Monasticism Rising

Monastic life has been part of the Catholic Church since St. Anthony of the Desert in the 4th century. St. Basil and St. Benedict gave it the structure that it needed to survive and thrive for centuries of Christian witness. Unfortunately, monastic life was hit very hard during the 16th century following the Reformation. BBC did a recent study on Monasticism in England and there are BBC radio programs that you might listen to if you are interested. The discussion is historical and for the most part secular in its approach, but very informative. The discussion begins with the reflection of Michael Sherbrook who, when he was an old man, remembered in writing the momentous events of his youth: “All things of price were either spoiled, plucked away or defaced to the uttermost…it seemed that every person bent himself to filch and spoil what he could. Nothing was spared but the ox-houses and swincotes…”

He was talking about the destruction of Roche Abbey, but it could have been Walsingham, Glastonbury, or any number of names that haunt the religious past. The ruins of these famous monastic communities haunt the landscape.


These were the monasteries, suddenly and shockingly, destroyed during the reign of Henry VIII and by his heirs. The dissolution and destruction of the monasteries and shrines was very unpopular in many areas. In the north of England, centering on Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, the suppression of the monasteries led to a popular rising, the Pilgrimage of Grace, that threatened the crown for some weeks. However, these uprising were unsuccessful and over 800 monastic houses closed throughout Great Britian.

In our own day there is a new interest and flourishing of monastic life. There are now over 200 monastic communities in the United States. Some of them have been around for decades and are well established. Some of them are small and many are struggling, but a few are growing and showing signs of real hope. One of these signs of hope can be found in Oklahoma (the South yet again)! The Monastery at Clear Creek is a new Benedictine community that began in 1999 as an offshoot of the famous Abbey at Fontgombault in France.

I really believe these Monastic communities will continue to grow and thrive. They are spiritual powerhouses of grace that the Church relies upon. It is a beautiful gift that these consecrated folks offer to all of us in the Church. They hold us up and support us in prayer each day! As we rely on their prayers let us not forget to pray for them! The video below is a nice intro to Clear Creek and a good reminder of the many good things that God is doing in the Church!