Getting from Here to There

A Lay Cistercian reflects on Cistercian Charisms and how they move us to conversion of life. As I begin to approach the Mystery of Faith, using Cistercian practices and Charisms as applied by Lay Cistercians, and in particular, by me, I am starting to catch a glimmer of the wisdom of the contemplative monastic traditions of silence, solitude, prayer, work, and community. The monks of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery (Trappist) in Conyers, Georgia, have allowed me the privilege of learning how to be contemplative in the midst of the chaos of the world. Indeed, the Rule of St. Benedict, especially the Prologue and Chapters 4-7, are suited to living as a pilgrim in this foreign land called the World. I used Cistercian practices to help me focus on having in me the mind of Christ Jesus, but also try to cultivate charisms, that which makes you a Lay Cistercian or Cistercian monk or nun. I use the outline from the book of the late Father Anthony Deliese, O.C.S.O., as a guide for charisms. Charisms are silence, solitude, humility, obedience to Christ, Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, to name a few. This book is my reflection on eight charisms I use in my quest to seek God in daily living. USD