Camaldolese Monks, OSB a quarterly newsletter New Camaldoli Hermitage Fall 2015 • Vol. 21, Issue 3 62475 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 • 831-667-2456 • www.contemplation.com

Brother James Makes Simple Vows Fr. Isaiah Teichert, OSB Cam.

June 7th was a day worthy of fire- Through his obedience James imitates works at the Hermitage; we celebrated a Christ who came not to do his own will, simple profession. But there was an im- but the will of him who sent him. St. Bene- mediate surprise in store: we’d just gotten dict urges a high quality obedience in the used to calling James “Cassian”, and he Rule; it should be executed without hesi- asked at this time to go back to his bap- tation, delay, luke-warmness, grumbling tismal name and be called “James” again. or objection. With his vow of So we witnessed James committing for of life, James is promising to do what it three years to obedience, reformation of takes to be a monk, enter into the conver- life and stability. satio morum, the give and take of ordinary The monks weren’t the only wit- life in community. With his vow of stabil- nesses. James has only one brother but he ity, James promises to stay in place, stay has about a thousand first cousins (or so with what St. Benedict calls the “school followed me out afterward and said, “I it seems to us!), and a lot of them came. of charity” which is the monastery. James hope you guys are keeping that monk. Many of the women wore their beautiful has said many times that it seems a real That ‘Salve’ was a thing of beauty.” We saris, making them look like visiting roy- school to him, and that he has something have every intention of keeping James. alty. The queen among them was James’ to learn from every brother here. mother, who did the second reading at Recently James, who is a wonderful If you are or know of any man be- Mass. James said, “It was one of the most singer, trained in South Indian (Carnatic) tween the ages of 25 and 40 interested in memorable days of my life.” music, was leading the solemn Salve Regi- religious life, please contact Fr. Isaiah, na at the end of Vespers. One of the guests . 2 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage Love and Kenosis Prior Consiglio, OSB Cam.

One of the weaknesses of English (as we hear so often from Some of us read a beautiful essay (“Kill the Creature” in the people who speak other languages) is our limited vocabulary. spring 2015 issue of The American Scholar) by the poet Chris- For example, there is only one word we use for “love” over and tian Wiman recently, and I immediately stole the insight about over again. I could say that I love ice cream and I love my fam- kenosis from him. That of course is the Greek word used by Saint ily, I love acoustic guitar music and I love my monastic life––but Paul in the great canticle from the letter to the Philippians: Christ these are all different kinds of love. Recall C. S. Lewis’ famous empties himself... Wiman says that the term kenosis “refers to the book, The Four Loves, in which he wrote about the four dif- kind of self-emptying that God” in Jesus “performed in both the ferent Greek words for love: storge, which means “affection”; incarnation and the crucifixion.” It’s not just a “sacrifice”; it’s “a eros, usually only thought of as romantic love but which I think complete erasure for the sake of something greater.” And what’s is much broader than that; then there is philia which is like fa- greater, Wiman says, is the reality that we intuit “by means of milial love which could also extend to friends––“I love you like relationship—both with matter and with other minds.” Jesus a brother.” (At this point our Bro Benedict would be letting us makes it very clear in this gospel: “If you profess to love me, know that he is from Philadelphia––the city of brotherly love!). feed my sheep! Tend my lambs!” just as he does in other plac- Then of course there is agape, unconditional love. I remember es: ‘Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me (Mt all the way back when I was 18 learning that agape was to love 25:40).’ as God loves, to love without asking for anything in return. This is a good question to ask ourselves: Are we answering Case in point is that poignant story at the end of the Gos- God, through Jesus, in the Spirit, with the same intensity that pel of John (Jn 21:15-19), one of the post-resurrection appear- God is asking? Are we willing to be completely erased for the ances, right after the breakfast on the beach, when Jesus asks sake of something greater than ourselves? Are we willing to shed Peter three times if he loves him. It’s kind of a silly example, but our blood for the sake of Christ? Are we willing to lay down what’s going on that gospel reminds me of two people who have our lives for our friends? Are we willing to suffer persecution been dating, and at one point in the relationship one or the other for the sake of justice? These are all simply the demands of the decides it’s not really working, and so they have “that” conver- gospel. At a much more mundane and immediate level, are we sation, or that phone call, or perhaps one of them sends a letter willing to support one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior (“Dear John…”) or an email or, for the real wimps, they send with greatest patience, and earnestly compete in obedience to that text message saying, “I think we should ‘just be friends…’” one another, not judging what seems best for ourselves, but what Well, obviously this is not a romantic relationship between Jesus we judge best for someone else, as the Rule of Benedict calls for and Peter, but what we don’t catch in English is that in the way in that bothersome chapter on mutual obedience (72:5-6)? That John records this in Greek there are two different words being kind of availability is the heart of our own third good, I think. used for “love.” Jesus asks Peter, “Do you agapan me?” And Our former prior general Emanuele used to say that’s the fire that Peter says, “Lord, you know I philein you!” As if to say, “Peter, should inspire every aspect of our charism, in the hermit cell, in do you love me unconditionally?” And Peter says, “I love you community as well as in the mission field––absolute availability. like a brother!” the first two times. And finally Jesus says, maybe with a sigh, “Do you philein me?” There are many ways we may be bound hand and foot and led where we might not want to go, and so we pray that the Spirit Now some scholars think that this is nothing but a stylis- will give us the strength and ardor to answer with the same in- tic variation (since there are also two different words used for tensity with which we are being asked, and be Christ’s witnesses “sheep” and for “to know”), but I remember having dinner with in our thoughts, words and deeds. some friends who were pretty serious linguists and scholars, and they pulled out their Greek dictionary and their Greek New Tes- Save the Date tament, and did a pretty good job of convincing me that Peter was not answering Jesus with the same intensity that Jesus was “An Afternoon with The Prior” asking. And it’s almost as if Jesus accepts that for the time be- Prior Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam. ing, but you could see the prophecy that he offers in a new light: Los Angeles “Someday, Peter, you will be bound hand and foot and taken Sunday, October 11, 2015 • 3:00-6:00 pm where you do not want to go!” And that to me is an equivalent For more information, please contact Jill Gisselere of unconditional love: “I will do anything for you, I will go any- [email protected] where for you, even where I do not want to go, even something 831.667.2456 x 114 that I don’t really want to do, because I love you.” www.contemplation.com 3

from the pages of… Saint Thomas could add the example of Saint Vita Monastica Romuald and his Order, inserted in the Benedic- This is from an article penned in 1956 by the Dominican tine and Gregorian tradi- scholar Raimundo Spiazzi. In it he is commenting on Thomas tion, with the prudent and Aquinas’ treatment of solitude in the Summa (II.VII.188). harmonic combination In our day and age we might never say that the solitary life of hermitage, cenobium, is “more perfect” than the communal life, as Saint Thom- and apostolate. How as suggests––perfection is to be where God wants us––but much more does this the salient point of the article is that solitude needs a good last element enrich the beginning––and it is not an end in itself. Fr. Spiazzi is sug- Camaldolese synthesis, gesting that the absolute availability of the third good of the similar to the Dominican Camaldolese charism embodies the Thomistic teaching that one, with that diffusive every Dominican knows well, that the highest form of the and illuminating capac- spiritual life is to pass on that which has been contemplated, ity which, according to the “action that proceeds from contemplation.” the Angelic Doctor, de- termines the ideal of the In his realism, Saint Thomas points out the problem of most perfect spiritual solitude, and yet the fundamental sense of the article is cer- and religious life in the tainly in favor of its beauty, sanctity and importance. In refer- Church (contemplata ali- ring to the Fathers, he inserts himself into the classical tradi- is tradere*). If between the communal and the solitary life, as tion of Christian doctrine and spirituality. For that reason his between the purely active and the purely contemplative life–– conclusion is particularly authoritative, based on the founda- considered as two juxtaposed ends and taken in their rigorous tions of authority and reason and validated by the example of sense––the primacy is given to the contemplative and solitary the saints: “As that which is already perfect prevails over that life well undertaken, the fullness of spirituality however is which is still striving to perfection, so the life of solitaries given to the life that includes and gives importance also to the prevails over the communal life, if it has been undertaken as apostolate, not cut off from contemplation but flowing from it should be [emphasis his].” But if such a life is undertaken it. Actio procedens ex contemplatione**. In such a sense, soli- without the proper preparation, it is very dangerous, unless tude can also be the way to and a resource for the apostolate. that which has been acquired by others through preparation is made up by divine grace, as one observes in blessed Anthony * “To pass on what has been contemplated.” and Benedict. ** “Action proceeds from contemplation.”

The Reading List What the monks are reading these days. The quarterly newsletter is published by the Camaldolese Hermits Fr. Thomas: Epistles of John, Raymond Brown. of America for our friends, oblates, and sponsors. Fr. Robert: The Face Of Mercy, Pope Francis; Cassian the Editors: Father Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam., Monk, Fr. Columba Stewart, OSB. Brother Healey, OSB Cam., Fr. Isaiah: Year of Living Biblically, A. J. Jacobs; Band of Deborah Smith Douglas, Oblate OSB Cam. Brothers, Stephen . Development: Jill Gisselere Fr. Cyprian: A King’s Ransom, Sharon Kay Penman; Public Relations & Design: Susan Garrison Sources of the Self, Charles Taylor. Br. Bede: Faith, Michael Eigen; Minding Spirituality, If you have questions or comments about this publication, please Randall L. Sorenson. address them to: Br. Joshua: Solitude & Mission: Dynamism of the New Camaldoli Hermitage Camaldolese Charism, American Benedictine Review. 62475 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 Fr. Zacchaeus: Not My Father’s Son, Alan Cumming; Ire- (831) 667-2456 • Fax: (831) 667-0209 E-mail: [email protected] land Unhinged, David Monagan. or visit us on the web at: Postulant Doug: The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Sr. Benedicta Ward, SLG, trans.; Heaven Begins Within You: Wis- www.contemplation.com dom from the Desert Fathers, Anselm Gruen, OSB. 4 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage

Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (You know, School of America’s stuff: Kill the commies, kill the dissenters, Kill the poor, -1- All those who refuse to bow and pray I found Her in a tree, to almighty dollar’s Empire) That means in a tree, not at the tree nor by the tree, But inside the tree, And they found Her afterwards, Back in the woods, the Redwoods to be more precise, Among the dead, the blood-stained clothes, And that tree was a Redwood tree the broken furniture— And I say was, because it was destroyed by the fire. She — broken too. Well, almost destroyed; And they put Her together, There’s still the huge bark like a Basilica And put on Her new vestments and She inside. --as it is their custom— Inside the tree, Dressed her as a Batsi Tsem with her “veladoras” (her candles) -A true Mayan woman- all blackened within. And they called Her: Nuestra Señora de la Masacre Just as it would be back home, Our Lady of the Massacre. Her home, my home, Mexico, And She accompanies them, That is, Our Lady’s home- Guadalupe’s, as She did then, you know what I mean In Life, as in Death, as in the coming Resurrection, In the rustic wooden churches (“ermitas” we call them), On earth as it is in heaven amen. In the old adobe and stucco temples, -3- In the intimate miserable homes “Beware of poison oak” says Brother, (though more rich in joy and love “Lots has grown around the place, than many a rich, comfortable house); We’ve neglected it”. All blackened within by smoke and ashes Me thinks: “Don’t worry, I’m used to it… from candles used for worship She always appears in the midst of things like that: and firewood used to bake the bread, Poison and serpents, well, the tortillas, War—where She is wont to bring peace, for such is the daily bread of our Mother’s sons and daughters. Injustice—where She empowers her sons -2- to face up to the Unjust and the Oppressor. “It must have been one of them” I think when I find Her so far away That’s the way it goes, you know the old story: —“A Mexican must have brought Her here to this place”, And there shall be enmity between thee and the woman, a paisano, I sense his presence around; and she shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise her heel. most likely her presence. But no, I was wrong, Brother Ignatius tells me: So I walk to her place heeding his warning: “I put Her there; She was lying in a heap of trash, “Beware of the poison that hides in an ivy.” I recovered Her.” I know it is tricky: it changes its hue Well, only half wrong, methinks- He is her son. and the shape of its leaves. And his story brings back another from my home, Three-leaved, that’s the clue to distinguish its presence. South in Chiapas, And I cross the bridge as Juan Diego before me, the place where my mind flies to Five hundred years hence (I mean, counting backwards) everyday, as the sun and I rise: and there indeed is the plant, upon crossing the bridge, Acteal, Chiapas, where 45 were murdered— the accursed plant is all over, in its most harmless aspect. Her sons and daughters—mostly women and children, As I come down the mound I stop: three-leaved plant blocks the way. while praying and fasting What is this? Other version? Three-leaved, oblong shaped. for peace - December 22, 1997— But the leaves look too small and the stems have fresh buds, Killed by government-trained paramilitaries. What is this? looks like roses, and the petals soft purple… But of course, it’s her place! How like Her! It’s her custom to turn thorns into flowers— And bring hope to the tearful. Our Lady of the Poor, Queen of Martyrs. Queen of Peace. Ora pro nobis.

Rafael Landerreche is a lay missionary and human rights activist from Chiapas, Mexico, who stayed with us a month doing research and working on some writing projects. contemplation.com ~ 5

Monk Spotlight Lectio Divina: Reading Scripture

“What can be sweeter than a psalm? ...Really! A psalm is in fact a blessing for the faithful, praise for God, Brother Emmanuel Wasinger, OSB, Cam. a hymn for his people, everyone’s applause, a universal word, the Brother Emmanuel is a very special monk and friend to many voice of the Church, who shares his wonderful warm spirit with everyone he meets. profession and song Brother Emmanuel was born Richard Wasinger on October 14, of faith, expression 1927 in Rush County, Kansas. Emmanuel was one of eight chil- of authentic jubilation, dren of Wendelin and Beata Wasinger. He spent his early years in the sound of spiritual Kansas but later moved to Colorado where he entered the Bene- gladness, it mitigates dictine novitiate at Holy Cross Abbey in Canyon City, Colorado wrath, frees from in 1957. Saint Joseph reading A relative studying for the priesthood at the seminary, Father worries, relieves sadness. by Pier Francesco Mola It is protection by night, (1612-1666) Joseph Stremel, later Monsignor, recommended the Benedictine instruction by day, a monastery to Brother Emmanual for consideration. After spend- shield in time of fear, the festival of holiness, the image ing a decade at Holy Cross Abbey, Emmanuel seeking a more of tranquility, a pledge of peace and concord that, like contemplative life, was transferred to the New Camaldoli Her- a harp, fuses many and different voices in a single mitage, professing his vows to the Camaldolese community in melody. The psalm sings the break of day and echoes 1967. still at sunset.” Brother Emmanuel is a constant presence in the New Camal- (from the writings of Saint Ambrose of Milan) doli Hermitage, always sharing stories from his past especially his time growing up in Kansas where he and his family had a Happy indeed are those wheat farm. You can often find Emmanuel driving his golf cart who follow not the counsel of the wicked, around the property enjoying checking on the many projects un- nor linger in the way of sinners derway as well as double checking that the machinery is running nor sit in the company of scorners, smoothly. Brother Emmanuel has been instrumental in maintain- but whose delight is the law of the Lord ing the property at the Hermitage as well as keeping the machin- and who ponder God’s law day and night. ery running smoothly over forty years and has been known to “bless” both the machinery and even employees’ automobiles. They are like a tree that is planted He will proudly tell you there was a 14-year stretch during his beside the flowing waters, residency at the Hermitage when he did not leave the property that yields its fruit in due season once, and has been one of the few who stayed behind during the and whose leaves shall never fade; evacuations that have taken place over the years to protect the and all that they do shall prosper. Hermitage. Not so the wicked, not so! Brother Emmanuel will be celebrating his 88th birthday in October so please keep him in your thoughts as we are so grate- For they like winnowed chaff ful to have him in our community. shall be driven away by the wind. When the wicked are judged they shall not stand, Q & A with Br. Emmanuel nor find room among those who are just; If you were an animal what for the Lord guards the way of the just would you like to be? but the way of the wicked leads to doom. An Elephant (Psalm 1, 1993 Grail) What is your favorite food? Chicken, Beef and Ice Cream What is your favorite place to spend time at the Hermitage? Blessed Sacrament Chapel Please join the Hermitage in wishing Brother Emmanuel a very Happy 88th Birthday! 6 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage News from Monastery of the Risen Christ

Fr. Daniel Manger, OSB Cam. We have had a busy summer at the Monastery. Scudder created and installed the stations, which are mounted We completed the flooring in the monastic chapel, the book- on redwood stained posts, with the help of Lucus Smith of Big store and in our renovated conference room, which used to be Wakoo Fence Company. Also some of the football players from only the outdoor patio on the side of the chapel area. Cal-Poly University along with their coach Chris were on hand Through generous donations all the costs were covered. We to help remove the barbed wire fences and fence posts and corral also received a beautiful bamboo vanity and hammered recycled along with Robert. Thanks to all of them for their generosity to copper sink for the area from the Native Trails Company here in the monastery! San Luis Obispo. Construction of the labyrinth which adjoins the Resurrection Another project has been the development in the lower Walk has begun with the help of Mary Pat George and her hus- meadow of the monastic property, where the Celtic High Cross band Ron. now stands, of what we call the Resurrection Walk. This walk- Father Stephen has been giving a series of preached retreats ing meditation area we hope will inspire retreat guests, monks and just completed teaching of his first On-Line Course, with and others in the area to take time to ponder the mystery of the several students from around the world for their masterʼs cred- Lord Jesusʼ passion and resurrection. The Stations of the Cross its in spirituality. He is also an acting spiritual director for the were gift from Toni Flynn, an oblate of the monastery, and were national Capuchin Novitiate in Los Olivos, CA, for yet another themselves a gift from the monastic artist Fr. Mauer van Door- year and new novitiate class. sler of St. Andrewʼs Abbey in Valyermo California before he Father Ray has been taking care of the treasuring and see- died. Mike Huston and his brother-in-law Andy, along with Jim ing to it that many notes of gratitude be sent out to benefactors, assuring them of our prayerful remembrance. He has also devel- oped a healing program called Healing the Family Tree, which can be read about on our website. He just completed a home visit Incarnation Monastery to Nebraska and had a wonderful family reunion and celebration. Father Ray also helped develop the new text for our rack card, By Fr. Arthur Poulin, OSB Cam. which helps promote our monasteryʼs retreat/hospitality minis- The summertime in Berkeley is always quiet with the exo- try. dus of over 40,000 students! Thus we have been enjoying a A little more than a month ago we sustained the loss of more low key atmosphere and rhythm here at Incarnation Father Ken Brown the pastor of St. Patrick Church in Arroyo Monastery. It has been a blessed opportunity for each monk Grande and dean of the priestʼs deanery here in this area of the to pursue more quiet, personal time for renewal. diocese. He was a great supporter of the monastery; we shall In the midst of this tranquility, there has been a steady miss his presence as does the family and parish who still grieve flow of guests tended to by our guestmaster, Ivan. Andrew his sudden death. continues to oversee the many projects and renovations We have hosted some Oblate days with special liturgy and for the upkeep of both houses. Recently, the front stairway also with conference with our Prior Cyprian and Father Robert which is also the entrance to the guesthouse and chapel was present. They were deeply appreciated and well attended, foster- refortified and beautified with a welcoming fountain and ing the continued discernment of affiliation and the development small rock garden. Arthur continues his painting ministry of the new mentoring process for our Camaldolese Oblates. after a very festive and well attended opening at Mondavi Winery in Napa. At different moments during these summer months, we also welcomed two new people into our oblate commu- Please consider remembering us nity: Walter Eells and Sara Hurley. These celebrations are always a sign of hope and joy for the monks as well as our when making or revising your will. extended praying community. On August 22, oblates Marty Badgett and Billy McLen- nan will offer a Silent Day of retreat. This will officially launch us back into our full schedule of events and retreats for the coming year beginning with a retreat day offered by Our official name is: Cyprian on September 19th. For more information on our Camaldolese Hermits of America coming programs and retreats, please check out our website at www.IncarnationMonastery.org Our federal ID # is: 94-6050278

– Photo by Debi Lorenc contemplation.com ~ 7

In Romuald’s Cave in Croatia Fr. Michael Fish, OSB Cam. At the beginning of May, a German Benedictine, Fr. Jeremi- as and I went to Croatia to visit the Cave of S. Romuald. Ever since I first heard of the cave a few years ago I knew it was a place I wanted and needed to visit. Romuald went to Dalmatia (Croatia) in 1001 AD and spent five years there. He began by building a monastery at what is now known as Klostar and then took himself off to a cave for two and a half years of solitude. Jeremias and I spent a day of reflection at the cave entrance and were then fortunate to be given a guided tour of the inner cave where Romuald had lived. It is a huge cavern about 150 feet long containing amazing stalagmites and stalactites formed over millennia. The cave, with its intense darkness and silence, has been the habitat of humans for 22,000 years as well as 42 different species of animals. It was believed to be haunted, but after Romuald’s Fresco of Saint Romuald inside the cave. stay it became a pilgrimage place. It was most probably in the cave that Romuald experienced the spiritual breakthrough of his life. He had been asking for the gift of ‘compunction of heart’ when reading the words of Psalm 32, “I will instruct and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you,” he was overcome and in tears cried out, “Jesus, dear Jesus, desire of my heart, joy of the saints, delight of the angels.” As well as receiving the gift of tears Romuald also was given insight to all of Scripture and the Wisdom of God at work in him. The visit to the cave opened and shifted something in me which I have not as yet been able to to define or grasp. Is this sense of an interior opening in me an invitation to enter into my own cave-heart and encounter there my darkness and inner si- lence? Or might it be my deep heart’s longing for some of Ro- muald’s courage, to face my own fear, to trust and sit waiting? Or Fr. Michael and Fr. Jeremias with the stalagmites a silent prayer for perseverance like his, to follow my own path and stalactites in the inner cave.” no matter how unorthodox and unusual? I am not sure. I was, however, struck by how alive Romuald is to the people of the area one thousand years on. They not only know of him but all about him, they claim him with pride as an intercessor and ancestor. Which makes me wonder how different our lives and world could be with even a little of Romuald’s wild quest for ‘the more’.

Fr. Michael and Fr. Jeremias in the chapel inside the cave.

Fr. Michael and Fr. Jeremias Marseilles, OSB, at the entrance to Romuald’s cave. 8 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage Scenes from the 3rd Camaldolese Assembly

Photos clockwise from top left:

Bro. Bede, Fr. Robert with Michael Mullard.

Fr. Michael Fish gave the opening conference Friday night.

A meditative display welcomes us at the entrance to the assembly hall.

Small group discussions took place Saturday afternoon.

Preparing the beautiful chapel for liturgy. contemplation.com ~ 9

Reflection on 3rd Assembly By Helena Chan, Obl. OSB Cam. If you go on-line to YouTube, you can type in “Palestrina si- pression in the 19th; Anselmo and Benedetto’s ressourcement at cut cervus,” select a recording, and listen for the words ad fontes. Fonte Avellana in the 20th century. He posed a vital question to The text is, us at the end, “What does this reform movement of Romuald in Sicut cervus desiderat ad fontes aquarum, ita diserat anima the 10th-11th century have to say to the church and world and mea ad te, Deus, which is a 16th century setting of Ps 42:1 spiritual seekers in the 21st century?” As the deer longs for the water brooks, Through lightly moderated discussion groups, our prayer, So longs my soul for you, O God. and Eucharistic liturgy we pondered this question, and continue The beautiful flow of the voices lyrically paints Ressource- to let it speak to us. ment – fontes – returning to the sources – one theme that emerged Nestled between learning and worship, is practical contem- from our community gathering of seekers, friends, oblates, and plative action. The working groups have taken shape and are monks at La Casa de Maria in Montecito this past July. now distilled to three: Oblates, Outreach, Youth, and Vocations, Participants have written to us about this third annual and Management and Oversight. Each group gave a report of Camaldolese Assembly noting a balance and flow to the week- activities that we have accomplished in the last year, as well as end between being and doing, liturgy and meditation, confer- on-going initiatives, and participants committed to new plans ences and group reflections, and progress and new activities. and actions for the coming year. Our gathering is taking root, becoming a rhythm of our extend- Fr. Raniero took up the image of the well in his homily ask, ed community’s life, and we look forward to the next one at St “Am I spending time every day with my first love, God within?” Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista July 15-17, 2016. He invited us to take a dive into the cave within our selves to La Casa de Maria’s staff provided warm, attentive hospital- spend time in silent meditation and to become grounded in the ity including cough drops for Fr. Robert! The environment was gut and the heart, with God. one of rest, renewal, mindfulness, and exploration ranging from Fr. Robert’s homily invited us to look up at the stained glass delicious healthful meals to Sister Corita’s art dotting the cam- windows in the chapel: the deer, the bread and wine; and to con- pus. sider Christ our friend, our brother, our peace, our Good Shep- Through landscape photography and animated story-telling, herd full of compassion for us. Fr. Michael Fish started our movement to the sources by leading As an interlude, guests enjoyed the Monks Q&A with Bede, us on a virtual camino to the cave of St. Romuald in Croatia. Raniero, Michael, Robert, and Cyprian giving a jovial update Romuald spent two years of his life at the cave and a nearby on news from the Hermitage, Incarnation, and Monastery of the chapel. The cave: a primordial place of sheer silence and utter Risen Christ. New trailers are finally in the works at New Camal- darkness inside the earth, and the chapel: many meters above the doli! level of the cave, rustic, with a deep well. Oblates Paula Huston and Mike Mullard brought our time Our Prior Cyprian, reflecting on the Year for Consecrated together to a close with a hopeful, active orientation towards our Life, gave a conference on Ressourcement, illustrating an orien- community’s future by presenting the creation of an oblate men- tation of gratitude for our past, passion for our present, and hope toring program for those who seek it. They shared their unique, for our future by sifting through a historical contextual review of serendipitous paths to oblation, and observations on the need for Camaldolese spirituality and panning out nuggets of wisdom for wisdom and grace in the process. our application. This plumbing of the sources and practice of orienting Cyprian taught about the sources that have formed our com- ourselves in community with gratitude, passion, and hope is a munity starting from the patristic era, moving through the centu- springboard to living the question of, “What are we individually ries: 6th century, Benedict; the 8th to 10th, St. Benedict of Aniane and corporately called to do in this time and in this place in the and the various reforms; late 10th/early 11th, Romuald himself; light of these sources?” We hope that you will join us for our 14th century humanism at Santa Maria degli Angeli; in the 17th continued exploration of this next year. century the congregation divides into three; the Napoleonic Sup- Our cakes and granola, Save The Date as well as many other great products are now Fall Open House available online. New Camaldoli Hermitage Sunday, November 8, 2015, 2 - 5 p.m. Please support our Food, music, holiday boutique and more community by ordering from our website: For information please contact Jill Gisselere [email protected] www.hermitagebigsur.com. 831.667.2456 x 114

10 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage From An Oblate’s Journal … By Matt Fisher, Obl. OSB Cam.

Academic Science and the “Third Good” sues such as HIV, malaria, Alzheimer’s disease, or tuberculosis At the time, I didn’t realize how transformative Fr. Ro- in my upper level biochemistry courses that I taught every year? muald’s words would turn out to be. The human reality – the pain, suffering, caring, and sacrifice Nearly twenty years ago, I became aware of the Camaldolese of individuals – none of those challenges ever appeared in bio- through their involvement with interreligious dia- chemistry textbooks. They couldn’t be found in the traditional logue. I had also been reflecting on a growing attraction to Bene- way that biochemistry was taught. I finally came to the conclu- dictine spirituality and wondering if I might be called to become sion that my academic discipline was silent on these issues…not silent in the positive and life-giving an oblate of a Benedictine commu- Where was the human face of issues such as nity. At that time, New Camaldoli way that the monks at New Camal- had a dependent house, Epiphany HIV, malaria, Alzheimer’s disease, or tuber- doli cultivate silence but silent as Monastery, in New Boston NH that culosis in my upper level biochemistry cours- a mechanism of suppression and wasn’t that far from my home in es that I taught every year? The human reality denial and not wanting to know or southwestern Pennsylvania. So that change. – the pain, suffering, caring, and sacrifice of I realized that I couldn’t teach summer I went up to the monastery individuals – none of those challenges ever to spend five days on retreat. that way, the way I had been teach- During that time I had a number appeared in biochemistry textbooks. ing for the past decade, any more. of conversations with Fr. Romuald, So what was I to do? One of the monk in charge at Epiphany, about a variety of topics in- the core values of the Benedictine tradition is conversatio, often cluding Camaldolese spirituality and what becoming an oblate translated as “conversion of life.” What if I allowed my approach involved. It was during one of those conversations that he first to teaching to undergo a conversion? What would happen if I shared with me the words of Emanuelle Bargellini, former Prior let go of the security of teaching biochemistry as I had always General, who described the Camaldolese perspective on Chris- taught it, and tried something very different for a change? tianity as being about “the primacy of love.” At the same time, In the summer of 2005 I started to redesign my biochemistry Fr. Romuald made it quite clear that it was my responsibility to courses for science majors so that all of the science concepts understand what those words meant in the context of my own were learned through the context of public health issues – Al- life as a Christian, a married person, and a chemistry professor. zheimer’s, AIDS, diabetes and obesity, influenza, vaccines, men- He had no easy or pre-determined answers to give me. tal health, and cancer. I brought in readings from various sources So I returned home to start being an oblate postulant. I that gave students insight into the human dimension of those is- worked on restructuring my life so that it included the elements sues. I created assignments that asked students to think about of prayer (particularly Lauds/Vespers and lectio), the daily dy- the role that institutional and personal values played in how we ing to selfishness/control/possessiveness described in the Oblate dealt with these issues. And gradually I found ways to challenge Rule, and silence/solitude. Since part of the Oblate Rule focused my students to integrate their learning so that they realized their on the place of work in a person’s spirituality, I began to ponder responsibilities as scientists to the larger society because of their the possible implications that becoming an oblate could have for ability to understand and use disciplines like biochemistry. My my work as a chemistry professor at a small liberal arts college. teaching philosophy became focused on creating learning en- The following May, my wife Bettie and I returned to Epiph- vironments where my students could connect “head, hand, and any Monastery – on the last weekend it was open to the public heart.” – so that I could be received as an oblate by Fr. Romuald. I didn’t realize it then, but looking back on the past ten years A few years after that event, I had an opportunity to develop I now see this journey of transforming my teaching as an ex- a new course for non-science majors that used complex civic is- ploration in some ways of the “third good” of the Camaldolese sues as a starting point to teach through to the underlying scien- tradition. As the Constitutions and Declarations state, “The tific concepts. I decided to use global sustainability as the overall Camaldolese tradition is characterized by the unity of the mo- theme and three specific challenges – climate change, feeding nastic family in the threefold good of coenobium, solitudo, and the world’s population, and threats to world health – as the is- evangelium paganorum [community, solitude, evangelization].” sues that would serve as starting points for various sections of More and more I understand the last element, evangelium paga- the course. norum, as related to how I go out “in mission” and embody in my Developing the class gave me the opportunity to learn more work the values of the Gospel that point towards the primacy of about topics such as malnutrition, malaria, HIV, and tuberculo- love. sis. By then, I had been an oblate of New Camaldoli for about Back in 1997, I had no idea the journey that Fr. Romuald’s five years. As I continued to grapple with the challenge that the words would start me on. What a transforming adventure it has monks presented me, the challenge of “the primacy of love”…I been! I’m looking forward to where the journey takes me in the became increasingly troubled. Where was the human face of is- coming years. contemplation.com ~ 11 Centers of Gravity and Buoyancy: Introducing Our New Development Director

Thoughts on Benedictine Stability Greetings from Big Sur! I am By Deborah Smith Douglas, Obl. OSB Cam. honored and humbled to be part of the wonderful monastic community at New Camaldoli Hermitage. I have Excerpted from Deborah’s keynote presentation received the warmest of welcomes as at the Camaldolese Millennial Assembly in 2013. I began my employment in late July as the Director of Development. I have been making annual monastic retreats in Benedic- I am a Los Angeles native, who tine monasteries for as long as I can remember. And I have recently relocated to Big Sur pursuing a life-long dream to reside in one of always appreciated them as opportunities to reset my inner my favorite places. I have been trav- compass to true North. elling annually to Big Sur for the past But at New Camaldoli my interior re-setting is deeper, thirty years. Many of the best moments spent with my children were more subtle, more powerful, and more abiding, than I have here in Big Sur on our annual camping trips. experienced in any other monastery. I am currently living off the grid, learning the ins and outs of I am not sure why this should be so…it probably has travelling dirt roads, using solar energy and catching rain water as something to do with the unusual depth of silence that the Her- our main water source. I consider myself a “pioneer in training” and mitage affords, and the opportunity afforded by the solitude welcome any advice from my colleagues here at the Hermitage who both to “ascend the depths” and “descend to the heights” (as have years of experience. Prior Cyprian likes to say), and to rediscover both the stability I have over a decade of experience working in non-profits, most recently serving as the Associate Director of Donor Relations at of being grounded in God and the lightness of it—the chance Marlborough School, and Donor Relations Manager, Special Giv- to test both roots and wings. ing Programs at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Both orga- I don’t know much about sailing or shipbuilding, but I nizations had multi-million dollar annual fundraising goals and were have read Sebastian Junger’s book The Perfect Storm. In that managed at the most professional level providing me with a tremen- book I learned that the stability of a ship in high seas and bad dous amount of experience. I am excited to bring this knowledge to weather depends a great deal on the right relationship between the Hermitage to support the fundraising, marketing and communi- the ship’s two indispensable centers: the center of gravity, and cations initiatives as well as to provide overall administrative support the center of buoyancy (of which I had never heard). to the business office and Prior Cyprian. These “centers” are not static places, but opposing forces: We have some interesting projects and events underway; we will gravity is the sum of all the downward forces in the hull, buoy- continue to update you throughout the year to keep you connected to the work we are doing. We have had our busiest summer season ancy all the upward forces that keep the ship afloat. The center ever, with thousands of travelers from around the world stopping by of gravity is fixed, but the center of buoyancy is constantly to enjoy the serenity of this blessed, blessing place. The bookstore, shifting. It acts as the “restoring force,” the “righting move- chapel and retreat facilities have been enjoyed and appreciated by all ment” that compensates when the ship is beset by high winds who passed through. and rough seas. We are reminded daily that none of this would be possible with- These two opposing forces work together to maintain the out our community support: thank you for being a friend to the Her- ship’s stability. Equilibrium is found in a constantly changing mitage. balance of these contrary energies, each completely necessary Please contact me anytime at [email protected], or to the other, neither sufficient alone. 831.667.2456 x 114. I would love to hear from you. The “changes and chances of this mortal life”—the high winds and storms we cannot hope to avoid—can knock our CALLING ALL FRIENDS AND OBLATES centers of buoyancy and gravity out of whack. The solitude Have you had a time on retreat at New Camaldoli that changed and silence and supported prayer of a retreat can restore a right something in you? An inward change that was reflected in a outward balance between them; can get us back on an even keel so we way in your life or work? may continue on our way. If so, we’d love to hear from you. This principle of physics and navigation is not only an in- We hope to make a regular feature of short pieces like this one sight about life in general—illustrating the need to hold op- by oblate Matt Fisher, and the article in our Spring issue by oblate posing forces in creative tension—it is also emblematic of Valerie Sinkus. Benedictine wisdom about stability of heart, a dynamic inte- We are also hoping to run occasional short pieces by friends and rior wholeness that— held lightly — can keep us steady in any oblates who have brought young friends (children, grandchildren, Godchildren) to the Hermitage for a glimpse of monastic life, like storm. the essay by Sylvia Deck in our last issue. Thanks be to God for the Hermitage, and the brothers’ hos- Please contact Fr. Cyprian at [email protected] or pitality, and the chance we have, when we make a retreat, to Deborah Douglas at [email protected] for more in- realign our deepest selves to both gravity and grace. formation. 12 ~ New Camaldoli Hermitage Activities, Events and Visitors

Bro. James attended a two week long Summer Conference for simply professed monks at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, KS, June 15-26. Bro. Bede participated in a weeklong Franciscan/ Camaldolese dialogue at Mount , NY, June 22-26. Fr. Cyprian did a series of events in Bellingham, WA for Stillpoint and Turtle Haven retreat centers June 25-28.

Participants in our “Come and See: Vocation Discernment Retreat”

Cyprian, Robert, Raniero, Michael Fish and Bede joined with a number of oblates and friends for our annual assembly at La Casa de Maria near Santa Barbara. Fr. Stephen from the Monastery of the Risen Christ has been giving a number of conferences on humility to the com- munity. Columbus Stewart, OSB, of St. John’s Abbey in Colleg- eville, MN spent two weeks with us and reviewed his work on a new book on monastic history. Fr. Zacchaeus visited his family in Texas. We were visited by Sr. Greta, Bro. Denis and Sr. Michelle The Four Winds Council on June 3. of the Community of Divine Love August 17-21. Fr. Thomas offered a retreat on the Sacraments of Nature. The community hosted a number of young adults and helped Cyprian participated in an interfaith retreat in at the Vajra- them explore vocational and life choice issues on the Come and pani Tibetan Buddhist Center in Boulder Creek, CA, and Rob- See retreat weekend, June 19-21. ert, along with oblates Mike Mullard and Patrick Mitchell of- Bro. Ignatius left for Europe July 2. He spent a few weeks fered a retreat on on the weeknd of August 21-23. visiting family and friends in England and then went to our moth- Fr. Isaiah visited his family in Sacramento in early August. erhouse, Camaldoli, to be with our brothers and study Italian. He August 24 we had our first ever All-Camaldolese Chapter, then heads to Rome in October for studies at Sant’Anselmo and with our monks from Berkeley and San Luis Obispo in atten- will be staying at San Gregorio, our house in Rome. dance, discussing our respective missions statements and future Frs. Robert and Cyprian met with the San Luis Obispo ob- planning for our American presence. lates at the Monastery of the Risen Christ, June 11. Our Community retreat was led by Fr. Daniel Horan, OFM, August 26-September 2. His theme was “The Monastic and the Mendicant: Franciscan Influ- ences on .” We had a wonderful visit from our old friends and benefactors Erica and Emily John September 1. Bros. Michael and Gabriel attended the SCRC in Anaheim, CA, September 4-6. Bro. Michael Har- rington also visited family in Michigan and New York in mid-September.

Fr. Cyprian with the other participants in the Buddhist-Christian Gethsemani Encounter, May 28-30, Trappist, Kentucky, in the cloister garden.