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.
Abbey Explores Grief as means to Heal
Sister Ann, a member of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy in Charleston, came to Mepkin Abbey Thursday to lead a seminar on grief and loss, the first in a series of three lectures on “Discerning the Call of the Second Half of Life.”
Read More »Post and Courier highlights Mepkin’s Creche Festival
Recent article from the Post and Courier shows the popularity of the Abbey’s Creche Festival:
Each year as Christmastide approaches, thousands find their way down winding back roads to a quiet Trappist monastery about 30 miles from Charleston to reflect upon the meaning of the season.
They are drawn to the Mepkin Abbey Crèche Festival that each year displays dozens of manger scenes — also called creches — from the abbey’s collection of more than 700 from all over the world.
It’s been 10 years now since that first festival attracted about 1,500 people. And the anniversary has been marked with the publication of a new 196-page book, “Finding Bethlehem — A Global Journey Through the Mepkin Abbey Crèche Festival.” It features color photographs of manger scenes from both the abbey collection and those on loan that have appeared as part of the festival.
Read More »Mepkin Abbey Announces 6 Contemplative Retreats for 2013
Fr. Nicholas Amato
In response to many requests, beginning this year Mepkin Abbey will offer six contemplative directed retreats in addition to the private spiritual retreats available throughout the year.
Fr. Nicholas Amato, an Associate member of Mepkin Abbey, will be the presenter for the directed retreats. After serving as a pastor for 20 years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Fr. Amato’s full time ministry now includes directing contemplative retreats, preaching parish missions and offering days of recollection. He spends several weeks a year in residence at Mepkin Abbey.
“Over the years, we have had many, many requests for directed retreats,” said Abbot Stan Gumula. “Now, with Fr. Amato’s help, we will be able to provide this much needed ministry.”
Read More »Monks Dine Out
Eighteen years ago, when Guerric Heckel became a monk at Mepkin Abbey, he figured that he might never again eat turkey on Thanksgiving. Heckel left the Catholic priesthood to join the Moncks Corn…more….
ETV short video of Mepkin Abbey
An interview with Abbot Stan by ETV describes Mepkin Abbey and the Community. Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist Monastery located on the Cooper River in Berkeley County, is a community of Roman Catholic monks which was established in 1949. The monks at Mepkin Abbey have always devoted their lives to prayer, spiritual study, work and hospitality.
Read More »Beautiful and Profitable Idea
From the Economist comes the following:
ACCORDING to the ancient rule laid down by St Benedict in the sixth century, monastic communities must be self-supporting. Usually, the sale of goods produced by monasteries—cheese, eggs, mushrooms and, in Europe at least, liqueurs—brings in sufficient income to support the holy men. But what happens in an economic downturn? In that event, how about opening a columbarium?
See the full article.
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