Georgia monks find sustainable route to preserve monastery

Published: 2007-12-12

CONYERS, Ga. (CNS) -- They were in Conyers in 1944, living one of the most ancient expressions of Catholic spirituality, when there was only one Catholic family in Rockdale County. And they are there today, 63 years later, in an archdiocese that today has 650,000 Catholics. And the monks at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in the Atlanta Archdiocese want to be around for their 100th year and beyond, according to Abbot Francis Michael Stiteler, elected the community's leader in 2003. So over the past few years, the Trappist monks -- formally known as Cistercians of the Strict Observance -- have prayed, reflected and discussed how best to stabilize their community financially yet retain the precious gift of their cloistered contemplative life. Also, in light of developments around them, they are concerned about sustaining the natural and historical treasure of the monastery and its land. The 45 monks now have a vision for their future and a master plan, which they call "a season of renewal" for the 2,000-acre monastery property.

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