Sounds of Silence: ... a monk's journey
The author was a cloistered contemplative monk for a total of twenty years in the most strict and austere Order of the Catholic Church, the Carthusian Order. He held the offices of Novice Master and Vocation Director, and exercised several other positions of authority within the community. Unfortunate difficulties within that monastic community contributed to his eventual departure and ultimate severance of ties with the Carthusians. By a special determination of the pope, he was released from the obligations of his vows and the priesthood.