The Monastery

I've just finished watching the first in a short series of "reality TV" shows that I might actually enjoy - The Monastery.

The series follows five laymen on a spiritual journey in a Benedictine monastery to discover if the 1,500-year-old monastic tradition has anything to offer a new generation. Although from very different backgrounds, all five participants share a desire to see if life holds any greater meaning.

Because of my christian upbringing, I've had experience of monastic life (albeit when I was much younger):

I have stayed at Hilfield Friary which is a Franciscan order,
I have also holidayed at an ecumenical community in Taize (come back later in the week for more info on Taize),

so I have some idea of what they are experiencing.

It was very interesting to see how the community life affected each man in the group. It was particularly interesting to hear how a protestant irish man felt so accepted and welcome within a roman catholic monastery.

If you get a chance, watch the next two episodes on 17th and 24th May on BBC2.

Happy Journeys.