Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-10-31
TAKEs THE MoNAsTIC VOW.

ton OF an abbot by the Trappist monk,
took place at the monastery at Geih-
semane, KY, on Friday. There are
only two monasteries in the United
States, the other being near Dubuque,
Iowa. The Right Rev Father Edmund
was consecrated by the Right Rev.
George William McC!oskey, Bishop OF
Louisville,
The services were begun at 9 o'clock
10 the stone chapel. The procession
was headed by all the monks. chanting
the Latin songs of the occasion. Fol.
lowing came the five visiting abbots, ali
but one coming from aboard. Next was
the Bishop of Louisville, who followed
the new abbot.
The abbot Frustrated himself before
the bishop and offered the customary
two lighted candles and two measures
of wine. He was then given his ring
OF authority, the miller and the wooden
cruzer OF the Trappist band, the ring
signifying the wedding to the monastery,
the crozier the staff cf the shepherd.
Wnen he had assumed the full
robes the abbot ascended the thron~,
when the monks filed by, each kissil 9
his hand. Then came the celebration
OF pontifcal high mass.
Abbot Edmund is known 10 the
world as the Rev. Edmund Obrecht.
He is the third abbot of the monastery
since its organization in lS4S.
Seventeen hundred acres are includ-
ed in the grounds of the abbey, high
brick wall shutting off the view of the
outside world, which is left behind
when one becomes brother Of silence.
All is not dead within those silert
walls. Only part of the building is
devoted 10 the exclusive monks. Many
young men all over the United States
point with pride to Gethsemane as
their alma mater.
Two scanty meals 8 day is the rule OF
he monks, and meat is never touched.
1t is meal severely plain to which the
monks sit down. They never speak to
one another, except on rare occasions
to the abbot when absolutely necessary
and never to q stranger within the
gates, except when spoken to. Their
work is hard, for they raise big crop
each year.
Prayers are said not long after mid
night. The approach Of night only
brings an end TO the severe routine.
Phen comes q season of prayer, OF
vigorous self.courage, and then sleep
for a few hours on pallet OF straw.
The novice entering Gethsemane does
not begin the life of monk the instant
the closing of the iron gates shut out
the light and life CT the world. bis
first ten days or two weeks are devoted
to a study OF the real character OF the
life of the Trappist. When he an
nounces his Willingness to enter the life
he is taken before the Superior, who
subjects MIN to rigid examination.
II he be accepted, he is turned over
10 the master of novices, who for three
months trains him in the moDastic du
ties. Then, if he has acquitted himself
with credit, he is allowed to assume his
monkish habit and new Dame. Even
then ne is not monk. For two years
be is only probationer. At the end
of two years, if he so elects, ne may
quit the monastery.
Some famous persons have hidden
themselves behind the walls of Geth-
semaue. Father Edmund, the recent
abbot, was of royal Bourbon blood, and
was q noble of France until he took the
mona5tic vows.
Brother Joseph, who sleeps in one OF
the mauy graves in the center OF the
lot. was a baritone in French opera.
He taught music in this country, ano
among his pupils at Washington count
ed Mrs. Nellie Grant Sartoris in her
young womanhood.