The Wisdom Of The Benedictine Elders ─ Thirty Of America's Oldest Monks And Nuns Share Their Lives' Greatest Lessons

This intimate, vibrant, and deeply moving portrait of monastic life in America today examines the long-debated question of whether the spiritual life can be led in the everyday world or whether it must, in its highest and truest forms, involve an ascetic life of renunciation, stern discipline, and celibacy. Thirty elders of the Benedictine Order share their touching and thought-provoking life stories, from the everyday rhythm and ritual of prayer and work, solitude and community, sanctity and humor, to the most challenging moments of questioning, uncertainty, and tribulation, but also to moments of infinite inner peace and mystical joy. Part graceful memoir, part sacred legacy, this book offers an inspirational journey into the hearts, minds, and souls of 30 exceptional men and women.

Mark W. McGinnis is an artist and professor of art at Northern State University, South Dakota, who has had numerous solo and group art exhibitions across the United States. He is a lay member of the Benedictine Blue Cloud Abbey and lives in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Joan Chittister is the author of In the Heart of the Temple; Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope; and Wisdom Distilled from the Daily. She is the executive director of Benetvision, a resource and research center for contemporary spirituality. She lives in Erie, Pennsylvania.