A taste of monastic life on the Isle of Wight BBC

[Vouthon]

I found this very interesting (see video in the link below):

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19514587

A Benedictine monastery on the Isle of Wight is offering young men a taste of the monastic life in place of work experience or a gap year.

Those that take up the offer at Quarr Abbey will join monks in their disciplined routine of work, worship and contemplation.

I would love to do something like this. I feel that too few average lay Catholics adopt the contemplative practices of the monasteries, some of which could be put to good use in ordinary life and bear much fruit.

Everyone should meditate and open themselves up to contemplation!

 

[Dale_M]

Here is some more information on the Quarr Abbey internship program.

Quarr Abbey Offers Monastic Internships

Quarr Abbey is inviting applications from men between the age of eighteen and twenty-five for a limited number of monastic internships. These will offer the successful candidates the possibility of living in the monastery for two months, following a way of life similar to that of the monks. During this time they will learn about the Benedictine tradition and have the opportunity to deepen their prayer and reflection on the Bible. They will be expected to contribute by their work to the welfare of the monastery and in return will receive board, lodging, teaching and guidance. The hope is that, with God’s help, they will establish a lasting spiritual foundation for their lives.

In the first instance, the intern programme will run from Saturday 1st September till Wednesday 31st October 2012. Those interested in applying for this, or possible future programmes, are asked to write to Father Luke Bell at [email address]

http://www.quarrabbey.co.uk/

A Benedictine monastery was first established at Quarr in 1136, although it later became Cistercian. The monastery was closed by King Henry VIII, the land sold and the buildings demolished.

Benedictines returned to Quarr in 1901, escaping oppressive laws in France. They bought a house near the ancient ruins and built from there.

 

[Michael_Mayo]

There are a few Trappist places where you can go for a month or more.

newmelleray.org/monassoc.asp