Weston Priory facts for kids
Chapel
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Monastery information | |
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| 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 in Weston, Vermont, where a group of Benedictine monks live and work together. It was started in 1953. This priory is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, which covers all of Vermont. The monks are famous for the songs they have written for church services over the last 50 years. They are also known for their connection to Latin America and the cool crafts they make.
Contents
The Priory's Story and Purpose
Weston Priory was founded in 1953 by Abbot Leo A. Rudloff. He was an abbot from Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem. Abbot Leo hoped that some monks trained in Vermont would later help the community in Jerusalem. He also wanted Weston Priory to become a strong, independent community.
Finding a Home in Vermont
Abbot Leo first thought about starting the priory in Pennsylvania or other places. However, 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. The chosen site was an old, empty farmhouse with a barn. It was a few miles from the village of Weston.
Building the Monastery
The attached barn had been partly burned. It was fixed up to become the chapel, a place for prayer. Abbot Leo hired a local group from Weston to help with the renovations. A run-down chicken house behind the main building was also fixed. It became a classroom, a recreation room, and a dormitory for new monks.
A Focus on Peace and Justice
Over time, the Weston community became very involved in movements for peace and fairness. They formed a bond with a group of Benedictine nuns in Mexico. Together, they set up a retreat center in Cuernavaca. This center helped people from North America learn more about their neighbors to the south. The monks also worked with senators like Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders. They tried to bring more attention to the struggles of poor people in Mexico. In the 1980s, Weston Priory was one of many churches that offered help to refugees. These refugees were people seeking new homes in the United States.
Music and Art from the Monks
Starting in the 1960s, the monks at Weston Priory began writing their own music. They created songs for use in church services. Their music has become very well known around the world. The monks also tend gardens and care for livestock. They have a book store that sells items made by the brothers. Some of the pottery created at the monastery is even displayed in museums. For example, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has some of their pieces.
Important Members of the Community
Abbot Leo Rudloff, who founded the priory, was an important figure. He was part of a special group before Vatican Council II. This group worked on bringing Christians and Jews closer together. After he retired as abbot in Jerusalem, he came to Weston and was known as Brother Leo. Other well-known members include Brother Thomas (Thomas Bezanson), who was a ceramic artist. Gregory Norbet composed many of the community's earlier songs. The famous author Tomie dePaola was also briefly a member in 1956.
Awards and Recognition
In July 1992, Weston Priory received the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award. This award was given in Sherborn, Massachusetts. The priory earned it for welcoming a refugee family 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
