I am eagerly interested in monastic life (I have never so much as laid eyes on neither a monastery nor its inhabitants) and am also currently writing a book, in which the protagonist is a postulant to a monastery in central Rome (this is set during the early 1950s, but I am content with information accurate only to current times).
These are my main questions:
(I shall also make it clear that I am not of Catholic nor Christian belief, so do not shy away from dumbing things down or explaining excessively).
-- What do postulants bring to their stay (provide as many details as possible, no description too long or informative)?
-- What is it like during postulancy? What are the ruitines, 'jobs' etc.?
-- What are and how are the differences felt between postulants, novices etc.?
-- Prayer. Which prayers are praid, how, when?
-- In regards of silence unless in absolute necessity, how strict is this? What are the consequences if defied? To which degree is vocal communication acceptable?
-- Venturing outside: what agenda must one have for this to be acceptable (if at all)? Can one simply feel the need for a stroll, or are there special rules to this one, too? If anyone has been in an urban monastery and can answer this, it would be highly appreciated.
-- Speech. How do you speak to each other? How do you greet each other? Part?
If anyone could answer any of these to an inquiring atheist/agnostic, it would be highly appreciated. My main question -- and the one I am by far the most desperate about -- is assimilation to the monastery. The biggest question: HOW WAS THE FIRST NIGHT/DAY/WEEK?
Thank you for reading this and, hopefully, providing all information you have on this. May God bless you.
These are my main questions:
(I shall also make it clear that I am not of Catholic nor Christian belief, so do not shy away from dumbing things down or explaining excessively).
-- What do postulants bring to their stay (provide as many details as possible, no description too long or informative)?
-- What is it like during postulancy? What are the ruitines, 'jobs' etc.?
-- What are and how are the differences felt between postulants, novices etc.?
-- Prayer. Which prayers are praid, how, when?
-- In regards of silence unless in absolute necessity, how strict is this? What are the consequences if defied? To which degree is vocal communication acceptable?
-- Venturing outside: what agenda must one have for this to be acceptable (if at all)? Can one simply feel the need for a stroll, or are there special rules to this one, too? If anyone has been in an urban monastery and can answer this, it would be highly appreciated.
-- Speech. How do you speak to each other? How do you greet each other? Part?
If anyone could answer any of these to an inquiring atheist/agnostic, it would be highly appreciated. My main question -- and the one I am by far the most desperate about -- is assimilation to the monastery. The biggest question: HOW WAS THE FIRST NIGHT/DAY/WEEK?
Thank you for reading this and, hopefully, providing all information you have on this. May God bless you.
