Before this days beginning, the monks awakened from nights deep darkness to chant the Psalms. Mary Eugenia Laker, SSND. The Life and Miracles of St. Benedict: Book Two of the Dialogues. God is the mystery to whom the monk entrusts his being in faith and in hope. On the Song of Songs II. Photographs by Michael Mauney. Lauds: 6:30-7 AM But darkness is a friend of the monk, a great presence stirring beside him. Silence, which is so very hard to find in our culture, is an important part of a Mepkin retreat and is practiced for most of the day. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1981. phone: 843-761-8509 ask for store email: Mepkinstore@gmail.com Gardens Gardens | 9AM - 6PM Every Day NO DOGS ALLOWED Important Information COVID-19 Closure Notice (click) Prayer Schedule Vigils: 4:00 AM - 4:40 AM Lauds: 6:30-7 AM Mass: 7:30-8:15 AM Mid-Day Prayer: 12-12:10 PM Vespers: 6-6:30 PM Compline: 7:35-8:00 PM Sundays- same, except no Terce: Guerric, John and Judith Byrnes, and Jonathan Wright, Oct. 9-12 Sacred Masculine Retreat: Toward a Male Spirituality With Fr. Fr. To maintain their lives of prayer, silence, privacy and solitude, the monks have a few important requests of all visitors: Niches in Mepkins Columbarium are available to the public. Offices, study carrels, a rare book room, an archive room, the Tower Meeting Room, and the Laurens Conference Center complete the functions of the facility. Through this never-ending rhythm of daily, weekly, monthly, yearly prayer, the monk is transformed, little by little, and becomes a living praise to Gods grace and mercy. To book a weeklong retreat, simply book back-to-back retreats. The framework which supports monastic prayer, the dialogue of listening and response, is the opus Dei or the Liturgy of the Hours. Upon arrival, please check in at the Reception Center/Gift Shop. Trans. At Vespers, all that has been given is now brought before God. (843) 761 - 8509 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Click here to book a retreat: Book a Retreat Vespers: 6-6:30 PM Were here to help and guide you on your journey. 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road The Cistercian Heritage. Retreatants have the opportunity to receive spiritual direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and are free to join the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharist with the monastic community. Mepkin is home to a community of cloistered monks who are part of the world-wide Trappist religious order. Westminster, MD: Newman Press, 1957. On Precept and Dispensation. Joe Tedesco. line-height:20px; Oxford: Blackwell, 1966. Access to the Abbey church is by guided tour only. Todonate online, click here, or you may send a check to Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. This is the hour of Lauds, when the monks greet the dawn breaking upon the world of darkness. Jim Bowler, SJ, Sept. 11-14 Advanced Elder Retreat: Living into the Octogenarian Years with Fr. They share our life of prayer, work . Hubert Hoskins. Several days a week a community meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Upon arrival, please check in at the Reception Center/Gift Shop. Compline: 7:35-8:00 PM Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1994. While silence is not required in its entirety, most find this to be one of the best takeaways from retreat and we ask that all retreatants are respectful of the Monks and other retreatants; if speaking is necessary, please do so as quietly as possible. As St. Benedict writes: When they live by the labor of their hands, then they are truly monks (Rule 48:8). How is it cultivated? While Mepkin Abbey has limited access to visitors, we want to support our friends and benefactors, many of whom find their horizons reduced to the confines of their living spaces, by providing some reflections, ideas and news to help you navigate these very trying times. On several days of the week, those in formation, novices and postulants, have classes on various topics such as Scripture, liturgy, monastic sources, the Cistercian patrimony, and the vows. Please stay on these two roads. The Monastic Guest Program was born of a desire for men to live the monastic life for a longer period than the usual retreat. Food is being prepared and cooked for the twenty-one monks and the guests on retreat. One thing I ask of the Lord, this I seek, to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Inspiring but also challenging words if we really take them in. After None, there is time for a short siesta. This access is limited because the church is in the monastic enclosure, the heart of the monastery. To maintain their lives of prayer, silence, privacy and solitude, the monks have a few important requests of all visitors: Niches in Mepkins Columbarium are available to the public. Mass: 7:30-8:15 AM Thank you and God bless you and your loved ones. Christ, the Life of the Soul. On several days of the week, those in formation, novices and postulants, have classes on various topics such as Scripture, liturgy, monastic sources, the Cistercian patrimony, and the vows. Each person has a unique experience, but most people tell us that they feel a deep sense of peace at Mepkin. Spiritual counseling and sacramental reconciliation (Confession) are available upon request. Come Experience the Life and Work of Monks Along the Beautiful Backdrop of the Cooper River! Thus Gods Word takes flesh in our human words so that we in turn might become the word of God. Coordinates: 337N 7957W Mepkin Abbey is a Trappist monastery in Berkeley County, South Carolina. Retreatants came from up and down the east coast, and most had been to Mepkin before, some multiple times. Married couples or those traveling together may be accommodated in adjoining rooms. These cookies help us improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. A glimpse into monastic life at Mepkin Abbey with Fr. Here is a schedule of the retreats being offered at Mepkin Abbey this year. Information for Visitors. A glimpse into monastic life at Mepkin Abbey with Fr. On Loving God. Lauds: 6:30-7 AM Why are we unique? Cistercian Studies 133. 12:00 PM | Mid-Day Prayer, followed by Dinner and None Thank you and God bless you and your loved ones. Welcoming retreatants is part of the monks commitment to welcoming the stranger and one would welcome Christ. Church Tours are given every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. M. Monica Wagner. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone. The fruit of this encounter with grace is an awakening to the contemplative dimension of everyday living. New York: Fordham University Press, 1961. People come to Mepkin Abbey on retreat for many reasons. Through personal reflection and hearing the experiences of others at a similar place in their lives, participants have the opportunity to view aging as a natural part of livinga blessing and gift from God. Elizabeth Connor, OCSO. Living according to the Rule of St. Benedict, the monks offer hospitality to strangers. My soul glorifies the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God, my savior. In chanting the words of Marys Magnificat, the monks prayer joins the rhythm of the prayer of the Church throughout the world. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964. Trans. At the conclusion of Vigils, replete with the images of the Psalms, the monks spend a half hour in meditation. Carried through this day by faith, hope, and love, he now waits for the dawning of the day that will have no end. One of the monks assists the retreatants with the order of prayer so as to facilitate their full participation. Mepkin Abbey, the Cistercian monastery on the banks of the upper Cooper River in Berkeley County, is dedicating its new columbarium next month. phone: 843-761-8509 The Retreat Center also offers public lectures from time to time on relevant themes as well as Zoom opportunities for special retreats or to access in person retreats. Spencer, MA: Cistercian Publications, 1972. The searing light of noon mellows and dapples the canvas of the monastery grounds as the day runs its course. The Ad Monachos of Evagrius Ponticus: Its Structure and a Select Commentary. Like Sext and None, Terce is designated a Little Hour because of its brevity in comparison to Lauds and Vespers. If you are in a financial position, please consider making a donation to Mepkin to help us sustain our life of prayer. At 4:20 AM, the community gathers in the Abbey Church for the hour of Vigils. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1949. All meals are taken in silence, and prayer begins and concludes this gathering. From ancient times, Christians have experienced in the rising sun a symbol of the Risen Christ, who conquers the darkness of sin and death. Cistercian Fathers Series 32. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use Bookwhen. Rooms provided include a bed, desk, reading chair, and private bath. Trans. The resources for this list are the bibliographies found in Abbot Francis Klines book, Lovers of the Place, and in Michael Downeys Trappist: Living in the Land of Desire. Trans. Westminster, MD: Newman Press, 1958. Guerric, Marcy Walsh, Mary McNamara, and Mahan Siler, Sept. 18-21 Care for Caregivers Retreat with Fr. Sundays same, except no Terce: Cost: $5 per adult; children are free. During the main meal at noon a book is read aloud by one of the monks for the benefit of all. To request a review copy of Brother John or to schedule an interview with August Turak, please contact Jerry McGlothlin at (919) 437-0001, or email jerry@specialguests.com . Mepkin Abbey. Vespers: 6-6:30 PM A glimpse into monastic life at Mepkin Abbey with Fr. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1992. Joe Tedesco. The dispute between PETA and the 59-year-old Mepkin Abbey began in February when an animal-rights activist went undercover at the monastery near Moncks Corner, capturing the egg operation on film. They are written on the heart. Dates not mentioned are reserved for folks who wish to make a private or individual retreat (unless the monastery has reserved them for other purposes.) Commentary by Adalbert de Vog. In ancient times there were no clocks or digital watches. Some folks come to see the Mepkin Abbey Church and the Nancy Bryan Luce Gardens. A glimpse into monastic life at Mepkin Abbey with Fr. Serves 4-5 Church Tours are given every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1988. Retreatants' donations are gratefully accepted and encouraged to help us continue our mission. The evening light casts a golden glow which illumines the landscape as if from within. Trans. They ask that the same flood of holiness that filled those in the Upper Room, might inspire all that they think or do or say. Does the Retreat Center provide transportation to and from the airport? Gay Rowzie and Sr, Susan Schorsten, 10 am-3 pm (bring a bag lunch), March 16-20 Initial Elder Eldering Retreat with Fr. There is no need for light to read these words. All of these tasks can provide opportunity for quiet simple prayer. It can be an extremely spiritual experience to be surrounded by nothing but the rustling wind through leaves, the sound of birds chirping, and the smell of salty air wafting around you. -Grand Silence Begins- Joe Tedesco. Do I have to remain silent making a Retreat at Mepkin? As the tower bell sounds to proclaim to the slumbering world the beginning of the monastic night-watch, the monks stand in anticipation of the coming of Christ in time and in their hearts. 1-1:40 PM | Optional Siesta Hard physical labor also provides balance of mind, body, and spirit, central to the life of prayer. Hilary Costello and Eoin de Bhaldraithe. Cistercian Studies 151. Colm Luibheid and Norman Russell. In this series, we will be exploring some of the ways that the monks of Mepkin Abbey pray and inviting you to participate with us, if you feel called, in some or all of them. Compline: 7:35-8:00 PM Edgar C.S.Gibson. 8:35-11:30 AM | Morning Work Period Classics of Western Spirituality (CWS). Retreatants are also invited to join the monks in their public prayer as often as desired. On days when classes meet, the work of the monks in formation ends at 3:00 PM, so that they may do final preparations for their classes. Vol. Living according to the Rule of St. Benedict, the monks offer hospitality to strangers. Gift Shop | Tues Sat: 9AM 4PM 1 . Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1997. Living according to the Rule of St. Benedict, the monks offer hospitality to strangers. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1969. Cistercian Fathers Series 8. Robert C. Gregg. For the two hinge hours of the day, Lauds and Vespers, a response to the Scripture reading is sung, as is the Canticle of Zechariah at Lauds and the Canticle of Mary at Vespers. If you are in a financial position, please consider making a donation to Mepkin to help us sustain our life of prayer. Visitors are welcome at Mepkin Abbey, which is privately owned and is home for Trappist monks. Through the voice of the psalmist the Lord responds: With length of life I will content him; I shall let him see my saving power (Psalm 91:16). Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1976. Vespers & Benediction: 5-6 PM. St. Louis: Herder, 1925. Living according to the Rule of St. Benedict, the monks offer hospitality to strangers. Nourished and refreshed, the monks offer once again the work of their hands, the thoughts of their hearts, and the words of their mouths to God. Athirst for God: Spiritual Desire in Bernard of Clairvauxs Sermon on the Song of Songs. No reservations are required for individual visitors. Our Daily Life - Trappist Monastery, Moncks Corner, South Carolina - Mepkin Abbey Our Daily Life You are here: Home 1 / Our Daily Life Horarium 3:40 AM | Rise 4:00 AM | Vigils followed by Meditation, Lectio Divina or private prayer 5:30 AM | Breakfast available 6:30-7:00 AM | Lauds 7:30 AM | Eucharist, followed by 15 minutes thanksgiving On the Song of Songs IV. An abbey is a type of monastery that provides a complex of buildings and land for religious activities, work, and housing of Christian monks. Hilary Costello, OCSO, and John Morson, OCSO. The retreat center also offers a 20-minute zoom Centering Prayer sit at 8:00 Am and 8:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays thru our website. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. Todonate online, click here, or you may send a check to Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Please respect the monks privacy and observe signs designating Monastic Areas. St. Louis: Herder, 1952. Trans. 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461-4796 Save RamblingRoses Hendersonville, North Carolina 381 203 Take time to walk the labyrinth Review of Mepkin Abbey Reviewed June 11, 2013 A special quality permeates this beautiful setting on the Cooper River. Sundays from 1 4 p.m. Trans. Week-long retreats may also be available depending on availability from Monday to Monday, or Friday to Friday for the purpose of a private spiritual retreat. Robert Walton, OSB. They appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the monastic community. Christian Monasticism. Only two roads are open to the public: the main road which runs from the entrance to the public gardens, and the road which leads to the Reception Center & Store. Access to the Abbey church is by guided tour only. The lifestyle did take some getting used to at first. Mass: 7:30-8:15 AM Advance reservations are required as is prior notice of cancellation. 7:30 AM | Eucharist, followed by 15 minutes thanksgiving All meals are taken in silence, an important part of the monastic tradition. To maintain their lives of prayer, silence, privacy and solitude, the monks have a few important requests of all visitors: Niches in Mepkins Columbarium are available to the public. After Vespers, the remainder of the day may be given to personal prayer or light reading. To book a retreat, click here, Feb. 21-24 Initial Enneagram Retreat with Dr. Christine King, March 11 Mini Lenten Retreat with Sr. Married couples can be accommodated in adjoining rooms. Todonate online, click here, or you may send a check to Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. per group (up to 3) Check availability. Mid-Day Prayer: 12-12:10 PM Led by a monk, a gerontologist, and two other skilled team members, the retreat begins on Fri- day at 2:00 PM and closes at 2:00 PM the following Monday; or at 2:00 PM on Monday through 2:00 PM on Thursday for mid-week retreats. Sundays same, except no Terce: Please stay on these two roads. Moncks Corner, SC 29461. While the Abbey is part of the order in the Roman Catholic Church, everyone is welcome to visit and make Retreats here. III: Instructions, Letters, and Other Writings of St. Pachomius and His Disciples. The Retreat Center has a common area with a small library, kitchen, and a chapel. De Vog, Aldalbert, OSB. Guerric, Ray Horn, and Thomas Rini, Oct. 23-26 Centering Prayer Retreat with Fr. The light of the Sun of Justice discloses our thoughts and actions. Javascript must be enabled for Bookwhen to function properly. To maintain their lives of prayer, silence, privacy and solitude, the monks have a few important requests of all visitors: Niches in Mepkins Columbarium are available to the public. Trans. Sundays from 1 4 p.m. The rest of the days usually are spent on things like reading, walking the beautiful grounds, journaling, and reflecting. Date of experience: June 2017 Ask 554yvonneb about Mepkin Abbey 2 Thank 554yvonneb First, Continue Reading. Living according to the Rule of St. Benedict, the monks offer hospitality to strangers. 5:30 AM | Breakfast available Intended for all first-time participants, the Contemplative Eldering Retreat offers an environment for personal and spiritual growth. II: Pachomian Chronicles and Rules. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1976. These retreats are conducted by two priests and center around a Contemplative theme. They are also given the opportunity to join a Zip Code Contemplation Group, which meets regularly online, to help keep the Mepkin experience alive for them. This access is limited because the church is in the monastic enclosure, the heart of the monastery. 10:00 AM | Eucharist Lovers of the Place: Monasticism Loose in the Church. Kilian Walsh, OCSO. The change has its roots in a conflict that began two years ago, when People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, known as PETA, launched a campaign to force Mepkin's monks to shut down their. Ascetical Works. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1983.