Nov 10 – A Conversation of Theological Interpretations

Trappist Caskets Books of Life

Our November Conversation Groups invite us to practice a sort of lectio divina on the “book of our own experience.”  We have now celebrated two Masses of Remembrance in which we invited the family members of those buried in a Trappist casket or urn to join us for the celebration of the Eucharist in memory of their loved ones. We offered a light lunch, the opportunity to locate the name of the deceased in our Books of Life, and tours of Trappist Caskets. In 2016 approximately 300 people showed up, and over 600 attended last month’s Mass. Given such a response it is necessary for us to discern as a community how the Mass of Remembrance ought to be integrated into the life of New Melleray. Today we shared our reflections on the Masses of Remembrance by describing our main impressions and providing a theological interpretation of the experience, especially through the sharing of Bible passages that illustrate our impressions. We also speculated on the meaning or message the Mass of Remembrance has for us as monastics, for those who attend, and for those who hear about it. 

Conversation Groups (CG)

The purpose of the CGs is to provide a forum where the brothers “come together to listen to the Spirit speaking through one another,” to foster skills of good communication that will promote mutual understanding and trust (Gdlns 2), and to provide the superior with the data he needs for taking decisions with foresight and fairness by the brothers humbly and honestly expressing their views (RB 3)