A Retreat

For the next five days, nestled in Bardstown, Kentucky, a retreat will comprise my time.

The Trappist monks there offer a monastic milieu apart "to entertain silence in the heart ande listen for the voice of God -- to pray for your own discovery," Trappist Thomas Merton notes.

Since 1848, guests have been received at the Abbey of Gethsemani ot far from Louisville, KY.

Hospitality maintains a prominence in the living monastic tradition. As outlined in Saint Benedict's Rule for Monasteries, the guest represents Christ. It has a claim on the welcome and care of the community.

Communing with the Lord requires a measure of solitude, a stillness and an emptiness, a waiting on and attending to the Spirit.

Silence fosters and preserves the climate of prayer and is a fundamental part of the Gethsemani retreat experience.

Retreatants are asked to limit talking to designated areas.

The abbey's many acres of woodlands and fields afford extensive space for reflection and prayer.

Monks are available for consultation upon request, or the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation. A vodeo presentation of the monastic life helps one appreciate the encounter of a retreat.

A library contains classic and contemporary books, periodicals and more for use during the
retreat time.

Reservations for a retreat are made by calling (502) 549 4133.

Offerings are on a freewill basis according to means.

I will be away from this blog for the next five days to afford me the silience necessary for a fruitful retreat. You and our world will be in prayer.

Abbey of Gethsemani
3642 Monks Road
Trappist, KY 40051

Next year, Care of the Soul and Companions invites you to make a reservation from Nov. 5-9, 2012, Monday thorugh Friday, for retreat. We pool rides. Pray about attending.