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As
Christ was transformed on Mt. Tabor, we seek to lead a
life transformed before the world, according to the
counsel of the Gospel, that while hidden sheds its light
before men, giving new hope in the sign of the witness
to Jesus Christ.
The Order of The Most Holy Savior, popularly known as
Brigittine, was founded in the year 1370 by St. Birgitta
of Sweden to give praise and honor to God. Elements
which characterize the Brigittine Order include a deep
love of Christ, especially in remembrance of His
sufferings, the fullness of liturgical worship, a
respect for learning and authentic devotion to the
Blessed Virgin Mary, the holy Mother of God, all
incorporated into a simple monastic life style.
The Brigittine Order exists at present with thirteen
monasteries of contemplative nuns and a congregation of
contemplative -apostolic sisters whose mother-house is
located in Rome, in the actual former dwelling of St.
Birgitta.
The Brigittine Monks existed from the fourteenth to the
middle of the nineteenth century, when they were
dispersed, largely due to the European wars. (In 1970, a
Brigittine Monk, Richard Reynolds, martyr, was declared
a saint.)

In
March of 1976 Brother Benedict Kirby founded a new
branch of the Brigittine Monks. This monastery has the
canonical status of a Priory "Sui Iuris."
Our style of life is monastic, according to the Rule of
St. Augustine, and given to prayer and contemplation.
This is an ancient style of life in its concept of
withdrawal from the main stream of the activities of
society. However, we seek to place its ancient
traditions into this era, conveying its attraction and
needfulness to the culture of our times. The Brigittine
monastic habit, dark grey in color, is worn. Following
the original pattern of monasticism, the monks do not
ordinarily receive Holy Orders.

The community celebration of the Eucharist is the apex
of the monastic day. The entire Liturgy of the Hours is
sung at scheduled times throughout the day with the
Rosary and spiritual reading, including Scripture, at
specified times.
The life of a Brigittine Monk has its strength in the
spirit of the intimate union with Christ through the
daily prayers which the community offers for itself and
for all mankind, especially for the unity of all
Christians. Following an ancient Brigittine tradition,
the community also carries on a continual crusade of
prayer for the souls in purgatory and the conversion of
sinners.

Silence prevails during the hours of the day making that
permeating peace which finds communion with God.
However, spontaneity of speech may arise with restraint
in respectful consideration of each person. Relaxing
recreation periods are daily.
Community living is realized in the rhythmic life of
prayers, work and leisure. The joy of Christian living
in the unity of community imitates the life of Jesus
living in the bond of love with his apostles. We
endeavor to create a joyous, peaceful life following the
monastic concept of community as that of a family in all
its human aspects of affection and warmth.

The Community attempts to be self supporting through the
manufacturing of gourmet confections. Each person feels
the responsibility to contribute in whatever talents he
has to offer or in the work to which he is assigned.
Work is done at the monastery and we do not engage in
types of work that may not be done within the enclosure.
Time is allotted that each person may develop his needs
and talents to maintain a balance of living. An
atmosphere is created that each may know and understand
the joy of living this life in Christ the Lord.
A
complete formation program is offered including a
postulancy, the length of which is determined by the
needs of the individual; a one-year novitiate, and a
period of temporary commitment extending from three to
six years. After the completion of this period, a
permanent offering of oneself to Almighty God is made.
"It is for others to serve God, but for you to cleave to
Him. It is for others to believe in God, to know, to
love, to fear Him, but for you to taste, to understand,
to apprehend, to enjoy Him."
- William of St. Thierry
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