(from a newbie from down under )

Hi everyone,

I am discerning my vocation with two Benedictine orders here in Australia (Tyburn and Jamberoo Abbey), and would love to hear from others who have any some experiences with them as I am confused.

One order has invited me to stay for three days and the other eight days.
One seems only a little interested, and the other a whole lot interested, so much so I have been invited to "live in" while I am there.

I have not visited an order before and I am also a recent convert to the Catholic church so there is some "stuff I still don't get yet" and being older aka 30 I seem to be in a different category; that is the impression I have.

So could anyone who has had some experience with either order and other people who have been in discernment longer than I give me some advice, I could certainly do with some advice.
Thank you.

In Jesus and Mary,

In His Light

I know the sisters at the Benedictine Abbey at Jamberoo. I used to do a retreat down there and one time I filled in for the chaplain I know Sr Hilda both as a Benedictine and before as a Sister of Mercy. She is a "straight shooter"

The Tyburn Nuns I don't know so well. I didn't say Mass for them but the other priests I lived with used to go to Riverstone regularly.

Sorry I can't comment further but based on my knowledge (which is biased) The Jamberoo Abbey seems to be "clued in"

I can't help you much, but I just wanted to say HURRAH for lots of Benedictines on here

Love and prayers,

PP

Welcome! I hope you have a great visit with those communities and that your heart will be open to hearing the Holy Spirit!

I know both these houses a little and I wouldn't be put off by the first responses you've received - the Benedictine Rule has some stuff in it about testing the persistence of the discerners that some monasteries take quite seriously!

Age is an issue for many monasteries, although I suspect more for the Tyburns than Jamberoo (a 59 year old grandmother made her solemn profession last year). Thirty tends to be the standard cutoff, although they will normally consider exceptions if you can convince them of your ability to adapt to the life.

And the two monasteries are quite different in style.

The Tyburns have of course a particular special vocation to perpetual adoration as their main focus. And although Benedictine, they don't have stability to a particular house - one Australian I know has ended up in South America! They do wear a very trad looking habit, but their liturgy is largely based on tunes composed by their mother superior - a matter of taste, but not mine!

Jamberoo is more 'standard' Benedictine (if there is such a thing these days), in terms of modern (but relatively standard) Office, has a habit and veil, but not a trad looking one. Strong emphasis on lectio divina, and do a lot of craft work (candle making etc) to earn their living. Wonderful place for a retreat - lovely setting, beautiful church.

I'd definitely visit both if I were you - its not like there are lots of options in Australia at the moment!

Heeeeey Aussies!! I'm a Kiwi Although I don't know the answer to your question, In His Light, I know a couple of discerners in Oz...whereabouts are you?

And Kate, I know a girl who entered Tyburn here and was sent to Peru! Maybe the Peruvian monastery was needing Antipodean vocations...

God bless you both!!

Hi everyone,

Thank you for the responses.

It funny really, I have less problems with Tyburn than Jamberoo.
Tyburns cut off is 50 so they tell me, not sure about Jamberoo.
Letters and emails to Jamberoo go missing constantly, they don't seem to with Tyburn.
It very strange.

And yes we are very limited here when it comes to choice

In Jesus and Mary,

In His Light

Just a wee bit south of Brisbane :)is where I am.

Ahh, OK, I'm not sure if I know anyone in Queensland, actually. Still, it's great to hear of more women discerning religious life down under! There seem to be quite a few who are keen on the Benedictines over your way, in NZ, I think the Carmelites and the Little Srs of the Poor are the most 'popular' hehe.

God bless.

Hi,

I've also just started discerning with a Benedictine Monastery (St. Emma in PA, USA) . I'm talking with the Prioress on the phone and preparing for my first (short) visit. I feel called to the Benedictine life and figure that Mother Mary Anne can help me discern about that and also if I'm called to that particular community. From what their novices say, there's a real feeling of coming home when you come into "your " benedictine House. Also, different communities have different processes for getting to know you .

I'm not sure any of this is useful.

Praying with you,

Mercy's Child

Jamberoo has a few problems at present - pray for them as their Abbess is very sick (and has been for some time), and now one of their senior nuns (who was caring for Mother) has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

I'm in Canberra by the way, but an ex-Kiwi by upbringing (lived in Dunedin for many years but a while ago now).

we like ex-kiwis this side of the ditch....