Monday, August 10, 2009


I had mentioned on my earlier post that the Brothers at the St. Meinrad Arch abbey...lived and died on the grounds.

There is a graveyard by a peaceful lake where the Brothers are buried. True to their vow of poverty, their graves are all identical...no pride or one upsmanship even to the grave. The only differentiating factor is on the other side of the gravestones... their name, birth and death dates.

From the picture of the Cathedral and the grave sites however, one would imagine a Brother to be a bit strange, perhaps even dark at times. I met and talked with a couple of Brothers while visiting and they are quite the contrary. Very friendly, outgoing and very open to striking up a conversation. Even "Hip" in some ways. It is just the life they have chosen that makes them seem different...so different from the mainstream.

This was a very interesting stop during my foray off the interstate.

8 comments:

shabby girl said...

You always manage to find something fascinating! Love the pictures Dan!

Cynthia L. H. said...

I've never seen headstones like these. There is something about the symmetry and texture that is stunning, yet peaceful. You do find amazing things.
I love the backdrop of the pine trees.
;^)

septembermom said...

Great photos, Dan. Glad that you had some interesting conversation with the Brothers. They probably have tons of stories to share.

Dan Felstead said...

Shabbygirl...I am always on the lookout for small details that often surround what would be a main picture. So many times, that becomes a better photo than what I had intended to take.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Cynthia...all the buildings etc...on the Monastery grounds are made out of locally cut stone...they call it St Meinrad stone and it has this unique golden color to it. The graves were cut from the stone as well.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Septembermom...

It was really a unique opportunity. They were more than willing to discuss their life on the Monastery grounds.

Dan

Unknown said...

Great headstone shots! I especially love the 2nd one, all the little details. I may have to use that name in a story.

Dan Felstead said...

Bobbi,
I am fairly certain that Fintan was the first Abbot (Director) of the Monastery.

Dan