What Surprised Me About Monks

[@viktorgadany7595]

I find your monk life rather interesting. I’m glad I found your channel. 🙏🏻

[@ele2051]

The unity of the brethren- a real blessing. God bless your walk with God.

[@joepugh678]

Good to hear!

[@davidzauhar6813]

Hey, there's a history of Rugby playing a part in a monk's vocation! Basil Hume, O.S.B., coached rugby when he was at Ampleforth.

[@anthonyhulse1248]

He was also a keen cricketer. Supported Yorkshire.

[@anthonyhulse1248]

Decades ago: My granddad died and my two brothers got married while I was in noviciate and I wasn’t allowed to go to any of them. I don’t think I ever got over that. I stayed in the order for 6 years, but just couldn’t take final vows. Hearing your video about the abbey community as family just brought all this home to me.

[@andrewlewis9231]

Owain Glyn-Dwr is most probably buried in Herefordshire. One of his daughters married into the Scudamore family who still own houses and land from that time (15th century). They are a horse racing family. They have a contemporary portrait of an old man - who might depict him! Owain refused a pardon from Henry V (who won Agincourt) as he considered himself the real Prince of Wales. Who do you think the Welsh think to be the real Prince?

[@eleanorbertuch135]

Very joyful visit😇😇😇😇

[@andrewlewis9231]

What surprised me is the Welsh flag in your background? Do you know what it symbolizes?

[@andrewlewis9231]

Well, it is a relic of our Roman past. Roman legions held them on pikes with sound effects to ward off enemies. Also, according to legend, there are two dragons who are captive within Welsh mountains - a white one which represents the English (Saxon) and the red - the Welsh (Cymro - native Britons) who will eventually win. Us Welsh have a history of heroes who do not die - but kept safe till another time - Arthur and then Owain Glyn Dwr - who were both never defeated and there is no record of their deaths. They will come back and we will drive the Saxons back in the sea (and god only knows, the rest of them!!!! - except for essential kebab workers cos i like them)

[@ocart.]

Hello Br. Francisco, I am currently approaching my senior year of high school and I want to prepare for possible entrance to the monastic life after graduation. I was wondering if you could please offer me some advice to prepare and keep firm in my vocation amidst the various temptations of the world (e.g. device usage and given the fact I’m in public school).

[@jeffreysharp8526]

Hi, ocart. I'm not Brother Francisco but was a novice at a sister house, St Bernard's in Cullman, AL. That was in 2006-7. To begin, I congratulate you for considering the monastic life. When I was there, a high school student would occasionally attend Mass with us - now, he's a priest in the house. The Rule of Benedict is very open to change as needs arise. For that reason, Benedictines literally built Europe. To begin, please visit monasteries; while I am partial to Benedictines, the church has many orders with different charisms; some are strictly contemplatives, others are so involved with the local community, one wouldn't know they're a monastery. Don't be afraid to get your family & parish priest involved in your discernment. I hope this helps you. Pax

[@ocart.]

@@jeffreysharp8526 Thank you very much for your advice. I have so far made come & sees at the Benedictines, Cistercians and Trappists. I continually feel pulled and extremely happy/content with the Benedictines. I often experience a sense of sadness when I leave the Benedictine monastery and head back home. Feels like I lost a part of me.

[@allgoodinthebrotherhood]

@ocart. that's awesome to hear, I'll be praying for you! The best advice is to stay close to the Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist and to His mercy in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Prayer is the only way a religious life is sustained, and in fact, all Christian life. Also, make sure to read Scripture daily - that's where God speaks to us most clearly and consistently. God bless!

[@ocart.]

@@allgoodinthebrotherhood thank you brother, I really appreciate it. I will pray for you likewise.

[@moishglukovsky]

Why do you wear a wedding ring? I don't understand why a celibate religious would co-opt a symbol of married life.

[@AberBraham]

Why does your content come off as so … presumptive?

[@anthonyhulse1248]

Co-opt? They are married to the Church, to the Body of Christ- from which the sacraments (such as marriage) flow.

[@paulheffron4836]

Monks and nuns wear this ring as a token of taking Christ as their spouse.