently the monks have comes to us from his caring ministry journeyed out to give conferences deeply enjoyed their annual retreat of at a wonderful L’Arche community in elsewhere, including at Incarnation eight days. Our support team very much Florida. Our professed monks offer the , on the central coast and the made this possible, along with Oblates and classes, on the Psalms, the Holy Rule, south for our Oblates, at ’s Ranch, friends who very generously volunteered liturgy, Benedictine spirituality, lectio, Healdsburg, for a weeklong retreat, etc. to come and help in the book store/gift contemplative sources, etc., and it is a real This latter included a Camaldolese Book shop/art gallery (as they do throughout the joy for the Hermitage to be school again. and Gift and Art Fair, with wonderful items year), and also do the cooking, etc. It is At least three other men are in the process available, brought from the Hermitage, the only time during the whole year that of first explorations. wonderfully prepared by Daniel and our we completely close the retreat house. So Fr. Prior, Raniero, and Daniel, the store manager, BeBe. we monks were virtually freed up to spend and , have Andrew, the Prior there, and Thomas much more time in prayer and meditation participated in the Camaldolese formation of our Incarnation Monastery, Berkeley, for these days. And the retreat director, Fr. conference, held at our 1,000 year old have visited us in this period, and some Ron Rolheiser, OFM, offered wonderful Monastery of , in . of us have stopped off there. This conferences for our meditation on the Formators from our various communities fraternal bond between Camaldolese topic of “The Cross of Christ: Its Riches of monks and in Italy, , Hermitage and Camaldolese Monastery is and Dimensions”. He is the President and Africa have also participated. a great consolation to us, also since our of the Oblate School of Theology, San We have had wonderful continuing heritage has included from the beginning Antonio, and author of many fine books education conferences here at New hermitages and , both/and, and articles.: Camaldoli for the whole community from enriching our lives and witness. And We have received several men and experts who come to us from outside the of course Incarnation Monastery has its women into the Oblate family in this community; thus a series on aging, another own guest ministry and retreats offered, period, and several have begun Postulancy on agape as who God is, our source and besides their ongoing liturgical life. towards Oblature. We are delighted by crown of Christian life, and another Know of the prayers of all of us our ever expanding extended family of by a liturgical expert of our Diocese monks for you, and please pray for us. and Oblates. Anyone interested introducing us to the upcoming Roman Community Retreat Inspires Hermits to ‘Ponder as Mary Did’ Our Community Retreat wove together important scriptural and this year was offered by Father Ron theological themes, always connecting Rolheiser, OMI. A renowned speaker these to everyday experiences and ordinary and author, he is president of the Oblate spirituality, a talent of his that he is well School of Theology in San Antonio, known for. The monastic community Texas. His theme was “The Cross of found his comments both profound and Christ – Its Riches and Dimensions.” easily applicable to our everyday life, and Fr Rolheiser discussed the Passion left us with much to ponder. We are very of Jesus, the Cross as Revelation, the grateful to Fr Rolheiser for being with us Cross and Our Redemption, and our and inspiring us. More information about response – Pondering as Mary Did. A him and his writings can be found at his wonderful and thoughtful presenter, he website www.ronrolheiser.com. Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI 4 ~ Camaldolese Tidings

Residential Care Facility

Building the Hermitage Residential Care Facility Photos and slide shows now on the web!

To view photos of the progress of this unique and fascinating construction project, please enter one of these addresses in your Internet Web browsers: www.picasaweb.google.com/rick.laser or http://picasaweb.google.com/Rick.Laser

There you will find two albums, the Initial Construction phase and the Completion of the Building and its immediate surrounding area. Enjoy! Camaldolese Tidings ~ 5

Blessing July 26, 2010

The community began planning for our Residential Care Photos by Facility in 2002. This involved community discussions Rick Laser and planning meetings with our architects, Michelle Kaufmann and Scott Landry, our contractors, Frank Pin- ney and Peter Lutz, as well as a number of meetings coor- dinated by our project manager, Terry McHenry. Through the generosity of numerous benefactors as well as the Na- tional Religious Retirement Office, we were able to raise the funds to build the structure. Dedicated in August, it is the culmination of years of prayer and work by the com- munity and our many friends and supporters.

The Residential Care Facility is full of light and greatly enhanced by the beautiful artwork of Carmelite Sister Anne Marie from the monastery near Carmel. The cele- bration was joyous, and we remembered in prayer all who could not attend. We also recalled all those who have cared for us during our 52 years here at the hermitage, asking God’s blessing upon them. 6 ~ Camaldolese Tidings

Book Reviews By Fr. Daniel Manger, OSB Cam. Prayer Schedule

Lectio Divina: Contemplative all called to imitate. I highly recommend Weekdays: Awakening & Awareness, by Christine this for introverts, spiritual directors, 5:30 am Vigils Paintner & Lucy Wynkoop, OSB, pastors, parents, and singles in both published by Paulist Press in paperback, 7:00 am Lauds and religious communities. This is a book 11:30 am Eucharist $ 18.95. This is a very good contribution of blessing, in a very contemporary way, 6:00 pm Vespers to a growing body of publications about for introverts and extraverts alike. sacred reading within a person’s spiritual practice. The text begins with a good To Lean On: Spiritual Sundays and Solemnities: definition of this practice, followed by a Companions For Illness & Disability, 5:30 am Vigils chapter on Deep Listening. It explores by Janice McGrane, SSJ, published by St. 7:00 am Lauds how the constant formation and re- Anthony Messenger Press in paperback, 11:00 am Eucharist formation of our lives are affected by $13.95. This text can be of great reflective 5:00 pm Vespers sacred reading, renewing faith and hope and pastoral application for those who in the God who guides all our daily living. feel bound by limitations that result from Some practical suggestions are made has illness, or mental or physical challenges. to how to construct a busy day to include The book also can be of great help to sacred reading (lectio divina), resulting in caregivers and pastoral persons as a means a deeper listening to all of what Christ in to deepen their prayerful relationship with the Holy Spirit desires to communicate. various saints who can provide both aid The text is a good one both for personal and inspiration in time of need. use and as a teaching resource.

Introverts in the Church, by Adam S. McHugh, published by IVP Mass Intention Announcement Books in paperback, $17.00. This is a welcome surprise – a generally a We welcome you to have a Mass said at the Camaldoli Hermitage Chapel. great insight into the pastoral direction Each Mass intention is individual and will be celebrated on or as close as possible of introverts, recognizing their many to that date you request. contributions to religious denominations. The text is filled with practical illustrations You cannot buy a Mass, but the traditional offering is $10.00 and sound observations; these will no doubt help church people, pastors, and Your intention or request can be for Healing, Memorial, Wedding, Birthday, other ministers understand the introverted Anniversary or special intentions. experience of many around them. The book calls for a balanced view of what We will send you a reminder of what day this Mass is being said. discipleship entails on many levels. The introvert in each of us and the introverts There is no greater gift than the Sacrifice of Mass. among us can provide a well of wisdom and insight into the gospel living we are Please print: Name Please Address remember us when making City State Zip or revising your will. Our official name is: My intention is: Camaldolese Hermits of America Date requested: Our federal ID # is: 94-6050278 My Mass offering is enclosed: $ ______. Thank you. Camaldolese Tidings ~ 7 New Memorial Honors John Family On Saturday, May 8th, the community blessed a memorial dedicated to the Harry and Erica John family. In 1958, Mr and Mrs John, through their DeRance foundation made it possible for the first hermits from Italy to buy the 900 acres that comprise New Camaldoli Hermitage. After Mr John’s death, Erica continued to run the foundation and has been a strong supporter of the Hermitage. On the day of the blessing Erica spoke movingly of her belief in and support of our mission of prayer for the world and hospitality to those com- ing to seek some measure of solitude and silence in their busy lives.

The memorial is located near the main entrance to the church. It is in this area that we invite you to consider a plaque remembering some loved one or intention. Information about this is on the back page of the newsletter.

Please use the Preached Retreat Weekends 2011 enclosed envelope During the Summer and Fall of 2011 the following Preached Retreat Weekends will be offered at the Hermitage: for your • June 24-26: Yoga –Embodiment-Spirit-Facilitated by Thomas Matus, OSB Cam prayer requests. • July 22-24: God’s Gifts of the Physical and Spiritual Senses- Facilitated by Robert Hale, OSB Cam Our pledge to you, our friends and • August 26-28: A Yogic Approach to Christianity. A Christian Approach to benefactors, is that your name is never Yoga.- Facilitated by Consiglio, OSB Cam and John Marheineke sold, rented or given to any other orga- • October 14-16: Poetry and Spirit (II): Revolution and Affirmation- Facilitated nization. We appreciate your support by Bruno Barnhart, OSB Cam and honor your privacy. • September 4-6: God’s Creativity in Times of Transition and Uncertainty- Facilitated by Andrew Colnaghi, OSB Cam: Arthur Poulin, OSB Cam; Toni Betschart, Oblate OSB Cam www.contemplation.com • December 9-11: Human and Spiritual Growth from a Monastic Perspective – Facilitated by Bede Healey, OSB Cam Show Love Through Charity to Others “Give and the gift will be given to you” Luke 6:36

By Robert J. Allen The New Camaldoli Hermitage to be that beacon of charity and love in is a touchstone for those who are seeking a world in love with the “I” rather than The words Charity and Love God in their life because they are seeing committed to serving others. are synonymous; one way to show love God in other people. The monks live and When you experience the is our charity to others. At a time when share charity and love with each guest. Hermitage, you lack words to express unemployment is high and many people They model how we should try to live; this sacred place to others; but somehow are trying to keep their family together, they accept you. What a welcoming idea; know you must return and bring them we see two very disturbing trends in our but actually this way of life is what Christ with you. society. lived and preached. He did not come to Now is the time to help the “Greed” driven by the judge us; he came to save us. New Camaldoli Hermitage thrive for justification that “I” must take care of The Hermitage exists not because the next 52 years. Their wants are few “me” first; this is compounded by a lack the monks want to exist separate from but their need is more urgent than ever. of respect for life. Both trends have society. It exists because society needs the Only through your generosity will the lost the idea of charity – that the other monks – to pray and make sacrifices for community meet its financial needs in person is a child of God so that when the people of the world, and to do this in order to serve others. Your financial gift you love another, you love God. a space away from so many distractions; will be returned to you in many ways; ultimately to live the example of Christ your charity is your love for them. 8 ~ Camaldolese Tidings Wall Tile and Garden Benches Order Form New Camaldoli Hermitage Order #______Engraved Wall Tiles • 4 x 8: $100 (2 lines of 16 characters) • 8 x 8: $500 (4 lines of 16 characters or logo) • 12 x 12: $1,000 (5 lines of 16 characters or logo and one line) Garden Benches with plaques • 4-foot bench: $1,500 (2 lines of 16 characters) 5-foot bench: $2,000 (2 lines of 16 characters) • This is a picture of one bench. There • 8-foot bench: $3,000 (2 lines of 16 characters) are several sizes available.

*Only one Logo per will tile. Please print one character per block. We will send you a proof before processing. Please place order by Dec. 1, 2010.

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Ordering Information

Name______Telephone______Address______E-Mail______City______State______Zip______

_____Yes, I want to use my credit card: ____M/C ____ Visa ____AMX These plaques will be placed along the wall leading to the entrance of the church. qqqq qqqq qqqq qqqq You might consider the following. In Memoriam Commemorative Expires ______/______With prayers In honor of: To celebrate the anniversary of: Signed______Family Name Make check payable to: New Camaldoli Hermitage.