Ecclesia orans

The term monk derives from the Greek  μόνος – alone, one, complete. From the meaning of the word, the main features of monastic living can be derived, and also its purpose. It assumes, then, a certain separation and isolation, with the purpose of the achievement of completeness. Here above all it is the internal harmony of the person that is assumed.

The preconditions and means for both the implementation and the accomplishment of the monastic life are openness and sincerity to the self itself and to others, permanent awareness and collaboration with the voice of conscience, cleansing memory and feeling in the light of the encounter with Christ, to make oneself sensitive and receptive to new influences. The Word Divine, the sacraments, the counsel of brothers and sisters, the guidance of abbot or abbess, of the spiritual father.  The creation of a new space for a new form of thinking and living (spiritual reading) and many other means – recommended, tried and tested and handed down in the millennial monastic tradition.