Camaldolese Hermits of America

Camaldolese Tidings

New Camaldoli Hermitage • Big Sur, California • Volume 16 • Issue 4 • Winter 2010 URGENT!

Road Cost (Cost) $132,000.00 (We have) – 94,000.00 (We need) $38,000.00 2 ~ Camaldolese Tidings

Prior Knowledge – Father Raniero Advent – Liturgy and Life The contemplative di- The global economic crisis that mension of the human troubles us all in our day and time leaves person – when realized us out-of-control. We wonder, “What will and given the opportunity happen?” We question, “How long will to emerge and develop it go on?” We ask, “Will I be able to face – awakens within one’s tomorrow?” In the midst of the darkness consciousness an acute of our current situation, the contemplative awareness of the presence dimension within each of us calls us to and love of God in all cre- rest, to trust, and to wait in another more ation and within the human encompassing and subtle darkness: the quiet, wordless, contemplative prayer. In heart. In this awareness, darkness, the unknown, of God Who is in this way of prayer we open our hearts to the contemplative intuitive- control and Who upholds us! This is not God’s presence – even when that presence ly knows that God is much an easy place to be, and we do not always is not experienced or felt. God’s presence bigger than what his/her mind and expe- stay grounded here. BUT it is true, it is within us can be unknown and dark, and rience holds as real about God. Thus, a real, it is grace. yet so very real. We believe God’s pres- surrender to “the more” – “the unknown” Waiting in this blessed grounded- ence within us is true and so we trust it! realities and person of God – becomes ness or centeredness, which the contem- And so we rest in it. Growing and living the invitation and plative conscious- in this Advent Waiting, this contemplative the path that draws As we approach this Advent ness opens for us, praying is what the world longs for in its the contemplative season and as we hear the is very much an uncertainty and its desire for meaning and forward. The light beautiful songs and prayers and Advent Waiting, an purpose. Contemplative consciousness, of God becomes Advent Witness, contemplative prayer, contemplative liv- darkness, and the scriptures of the Advent liturgy, a living in Advent ing, and contemplative waiting: this is the darkness of God perhaps we can ask God to Hope. This was the Advent for today and for tomorrow. becomes light. grace us as we give time to quiet, experience of our This consciou- wordless, contemplative prayer. Hebrew ancestors as ness, awakened to a they waited, genera- shared oneness with tion after generation, God, allows the for God’s promise of Camaldolese Tidings is published by the contemplative to be grounded and cen- a Messiah to come to fruition. As we ap- Camaldolese Hermits of America for our tered in the Divine. He/she is surrounded proach this Advent season and as we hear friends, oblates, and sponsors. and sometimes seemingly consumed by the beautiful songs and prayers and scrip- the pressures and anxieties of our society, tures of the Advent liturgy, perhaps we Publisher our culture, and our world. can ask God to grace us as we give time to Father Raniero Hoffman, OSB Cam. Editor Brother Healey, OSB Cam. Development Director Prayer Schedule Robert J. Allen Weekdays: Public Relations & Design 5:30 am Vigils Susan Garrison 7:00 am Lauds If you have questions or comments about 11:30 am this publication, please address them to: 6:00 pm Vespers New Camaldoli Hermitage 62475 Coast Highway 1 Sundays and Solemnities: Big Sur, CA 93920 (831) 667-2456 • Fax: (831) 667-0209 5:30 am Vigils E-mail: [email protected] 7:00 am Lauds 11:00 am Eucharist or visit us on the web at: 5:00 pm Vespers www.contemplation.com Camaldolese Tidings ~ 3 Camaldolese Communications By Fr. Robert Hale, O.S.B. Cam. Our Prior Raniero and our Postulant This fall has been rich in events for and Novice Master Daniel were off our community. We had three wonderful to Italy. At our 1,000 year old Fonte conferences in our continuing formation Avellana Monastery they participated program from Prof. Lisa Fullam of the in a gathering focused on formation. It Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara was a gathering of the formators of the University/Jesuit School at Berkeley. Her entire Camaldolese Congregation, and theme was Christian love, misconceptions included very rewarding conferences and and true understandings. Christian love dialogues. is decisive for us monks, as indeed for Zacchaeus spent a period of time at Hermitage by Bede, Bruno, , and all Christians. Our saintly Prior General, our Monastery in Brazil, which is close me. Andrew, Arthur, and Thomas from Dom Benedetto Calati, spoke of the to our community of Camaldolese nuns. our Incarnation Monastery in Berkeley “Primacy of Love,” it being the reason we Zacchaeus is a wonderful cook (he came also have offered retreats here. get up in the morning, go to church to pray to us from the Coast Guard, where he We have been working on our all- four times a day, do community work, was Captain’s cook), which was one of important two mile road, which connects welcome wonderful guests, etc. many ways that he helped our Brazilian Highway One to the Hermitage (see Bede’s A great consolation for us is the monastics. article enclosed). We hope to complete this presence of three splendid candidates Bede and I were interviewed on a work before rainy season begins. We also to our life: Chad, Brannon and Martin. Monterey radio program. Our gracious have revamped and expanded our cyber Another candidate might arrive as soon radio host inquired about the life of the road, our website. Please visit us at www. as he finishes teaching a course at the Hermitage and our needs. The broadcast contemplation.com. (We are delighted to University of Syracuse. Please pray for went out to many thousands of listeners. have that address!) all four. Retreats have been offered at the We’ve had loads of birthdays and anniversaries of professions and in these months, happily celebrating the lives of each of the monks Preached Retreat Weekends 2011 on his special day. And in a special way During the Summer and Fall of 2011 the following Preached Retreat we celebrate our families whenever family Weekends will be offered at the Hermitage: members can visit us. ’s brother • June 24-26: Yoga –Embodiment-Spirit-Facilitated by Thomas Matus, OSB Cam and sister-in-law and ’s nephew all • July 22-24: God’s Gifts of the Physical and Spiritual Senses- Facilitated by spent some time with us in recent days. Robert Hale, OSB Cam We were delighted by the visit of • August 26-28: A Yogic Approach to Christianity. A Christian Approach to a Hispanic-American group from Santa Yoga.- Facilitated by Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam and John Marheineke Maria. They were led by Al, who has • October 14-16: Poetry and Spirit (II): Revolution and Affirmation- Facilitated been coming here with his group some 28 by Bruno Barnhart, OSB Cam years. Several members of the group sing • November 4-6: God’s Creativity in Times of Transition and Uncertainty- in their parish church. They enriched our Facilitated by Andrew Colnaghi, OSB Cam: Arthur Poulin, OSB Cam; Toni Sunday Eucharist with wonderful, festive Betschart, Oblate OSB Cam music. If this wasn’t enough, they brought • December 9-11: Human and Spiritual Growth from a Monastic Perspective – cartons of fresh fruit and vegetables for Facilitated by Bede Healey, OSB Cam. the monks and retreatants. Our book store and gift shop is now also an art gallery, due to the hard Please call the Hermitage Bookstore and discerning work of BeBe, our store for reservations (831) 667-2456 manager. Exhibits feature the art of our x100. We ask that you register for own Fr. Arthur Poulin (stationed at our only one retreat, but you can be on Berkeley house), Bro. Emmaus O’Herlihy, the waiting list for other retreats. Dan Cronin, Leo Neufeld, Margaret Rose, The suggested donation is $50.00 in and several others. addition to the suggested donation As we move into the Advent season, for the room or trailer. please pray for us as we do for you.

4 ~ Camaldolese Tidings

URGENT!: Can you help? The monks who founded our Hermitage looked long and hard to find just the right place to build. In keeping with our Camaldolese tradition, they looked for a remote place, deep in the wilderness, surrounded by God’s beauty. They certainly found it here on the Big Sur coast of California. Many monks and tens of thousands of retreatants and visitors have found peace, renewal, and God here on this mountain. This beauty and isolation come with a price. The meeting of land and sea means the coastline is active, with buildings and roads affected by the shifting landscape and the heavy rains we get here. Brother Emmanuel works hard to maintain our two- mile, winding road from Highway 1 to the Hermitage. However, the shifting land and the rains have played havoc with our road, and it is beyond our ability to repair it. Four sections of the road are in especially poor condition, as our pictures show. We have been able to raise $92,000 towards a total of $130,000 needed to complete the repairs. We want to keep the road in good enough tradition so that retreatants and visitors can continue to come here, and the rainy season will be upon us shortly. So, we have arranged for the work to be done, even though we do not have all the money. Please pray for the success of this project, and if you are able to help us financially, we would be most grateful.

Camaldolese Tidings ~ 5

Dear Friend of the Hermitage,

Like you, we have been affected by the economic downturn of the past few years. Like you, we have had to cut back, find ways to spend less, and look for ways to increase income. Our financial situation has become more serious, especially in the past year. The cost of doing business on the Big Sur coast is exorbitantly expensive. We have to maintain our property where the buildings and infrastructure are 50 years old, and in constant need of repair. Last year’s rainy season caused serious damage to our already damaged road, as well as problems to a number of our Hermitage trailers. Costs have continued to rise. We are a small community and St. Romuald’s Brief Rule we are aging, needing help to attend to the day to day needs of life at the For Camaldolese Monks Hermitage. Sit in your cell as in paradise. Our current room rates have been in place since 2006. In 2009 Put the whole world behind you we deliberated and came up with an increase which we made public in and forget it. 2010 and said would go into effect in 2011. However, as 2010 comes to Watch your thoughts like a good a close, we find that increase will not be sufficient to meet expenses, and fisherman watching for fish, so have had to increase our rates further. The suggested donation for a The path you must follow is in the retreat room will be $95, and $105 for a retreat trailer. — never leave it.

We do this with a heavy heart, and our goal is to reduce our If you have just come to deficit. Toward that end we are continuing to explore other options, the monastery, including further spending cuts, increasing our development efforts and and in spite of your good will you seeking support from foundations. cannot accomplish what you want, take every opportunity you can to As always, our prices are suggested donations only. Although sing the Psalms in your heart we hope you will be able to pay the suggested amount, we recognize that and to understand them your financial situation may be difficult as well. We will accept whatever with your mind. donation you are able to offer. We have never turned anyone away. And if your mind wanders as you We want to continue to provide a place for all people to come for read, do not give up; silence and solitude, for rest in the Lord, for renewal and re-creation. We hurry back and apply your mind want to continue to be a welcoming place for all people, to allow all to to the words once more. take advantage of this wonderful place, to be at peace and enjoy God’s embrace. Please keep us and our needs in your prayers, as we do for Realize above all that you are in you. God’s presence, and stand there with the attitude In Christ, of one who stands before the emperor.

Empty yourself completely and sit Father Raniero Hoffman, OSB Cam waiting, Prior content with the grace of God, like the chick who tastes nothing and eats nothing but what his mother brings him. 6 ~ Camaldolese Tidings

By Robert J. Allen Perhaps we need to reflect on our own path. What repairs we should make as we enter the Season of Advent? In this issue of Tidings we find that a path to an earth- The corrections we choose to make, big or small, deep or ly oasis of Peace is now restricted. This path did not exist 52 shallow, come with the Hope that awaits us at the end of our years ago. It since has become the path for hundreds of trav- journey. Christmas is not an end but a life-changing begin- elers; it has provided them a monasticPathless touchstone and a way ning. Path to enjoy the sacred space of the Hermitage. Some came and The path we choose leads to a pathless journey un- left in a single day; others came and left after days of retreat; less we choose to follow Christ and to bear the cross he chose all who came to the New Camaldoli Hermitage left with the in his path toward the Gate of Eternal Joy for each of us. belief that they were better for having taken the path that led Share in the path that leads to the Hermitage by them up this switchback road to God’s space. making a special gift to the Camaldolese. Make it a gift of Today the Monks announced that it will be more dif- Thanksgiving for their life and the path they have chosen to ficult and at times impossible to travel the current road from help us on our journey to the Good News that we receive at the highway to the Hermitage. Repairs to three major vola- the end of the path to the Hermitage. tile parts of this narrow path are imminent and unavoidable.

Please Send Us Mass Intention Announcement Your E-Mail Address! We welcome you to have a Mass said at the Camaldoli Hermitage Chapel. The monks of the Hermitage need Each Mass intention is individual and will be celebrated on or as close as possible your e-mail address. Why? to that date you request. There are many exciting special events and information for you to re- You cannot buy a Mass, but the traditional offering is $10.00 ceive. Because postage is expensive, we would like to inform you of some Your intention or request can be for Healing, Memorial, Wedding, Birthday, things via e-mail. Anniversary or special intentions. Please be assured, we will NOT share your e-mail address. We will send you a reminder of what day this Mass is being said. Name: There is no greater gift than the Sacrifice of Mass. ______Address: Please print: ______Name City, State, Zip ______Address E-mail: ______City State Zip

My intention is: Please use the enclosed envelope for your prayer requests.

Date requested:

My Mass offering is enclosed: $ ______. Thank you. www.contemplation.com Camaldolese Tidings ~ 7 Book Reviews By Fr. Daniel Manger, OSB Cam. Christmas Schedule

Christ In Evolution by Ilia Delio, o.s.f. who is assistant professor of Ecclesiastical Christmas Eve History and Franciscan Studies at W.T.U. 11:00 p.m. Vigils of Christmas, followed in Washington, DC. Published by Orbis by a musical interlude Books, $18.00 PB, available at the 12:00 a.m. Midnight Mass, with a Hermitage Bookstore. light reception following In the current dialogue between science in the monk’s dining room and Judeo-Christian belief, the issue of God as author and sustainer of all Christmas Day creation is very heated. In her book, Ilia Delio opens another path of perspective 11:00am Eucharist to ponder humbly: the data of faith experience and theological understanding You are welcome can find a covenant in common with modern scientists as the search for the to join us. true in our universe unfolds. She deftly develops the great Truth of God and the truths of created universe in spiritual insights that are worth the time and prayer to ponder. New Accommodations for Retreatants Available Perspectives On The Rule Of St. Benedict by Sister Aquinata Bockmann, We are happy to let everyone the bookstore and to the chapel. Scholas- OSB. Published by Liturgical Press, know that we are making available two tica is a very spacious, standalone hermit- $21.95. Sister Aquinata brings together a additional accom- age with two beds herculean effort of research and reflection modations for We have had many requests for and a full size on the original thought of St. Benedict, the retreatants, begin- rooms for more than one person, and futon, and sleeps of Western Monasticism. She ning immediate- four. It also has discloses many theological, sociological ly. We have had are responding to these requests. a full kitchen and and anthropological details that help many requests for dining area, a full one reflect on the great contribution and rooms for more bathroom, and is development of the Rule of St. Benedict. than one person, and are responding to up a small hill east of the bookstore. She suggests the great light it can these requests. If you are interested in reserving either of impart to many monastic and Christian GuestHouse A, which is located these spaces, please call the bookstore at communities and to the challenges of just off the bookstore, has two beds and a 831 667-2456, x100. contemporary history. full bathroom. It provides easy access to

Please Tasty Fruitcakes a Great Treat! remember us when making We have enclosed with this news- these cakes to you as a tasty way of sup- or revising your will. letter an order form so that you may order porting the hermitage! some of our delicious gourmet fruit cakes and date nut cakes for yourself and your Our official name is: family and friends. These really are won- derful cakes and are free of trans fats. Camaldolese Hermits The recipe has changed little from of America the first cakes we baked over 40 years ago. Many of our customers have tried Our federal ID # is: the cakes and then continued to buy them 94-6050278 for many years. If you have not tried one yet, please do. We are pleased to provide 8 ~ Camaldolese Tidings

The New Camaldoli Hermitage Gifts, Art and Bookstore wants to share with you a happy, healthy and peaceful Holiday sea- son. We are open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Our merchandise is carefully selected for those who are seek- ing unique and spiritual gifts. This is the time of the year for some of us to bring out our ornaments or find new ones, so take a look at our large variety made from all over the world. Throughout our store walls are several different art shows on display for your visual pleasure. And of course our books and famous fruitcakes and date nut cakes are always abundantly available. The gifts you give from the Hermitage will be gifts that give life throughout the New Year.

Pictured below are just a few displays of the different Mother and Child items, ornaments, and art for sale. Come and enjoy a day with us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!