The Cloister – A podcast from Monastic Retreats

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This liturgical year we are being joined by Fr Oswald from Ampleforth Abbey. In this seasonal extra episode of ‘The Cloister’ he shares some reflections on the season of Pentecost.

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This is the penultimate part in our series on ‘The Rule of Saint Benedict’ led by the monks of Glenstal Abbey. 
 
 In today’s episode Br Timothy examines what the Rule has to say about care for the brethren: nourishing the young and caring for the aged so that all may live, pray, work and die together within the community's embrace. 

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Join us for a conversation on spiritual journalling.
To order your own copy of our 'Ora Et Labora' ordinary time journal visit
https://mixam.co.uk/print-on-demand/662b91e38b90094ce52f1023?  

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This is the eighth part in our series on ‘The Rule of Saint Benedict’ led by the monks of Glenstal Abbey. 
 In today’s episode Fr John considers the place of Work in the Rule. 

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This is the seventh part in our series on ‘The Rule of Saint Benedict’ led by the monks of Glenstal Abbey. 
 
In today’s episode Abbot Brendan considers the subject of Food and Drink.

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This is the sixth part in our series on ‘The Rule of Saint Benedict’ led by the monks of Glenstal Abbey. 
In today’s episode Fr Jarek examines Saint Benedict's notion of 'Good Zeal' .

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This liturgical year we are being joined by Fr Oswald from Ampleforth Abbey. In this seasonal extra episode of ‘The Cloister’ he shares some reflections on the season of Easter.

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This is the fifth part in our series on ‘The Rule of Saint Benedict’ led by the monks of Glenstal Abbey.  If you haven’t listened to the previous episodes you may wish to start there although every episode does stand on its own. 
 
In today's episode  Fr Martin talks about the place of prayer in the Rule of Saint Benedict

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This is the fourth part in our series on ‘The Rule of Saint Benedict’ led by the monks of Glenstal Abbey.  If you haven’t listened to the previous episodes you may wish to start there although every episode does stand on its own. 
 
 In this episode Father Christopher examines the place of Hospitality in the Rule of Saint Benedict. I hope these gentle reflections continue to be a blessing to you. 

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This is the third part in our series on ‘The Rule of Saint Benedict’ led by the monks of Glenstal Abbey.  If you haven’t listened to the previous episodes you may wish to start there. We began the series by looking at the prologue of the Rule and then the role of the Abbot. 
 
 This week Father Henry looks at Chapter 7 of the rule which is the longest chapter of the Rule and is on Humility. 

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We usually release episodes every fortnight but as today is the start of Lent we want to share with you the following reflections from Fr Oswald who is a monk at Ampleforth Abbey. If you have visited our website recently you will know that Fr Oswald is sharing seasonal reflections for us throughout this liturgical year. These are wonderful short reflections that give a bit of the history and the liturgy behind each liturgical season. 
 
 You may also be interested in a brand new podcast that we have available to download entitled lent 2024, throughout Lent we will be releasing short passages form the gospel of John for your own time of Lectio Divina, this podcast is available wherever you get your usual podcasts.

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This week Father Patrick, a former Abbot of Glenstal Abbey, talks about the role of Abbot according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Next time Father Henry will be sharing on Humility in the Rule.

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For the next few months we are going to be joined by the monks of Glenstal Abbey as they share on the Rule of Saint Benedict. These shorter episodes will Explore various chapters and themes of the Rule of Saint Benedict to discover the wisdom and relevance this sixth-century document has for the twenty-first century today and not just for those who live in a monastery. In today’s episode Fr Columba shares on the prologue. Future episodes will include reflections on the abbott, humility, hospitality, prayer, zeal, food and drink, work, caring for others and stewardship.

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A rule of life isn’t actually about a set of rules you have to follow, rather it is about intentionally crafting a rhythm, and pace of life that allows you to more fully reflect the person God has called you to be. 
 
 At the start of this new year, why not prayerfully consider crafting your own rule of life. 
  
 

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In this concluding episode Br Cassian explores the wider Celtic year and looks at some other historical Christmas time celebrations. He concludes by takes us through a beautiful liturgy for the winter solstice.  

We will be back on Monday 8th January with an episode with author Steve Macchia on how to craft our own personal rule of life. It will be a great episode to begin a new year. 

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In this penultimate session Br Cassian encourages us to reflect on the coming of Christ at the end of all things. He prompts us to think about those people in our lives who have had an impact and influence on our spiritual formation before sharing two monastic Celtic practices to help us to live lives that inspire others.
 
 For more information about brother Cassian who led this retreat visit our website at www.monasticretreats.co.uk/thecloister
 
The final part of this retreat will be released a little earlier than usual so you can enjoy it before the rush of Christmas. May this episode be a place of calm and peace in your advent season.

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Join Br Cassian as we continue  this four part retreat around the theme of 'Celtic Advent'.

Last week we explored together the importance of the incarnation as the first coming of Christ into our world. Today, in this episode we will be exploring the second coming of Christ into our own lives.

May this episode be a place of calm and peace in your advent season.

For more information on Br Cassian you can visit his website at
http://www.waymarkministries.com/ 

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Join Br Cassian as we begin this four part retreat around the theme of 'Celtic Advent'.

Together we will begin to explore how the ancient Celts celebrated advent.

We will also consider some beautiful art work and legends, including the Chi Rho pages of ancient illuminated manuscripts and the legend of Saint Brigid of Kildare.
You can find pictures of the art work referenced at our website.

May this episode be a gentle welcome into a new way to celebrate and consider the advent season. 

For more information on Br Cassian you can visit his website at
http://www.waymarkministries.com/ 

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David shares what you can expect from the cloister, full episodes will launch Advent 2023. 

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