Monks step closer to 'normal'

It has been 15 months since the abbey joined the world in attempting to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The monastery was closed to the public and distancing protocols were established to prevent a potential outbreak in the community. On May 22, at First Vespers for Pentecost, the monks took a few steps closer to one another and toward “normal.”

After more than a year of spreading out to fill the entire choir for the Divine Office and spilling over into what is usually guest seating at Mass, the monks resumed their places side-by-side for worship. They also began sitting next to one another for their weekly chapter talk on Sunday.

Perhaps the biggest changes were at Mass, where the monks once again began to offer one another the Sign of Peace – and partake of the Chalice at Holy Communion.

On May 27, the abbey also received its first monastic observer since the shutdown began. After five days of quarantine, a gentleman from Florida will join the community in the liturgy as he discerns a potential call to the monastic life.

Gethsemani continues to receive inquiries as to when it will reopen its church and retreat house to the general public. The short answer is “We don’t know.” There is no definite plan yet, but the abbot and his council continue to monitor the situation. Announcements will be posted to the website as soon as any official plans are made.