Sacred Space

A monastery is unique because it offers its members Sacred Space. What is this space? It is a singular solitude and a profound silence kept inviolate. It is like the mother's womb, where life is nurtured in a special way, and the child growing there is protected from all outside dangers.

Sacred Space. It is so precious individuals give up the whole world, meaning, they give up family ties, opportunities for wealth, travel, careers, marriage, intimate relationships, home and generally, they give up living life the way they might prefer to, for the sake of gaining that Sacred Space.

Why such a space? Because it hold a silence so golden one can sense the presence of God. It contains a charity so profound that one is carried along by it to offering selfless acts and generous giving. It offers one a presence so tangible you are drawn out of yourself to dialogue with it. It operates with a rhythm and a harmony so in sync, you find you have the ability to follow through with your resolutions because such harmony offers unique strength.

Sacred Space. For such a place, the Gospels tells us that Jesus often climbed the surrounding mountains in the darkness of the night to pray to his father in secret and solitude, away from his disciples. The Abbas and Ammas of ancient times left the cities teaming with life for the harsh wilderness of the desert. Men and women of every generation have walked through that cloister door precisely because Sacred Space offered to them a better life such as they could find no where else.

Sacred Space. It is truly the treasure hidden in the field, which a person, for want of that treasure, sold all that she had, in order to possess it.