Albert the Great
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The Monks of Big Sur New Camaldoli Hermitage--uploaded by irapuato
Dear mgseamanjr,
Perhaps you are unaware that the Benedictine Order was asked by successive Popes to be involved in both ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue and that the Order as whole has been involved in this work since the 1950’s, with some individual monasteries being involved in ecumenical dialogue (particularly with the Eastern Orthodox) since the 1920’s.
I would suggest that you need …More
Dear mgseamanjr,
Perhaps you are unaware that the Benedictine Order was asked by successive Popes to be involved in both ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue and that the Order as whole has been involved in this work since the 1950’s, with some individual monasteries being involved in ecumenical dialogue (particularly with the Eastern Orthodox) since the 1920’s.
I would suggest that you need to see both the books on other world religions in the Hermitage Bookstore and some of the inter- religious activities of the monks in that context. You may feel that inter-religious dialogue is inappropriate for catholic monastics. However, if that is the case then your issue is with the expressed wishes of the Pontificate rather than with this community.
Your message does at least offer something like evidence for what you claim. This is considerably more than some of the other posts responding to the video and besmirching the reputation of the monks at New Camaldoli.
You used several lines from what you say is a longer sermon (?) to justify your assertions that the community is guilty of ‘new age syncretism’. However, the context of the whole quotation you made such use of is as important as the words you selected to use. This is particularly so given the seriousness of the charges you make against this community. I have sent you several polite private messages asking for the source of the quotation you used which you have not as yet responded to. I can therefore only conclude that your ‘evidence’ would not be able to stand objective scrutiny.
Clearly, you were unimpressed and unedified by your visit to the Hermitage. I am sure that the monks would be saddened to hear that. Perhaps, if you visit again you should ask to speak to one of the monks to discuss your concerns. The aim of the community is very simple – to abide in the presence of God. Many people who visit the Hermitage seem to grasp the profundity of the monk’s witness and leave with a deep sense of the love of God for them and for all His creation. I hope and pray that one day you will be able to see that for yourself.
Peace and every blessing to you.
Perhaps you are unaware that the Benedictine Order was asked by successive Popes to be involved in both ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue and that the Order as whole has been involved in this work since the 1950’s, with some individual monasteries being involved in ecumenical dialogue (particularly with the Eastern Orthodox) since the 1920’s.
I would suggest that you need to see both the books on other world religions in the Hermitage Bookstore and some of the inter- religious activities of the monks in that context. You may feel that inter-religious dialogue is inappropriate for catholic monastics. However, if that is the case then your issue is with the expressed wishes of the Pontificate rather than with this community.
Your message does at least offer something like evidence for what you claim. This is considerably more than some of the other posts responding to the video and besmirching the reputation of the monks at New Camaldoli.
You used several lines from what you say is a longer sermon (?) to justify your assertions that the community is guilty of ‘new age syncretism’. However, the context of the whole quotation you made such use of is as important as the words you selected to use. This is particularly so given the seriousness of the charges you make against this community. I have sent you several polite private messages asking for the source of the quotation you used which you have not as yet responded to. I can therefore only conclude that your ‘evidence’ would not be able to stand objective scrutiny.
Clearly, you were unimpressed and unedified by your visit to the Hermitage. I am sure that the monks would be saddened to hear that. Perhaps, if you visit again you should ask to speak to one of the monks to discuss your concerns. The aim of the community is very simple – to abide in the presence of God. Many people who visit the Hermitage seem to grasp the profundity of the monk’s witness and leave with a deep sense of the love of God for them and for all His creation. I hope and pray that one day you will be able to see that for yourself.
Peace and every blessing to you.
Albert the Great
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The Monks of Big Sur New Camaldoli Hermitage--uploaded by irapuato
Both Marcus Josephus and EJG Catholic should be thoroughly ashamed of their disrespectful and inaccurate comments below. Remember that you are talking about men who have selflessly followed the call of the Lord to become monks and who have devoted their lives to solitude and prayer - interceding for the needs of all people. You should use that as a mirror and if your own life even comes close, then …More
Both Marcus Josephus and EJG Catholic should be thoroughly ashamed of their disrespectful and inaccurate comments below. Remember that you are talking about men who have selflessly followed the call of the Lord to become monks and who have devoted their lives to solitude and prayer - interceding for the needs of all people. You should use that as a mirror and if your own life even comes close, then perhaps you can make your nasty little detractive comments about them.
As to specifics in your messages:
Marcus Josephus: please state exactly where is the canonical, authorized text for the monastic liturgy of the hours. From your comment, expressed so emphatically, you must have extensive post-doctoral studies in both the history of the liturgy and canon law as it applies to contemplative institutes. Let me save you the trouble - there is no such authorized text for monastic orders (although there is one in preparation and even this will not be binding). Perhaps in the future you should limit your comments to something you know even a little about, this is clearly something you know nothing about.
EGJ Catholic: where is your evidence (any evidence) that this community is "known for there new age-ish Liberal outlook,Syncretism, ... etc."? This is an extremely serious allegation to make and yet you feel that you have the right to do so without a shred of proof ... the arrogance of that position is staggering.
You also state that you have experience of both branches of the Camaldolese. Clearly, it is not as extensive as you think. The Coronesi (Camaldolese Hermits of Monte Corona) do not follow the brief rule of St Romuald. Like St Romuald, they follow the Rule of Benedict, albeit with an extensive customary and set of constitutions which modifies it considerably.
To quote from Marcus Josephus' comment, which is far more applicable to both of you than it ever was to the holy men you insulted:
God forgive them and grant them repentance.
As to specifics in your messages:
Marcus Josephus: please state exactly where is the canonical, authorized text for the monastic liturgy of the hours. From your comment, expressed so emphatically, you must have extensive post-doctoral studies in both the history of the liturgy and canon law as it applies to contemplative institutes. Let me save you the trouble - there is no such authorized text for monastic orders (although there is one in preparation and even this will not be binding). Perhaps in the future you should limit your comments to something you know even a little about, this is clearly something you know nothing about.
EGJ Catholic: where is your evidence (any evidence) that this community is "known for there new age-ish Liberal outlook,Syncretism, ... etc."? This is an extremely serious allegation to make and yet you feel that you have the right to do so without a shred of proof ... the arrogance of that position is staggering.
You also state that you have experience of both branches of the Camaldolese. Clearly, it is not as extensive as you think. The Coronesi (Camaldolese Hermits of Monte Corona) do not follow the brief rule of St Romuald. Like St Romuald, they follow the Rule of Benedict, albeit with an extensive customary and set of constitutions which modifies it considerably.
To quote from Marcus Josephus' comment, which is far more applicable to both of you than it ever was to the holy men you insulted:
God forgive them and grant them repentance.