On January 5, 1942, Robert T. Barnes was born to Mary Evoy Barnes and her husband, Robert Barnes, Sr., of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Robert grew up at their home on Lindale Avenue, Baltimore, with his younger brother Jon, and was a member of Little Flower Catholic Parish. Robert went to public school and attended “release time” for Catholic Instruction and proceeding to the Polytechnic Institute of Baltimore for his high school years. Reading an article in Columbia Magazine about St. Joseph’s Abbey, the Trappist monastery in Spencer Massachusetts, roused an interest in monastic life. His uncle, a priest of the Archdiocese, pointed out that there was an Abbey closer to home, Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia. Robert persuaded his parents to let him make a retreat there and he was sold on the monastic life. His mother, however, glancing through the copy of St. Benedict’s Rule purchased at the Abbey’s miniscule shop, happened upon the chapter about issuing “drawers” to the monks when they travelled outside the enclosure and wondered what sort of outfit this monastery could be. Inheriting the stubbornness of both sides of the family, young Robbie was undeterred. Because of his age, the vocation director at the Abbey advised him to wait a year and study Latin–and a few other pre-theology subjects–at St. Charles Seminary on North Paca Street in Baltimore.
Robert entered Holy Cross Abbey on July 7, 1961. One could say they were interesting years, though the isolation of the novitiate shielded him from the controversies surrounding the retirement of Berryville’s first Abbot, Dom Hugh McKiernan. During his years of canonical formation, he experienced Fr. Thomas Aquinas Porter of Holy Trinity Abbey, Utah, as his new superior and somehow survived a tractor accident that punctured his liver, some time after his first profession on August 15, 1963. His major disappointment in recovering was to learn that the solemn vows pronounced, in articulo mortis, to Dom Thomas were merely conditional, depending upon his death. Returning to health, meant returning to the scrutiny of canonical formation.
Soon after, Fr. Edward McCorkle arrived at Holy Cross Abbey, returning from Spencer’s foundation in Chile. He was elected Abbot, yet another change of superior in a few short years. If there was a certain lack of security, there was also the excitement of a renewed interest in monastic studies during those years. As a candidate for the choir, young Robert was subjected to in-house theology classes taught by an assortment of characters, a few stimulating, most soporific. But there was a good library at Berryville and an interest in primitive monastic life preempted Robert’s attraction to the priesthood. Although he was sent to complete his studies at Catholic University’s School of Theology, along with Frater Edmund Flynn, Robert would have been content to remain a Deacon, rather than proceed to priestly ordination. What a different life would have been his! But he bowed to abbatial obedience and proceeded to ordination on May 19, 1970.
In 1977, Fr. Edward appointed him Prior of the community, an office he also would fulfill under two other superiors, Fr. Flavian Burns (Gethsemani Abbey)and Abbot Mark Delery (Spencer). Robert also served the community as Sacristan, Assistant Bakery Manager to Br. Stephen McGuire, Bakery Manager and community cook. Fr. Flavian appointed him Director of Novices and to prepare for that role, he asked to enroll in a Master’s program at Loyola College, Columbia, Maryland. These two years achieving the degree constituted a creative and personally fulfilling time of growth and discovery for Robert. Eventually he also served as Master of Ceremonies at a time when the Spencer Office was introduced to the choir.
After Br. Benedict retired as superior in 1998, Robert was elected Abbot for his first six year term; he was later re-elected twice serving a total of eighteen years, bringing him to the threshold of the retirement age stipulated by our Constitutions. As such, he was the first superior of Holy Cross to fulfill such a lengthy mandate. They were not easy years, a real transition between old accretions, a renewed model of monastic life that had not yet clearly emerged and the original founders of the community dying along with the experiments following Vatican II.
One of the less well known aspects of Robert’s tastes was his enjoyment of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Operettas. If one of their characters is a caricature of Robert Barnes it would be Frederic, the unwilling pirate apprentice from the Pirates of Penzance. Frederic may loathe his larcenous companions but his sense of duty compels his loyalty to them and their adventures. Fr. Robert didn’t loathe his coreligionists, but his sense of duty propelled him through many obligations of his office that were not congenial to him. If he didn’t dwell on what he didn’t like as part of his responsibilities, that definitely took a toll on his energies. He was never really comfortable as a teacher or administrator and financial meetings left him as befuddled as before. But he’d soldier on. What he strove to value was the individual’s value and dignity; he tried to overcome his natural prejudices and preferences in order to be fair. He had no particular agenda as abbot but did try to allow what he could never imagine on his own to emerge. At the same time, he saw it as his responsibility to maintain certain traditions, but did not always understand what sort of encouragement others needed to contribute creatively. He was certainly a humble man in his exercise of office and permitted criticism of his views and decisions in community discussions if that could facilitate needed change. His occasional flashes of temper certainly added color to his regime.
That said, he also had a capacity for courtesy and patient listening and demonstrated that a confessor could simultaneously be gentle and very challenging. A very private person, he was capable of self-disclosure if it would help the other person.
If he had no program for his mandate, a number of significant developments were allowed to emerge during his leadership: identifying and facing the challenges of an ageing community; the support of our sister house, Our Lady of the Angels in Crozet, Virginia; strategic planning for our future; the foundations for better interpersonal relations, rather than being hermits under the same roof; improved ecological stewardship; developing a firmer financial basis; updating bookkeeping and fiscal responsibility; shared leadership; renewing our monastic vision; our rapport with the broader community in Clarke County; the growth of our Lay Cistercians. I don’t think he’d take any credit for any of these and would be the first to admit what others in the community contributed to these areas. Many individuals who love this place can attest to the modesty, unselfconscious accessibility of Fr. Robert, his kindness and care for people in their needs.
When he had completed his term as Abbot, he gladly relinquished his responsibilities and was equally relieved to see his demanding life coming to an end. My sense in listening to him in his final months was that he had lived a complete life and had completed his mission as only he could. There was, I believe a real freedom from care and carefree dimension to his retirement. Equally real and as deep–and palpable, I believe–was his hunger to return to God and an unmitigated trust in God’s mercy.
Schedule for the Funeral of the Right Reverend Robert Barnes
Charles Stevenson says
As a relatively new visitor to the Abbey, I regret not having gotten to know Father Robert, and not having seen him in action more often, but I’m grateful for the exposure I did have – and grateful for this community and everyone in it. May we all, inside and outside, grow in love and prayer together.
Br Elias says
Great piece, James. Thanks so much.
Robert was my guardian angel in 1964 when I entered a deeply divided community. RIP.
I pray that all is well with you.
Elias of Conyers
Billy says
A Dear Brother whom helped me to continue on with my spiritual journey
Susan Burke says
One of the best obituaries I’ve ever read about one of the best men I’ve ever known.
Nicolas Giangreco says
Fr. Robert is in my prayers. I am happy I could celebrate mass with him a few times over the summer. See you all soon! -Nick
Bernd Söte says
We are so sorry our prayers are with him and all the Monks. We will keep him in good memory.
Bernd Soete and Family from Germany( friend of Father Paschal)
Michael Conroy says
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in Peace. Amen
Cynthia says
In my first year of retreat at Holy Cross Abbey (2007), I was lucky enough to have Father Robert Barnes conduct the 30-minute one-on-one sessions. I had been estranged from the Catholic Church and my faith for awhile. In that brief conversation, with all the patience and compassion that was so natural for Father Barnes, he gave me the guidance I needed to ponder upon, and to eventually gain my faith back. I came back to the retreat house every year, since. I will be forever grateful for that opportunity to listen to his tender and kind words of wisdom. Father Barnes, God be with you. Rest in peace.
Bill Nolte says
When I would visit the retired monks at Carroll Manor in Washington, I would from time to time send Fr. Robert a note, just to provide a few personal observations. Fr. Robert always replied with a brief thank you. I could never quite convince him that I got more out of those visits than did the retirees at what Fr. Andrew used to describe as the “Carroll Manor foundation of Holy Cross Abbey!”
The longtime pastor of my parish, now deceased, used to say, at every funeral, “Amid all our sorrow, who among us, knowing of his (or her) victory, would call them back?” God bless Father Robert in his hour of victory.
David Henderson says
Sad to hear about Robert’s death. He was my novice master in the early 80’s. The piece captures many of Robert’s qualities.
Daniel Sebastianelli says
Condolences to the community. It was a privilege to get to know Fr. Robert a bit during the times I spent at the abbey. Please know that the abbey is in my prayers.
Rich Bozzelli says
Amen, James.
As one who loves Holy Cross Abbey and its brothers, I can certainly attest to “the modesty, unselfconscious accessibility of Fr. Robert, his kindness and care for people in their needs.” He always had time, and he always greeted me with his easy smile and self-deprecating humor. As a brother Baltimorean – I was an associate pastor at his home parish – I will miss him dearly. I will take comfort in the presence of his gentle spirit whenever I visit Holy Cross.
Thanks for capturing that spirit for us all.
Fr Michael W. Casagram says
There are many memories of Robert, above all his simple willingness to be there for you and
share the joy of his own lived experience. We had entered Holy Cross the same day back in 1961
and though I left for Gethsemani after our first year in simple vows we managed to stay in touch
and encourage one another in our living of the life. His simple “Hi” when I saw him two days before
his death spoke volumes. I told him then and continue to strongly feel, that he has gone before us
to prepare a place. He assured me that he would be doing this and I am confident that he will be
doing this above all for the community he has so loved. We have an eternal friend.
Fr Michael Patella, OSB says
My condolences to the Berryville community. I remember Robert as a warm, kind, and most enjoyable company. The Collegeville seminarians still recall his open hospitality when Holy Cross hosted us during the paper visit to Washington. May he rest in peace.
Sue Davy says
My heart is broken on hearing the news of Fr. Robert ‘s death. He was not only my spiritual director for many years, but I also called him friend. I retired to Massachusetts three years ago, shortly after he first became ill. I knew this day would come and I rejoice with the angels who brought him home. Robert was a humble man of God. May he Rest In Peace.
Nancy says
I am so sad! I know he is with God. Abbot Robert was (actually will continue to be ) a wonderful inspiration. He was humble and Holy and appreciative. I moved away 8 years ago and had hoped to visit this summer. I loved attending Mass, when Fr. Robert celebrated. I send my condolences to the Holy Cross Community. All of you will continue to be in my prayers.
Nancy
Jim Polito says
God Bless Father Robert, for his humility, his gentle manner, his kindness. A real shepherd.
Tim says
Well said Jim
Mary Pelham White says
Lewis and I send peace and love to the HCA Community as you lay Fr. Robert to rest. He left us way roo soon.
I am grateful for Fr. James’ personal, warm account of Fr. Robert’s life. Please know that you live in my heart with gratitude for your lives and for your care and friendship.
Pax, Mary Pelham
Isabel Valle Newcomb says
My sincere condolescences to all the Community of the Holly Cross Abbey.
Father Robert and all of you are in my prayers.
Fr. Ken Cienik, SA says
Fr. James,
Your reflections are a wonderful tribute to Abbot Robert and most appreciated.
As a long time friend of Holy Cross and presently serving as the novice director of our international community in Assisi, Italy, I assure your community of a special remembrance in our prayers and will offer Mass for the repose of his soul tomorrow at the Cathedral of San Rufino as the religious of the diocese gather to celebrate the gift of Consecrated Life.
Fr. Ken Cienik, SA
Deacon James H. Rocks says
I was saddened upon hearing of Fr. Robert’s passing. He was indeed a truly spiritual man of God. Peace and prayers for all those who mourn his passing.
Chuck Booker says
A wonderful obituary. Human and humane. Thank you.
I will miss Fr. Robert’s presence in the choir during my annual summer week-long visit.
Seven years ago, between Vespers & Compline, he addressed a confirmation class from my congregation. A delight.
Rev. Chuck Booker
Pastor, Bethesda (MD) Presbyterian Church
Pat Null says
Holy Cross Abbey is, and always will be, a very special place to me. Years ago, a friend who is Sudanese told me about the Abbey and asked me for a ride to the Abbey so she could visit her spiritual director Fr. Edward. At that time, I was a recent Catholic convert and stationed at the Pentagon. After finishing work on a Friday evening, coming to Holy Cross for retreat was a life saver. The peace I felt just being there, the welcoming from Br.Stephen, and the friendship and spiritual direction of Fr. Mark gave me the boost I needed not only to just “go on,” but to mature in our Faith.
I love everything about Holy Cross and although I did not really get to know Fr. Robert I appreciate your including me in this message. It is wonderful to read the journey of a devoted servant of God and a life well-lived in service to this place that meant so much to Fr. Robert, and means so much to so many.
John M. Krumm (Jack) says
I spent 5 weeks in discernment at Our Lady of the Holy Cross in the early 70’s. Father Robert offered a course to the monks on early Cistercian monastic development and I was permitted to attend. I remember his joy in swimming about in the subject matter. He was young and his energy was contagious. God rest his good soul, and I thank Jesus and Our Lady that our paths crossed – if ever so briefly. He made an impact on my life.
Laura Arellano says
I have visited the Abbey only once, but that only one time was enough to know what a special place it is.
May Fr. Robert rest in peace in the house of our Lord.
Respectfully,
Laura Arellano
Prayer and Life Workshops
Volunteer
Fr. John Meoska, OSB says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Holy Cross community. I had the joy of meeting Fr. Robert at Berryville when he welcomed the seminarian cohort from St. John’s during our trip to the papal mass in Washington, DC, last year. I remember his warmth, hospitality and good humor, even as he was facing serious health issues. Rest in Peace.
Matthew Craig says
Beautifully written and a very moving tribute to a man of Faith. May God rest his soul and continue to shower His Blessings on the Abbey. God bless you all!
john abrahams says
Leaving Mass this past Thanksgiving morning, Fr. Robert brushed against a side table causing a purificator to fall on the chapter room floor. I was on retreat at Holy Cross at the time. As another monk moved quickly to help, all by himself Father bent down neatly returning the linen to its original perch. I complimented his agility bending & standing. “True grit!” was his immediate response. “True grace!” I added. Both shed some light on the vocation of Robert Barnes, OCSO: “Praise, no less than charity, is the very form of Cistercian existence.”
Paul Green says
My wife Tina Moore and I had the privilege of meeting Fr. Robert in 2015. We were on our journey to visit all 17 US Trappist monasteries. Fr. Robert graciously spent a few hours with us, sharing the story of his monastic life and inquiring about our journey. With all the demands on his time, he made us feel that we were all that mattered and talked openly for those few wonderful hours. He was indeed a patient and courteous listenerTina and I are saddened to hear of his passing, but also know that his passing was the greatest step in his journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with the brothers of Holy Cross and the entire Trappist community.
Tina Moore says
RIP Fr. Robert. Thank you for the time you gave me when we visited HCA. On October 31, 2015, you allowed me to ask you about your life and you generously told me of your earliest desires to be a Trappist monk.
Thinking of the Holy Cross community tonight and of Fr. Robert’s desire to dedicate his life to God and to HCA.
Daniel Walters, OSB says
Robert & I were novices together back in the 60’s. He was a good man. May he rest in peace!
Maureen Jenkins says
May you rest in peace, dear Robert, and rise in glory!
Sharon says
My prayers are with Fr. Robert’s and the Holy Cross Community…Blessings be you all.
Deacon James McCann says
Such a wonderful man who reflected the image of Christ on earth. I am glad to have met him briefly at the Abbey. What a life to celebrate.
Rev. Norman S. Bennett, C.Ss.R. says
I will ever remember with deep fondness my time as observer and novice with Fr. Robert and the Trappist community of Our Lady of the Holy Cross, 1983-1986. Fr. Robert, Novice Master, spent a great deal of heart to heart time in guiding me on my journey. I am truly grateful for this great human being and saint. Yesterday morning at our Redemptorist Community prayer in Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, N.Y., I remembered Robert and his brother monks in Berryville. My prayer is an often repeated one, that God will touch the hearts of young men to respond in love as God loves and calls them. May God bless the monks with vocations so important for all of us in religious life, but also in a very special way, for the gift of Trappist monastic life at the heart of the Church. Thank you, Fr. Jim, for the great tribute you gave Fr. Robert.
Jonathan says
A few years back, I was on retreat at Holy Cross and Fr. Robert heard my confession. I ended up in tears, while Fr. Robert offered gentle compassion and plentiful tissues.
May this kind shepherd rest in the Lord’s peace.
Anne Carroll says
Thank you Fr James for the most meaningful obituary of Fr Robert Barnes.
I first met Fr Robert in 2003 and again to 2006 to celebrate Fr Edward McCorkell’s 80 th Birthday. He was my uncle. Fr Robert and the community made us feel so welcome and Graham and I fondly remember our outings with him. We had a great time visiting Arlington and the White House. We had some good laughs and were treated to the best hamburger somewhere near the Whitehouse.. He was the most amazing person who made you feel God’s presence. I will always treasure those very special memories of him. Thinking of the community at this very sad time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With love fron Graham and Anne Carroll from South Africa.
Ron Heath says
…. we are all much better for having met such a kind and gentle – man ….
Donald Hamilton says
My condolences to everyone associated with Holy Cross Abbey, and all who mourn Fr. Robert’s passing. He was very good to me when I met with him. I found that just being near him had a calming influence on me. He was a beautiful person in his own way.
Msgr Larry Kiniry says
My first retreat at Berryville was in 1959 as a college seminarian. I have gone back to this ” sacred ground ” for 59 years off and on many times. My last retreat was two years ago. I spoke to Abbot Robert after concelebrating Mass with him and the other priests and monks as I have always done on retreat. I realize after reading Father James’s very moving obituary that when I first went to Berryville that is when Father Robert entered and we were the same age. Father Robert and all the monks over the years have strengthened me in my ministry and I will always be grateful. MY sympathy to all. ” well
done my good and faithful servant, enter now the Kingdom prepared for you from all eternity”
Shaun Murphy says
Thank you, James, for your tender words about Robert, and
a rich remembrance filled with much detail new to me, though I
first met Robert almost 40 years ago. He was then a young monk,
barely in his 30s. My first sighting of him was on the occasion
of the visit of Swami Hariharananda, his young monks, and
students, me among them. I had been to the abbey with a friend
a few times in the prior two years and in the spirit of those times
had come up with the idea of a dialogue between the two groups of
monks. It was a hot day and we visitors had taken refuge in the shade
of the big tree on the lawn beneath the chapel. The one with the stone
bench that is still there. Robert in his voluminous black and white Cistercian
robes came sweeping down the hill bearing two large, very heavy-looking
glass pitchers of lemonade in his hands, smiling widely in welcome, as, I
Iater learned, he always would. I jumped to assist him, saying, “Please, let me help!
They look so heavy!” But he insisted, “Oh, no, they’re not!
And I exclaimed, laughing in surprise, “But, yes, they are! And surely
YOU’RE not allowed to lie!” He was then, and ever after, over decades of friendship,
every inch the monk who embodied the virtue of hospitality, kindness
to strangers, sweetness of nature, unaffected humility.
Close in age and sharing interests in the early sources of monasticism,
as well as insights from other spiritual traditions, we matured into our 70s,
periodically comparing notes on where our different spiritual paths had brought us,
delighted whenever, as occasionally happened, we found ourselves in the
same place.
He was a great friend and spiritual guide to me, and, also, as life proceeded,
a dear and supportive friend to my husband, and a virtual godfather
to our daughter (who once, in a gloomy patch of adolescence, remarked.
“20 minutes with Robert is worth a thousand therapists!”) He even proved a loving,
if startled, shepherd when we handed him our Black Lab pup to cradle 7 years ago!
As typical of his generosity, I recall the loan from the abbey library of the green leather-
bound volume of Julian of Norwich’s “Revelations of Divine Love.” I remember the feel of
it as he placed the small volume in my hands. I was then, so long ago, deeply doubtful that
Christianity had a testimony of God to fit my experience, my hope, and my need, but trusted him.
He did not mind a bit that I held on to it for years before returning it, very much the worse for
wear. Poignant and fitting, that revelation of him, all love.
We will be missing him the rest of our lives,
Shaun and William and Clare
Sister Meg Funk says
Father James,
Best Obits I’ve ever read! Knew mostly ‘of’ Abbot Robert, but knew Abbot Edward McCorkel. He was an original member of the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue Board and at our Gethsemani Encounter. May all these former Abbots bless the Trappist today.
Bernadette Durkin says
Rest with angels dear Fr. Robert. What a gift you have been to so many. I have known Fr. Robert since before he entered the Trappists. His Uncle Tom DeLay, a priest in Baltimore waa dear, dear family friend. He often talked about Robert when he visited our family. My husband and I were regulars at Holy Cross for 10 years or more. When my husband passed in 2009, Fr. Robert con-celebrated the Mass at the Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery.
Since I have moved to Michigan, I last saw Fr. Robert two years ago before my move. What an inviting smile he had. So gracious to all. You are missed. Yes, you paved the way for many.
Thank you, Br. James for a wonderfully written obituary.
Bobby Whitescarver says
We will truly miss Fr. Robert. Indeed, he had a great smile, gentle manner and welcoming heart. I admired his devotion to sustainability. He helped lead the Abbey to a more sustainable level.
Pat Rizzuto says
I feel as if a part of my foundation has been pulled away. Yet my own sorrow results from the great support, kindness and charity with which Fr. Barnes imbued Holy Cross. I’m so grateful God brought him to earth and that Fr. Barnes chose to follow in the footsteps of God’s love and share it.
Lawrence Muller says
Though I will only be able to attend the funeral Mass for our dear Father Robert in spirit, I will hold him in my heart and soul’s eye always and forever until Heaven and Earth meet in Our Risen Lord. I recall how he often had a twinkle in his eye and a listening heart and understanding rapport with myself among many others. I will miss him, especially since not being able to get back to Virginia these past few years. Blessings on the beloved Berryville community, may all our grief be changed one day into tears of joyful reunion in that happy “palace of nowhere” as Merton phrases it so well. May you soar with the Saints and rest with the Angels and all the beloved ones in Jesus.
Larry Muller
Rev. Richard S. Wyzykiewicz, Sch.P. says
I first met Fr. Robert, and Fr. Edmund, when they was studying theology at Catholic University of America. Fr. Robert was always kind and charitable in our encounters and I enjoyed our brief meetings whenever I was on retreat at Berryville in the 1990s and 2000s. May he rest in eternal peace with the Most Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints.
Thank the Lord for Fr. Robert’s faith, fidelity, joy, peace, and patience.
Vern, Mary Sue, Katie & Thomas Conaway says
We feel very honored and blessed to have gotten to know Father Robert over the past few years. He was always so very kind to all of us and we felt a very special connection with him. It was a special blessing to spend a little time with him after the Christmas Eve Mass this year. Thank you Father James for giving us an insight into the life of this very special man.
David says
Having recently lost my second parent, I know the sadness of waking up in the morning realizing that someone you have loved and respected for many years is no longer among us. Yet, although they have left us, we realize that our loved ones live on in our memories and the stories that we will tell about them. May we all remember Fr. Robert and his many years at HCA fondly in our hearts.
MARY C EDWARDS says
Father Robert was kind to my uncle, Bro. Edward, and helped him to feel at home in Berryville after some tumultuous times in his life. Love my uncle, but know that it took a saintly man to do this.
Joseph Hickey-Tiernan says
My friend of youth, Robert and I often shared laughter and hopes at St Charles College in Catonsville. He was then already panting to become part of the Trappist community. Later, when I would come for retreat or just to breathe in the realness of Cistercian Spirituality, we might see one another briefly, but Trappist life was silent then. I knew a year ago that he was leaning heavenwards, and kept him in daily remembrance, but learned only lately that he had died.
In 1970, he and Father Andrew Gries arranged for me to use the hermitage at Flint Hill for a while, and Robert drove me there. We spent my first day in prayerful reflection together. He recounted how his tractor accident had changed his sense of the thinness of the membrane between this life and the Presence of Christ, only an arm’s length away. He shared his rediscovery of the “gift of tears,” and his reading about its ancient appreciation. I often feel his closeness when my eyes well up at what he called the “poignancy” of life, breaking through during an encounter with a person or a glimpse of beauty, compassion, generosity of spirit and faith. I pray that what Milton Erickson always said, to his patients on their last visits, will be true for you, his companions in the Way: “My voice will follow you.” It is true for me now. Thank you all. –Joseph
bill halpin says
A year on since his death, I remember sitting in parlor across from Fr. Robert in the late 90’s when I stayed as guest in community. In our conversations he showed me a real monk — joy amid doubt, trust within discouragement, wisdom wandering edges of nescience. Reading James’ words reflects a clear black and white portrait.
My time with Robert and the community was sufficient to ease me into renewed life as hermit in the world and monastic in service to fellow and sister sannyasa in hospital, hospice, nursing home, prison, and house of prayer.
I remain fond of Robert, Benedict, Mark — each gone beyond — and all the Trappists met. Gassho!
meetingbrook hermitage
camden, maine