A Monastic Vocation
When the Lord made us, he made us free. He does not compel us to anything, but he certainly does not abandon us either. He calls us. And what he calls us to is Himself. It is not a thundering demand but a ‘still, small voice’ that asks us to listen with the ears of our heart to the voice of one who loves us, and turn to him. We are all called to holiness.
When Christianity was no longer threatened with persecution by the Roman Empire, early in the 4th century, some people felt that choosing Christ was no longer the deep and radical matter it had once been. They wanted to live out their baptism in a special way, turning themselves over to seeking God and abandoning all else. They left the city for the desert, leaving possessions, career, even family behind.
At first monks were solitary (‘monk’ comes from ‘monachos,’ meaning single or solo) but soon real strength was found from living in small communities guided by wise man, an Abbot. And, while many people feel called to family life, or to specific work such as medicine or teaching, there are still people today who feel called to monastic life.
There are many paths to the decision to join a monastery. For some it is the deep impression made on them by monks - perhaps in real life, maybe in the lives of the Saint. For others it is the ideals of the life: prayer, brotherly love, honest work and a unity of life that comes from faith and generosity, centred on Christ.
Reading the 'Rule of St Benedict', or books about it, can inspire him. And knowing his own life story, his gifts and weaknesses, and having an awareness of an attraction to monastic life which he can only partly explain - all these can be part of the picture.
5 simple steps:
1) Well, first he makes himself known to the Abbot or Vocations Coordinator here, and he comes to visit us, so we can get to know each other better.
2) Once this connection is made, he would stay in touch, entering into a habit of daily prayer, allowing the scriptures to shape his heart through lectio divina, like the monks do, and visit often.
3) Later, the Abbot might look for a more formal interview, and even ask for a psychological profile.
4) The last part of the discernment process would be to live among us for a period at Ampleforth as a ‘postulant,’ that is someone asking for entry.
5) If it seems good to everyone, he will eventually be allowed to be clothed as a monk and become a novice.
During his first year as a novice he can leave at any time or be sent away at any time, but if he stays he may ask then to take vows, to seek God among us.
For any queries regarding Monastic Life or Vocations, please fill in the below enquiry form and the Vocations Coordinator will be in touch as soon as possible.
You can also contact us directly on:
Gabriel@ampleforthabbey.org.uk / 01439 766021
You can support the Abbey in many ways, from making a donation, to volunteering.
