Trappist monasteries in the United States are likely to consolidate, Father Stan said. Meet the monks of Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist monastery in South Carolina, who are trying to maintain age-old religious traditions in a rapidly evolving world. Good point. The gardens are beautiful, the setting serene, the river vistas peaceful and awesome, the chainsaw sculptures from fallen live oaks (souvenir of Hurricane Hugo) well crafted and appropriate for the abbey. Since youre a frequent reader of our website, we want to be able to share even more great, As a frequent reader of our website, you know how important, A Catholic guide to your mid-life calling. Photographs from Mepkin during the early 1950s capture a wide variety of work. There is no admission to enter the gardens and walk around, but if you want a more extensive behind-the-scenes tour of the chapel and other areas, there is a suggested contribution fee.You will rarely see any of the monks, as they stay well-hidden, but you can get a glimpse of the type of lifestyle they lead. If not, fine, but if so, heres the way to do it: Meet in small groups. The Mepkin grounds are the most peaceful and spiritual place I have ever laid feet on. Learn More. It is a place of beauty, peace and rebirth. They looked, to our untutored eyes, like Jedi. And their wedding was strictly family and close friends. Work is another central pillar of life for the Trappists at Mepkin as a means of supporting the community, providing solidarity with workers, and promoting a healthy mind and body. fbq('track', 'ViewContent'); I'm Jessica and I'm so happy you're here. I ended up making so much progress on those three goals during my month at Mepkin that I wonder whether I should have included another threeor 10. But maybe a smaller number will. //-->. .av_font_icon.av-js7ruq5v-79d91dabd0da5728d1183ef71ee979e5 .av-icon-char{ Maybe theyre not ready or able in this culture to make a lifetime commitment. I wondered whether I had missed my calling.