The Grace of Simplicity
This year commemorates the centennial anniversary of the birth of Thomas Merton who was born on January 31, 1915. The Trappist monk, who lived at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, authored many books including his famous autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain. Not long after Merton entered the Kentucky Abbey, 21 of his fellow Trappist monks left Gethsemani and came to rural Georgia to establish the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. That was in 1944.
Now in its 71st year, the monastery in Conyers has encountered many changes over the past seven decades. Most recently, the monastery has expanded its offerings with a new visitor center, gift shop and a green cemetery. But for the 30 monks who live there, life inside the monastery walls has remained the same.
The monks follow the rule of St. Benedict, who directed followers to pray and to work for their living “by their own hands.” The monks pray seven times a day, beginning at 4:00am and they work in various trades, from baking fudge and fruitcakes to making stained glass and growing bonsai plants.
In honor of the Year of Consecrated Life, I visited the monastery to talk about monastic life with Brother Michael Lautieri.
When did you enter the Monastic life?
19 years ago. I came in at 52, and actually there are several of us now that entered in our 40s and 50s. I had two good careers. I was a teacher in a public school for 15 years, and a travel agent for 20 years. I say that now I’m traveling within and it’s much more exciting.
Is it difficult to get up so early every day for prayer?
Yes. When my alarm goes off, the first words out of my mouth are ‘O God, come to my assistance.’ Once I’m out of bed, I’m fine. It’s meant to be a discipline and to show community support because your brothers expect you to be there.
What does the Year of Consecrated Life mean to you?
I’m very glad this year has been dedicated to consecrated life. It’s good publicity. I hope people—even older people—would pursue monastic life. If you are called, it’s a beautiful life. It’s not a very stressful life. It’s a healthy life. We’re very conscious of what we eat and drink … we’re vegetarians. In living this life, you find that you need very little to be happy—all you need is shelter, food and good companionship. That’s all you really need.
For more information on the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, visit www.trappist.net.
