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Exquisite. Thank you Sam.
Sam, this may be my favorite post you’ve ever written. Thank you for sharing your journey, your reflections, and your wisdom. Although our mass at home isnt externally as beautiful as what you describe here, spiritually it is no less majestic or profound if only we could truly appreciate what happens each day on the altar. God bless you and your family. I pray for your ministry every day.
I missed this Mass through my own fault and I wish that I went. My Wife and I pray the Rosary with the kids as often as possible as we love Mary. God bless you and your Family Sam. Have a happy Holy Christmas.
Dear Sam and All,
Over seven years ago I visited Clear Creek and then posted to several places on internet concerning that experience. I present it here again. For those who wish to know what a visit might be like it may be helpful. I noted in 2009 that there was already a group of devout and level headed Laity being attracted to the place… I transition/retire from the military next year and will visit for awhile and pray about the future.
A Visit Our Lady of the Annunciation (Clear Creek) Monastery
I was privileged to visit Our Lady of the Annunciation (Clear Creek) Monastery for a weekend in May 2009. This “Visitation” was, and remains, quite moving to me. Clear Creek is a daughter house of Fontgombault, France of the Solesmes Congregation. http://www.clearcreekmonks.org/. All services are in Latin. They follow the traditional weekly Psalter of the Benedictine Horarium. http://www.clearcreekmonks.org/horarium.htm
The entire Chant is done extremely well and with much devotion. The Monks self correct and make a genuflection if they note an error in their privileged participation in Opus Dei the Work of God. The Office continues with attention and proper care.
High Mass is beautiful and overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with it. But… the most moving experience is daily Low Mass. All the priests perform their daily Low Mass at side altars with a server and any Laity who wish to assist (There is no con-celebration in the EF Mass). As you kneel at the side altars you must be careful not to bump the priest or server with your folded hands (you are that close). Many Laity remain in the Nave, where you are literally surrounded by the Holy Mass. 7-9 Masses are being said concurrently, Sota Voce. With 25-30 laity, present and 40 + monks all praying the Mass in silence, it was all rather moving and grace filled. At one point, I felt dumb struck, almost wounded by the weight of sudden Grace pressing in about me. I never knew silence could be so joyful, so tangible. The marvelous overshadow of that time remains most prescient with me. This only occurs in monasteries or religious houses that do the EF of the Mass. There is Low and High Mass everyday. Currently this beautiful liturgy is all performed in the poured concrete Crypt of the monastic church currently under construction.
What is most striking about the monastery is the Laity that it attracts. A good number travel the dirt roads to attend daily offices. Many of the Laity attends on Sunday, so numerous that the monks offer substantial hospitality, coffee and doughnuts, etc. after Mass. Latin has a peculiar accent when pronounced reverently by Oklahomans adorned in dress Cowboy boots, Lariat and Bow string bow ties and cowboy hat in hand. There seems to be an unintentional but expected village popping up around the monastery. Something the monks believe is an organic development of their presence
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The average age of the monks is young. Many of the Laity who travel the dirt roads to get there are also quite young. Their devotion and dedication in traveling the unpaved roads is most commendable and encouraging. At the age of 47, I was the old man! Male retreatants eat with the monks. They take their breakfast of milk and bread standing (monk’s bread with their local cow juice). Male Retreatants eat with the monks and can attend all the hours.
There is a large statue of Our Lady in the Nave of the Crypt. All kneel to say an “Ave” or other devotion immediately upon entering. I thought this was a Carthusian tradition, perhaps it is French and Dom Gueranger maintained it at Solesmes? This custom and a number of other monastic traditions are lovingly kept and nurtured. I hope to return soon. Please pray for this foundation.
PAX,
Mark J. Kelly, KM
Sam, how is life at Clear Creek? I was hoping this article would give an update.