Monk – hugsnblessings

I am Roman Catholic.

I live in a Diocese who, not unlike many other Dioceses’ in the Country, are noticing a decline in active worship members. As a result, our Bishop is in the process of making difficult decisions to handle the reality of the increasing number of empty pews and the limited amount of Priests to preside over these (somewhat noticeable) empty Churches. Following the Easter Season we shall all know the consolidation plans for our Diocesan Parishes. I know for certain my Parish will be affected by these changes in some capacity.

Obviously, as one who loves the Catholic Church and all its teachings this is very sad to me. I struggle to understand the lack of zeal for the faith and the lukewarmness that has settled in to the hearts of many faithful. Truly, the Catholic Faith is not the only one to see a decline in its worship members, as I know the evil-one is not prejudice in his ploys to lead people astray from their Faith in a higher power.

However, even though I know there is cause for concern & a need for prayerful intercession for our prodigal brothers & sisters there is cause for great hope! Because without hope we fall into despair and despair is the playground of the Devil.

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Just a little fluff & stuff today…

A Carthusian monk in the Carthusian monastry of “la Valsainte.” Photo taken by Simon Glasson, around 1930.

Our family has a strong affection for the Carthusian Monk’s.

A dear friend of ours, Charlie, introduced us to a fun-fact about these beloved monks many-many years ago – as we shared a toast together for the first time with the “Elixir of Long Life.”

Yes, our first taste of Green Chartreuse VEP, produced by the Carthusian monks, was indeed many years ago – yet has since become a cherished family tradition for our family at every important or meaningful life event.

You can always expect to share this warm, (some would say burning,) minty green liquor with us, to ‘mark the occasion’.