Pilgrimage to Monastery of the Holy Spirit

Our pilgrimage to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in a rural area of Conyers, Georgia filled me with an appreciation of the power of prayer.  

The facility is so large one would think it to have taken an army to construct instead of the small number of Trappist Monks dedicated to a life of contemplative prayer.

 

 

Our visit started at the Monastic Heritage Center which is composed of a newly constructed museum with an area to view a video about the history and life at the monastery. 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjacent to the Center is the original dwelling place of the first 21 monks. This was their home for the 15 years it took them to construct the Abbey Church and their permanent quarters.
 

After perusing the museum it was time to enjoy our sack lunches. The Abbey Store has both indoor and outdoor seating. Available for purchase at the Cafe are wonderful biscotti and fruitcake the monks are known for.

Afterwards it was time to make the short walk  to the magnificent Abbey Church for midday prayers. The monks primary focus of contemplative prayer requires they devote a large portion of their day to regular prayer and meditation. 

You can find out more by clicking this link to the monastery web site.