We were invited to a special and private party at the Vina Trappist monastery. Many of the cloistered monks attended the picnic and we were honored to visit and spend time with them.
Here we were eating, having a cold beer or two, and laughing about life.
These are very special people. At the end of the table is Anna who is discerning which order she will join as a nun. Please pray for her.....
Chow down everyone.
The desert table was my favorite.
You should have seen the monks run when they heard that we had apple pie....
Everyone had a great time.
At the far end of the table is John, Father Paul's brother from Ohio. He hosted the party and has become a very special friend of our family.
There is such a spirit of kindness, truth, and honesty among the monks. I truly enjoy it.
This is Father Paul. He is one of the monks as well as a priest on the monastery. He has been Liz and my spiritual director for years and is also a dear friend. He is the wisest man I know, and at the same time probably the man who carries the greatest amount of joy. I have learned so much from him and will continue to do so.
1 comment:
What a truly blessed day that was... spending the afternoon in Vina is a treat in itself; visiting with Fr. Paul & his brother, John, & John's granddaughter, Julie (who was 12 when we met her & now she's heading off to college!); providentially running into Anna Palmer for her quick drop in to the chapel @ Vina; spending time meeting some of the cloistered monks & being moved by their true peace, joy, & love of life & laughter & our Catholic faith!
As I look at the pictures, my heart leaps with joy when I see Brother Pierre's joyful face sitting next to Anna & asking "What's Pope Benedict like in person? I've read all his writings & he seems like such a wonderful man." IMAGINE THAT...A MONK THAT'S BEEN IN VINA SINCE 1958 ASKING OUR BEAUTIFUL FRIEND ANNA WHAT THE POPE IS LIKE 'IN PERSON' CUZ SHE'D JUST RETURNED FROM WORLD YOUTH DAY! The love and admiration on Bro. Pierre's face, intently listening to every word Anna said about our Holy Father -- that's a memory I'll cherish forever!
I LOVE THE PICTURE OF FR. PAUL SITTING ON THE ROCK TABLE!!! HE IS SO FULL OF CHRIST'S LOVE & HE IS SUCH A GIFT IN MY LIFE!
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