(L-R) A Carthusian, Fr Finigan, A Carthusian, A Carthusian
(Photo credit: A Carthusian)
(Photo credit: A Carthusian)
(L-R) A Carthusian, Fr Finigan, A Carthusian
(Photo credit: A Carthusian)
(Photo credit: A Carthusian)
Now we are back to normal with the class on Sacramental Theology after which I stay for Vespers. In the Choir, I am given a place next to the Prior: I have discovered that this is a great honour. I can now usually set up the books with the markers in the correct places and arranged according to the custom of the Order. Increasingly I thirst for this 45 minute sojourn on the threshold of heaven. It struck me today how much I have come love their austere version of the Lucis Creator Optime and the beautiful Salve Regina with its slight differences even in wording from the one used in the Roman Rite.
A commenter on this blog very kindly sent me a copy of "An Infinity of Little Hours" which I have found compulsive reading. I mentioned today that I was reading it and it caused a frisson of excitement. The book is about Parkminster and is quite controversial - "it has caused some discussion" was the way the Novice Master put it. I'll probably find time to finish it tomorrow. On my next visit to the Charterhouse, I'll share my thoughts on it with the Novice Master and let you know what I think after reflecting on his comments.
10 comments:
Father,
I loved "Little Hours" and read it straight through. Once you are finished with it, could you please post your comments noting how Carthusian life is different from the way the book documents it? I hope the prior allows them at least to have flush toilets nowadays ;-)
Father,
Glad you received the book and even more glad you are finding it an interesting read.
David
I wonder what the Parkminster fathers would make of 'Into Great Silence'?
They were a little underwhelmed by it - the Prior (who lived at the Grande Chartreuse for many years) felt that it did not capture the beautiful scenery. This does not take away from its tremendous impact on ordinary people. I suppose that those who are seriously involved in the quest for God alone can see the limitations in any attempt to capture it on film.
I visited Parkminster over 25 years ago when Dom Bernard O'Donovan was there. I was astonished by the place - those cloisters!
The wisdom of Dom Bernard (a fully trained doctor) was memorable.
That's interesting. As an ex-monk, I found it deeply nostalgic (not that my English Benedictine monastery was remotely to be compared with any Charterhouse!). But I was left feeling that somehow the director had looked past the main event. Another blogger (forget which) may have put his finger on it when he said that the film seemed much more interested in the natural year than the liturgical year. I think this is why I felt so uncomfortable when the singing of Ascension Day Lauds was intercut with autumn scenes!
I plan to wait till it comes out on DVD, and drip feed it, half an hour at a time, to friends of a non-monastic background.
Love this blog, Father: keep up the good work!
Thanks for you kind comment, Ben. Your observation about the film is perceptive - I think you are right that it does not capture the liturgical year. Also, the particular services that are shown are in bits all over the place. There is no sense of the structure of any of the hours - this could have been done in a film of such length.
You know, I find it worrying... you look sooo happy in among the Carthusians.
It is worrying, you do look very happy among the Carthusians,
BTW, I am intrigued by the picture above your head in the photos... any chance of a close-up?
(I have to look for a good image to use for this year's thank-you card for priests at the Chrism Mass)
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