H
havemercy
Guest
I wasn’t speaking of Alex, or any of the guests at the monestary. I was talking about the monk who was defending Our Lady.
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J
jc-servant
Guest
I’m going to keep an open mind about the participants and pray that all of them received something meaningful during the 40 days. I was annoyed with the ex-Marine who acted so disrespectfully. However, we don’t really know his “home training” or possible lack thereof except that he was never active in any type of religion/church. It is hard to believe that he could be that ignorant of proper decorum in general. I would have thought that the military would have taught him to be at least quiet when appropriate and respectful and to honor his word (to be obedient for 40 days), but maybe he will pull himself together as time passes.
R
RLT
Guest
As a Marine myselfI am saddened by Alex’s disrespect. He’s typical of disillusioned young men that don’t believe in anything.
I wasn’t too enthsed about te idea of this show, but now I’mm hooked after hearing the Abbot(I think) say that harder men than Alex have been broken down by the monastery.
I wasn’t too enthsed about te idea of this show, but now I’mm hooked after hearing the Abbot(I think) say that harder men than Alex have been broken down by the monastery.
D
DWPC
Guest
I think I remember him saying that his family was irreligious and often ridiculed religion.
Whats most puzzling is how he got to the monastery at all. Seems to me that a monastery wouldn’t even be in his universe as a potential source of help.
S
sea_oat
Guest
Well, what can I say? It’s entertaining TV, and Catholics are not the ones who end up looking bad, for once.
There is a reason they cast Alex, and these other guys. Whether or not we like him, he’s the most interesting character, and most people are going to talk about him the most. I’ll bet a good number of people are going to keep watching to see what happens to him, too.
There is a reason they cast Alex, and these other guys. Whether or not we like him, he’s the most interesting character, and most people are going to talk about him the most. I’ll bet a good number of people are going to keep watching to see what happens to him, too.
C
cutiesmak
Guest
The brother who defended Mary is my new hero. He RULES!
At the Mass for the Feast this year, our Latino priest gave the homily and talked about the same thing. How we have to respect our mother, and that it breaks Jesus’ heart when people disrespect His mother. How we have to defend her… But he said it in a similar way to the brother on “The Monastery.” It was so powerful!
I really loved the 1st episode and can’t wait to watch more. I think maybe someone on TLC in programming is religious, because they also have “Shalom in the Home” and the family on “Little People, Big World” are very religious and send their kids to Christian schools. I think it’s fantastic.
At the Mass for the Feast this year, our Latino priest gave the homily and talked about the same thing. How we have to respect our mother, and that it breaks Jesus’ heart when people disrespect His mother. How we have to defend her… But he said it in a similar way to the brother on “The Monastery.” It was so powerful!
I really loved the 1st episode and can’t wait to watch more. I think maybe someone on TLC in programming is religious, because they also have “Shalom in the Home” and the family on “Little People, Big World” are very religious and send their kids to Christian schools. I think it’s fantastic.
L
LilyM
Guest
Not just how he got in but why he applied (presumably no-one was drafted into the show under false pretences?)
B
blessedtoo
Guest
Second Show:
These monks are the best Catholic witnesses I’ve ever seen on TV! “Think of the celebration of the liturgy like God’s football game”! Brilliant!
These monks are the best Catholic witnesses I’ve ever seen on TV! “Think of the celebration of the liturgy like God’s football game”! Brilliant!
A
aimee
Guest
I’m enjoying the show and I am surpised…its really good:thumbsup: 
W
whitake
Guest
Same here. I’d heard about the show and then managed to forget about it.I’m enjoying the show and I am surpised…its really good:thumbsup:
Then I accidentally tuned in last night and caught the last
50 minutes or so, so it took me a while to sort out the who
and the what.
Can’t wait for January.
Elizabeth
K
katy
Guest
What happens in January? I missed the first show and recorded the second, but haven’t watched it yet.
J
jc-servant
Guest
I’ve heard that they also taped a show at a convent, so perhaps they have announced it will air in January. I may have missed the air date if it was announced.
B
brotherhrolf
Guest
We forgot to reset the VCR’s time yesterday and so we did not tape the program and it only shows twice. Can anyone tell me what happened of note?
A
aimee
Guest
D
Dale_M
Guest
W
whatevergirl
Guest
I watched this show last night, for the first time…excellent…I loved it. I just wonder though, is everyone there to become a priest/monk/contemplative? I wasn’t sure, because it sounded like some men there weren’t sure why they were even there, and disagreed with everything going on? LOL Can someone answer that? Thanks!
B
brotherhrolf
Guest
Mon cher Aimee! Is this all? C’mon y’all! Surely you can give me more description. The very idea of a forty day retreat - hey I don’t have to be out in the desert…I’d be perfectly happy in the pine forests on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Dear God, how I would love to go on a 40 day retreat at a Benedictine abbey!The guy who stold the Monks beer admitted it to the Abbot…
I know there is more
So, what I am asking…is there any sign that these guys are beginning to understand what a great treasure they have been given?
B
blessedtoo
Guest
No, they are not there for this purpose. They are there because each one of them has come to a crisis in their lives and are seeking a deeper understanding of God. Two of the men are lapsed Catholics. One is an Episcopalian and one (Alex) has absolutely no religious background. They are all seeking some type of spiritual enlightenment.
B
blessedtoo
Guest
I think the most telling comment was made by Alex, the young Iraqi vet who said that he has been a troublemaker all his life and has always been punished for it. This time, however, he is surprised that the monks, instead of chastising him, continue to pour out love in his direction. I saw a tiny chink in his armor last night as he was forced to bake bread with the “enforcer” monk who has been on his back about following the rules during the liturgy. But I always have to remember that this is TV, and edited for the maximum amount of drama.
Jon, the lapsed Catholic who seemed to be the most knowledgeable (not saying much!) made the comment that he came to the Monastery hoping for some answers and that the monks have “fallen short”. I had to laugh because he has really been getting all the good stuff from his “mentor monk.” Just not hearing it.
The guy who is thinking about the clergy life is having a hard time with all the praying. Looks like next week the monks are going to shave the men’s heads and I think this is going to be the straw that breaks the hairy one’s back.
The one I find most intriguing is the comedy writer/recovering alcoholic-addict. He really is the most insightful of the group and expresses constant disgust with Alex’s immaturity. It will be interesting to watch his progress.
In general, it looks like they are all moving in a positive direction. But again, this is TV and next week they might all decide to go home! Keep watching and e-mail TLC if the show continues to be this edifying!
P
prv
Guest
I really wish that not everybody in this group had severe (trauma, etc.) issues to deal with. Can the group at least have one person, Catholic, who is interested in visiting just because they are curious about monastic life? I think I would be more interested if their were more devout Catholics in the cohort.
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