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The Brigittine Monks
Our Mission Statement
As Christ was transformed on Mt. Tabor, we seek to lead a life transformed before the world, according to the counsel of the Gospel, that while hidden sheds its light before men, giving new hope in the sign of the witness to Jesus Christ.
The Order of The Most Holy Savior, popularly known as Brigittine, was founded in the year 1370 by St. Birgitta of Sweden to give praise and honor to God. Elements which characterize the Brigittine Order include a deep love of Christ, especially in remembrance of His sufferings, the fullness of liturgical worship, a respect for learning and authentic devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the holy Mother of God, all incorporated into a simple monastic life style.
The Brigittine Order exists at present with thirteen monasteries of contemplative nuns and a congregation of contemplative -apostolic sisters whose mother-house is located in Rome, in the actual former dwelling of St. Birgitta.
The Brigittine Monks existed from the fourteenth to the middle of the nineteenth century, when they were dispersed, largely due to the European wars. (In 1970, a Brigittine Monk, Richard Reynolds, martyr, was declared a saint.)
In March of 1976 Brother Benedict Kirby founded a new branch of the Brigittine Monks. This monastery has the canonical status of a Priory "Sui Iuris."
Our style of life is monastic, according to the Rule of St. Augustine, and given to prayer and contemplation. This is an ancient style of life in its concept of withdrawal from the main stream of the activities of society. However, we seek to place its ancient traditions into this era, conveying its attraction and needfulness to the culture of our times. The Brigittine monastic habit, dark grey in color, is worn. Following the original pattern of monasticism, the monks do not ordinarily receive Holy Orders.
The community celebration of the Eucharist is the apex of the monastic day. The entire Liturgy of the Hours is sung at scheduled times throughout the day with the Rosary and spiritual reading, including Scripture, at specified times.
The life of a Brigittine Monk has its strength in the spirit of the intimate union with Christ through the daily prayers which the community offers for itself and for all mankind, especially for the unity of all Christians. Following an ancient Brigittine tradition, the community also carries on a continual crusade of prayer for the souls in purgatory and the conversion of sinners.
Silence prevails during the hours of the day making that permeating peace which finds communion with God. However, spontaneity of speech may arise with restraint in respectful consideration of each person. Relaxing recreation periods are daily.
Community living is realized in the rhythmic life of prayers, work and leisure. The joy of Christian living in the unity of community imitates the life of Jesus living in the bond of love with his apostles. We endeavor to create a joyous, peaceful life following the monastic concept of community as that of a family in all its human aspects of affection and warmth.
The Community attempts to be self supporting through the manufacturing of gourmet confections. Each person feels the responsibility to contribute in whatever talents he has to offer or in the work to which he is assigned. Work is done at the monastery and we do not engage in types of work that may not be done within the enclosure.
Time is allotted that each person may develop his needs and talents to maintain a balance of living. An atmosphere is created that each may know and understand the joy of living this life in Christ the Lord.
A complete formation program is offered including a postulancy, the length of which is determined by the needs of the individual; a one-year novitiate, and a period of temporary commitment extending from three to six years. After the completion of this period, a permanent offering of oneself to Almighty God is made.
As Christ was transformed on Mt. Tabor, we seek to lead a life transformed before the world, according to the counsel of the Gospel, that while hidden sheds its light before men, giving new hope in the sign of the witness to Jesus Christ.
The Order of The Most Holy Savior, popularly known as Brigittine, was founded in the year 1370 by St. Birgitta of Sweden to give praise and honor to God. Elements which characterize the Brigittine Order include a deep love of Christ, especially in remembrance of His sufferings, the fullness of liturgical worship, a respect for learning and authentic devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the holy Mother of God, all incorporated into a simple monastic life style.
The Brigittine Order exists at present with thirteen monasteries of contemplative nuns and a congregation of contemplative -apostolic sisters whose mother-house is located in Rome, in the actual former dwelling of St. Birgitta.
The Brigittine Monks existed from the fourteenth to the middle of the nineteenth century, when they were dispersed, largely due to the European wars. (In 1970, a Brigittine Monk, Richard Reynolds, martyr, was declared a saint.)
In March of 1976 Brother Benedict Kirby founded a new branch of the Brigittine Monks. This monastery has the canonical status of a Priory "Sui Iuris."
Our style of life is monastic, according to the Rule of St. Augustine, and given to prayer and contemplation. This is an ancient style of life in its concept of withdrawal from the main stream of the activities of society. However, we seek to place its ancient traditions into this era, conveying its attraction and needfulness to the culture of our times. The Brigittine monastic habit, dark grey in color, is worn. Following the original pattern of monasticism, the monks do not ordinarily receive Holy Orders.
The community celebration of the Eucharist is the apex of the monastic day. The entire Liturgy of the Hours is sung at scheduled times throughout the day with the Rosary and spiritual reading, including Scripture, at specified times.
The life of a Brigittine Monk has its strength in the spirit of the intimate union with Christ through the daily prayers which the community offers for itself and for all mankind, especially for the unity of all Christians. Following an ancient Brigittine tradition, the community also carries on a continual crusade of prayer for the souls in purgatory and the conversion of sinners.
Silence prevails during the hours of the day making that permeating peace which finds communion with God. However, spontaneity of speech may arise with restraint in respectful consideration of each person. Relaxing recreation periods are daily.
Community living is realized in the rhythmic life of prayers, work and leisure. The joy of Christian living in the unity of community imitates the life of Jesus living in the bond of love with his apostles. We endeavor to create a joyous, peaceful life following the monastic concept of community as that of a family in all its human aspects of affection and warmth.
The Community attempts to be self supporting through the manufacturing of gourmet confections. Each person feels the responsibility to contribute in whatever talents he has to offer or in the work to which he is assigned. Work is done at the monastery and we do not engage in types of work that may not be done within the enclosure.
Time is allotted that each person may develop his needs and talents to maintain a balance of living. An atmosphere is created that each may know and understand the joy of living this life in Christ the Lord.
A complete formation program is offered including a postulancy, the length of which is determined by the needs of the individual; a one-year novitiate, and a period of temporary commitment extending from three to six years. After the completion of this period, a permanent offering of oneself to Almighty God is made.