Combing the historical significance of the Christmas Nativity with the diversity of cultures and artists that have interpreted it through the ages, "Finding Bethlehem" guides you thoughtful commentaries of theologians and collectors alike, to artist statements and the voices of "behind-thes-scenes" participants in the Festival, the book explores the spiritual and artistic meaning of the Nativity.
Meet two of Mepkin’s observers:
Father Gerard Jonas Palmares and Ralph Karow
The Mepkin community has enjoyed the presence of Father Gerard Jonas Palmares of the Philippines for the past two months. Father Jonas had come to Mepkin as a monastic guest several years ago and initiated a dialogue regarding discernment of a call to Trappist life. A priest of the Archdiocese of Lipa, he has served most recently as the chancellor of the diocese for 11 years. With the permission of his archbishop he came to the US a year ago to visit monastic houses in North America in order to come to a better understanding of what he perceived to be a call from God to enter a monastery. We are pleased to have initiated the process of application with Father Jonas and ask you to keep him in your prayers.
For the past five years, Ralph Karow has been coming to Mepkin on retreat, praying to understand the invitation he believes God is offering to come apart and live a deeper relationship in faith. Originally from the borough of Queens in the city of NY, Ralph has been living and working in Manhattan up until very recently. Another man of computers, he has developed his interest in music, singing with the choir of Saint Ignatius Church. His musical interest has also led him to try his hand at composing. In the Spring Ralph called and asked to live with us for three months in order to give himself a more extended time sharing our life. Kindly remember him in your prayers as he endures the heat and humidity of life on the Cooper River with us during the summer months