Wednesday, August 5, 2009

It is 140 miles from Evansville to Louisville on interstate 64. I have made this trip probably 100's of times (I used to live in Louisville). Always before...I would jump on the interstate and head for a destination. This time...I stayed off the interstate and found a whole new world. I traveled on roads named Gethsemane Church road, I passed through forgotten towns named Possum Junction, I followed the signs to the St. Meinrad Archabbey.

Built in the 1800's, the Benedictine Monks have found solitude, solace and peace here for over 150 years. The grounds are pristine...the brothers feel that their hard work is a form of worship just as their daily prayers and seeking of God. Once joined into the brotherhood, they live the rest of their life in contemplation and service as well as die on these grounds and buried here as well. This could be in Europe or high on a mountainside in the far east but this Monastery has found it's home in the hills of Southern Indiana...off the interstate...to be found by us who live life a bit slower and explore off the concrete ribbon of interstate 64.

When you have the time...don't forget that life exists just off the interstates...a new world waiting for us to explore.

20 comments:

Cynthia L. H. said...

It DOES look like it's in Europe!!!
;^)
That is just absolutely amazing.
I've been driving the back-roads to college. I got very tired of the Interstate. I've found some amazing things, too...or just nothingness...
;^)

The Lly Dilettante said...

Great photo...has that ancient feeling to it.

DawnTreader said...

Great picture, great thoughts. I've been off the fast highways for a long time, metaphorically spoken. Takes a bit of time to get adjusted but then you find there are still things to discover.

Heather said...

What a wonderful piece of Holy Architecture!! As well as the finishing touches you've made to it, Dan. I would love to visit this place.

septembermom said...

Impressive building, to say the least. How cool to come across that wonderful monastery. Thanks so much for the incredible photo and interesting info, Dan.

Heather said...

Wow - that's incredible. I definitely wouldn't expect to find it off an interstate. Seems like a very peaceful place of worship.

shabby girl said...

This photo makes me want to behave! The angle and the lighting is awesome!

Anonymous said...

Whoa! This is hauntingly beautiful. So statuesque and the sky gives this an omnipotent feel. As with most older churches, the architecture holds a gothic quality that most newer structures don't have. I can almost feel the sky opening up, harps playing, thunders roaring, and...well you know the rest. Your pictures definitely opens up my imagination. Love it.

Unknown said...

I didn't realize you used to live in Lousiville - I'm just over an hour away from there. Did you see all the flooding there this week? It was awful, especially the library - they lost thousands of books and many computers.

Great photo!

Unknown said...

I think this photo would be Fantastic in a HUGE size. something that makes you just suck in the enormity of all that a large building is both in reality, in affect on our lives and in spiritual meaning. I wonder how much a poster size or even larger would cost. hmmmm wish list anyone?

Dan Felstead said...

Cynthia...actually your post awhile back about getting off the interstate going to class reminded me to try it! I am so glad I did.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Lly...
Thanks for the comment. It is an old monastery. And what adds to the ancient look is the type of stone they used in all of the buildings. It is called St Meinrad Stone...a stone very prevalent in this area. It is golden in color and ages even darker.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Dawn Treader...I agree...I am a new found fan of "off the interstate"!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Heather...the feeling you get when you visit these types of old campuses is a peaceful one and worth every minute of it.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Septembermom...I had been here years ago...actually when I was a teenager but not back since...so it was a treat to see it again.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Alabama Heather...
It was a rare find for me and worth the time ti took..."off the interstate'!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Shabbygirl...LOL...I like your comment "Makes me behave"! It does sort of give you that feeling doesn't it!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Pura...
I thought of you when I posted the image. I know you like the darker, moody type of pictures. I am glad you enjoyed it!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Bobbi,
Yes I used to live in Jefffersontown out past Hurstbourne lane. We lived in Louisville from '91 to '96. I was working for a Pharmaceutical company and called on the Anesthesia folks at the teaching hospitals in Louisville and Lexington. I love the beauty of that area. You are lucky to live there!

I spoke to folks in Louisville about the flood and it rained 6 inches in a matter of minutes. Cars were actually floating down streets downtown!

Dan

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks for stopping by again Capturedtime! It would make a nice 16x20 framed print.

I appreciate your comment.

Dan