Abbey of Gethsemani - The Juniors

This small film follows three Juniors, Br. Abel, Br. Joseph, and Br. Lazarus on their continued journey here at the Abbey of Gethsemani. Two of the Juniors make their solemn profession. The movie is a follow-up to the short film "The Novices" uploaded a few years ago.

[@kennethfaught8754]

“If I were already a saint I wouldn’t be here. I’d be out saintin’ it up!” ❤️🙏🏻

[@MyLifeWithMary]

“I trust the Work of the Holy Spirit inside of them…even if it bugs me.” THIS IS GOLD! Imagine if Catholic FAMILIES put this into practice!? Obviously all things outside of sin but this would be so beautiful! And it builds trust in God and in God working in the other! (13:00min mark for reference)

[@Patrbrid1]

Thank you, Brothers. I so look forward to your videos from Gethsemani. God bless you all.

[@sandraelder1101]

I want to go back so badly! I had the best silent retreat there the summer before Covid. Great food, library, gift shop, prayer, mass, nature, bells, silence, reflection, and yes fruitcake. Hope they liked the Michigan blueberries I brought. 😊

[@lausanneguy]

Br. Abel, Stay happy.

[@alexispillay79]

It is so inspiring to see these brother’s perseverance … may the Spirit continue to deepen their resolve.

[@hollywoodartchick9740]

Oh my goodness! I have ordered Gethsemani fruitcakes for friends! Now I get to see who makes them and where! How cool! Will have to order more this year. Wishing you young men lots of blessings on your path!

[@FilmFan232]

Such a wonderful video. Much food for thought -- it is like a meditation. Thank you for this video.

[@drabglg3930]

This is an an absolutely fascinating look into the life of monks. Thank you for sharing!

[@janingefossmo4450]

Nice that you will share this with us. We have 2 Trappist monasteries in our diocese. Regards from Trondheim, Norway.

[@nielcapasso8229]

I admire their commitment to their vocation I went twice to Gethsemani and left twice somehow it was not for me yet I considered myself a contemplative. One of the monks there made a statement about me being there twice and leaving twice; his prophetic words were "This monastery does not feed you spiritually ". How true he was.

[@mutuati7103]

Hello, You can try another Monastery, I think you will have a different experience if you still consider your monastic vocation.

[@FranklinPUroda]

Hey, The Blessed Trinity-Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit-is everywhere, Personally. They've given some people the opportunity to think about Them. Most of us have to think about others AND Them.

[@jeffjacobson59]

@niel. Have you thought about the mendicant orders? Franciscan and Dominican Friars offer a different perspective.

[@sandraelder1101]

Their smiles say it all!

[@PatrickMorrisSang-gye]

Thank you dear Brothers.

[@jbrown1384]

Wonderful monks. Visit there if you have not.

[@ISRL380]

Even though these 3 men have dif personalities. I love the humor and realness. These are normal guys who said yes to God. They acted upon his will and not their own ✝️

[@thomasduvauchelle8583]

Blessings ❤

[@Montresor64]

I vibe with Brother Abel.

[@JesusRodriguez-hm1fs]

Bienaventurados.

[@thomassharp2719]

A very nice Anglo-Catholic order.

[@williamrigby4805]

They should brew beer at Gethsemani!

[@mindin2941]

A raw look into the truths and realities of forging a monastic life

[@marianoputzolu1518]

fantastico

[@sfopera]

Love it! But it does sound greater efficiency could help here.

[@DenysNyituriki]

Father Hodari 🙌

[@peggylindenthaler6169]

What happened to the cheese you use to make and sell?

[@stevep4300]

They stopped cheese production years ago because the equipment was getting old and they said cheese wasn't their best seller but I loved the cheese.

[@reginaweiner3817]

​@@stevep4300 Oh, too bad! I've been looking at the catalog for it and not finding it. It was so good.

[@otaviobonacio6431]

Esta é a Abadia do célebre e falecido fr. Thomas Merton, OCSO.

[@tonyoostendarp7611]

I love this junior stuff. It's tough ? You would be making around $ 60.00 an hour as a hard working dude. A lovely creature etc. Look, you living in a well looked after castle 3meals, someone watching over you so don't you don't sick, and there is a reasonable hope you will get to heaven as bishop Barron says. This is Tony sixpack the suburban hermit.

[@FranklinPUroda]

No more Postulancy?

[@jackparker8759]

At Gethsemani, the postulancy period is 6 months long.

[@retribution999]

I just thought what's the point of going into a monastery to become a factory production line worker. I know Thomas Merton was annoying by the constant rattle of machinery.

[@abbeyofgethsemani8068]

Dear Tyger: Yeah, and get up every morning at the same time, go to bed at the same time, eat the same food week after week, and sing the same darn psalms over and over and over. It's not a life for everybody. The idea is that everything, including our rather low-impact "production line" fruitcake and fudge, is done for God and for our brothers. But it's not easy to maintain that attitude, for sure. In our Constitutions, our monastic life is described as "ordinary, obscure and laborious." As I say, not for everybody. And yes, Thomas Merton could be annoying, so I've heard.

[@retribution999]

@@abbeyofgethsemani8068 I'm just a few miles from were Father Merton died right now and reading Encounters with Merton by Henri Nouwen and also the Upanishads. I don't see the Buddhist monks here working in factories making fudge but I often see them shopping for mobile phones and computers. Fudge and cake are not healthy they just increase obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Has that been considered. I guess it's slightly better than beer. Better if you could produce something more life enhancing than death hastening. I like to think of monks busy in a scriptorium producing illuminated manuscripts. I'm sure those would sell for a pricely sum. Honey is always good, so is incense. I will never forget my first trip to a Trappist monastery at the age of 12. It was on the beautiful Caldy Island in Wales. I heard Gregorian chant for the first time and wanted to stay forever. I'm glad you are prepared to do what you do. Thank you.

[@bernardray1021]

La Prononciation des voeux perpétuels ne devrait elle pas se faire en présence de l'Eglise, des familles? du Peuple Chrétien?... Dieu garde ces deux Frères et la communauté dans l'humilité, la charité, le respect et surtout l'écoute; en un mot la sainteté.

[@nielcapasso8229]

Bro. Lazarus is a very spiritual intellect. I am embarrassed about Bro. Abel seems simple-minded to listen to him. I entered Gethsemani twice and twice left and am glad. It truly was not a place where brethren live in unity.

[@ronj8000]

Sounds aweful

[@monicadabney8471]

If they could get away from the Novus Ordo. I see a protestant table instead of a beautiful altar. Also they need to wear their habit in ALL things that they do. Wearing regular clothing does have a negative affect. Traditionally, come back brothers to the true faith. It was never to have changed . God doesn't change. Do not compromise with the world. Reject the new order.

[@chriswedge9942]

Monica, it seems like you have an unnecessary focus on the externals. What comes across to me from these men and their life is a deep faithfulness and the courage to follow the adventure of the God who is love. Rejoice with them and the community of faith in all its diversity.

[@monicadabney8471]

@@chriswedge9942 Chris it goes deeper than the externals. The external must reflect the internal. The protestant table and bare altar is offensive to Our Lord. Look at a JudeoFreemasonic lodge/ altar room. There isnt much difference. Norvus Ordo destroyed the True Sacrifice on the altar. The true graces and exorcisms were removed. Everything was changed to harm the faith, priests and the souls. As I said, come back to the true faith before its too late. Fire 🔥 is coming from heaven. Do not know when but it must be very soon. Get your house in order brothers.

[@DavidBrown-ye5xv]

You do realize the Trappists is a reformed order. They’re reformed Cistercian’s which are themselves reformed Benedictines. Which would you have them return to? Reforms are perpetual, do you think the Tridentine rite was the original rite? If they are finding their way to god in this garden who are we to judge?

[@monicadabney8471]

@@DavidBrown-ye5xv If they are apart of the New Order , than they have deviated away from the actual true faith. You cannot compromise. God does not change and, when Our Lord came to establish his church on earth does not change . Does not matter if they are reformed. they need to reform back to the true faith and mass of all time.

[@chriswedge9942]

@@DavidBrown-ye5xv I totally agree David. The work of revelation is not over yet. God continues to call us ever deeper into love. To suggest that God is not dynamic is unbiblical and ignores the tradition. I wish more Christians would focus on prayer, holiness and peace making. If that happens we really would have good news for the world. I’m going to Mass now and will pray for these holy men and for everyone contributing to this debate. Peace to you David and peace to you Monica.