Guest Post: Odd things you’ll never believe were made by Monks

Today’s post is a guest post by Robin Armit who works for Holy Art, a company which sells all kinds of religious gifts. All religious items have a wondrous story to tell, and Robin enjoys telling them…

BrewIt is common knowledge that monks and nuns have a long history of manufacturing many different kinds of products. Production has traditionally been restricted to fairly standard items such as jams, sweets, beers, wine, and even some medicinal goods. Some monasteries are particularly famous for the quality of their products. For example, Trappist monk beer is considered by many to be some of the best brew in the world.

However, not all monasteries have restricted themselves to the more traditional products. Over the years, some monastic communities have branched out into more unusual ventures. For example, would you like to buy some modern cosmetics and skin care products? Perhaps you might want to learn how to ski? Maybe you would like to liven up an evening with some tonic wine? While I wouldn’t recommend trying these all at the same time, but it might surprise you to know that Catholic monks can help you in each of these cases! In the article which follows you’ll learn more about these enterprising monks, as well as the products and services which they supply.

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Desert Fathers: Time To Quarrel

argument

Two hermits lived together for many years without a quarrel.

One said to the other, “Let’s have a quarrel with each other, as is the way of men.” The other answered, “I don’t know how a quarrel happens.” The first said, “Look here, I put a brick between us, and I say, ‘That’s mine’. Then you say, ‘No, it’s mine’. That is how you begin a quarrel.”

So they put a brick between them, and one of them said, “That’s mine.” The other said, “No; it’s mine” He answered, “Yes, it’s yours. Take it away.” They were unable to argue with each other.  

– De vitis Patrum, Sive Verba Seniorum, Liber V, 17:22

Friday Frivolity: Happy Lent!

This Wednesday was “Ash Wednesday” and, therefore, we are now in the time known as “Lent”.  This is a traditional time in the Church for prayer, fasting and alms-giving. In order to be liturgically correct, this Friday we turn to the Monty Python monks of the Holy Grail for inspiration…