Are there any Benedictines, Trappists, or (former) Carthusians out here?

I loved Benedictine as Doctor Strange!

Well my high school homeroom teacher was a former Trappist monk. You know they take a vow of silence right?

[quote] You know they take a vow of silence right?

No, they do not. It's a silly notion that anyone makes a vow to be silent. Trappists observe silence in certain places—in the cloisters, in the dormitory, and in the refectory. In other places such as wherever they are assigned to work, they maintain silence as the norm, but are certainly able to talk when necessary. They also interact with the public some of the time and are able to speak when they do so. But the overall atmosphere of a Trappist monastery is one characterized by a general ambiance of silence.

What monastery was your high school teacher in?

He had to be at one in the New England region. He never mentioned which.

Must have been St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer or Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, NY.

Spencer is a large and beautiful monastery. The monks make Trappist Preserves and also operate a brewery.

Any former Carthusians out here? I doubt it, but if so, I would be so interested in hearing about your experience in a charter house.

A former boyfriend was a Trappist. He was a wonderful person and gorgeous. He died of liver cancer in 2013. He said he loved it . The silence and the contemplation and the work. He said he left because he got sick and couldn’t pull his weight anymore. After that he taught theology to high school students. He was the nicest, kindest most decent and gentle person I ever had the privilege to know.

Lovely post, R7. What monastery was he in?

Thank you r8 specifically I do not know which one but I am fairly sure it was in Italy and/or France. He said he was at more than one.

That's interesting. The Trappists are a great order.