The Story
It is a fascinating study of a spiritual crisis and of the wisdom and experience of monastic life. William ReesMogg, editor in chief, The Times (of London)Pierre de Calans choice of subject is remarkable not only because it is a profound study of life in a Cistercian monastery, but because he has had no firsthand knowledge as a monk.Elizabeth Berridge in the (London) Daily Telegraph Devout, sensitive, young Cosmas believes that he has a vocation to become a Trappist monk, but the reality of monastic life disappoints him deeply. Fellow monks are hard to live with. The life of the monastery seems worldly. He is disheartened by his own shortcomings and appalled by the weaknesses of others. If he cant live the life, does that mean God isnt calling him to it? What should he do? Many peoplesingle, married, vowed, ordainedask these same questions. Pierre de Calan explores them all in this exquisite tale of a man who learns that sanctity does not mean perfection.
Description
It is a fascinating study of a spiritual crisis and of the wisdom and experience of monastic life. William ReesMogg, editor in chief, The Times (of London)Pierre de Calans choice of subject is remarkable not only because it is a profound study of life in a Cistercian monastery, but because he has had no firsthand knowledge as a monk.Elizabeth Berridge in the (London) Daily Telegraph Devout, sensitive, young Cosmas believes that he has a vocation to become a Trappist monk, but the reality of monastic life disappoints him deeply. Fellow monks are hard to live with. The life of the monastery seems worldly. He is disheartened by his own shortcomings and appalled by the weaknesses of others. If he cant live the life, does that mean God isnt calling him to it? What should he do? Many peoplesingle, married, vowed, ordainedask these same questions. Pierre de Calan explores them all in this exquisite tale of a man who learns that sanctity does not mean perfection.
