Margaret Clare,
Thanks so much for all of the amazing links you have sent! Fantastic!!!!
Perpetualove

I've just been reading this thread and following the many links. Wonderful order, I love it. While I myself am married, I love reading about religious charisms and this one would've been on my short list if I was discerning! Are any of you adding this group to your short list? Or do any of you know you're going to apply to enter with the Sisters of Bethlehem?

Thanks for your welcome and links of the chapel. It's a beautiful place, isn't? In Boege, which is a little town in the valley, about 10 miles from the monastery of les Monts-Voirons, there is the Black Madonna in the Catholic Church of this village/town. Very known place! People come from far to see it.

Michele Claire

Benedicite!
i had a friend who was with the Sister for 7 years, and eventually left to join a even more penitential/eremetic Order.

i am in the waiting period of a process to possibly live close to the Sisters in Canada, in hermitage, and assist on the grounds, then late next year return to France for a longer observation with the Brothers..(im a guy..duh).
Pax

I am currently torn between them and Carmel - whatever is truly God's Will. I had been hoping to go to Les Montsvoirons again this year for the retreat in August, but because of present circumstances it did not work out. I am going away soon for a few weeks retreat, so if you could keep me in prayer, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much!! God bless you!

Benedicite!
for those who dont read French i will copy links with instruction below..
hello, for those who like to know,MARGARET CLARE?? there is a DVD ) 40 minute documentary and reflection on/about the Monastic BROTHERS (with a little bit on the Sisters), of Bethlehem , the Assumption of the BVM and St. Bruno.(in Italy, and France).
Its available for 16 Euros from France. (included are documentaries on Le Trappe, Benedictine monks at Fontgalmbault, and the Colletine Poor Clares,its a 2 hour DVD.) promo extracts exist which i will upload, but unfortunately there are no extracts of the Bethlehem Community part. BUT on the main page.. http://www.exaltavit.com/index.html look at the top left, blue evening Church steeple, that is an extract in .swf.
you will also notice under the word REGARD, directly the first video box is also and exctract form the totality of the DVD,including some Brothers and Sisters of Bethlehem!
now i assume you need a Computer that plays DVD s or an Universal region code free player, biut i will ask them about the coding as well.
Viens et suis-moi
La branche masculine de la famille monastique de Bethléem et de l’Assomption de la Vierge fondée en 1950 et placée sous la paternité spirituelle de saint Bruno. «Viens, suis-moi». À l’appel du Christ, des hommes ont tout quitté pour Le suivre pas à pas. On les appelle «Moines»…

the link is here, scroll down to DVD#4
http://www.exaltavit.com/dvd.html
DVD N°4
VISAGES DE LA VIE MONASTIQUE

Un DVD présentant 4 documentaires sur quelques uns des plus grands monastères français.
-
i will email Mr. Jeanson to see about international orders money orders?? paypal?
to order::: use the PDF form to mail and check DVD#4
http://www.exaltavit.com/Resources/BonDeCommandeDVD.pdf
http://www.exaltavit.com/commanderunfilm.html
mail to
DCX -
31, rue Rennequin
75017
Paris - France
pax!

EJames, what is going on in the picture where some of the brothers are kneeling with their heads to the floor & the priest is bowing facing them?

[quote name='EJames2' date='Oct 12 2007, 10:31 PM' post='1401558']
Benedicite!
i had a friend who was with the Sister for 7 years, and eventually left to join a even more penitential/eremetic Order.


Where did she go- I think of this group as very eremetical so I am intrigued by what would be more so....

joined the 'The Marial Sisters of Israel and St John' ,about as Eremetical but much more ascetic/penitential..?(now suppressed)

its veneration of The Holy Cross, the Priest has an ancient Cross from Jerusalem in his hands , i believe its the Feast of the Glorious Cross/Exaltation of the Cross..
pax!
also those are all Nuns, the Priest and 4 Brothers are doing thier Liturgical services /parts for the Sisters, who live down the hill from the Brothers . all Bros and Sisters wear the same outer white cowl..like the early Carthusians and the later Desert Communities in Egypt. except Sisters also have a veil underneath

First I need to introduce myself. I recently joined this group - I have been reading the posts and enjoying the pictures for some time now. My name is John McHale - I live in NE Pennsylvania - I work for the Little Sisters of the Poor and I so need and enjoy quiet days at the Community of Bethlehem in Livingston Manor NY.

I have two questions - one is to the fellow who has a brother living with the Bethlehem monks in Israel. I have been looking for the photos who said you would post. Are you still going to post them? I would love to see them.

I have another question for the fellow who purchased the DVD on the documentary about the Brother of Bethlehem. I would like to purchase my own copy of that DVD. Mr Jeanson seemed to indicate that the DVD would not play on American DVD players. Does anyone know if a European DVD can be formatted to play on an American player. Or is there a place where a DVD can be recorded onto a VHS tape? I'm frustrated knowing that this is available and the machine is standing in my way.

Thanks...

I love checking out the new posts and photos on this site.

i would still love to post some pictures. to date, i only have pics of my brother in the habit of the Community of St. John..we did get some postcards from Jerusalem though...sorry if that was a bit misleading. my current problem is that the family computer is fairly messed up due to viruses so my dad won't let me use it at all until he finishes cleaning it. all of our pictures of him and other brothers of st. john are on that computer.



ejames,

any word yet on ways to purchase that dvd and if it will work in america? i was wondering the same thing

Through Friends in high places, i will be receiving the DVD along with some older video footage, From France and Italy within the week.(all my French friends always assume in Canada we are sooo different from the USA that things are the same formats for us as for as for Europe), I will be the test subject if it works. Most NEW DVd players should play- PAL and NTSC- DVds,(i dont have a dvd player), as i see my parents one can switch between both formats, BUT if ia DVD region 2 coded, you should be able to play it on your computer since RealPlayer and Windows media allow for 10? or so region code changes...and yet, the Dvds i brought with me from France that are of religious nature are region code free. once i find out all the info and possibilities, i will let everyone know how to purchase it...and for some special folks if they cant in any-way watch it
i will work out a way they can at least watch it.
pax!
in the meantime enjoy this Carthusian Video..(you need a faster computer)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3j17t_pr...ande-cha_travel

pax!

alleluia!
Sr Auxane,FMB
becomes a new Little Novice at N. D. de l'Unite.

That's wonderful! She's looks so joyful!

Hey this is also great! Thanks for sharing!

DITTO !!!!

Sr Auxane looks soo oooooooooooooooo happy !

Thanks for sharing.

The Sisters in France 2003
some of these are in the Nuns Pic thread, but thought id add a few here

Out of curiosity, what is the entrance requirements for the Sisters of Bethlehem in Livingston Manor? Age limit? etc.?

Maybe Margaret Clare knows as she visited and was discerning? They do seem so wonderful and the exposed Blessed Sacrament in their hermitage is the greatest gift!

The Sisters at Livingston Manor have an upper age limit of 45. However once I had asked Sr Amena the Prioress about a woman who was over 45 and she replied - we would not stand in anyone's way. In other words if the applicant felt called to that monastery they would be open to giving her a chance. You are right - they are an extraordinary group of woman.

your brother
john

i think this is answered further back on here but..
well interesting, 45? hmm, the Brothers in Italy, and some of the French vocation info i have here from the Community (2000) says 35, but, because of their experience and eastern influences they personalize each vocation, and do not want to stifle a move of the Holy Spirit..thus.. a woman in south France i know about entered at 48 ..so...( she looks like a very robust at 52....not that 52 is old mind you.. .
and questions for Margret Clare wouldn't t be answered on here because she is away for Lent, but you can message me with a question if you want, an i will contact her.

Maranatha
-
Emile

all below photos by the wonderful photographer(you can purchase her pics for online use, or print,btw),Hanan Isachar





above photos bet-Gemmal, Israel

---
Sisters of Bethlehem
Our Lady-Lourdes Camp
White Roe Lake Rd
Livingston Manor, NY
12758, United States

THe BETHLEHEM SISTERS may be oping their new Monastery near the lake of Gallalie
( with the Brothers) sooner then later!

These sisters are so beautiful, and I feel (even after reading this entire thread several times, and scouring the net for more info) like I know nothing about them. Does anyone know what their daily schedule is like?

Also, I'm going to in Europe for a few weeks in April. Does anyone here know if their monasteries have room available to travellers: specifically, two sisters, one of whom (me) secretly wants to 'check out' the place in a pre- pre- pre-discernment sort of way?. I would really love to visit them if I can, ideally stay a night... but surely it wouldn't be a matter of just showing up and knocking on their doors!

I'm leaving very soon and my itinerary is far from finalized: only that I'll be in Spain, Italy, Austria and Ireland and the UK. But when it is finalized, and if this sort of thing is kosher (or even just possible) ... who would I contact? How... fax? Phone? I've no idea how to go about this sort of thing or how realistic it is. I just think I"ll be really disappointed if I don't at least try to find a way to visit, however briefly.

I know a little bit about the community - I visit them as often as I can. In fact I'm planning on going tomorrow for Matins, Mass and Vespers. Each Sister follows her own schedule which is worked out with the Prioress except for the times of day they meet for common observances. Matins and Lauds are usually at 6:45, then Mass followed by a Thanksgiving for about 20minutes. The Sister will then return to her hermitage for the first meal of the day. She will remain in her hermitage until Vespers which is about 6 pm. After Vespers she will have her second meal in her hermitage and remain in the hermitage until morning. Each Sister has her own oratory in her hermitage with the Blessed Sacrament.

If you would like I could mail you a little brochure on their founding, their spirit and their life in general. Please e-mail me privately with an address if you would like this. You're right there is very little on the web about them. They always seem very reluctant to have any information about themselves on the web.

Here are some addresses you might find helpful for your trip to Europe.

Monasterio de Belen - Cartuja Nuestrea Senora de la Defension - Carretera Jerez Algeciras, km4 Spain telephone: 34/956 15 64 65

Monasterio Santa Maria Reina - Sigena Spain - E-22231 Villanueva de Sigena (Huesca) telephone 34/974 57 81 58

Kloster Maria im Paradies - Kinderalm Austria - A-5621 Sankt Veit im Pongau - Tel. 43/(0)64 15 70 22

Monastero Madonna del Deserto - Monte Camporeggiano Italy - 1-06020 Mocaiana (PG) Tel. 39/075 925
59 48

MONKS: MONASTERO DELL'ASSUNTA INCORONATA - MONTE CORONA ITALY - I-06019 UMBERTIDE (PG) - TEL. 39/075 941 35 48

Hope this was helpful.

Does anyone know who the contact person is for the Livingston Manor community? I am curious since they seem to lead a hermit lifestyle. I am probably too old for them, but if they consider individuals then they might think of me. Father Romano mentioned them to me but I didn't know anything about them before reading some of the posts here on phatmass. Boy, I love this phorum so much!! There is always so much information here.

You should contact the Prioress. Her name is Sister Amena. I must say she is an extraordinary woman but not always very prompt answering correspondence. I had asked once about a woman who was interested in their community who was 48 at the time. Sister Amena said - we would not stand in her way. I think what she means is - if all else is in place they would over look the age. But that's my interpretation. Blessings.

your brother
john

That was very helpful, genesisweavers! Thank you!

FOR NUNSENSE AND VELVETEEN RABBIT:

I have a friend in Maine who was a Carmelite for many years. When she asked if she could live in a more solitary environment the permission was refused. A lot happened - to cut to the chase - she ended up living in Maine where she found her solitary life. What she also found (to her great surprise) was a cluster of other seekers who also did the same thing. Some had been religious for years and when they asked for more solitude they were denied. So they responded to the promptings of the Spirit and went to Maine. All of these women live independently except one who started a community of hermits. This Sister had also been a Carmelite. If you want to e-mail me privately and I can put you in touch with my friend. Her name is Theresa.

For Velveteen rabbit: check out this website: http://www.villanuevadesigena.com/Album%20Sigena/index.htm
It has many photos of one of the Bethlehem monasteries in Spain. It's an ancient medieval abbey taken over by the Bethlehem Sisters. The other Bethlehem monastery in Spain (Jerez) was a Carthusian monastery until fairly recently.

your brother
john

Thanks genesisweavers - for all the helpful info.

PAX
i see you are in Canada..well the Sisters of Bethlehem are in Canada(Quebec) ,( and the USA) as well.

But if you want any address for one of their places in Europe, i have all of them. its just that they are meant for silent retreats, no need to be discerning, and not really for 'travelers/passing through' in a B&b way, as some monasteries are. so if you wrote or called, saying that you are Catholics traveling Europe BUT would really like some quiet time and to make a retreat and observe their life a bit.that will work. The Guest master Sisters (Brothers) are VERY welcoming of all.
keep in mind many, well most, of their Communities are not easy to get to, especially by public transport, a they are way up in Mountains( dirt roads) usually, or in the middle of forest ranges, in old former Carthusian Monasteries.
Just drop me a line at let me know which address you want.-they have 15 houses in France (2 of the Houses in France are the main retreat and discernment Houses, set up for such things,as they are rather large communities), one in Italy, 2 in Spain, one in Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Belgium etc etc.
also, not all ,but most of their houses take female retreats,some are much better set up for this than others. usually i found a 2 week notice is sufficient.
( i have stayed with the Brothers and the Sisters throughout Europe, and have friends in the Community.)
Maranatha.
French is their universal language so if you speak French no matter where you are, you will get along, some can get n by in English though.
ps
i have not been on much during Holy Lent, and will mostly check mail after Holy Week.
oh and 'Margaret Clare', who knows allot about them, and has discerned with them in France, should be back online after Pascha Sunday.
- PPS and they seem to love faxes.
the below address are from 2002 and are subject to have been changed
and the first below one is a bit easier to access and has more place for retreats.
also note that their mailing address are not always the EXACT physical address of the Monastery.
and never call or arrive on Mondays

Monasterio Santa Maria Reina
Sigina
SPAINE
-22231
Villanueva de Signa(Huesca)

(dioceses of Barbastro--Monzon)
TEL: 34/(9) 74 57 81 58

--------------------
Monasterio de Belen
Cartuja Nuestra Senora de la DEfension
Ctra Jerez Algeciras,
km4
SPAIN
E-11406
Jerz de la Frontera
(Diocese of Jerez)
-
TEl: 34/956 15 64 65
-
---------------------------------------
Monastero Madonna del Deserto
Monte Comporeggiano
ITALY
I-06020 Mocaiana

TEL: 39/(075) 925 59 48
in italy if you get to Umbertide, (north of Assisi/Perugia), then get a 'taxi' up the mountain,east of Umbertide should work, if its too muddy, an hour walk should do.


--------------
KLoster Maria im Paradies
Kinderlam
A-5621
Sankt Veit im Pongua
AUSTRIA
tel; 43/(0) 64 15 70 22
( diocese of Salzburg)
-

i know this thread is 'Sisters" but i dont want to start a whole Bethlehem 'Brothers' thread too..
From MY Flickr account, ( i took some of the the photos, and have permission for the others, so dont worry)



The Rest are here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24533989@N02/

a new photo/ and video mix of the Monastic Community (Brothers) of Bethlehem, the Assumption of the Bl. Virgin Mary
http://vocation-station.blogspot.com/2008/...hlehem-and.html
-
stayed tuned for one on the Sisters..soon

FAMILLE MONASTIQUE DE BETHLEEM, DE L'ASSOMPTION DE LA VIERGE ET DE SAINT BRUNO
The 'Monastic Family of Bethlehem and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary'

Video-In silence and rest is your salvation:Isaiah 30-Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOI1ocIWlSE

Funnily enough, Nunsense, I was just at prayer the other day and this community and YOU popped into my head, and I thought...yes, that does sound like a nice fit, doesn't it! LOL

NEW VIDEO (Nov 13.2008)
( plus a BUMP -links to all the old ones and the promo-info pamphlet)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~Amidst the Mystery~ chant from the desert ~
some chants from the-
'Monastic SISTERS of Bethlehem and the Assumption and St. Bruno- (Israel/France)
The Community take on the local Liturgical and local language of the country where they dwell. while Hebrew/Arabic/Greek/French/Latin, -remain universal in their prayers.

http://www.gloria.tv/?video=qomojno8yzhlhf4szjtb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monastic BROTHERS of Bethlehem and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary'
(High-speed HD version)
The 'Monastic Family of Bethlehem and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary'
took birth in 1950, following the promulgation of the dogma of the Assumption of the Virgin. The Sisters were founded on France, soon after, and the Brothers in France in 1976.
They are 2 geographically distinct Lavras of Hermits,one Congregation men, the other of women, though with similar charism lifestyle and foundation.
http://www.gloria.tv/?video=wblnmeq4a3h2iepnto82
or higher def.
http://www.tagtele.com/videos/voir/25055/1/
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"In Silence is your salvation.."
http://www.tagtele.com/videos/voir/25746/1/
-
or subtitled
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOI1ocIWlSE
-
----------------------------------------------------------------
picsinfo
http://flickr.com/photos/vocation7station/...57604742532946/
-
http://flickr.com/photos/vocation7station/...57604742532946/
-
http://flickr.com/photos/vocation7station/...57604742532946/
-
http://flickr.com/photos/vocation7station/...57604742532946/
-
http://flickr.com/photos/vocation7station/...57604742532946/
---------------------------------------------------------------------
PAX
in communion of prayer with all discerners, Emile-James