Cheryl Wittenauer, reporting for the National Catholic Reporter writes "New form of religious life offers laity a Benedictine pathway" Wittenauer explains:

The Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pa., have launched what they describe as a lay monastic movement for seekers of God and a meaningful life, calling it “our gift to the next generation.”

“Monasteries of the Heart: A New Movement for a New World” offers an opportunity for anyone--regardless, or even in the absence, of faith tradition -- to live Benedictine spirituality and values with online communities or in face-to-face groups of family, friends, neighbors or fellow churchgoers, they said.

Members create their own “monastery” by supporting each other in shaping their spiritual lives around Benedictine values of community, prayer, meaningful work, peace and care of creation. They can gather around a table or in an online “monastery without walls” for prayer, discussion and reflection.

Members of Spiritual Directors International offer their perspectives and wisdom:

• "Online communities with the right guidelines can be just as valid as getting together in someone’s living room, ..." -- Mary Ann Brussat
• "...people don’t have to live in a monastery to live a contemplative path." -- Christine Valters Paintner
• "... technology is inviting us in ways we never imagined possible." -- Leah Rampy
• "...it's high-transition time for spirituality, from brick-and-mortar to another way of knowing each other." -- Liz Budd Ellmann
• "Most of those who give up their religion today state that they have a very strong faith but their spiritual needs are not being met... " -- Paul Coutinho, SJ

Read the rest of the story, "New form of religious life offers laity a Benedictine pathway"

What is evoked in you?
Can you envision a "monastery of the heart"?
Please reply and share your thoughts