I am back from my third trek to the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, and second time spent living with the monks.

It was a very enriching spiritual experience. I am still trying to digest it all. I took some pics, mostly exterior shots. I tried to make a more concerted effort to live the life than I did the last time. I think it paid off fairly nicely.

They have a postulant who used to run a computer business, so I didn't have to do anything with a single computer or web page or network while I was there. I could work in the gardens and also sweep and mop floors instead.

I brought along my Prayer Rope and regularly would say the Jesus Prayer using the rope during the allotted half hour for silent prayer before daily Vespers. that helped me a lot, I thought. A life of prayer is expected of a monk, and its helpful to be in a place where that is fostered and expected.

I read an informal history of the abbey while I was there. Fascinating reading. It is a miracle that the place is even there in the first place.

The people who asked me to especially pray for them while I was there were indeed prayed for. And more besides.

I will be modifying my "A Day in the Life of Christ in the Desert" file and making it more of a photoessay soon. I am even more convinced that it is the place for me, if that is possible.

The Abbot and Abbot Visitor made a trip down to Silver City (7 hour drive) in an attempt to make contact and maybe woo into the fold a SSPX benedictine monastery that considers itself part of the Subiaco congregation even though they aren't. Strong community with a very healthy observance. Too bad they aren't in full union wiht Rome. But maybe once the Motu Proprio comes into effect, things will be easier for them to end their schismatic relationship.

I have a court hearing involving my financial impediment on the 16th. much prayer needed for that. Any discussing of joining is moot until then. I am putting together an annotated picture CD. Annotated in the sense it will give a commentary on the pictures.

I spent much time in prayer, work, and lectio while I was there. Sorry this note is so disjointed. Time for ni-ni, so my body can adjust to Eastern Time instead of Mountain Time.

Welcome back, Staretz! It's good to hear that you got so much out of your experience, and I'll keep you in my prayers!

Prayers for you! I'm happy you had a good time!

Good to have you back Staretz, great post!

Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery is VERY dedicated to the same positions as SSPX. They won't be "dealing" any time soon. Their founder/prior, Fr. Cyprian was ordained by the archbishop, and he left Le Barroux at the time of the consecrations because he didn't want to make any compromises. In fact, Fr. Cyprian was willing to take off his habit and join the SSPX but he was encouraged to found a monastery instead.

Here are a few words from Father, which were published in the monastery's Autumn 2005 newsletter: “We celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre on November 29th and thank God for giving us this great saint as our infallible guide, especially in the firm establishment of this monastery.”

Too late to edit, but just wanted to add that I'm glad you have such a great visit at Christ in the Desert.

It must be wonderful to have found the right community for you!

I will pray that everything goes perfectly with your finances.

Looking forward to pics!

God bless!

Thanks for the prayers and the well-wishing

May God bless you, Staretz. That was a beautiful post. I'm glad you have found your home.

Abbot Philip and Abbot Visitor Anselm made their pitch anyway. They were invited to give a conference to the monks, which took place after Mass.

As a side note, the two abbots managed to take a wrong turn out of Silver City on the way back. The abbot called and left a message with his subprior Br Andre saying that and that he had no idea when he'd arrive back.

Br. Andre announced that at the beginning of recreation that evening. Guess who strolled in just at that point with ba big grin? That could not have been timed better. It was very funny. Turns out that the route they did end up picking was just as long as the usual route.