View Article: Monks: Ya' Gotta Love 'em
University of Washington Honors Program in Rome


Monks: Ya' Gotta Love 'em
written by Kaia Chessen / 07.04.2004
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  Church
 


The Benedictine Monastery (not technically in Rome-- it's in Subiaco-- but close enough)
 
   
  Reason for Selection
 
 
Quiet little monastery
What's wrong with this??!
 


This monastery was started centuries ago when Christians thought, to be in more of a unity with God, they needed to isolate themselves in tiny caves away from civilization and worship all day. The Benedictine Monastery was built around some of these caves, in a cliff, near the top of a beautiful mountainous area. Looking from the monastery, all one can see are rolling mountains carpeted in green trees. There are only three monks who live in this heavenly place, so naturally, they pass their time by distilling liquor and attempting to recruit fresh souls.

 
   
  Description
 


The Benedictine Monastery is extremely isolated from the rest of the world, surrounded only by nature. The only people who visit this church are tour-groups who have ventured somewhat off the beaten path. The monks are welcoming, however. They'll give you a tour (for a small donation to the monastery) and make jokes all along the way. Our monk, with eccentric animation, told us stories using the frescoes as guides.

 
   
  Memorable Visit
 


The most interesting thing about our trip to the monastery was getting to see an original portrait of Saint Francis of Assisi. The fresco was painted while he was visiting the church and about a year before he recieved his famous stigmata and was granted sainthood. This portrait, which we stood inches away from, may be the most accurate portrayal of the saint in existance.
 
   
  Image
 
 
Father Somethingorother
We have a raven! . . . but he died ten years ago
 


Our tour guide an either English or Irish (we've been debating) priest/monk was certainly one of the most animated people I've crossed paths with this month. His colorful countenance and wild gesticulations paired with his terrible jokes will cement him in my memory.
 
   
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