Weston Priory facts for kids
Chapel
|
|
 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
|
|
| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Benedictine |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Leo A. Rudloff |
| Architecture | |
| Groundbreaking | 1952 |
| Site | |
| Coordinates | 43°20′15.4″N 72°47′32.0″W / 43.337611°N 72.792222°W |
Weston Priory is a special place where Benedictine monks live and work. It is located in Weston, Vermont. The priory started in 1953. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, which covers all of Vermont. The monks are famous for their songs used in Roman Catholic worship. They are also known for their connection to Latin America and the cool crafts they make.
Contents
A Look at Weston Priory's History
Weston Priory was started in 1953 by Abbot Leo A. Rudloff. He came from a monastery called Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem. Abbot Leo wanted to train monks in Vermont. He hoped some would later help the community in Jerusalem. He also wanted Weston Priory to become its own strong community.
At first, Abbot Leo thought about other places for the priory. But other religious groups were already there. So, he looked elsewhere. With help from friends, he found a good spot in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Starting the Monastery Buildings
The first building was an old farmhouse with a barn. It was a few miles from Weston village. The barn had been partly burned. It was fixed up to become the chapel. Abbot Leo hired local people to help with the repairs. An old chicken house was also fixed up. It became a classroom, a fun room, and a place for new monks to sleep.
A famous writer, Thomas Merton, wrote about Weston Priory in 1957. He called it a new Benedictine group. Weston Priory was one of many monasteries in North America. These groups wanted to bring back old traditions. They focused on monks who prayed a lot but were not always priests.
Helping Others and Social Justice
The monks at Weston Priory became very involved in helping people. They worked for peace and fairness in the world. They connected with a group of Benedictine nuns in Mexico. They even started a center in Cuernavaca. This center helped people from North America learn about their neighbors to the south.
The monks also worked with senators like Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders. They tried to bring attention to people in need in Mexico. In the 1980s, Weston Priory was one of many churches. These groups promised to help refugees find new homes in the United States.
Music and Art from the Monks
In the 1960s, the monks at Weston Priory began writing their own music. They wrote songs for church services. Their music has become very popular around the world.
The monks also tend gardens and raise animals. They have a bookstore that sells things they make. Some of the pottery made at the monastery is even in museums. For example, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has some of their pieces.
Important People at Weston Priory
Abbot Leo Rudloff was a very important person. He helped bring Christians and Jews closer together. When he retired, he came to live at Weston Priory. He was known as Brother Leo there.
Other well-known people include Brother Thomas (Thomas Bezanson). He was a ceramic artist. Gregory Norbet wrote many of the community's early songs. The famous author Tomie DePaola was also a member for a short time in 1956.
Awards and Recognition
In July 1992, Weston Priory received an award. It was called the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award. They got it for welcoming a family of refugees from Guatemala. The family included Elena and Felipe Ixcot and their five children.
See also
In Spanish: Priorato de Weston para niños
- Contemporary Catholic liturgical music
