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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Weekend at the Priory

Though the weekend was soggy, everything else about it was perfect. I joined a few friends at a house in Weston, Vermont so we may pray at the Priory and spend time hanging out with one another. A little sunshine and more time would have made the time together ideal.

Weston Priory is a congregation of Benedictine Brothers whose ministry is song and social justice. The brothers have produced many CD's over the years - beginning with their musical adaptations since Vatican II. The brothers sing for their worship but many congregants know the tunes well and participate often (and sometimes loudly.) The music is like chant, and while one can harmonize, the beauty is in singing together as in one voice.

The brothers keep the office beginning with 5:30 a.m. prayer, 5:00 p.m. vespers, and 8:00 a.m. compline. Services and Masses are held at other times of the day depending upon the day. The Sunday Masses are packed throughout the year, and especially at this time of year with all the leaf-peepers who are touring the area.

Six of us shared a house (plus a Jesuit who spend a few hours with us) so we could spend time in conversation with one another. Ignatius favored the use of conversation because it means "turning one's heart towards one another" and this is what we did. Two other Jesuits besides me showed up. The conversations were rich and constant - and for an introvert like me, one could always retire to one's bedroom for a nap, some quiet, or uninterrupted reading.

The women were fascinating in their crafts. One was making a floor rug with great ease; another crocheted a baby's blanket; a third made some amazingly complex quilts that she sells for $200.00 each; and a fourth led us in a Halloween and Thanksgiving card-making expedition. It was great fun. We had tons of food. We fought over who would take home the left-overs.

The foliage is a week away from its peak. The fog in the mountains made it mystical and photography-ready. Some of the bridges and dams are torn apart from Hurricane Irene, but the roads are passable. It is apparent there is much work to do to restore it to its intended purpose.

The trip to the original Vermont Country Store was terrific. The smell of bacon being cooked at the entrance to the story entices a person to come in and buy some expensive home cooking or nostalgic goods. Samples of cheese, sausages, dips, and chocolates help people buy unique foods that will delight any home and hearth. It is always great fun to walk through the store and think of good times in the past.

I'll come back for sure.


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