“In the region, we’re quite discreet, and that’s what’s needed,” he added. “Norwegians are very reserved people, so we cannot arrive here as conquerors to convert them, and that’s not our style.”
On the other hand, the Cistercians offer their church as an easily accessible oasis.
“People know that they can come and pray, find a little peace and quiet, or take part in our services, as they wish,” Father Joël said.
Following the “Ora et Labora” motto, the monks of Munkeby pray the services seven times a day — including very early in the morning at 4 a.m. — and work with their hands, producing cheese from milk purchased from local farmers. Their work integrates them into the economic life of the region.
“As it is the case throughout Western Europe, our monastery bears witness to the presence of God in a hyper-secularized society. People love to hear the bells ringing; it gives them a sense of presence and protection. Many people ask for our prayers, writing down very concrete intentions on small pieces of paper that are left in the store,” Father Joël explained.
During the summer in this country where the sun never sets during the hot season, many pilgrims pass through the monastery on their way to the tomb of St. Olav in Trondheim, an important pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages.
Future vocations?
Although the Catholic Church is a minority in Norway — just 3% of the population — it is nevertheless growing rapidly and enjoys great dynamism with lively youth movements. In this environment, the monks are keen to pass on the monastic way of life.
“We really wish to have vocations,” Father Joël said. “There are a certain number of young people over the age of 20 who are walking the path, and that’s very beautiful… but today there’s a lot of resistance. Society, the environment, don’t favor a call to monastic life; we must be very strong to fight against this resistance.”
Emma Silvestri is a freelance writer in Europe.
Credit: Source link
