International Juniorate Conference in Rome (22nd June – 6th July 2017)

19 Jul 2017

Fr James and Br John have recently returned from a successful congress for Temporarily Professed Benedictine Monks at Sant’Anselmo. Over 30 Junior Monks arrived at the International Benedictine College in Rome to participate in a period of reflection on human formation. The programme was led by Br John Mark Falkenhain, a Benedictine monk from Saint Meinrad Archabbey in America, and focused on formation for living celibately.

The full program included visits to important Benedictine sites, such as Montecassino and Subiaco, but also other significant religious places in and around Rome, such as Assisi. A particular highlight was attending the Pontifical Mass with Pope Francis for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

The conference was truly an international affair with Junior Monks from America, Austria, Brazil, France, Hungry, Israel, Korea and Spain. It offered a unique opportunity to learn about the Benedictine Order across the world and from different Benedictine congregations. Just as important was the chance to get to know other monks and this was fostered through the daytrips and recreation – particularly in the trips for gelato!

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