late 13th century nun's habit reference for a campaign in a convent :)

Pannonhalma Archabbey's library, Pannonhalma, Hungary,

St Hildegard von Bingen

oil on carved wood, 2019

9″ x 27″ x .75″ Alex Naszados

Fasting can so easily be done with the spirit of pride. And if we think that observing Jesus' command —"do not let your left hand know what your right is doing (Mt 6:3 [cf. 6:16-18])— means never telling anyone anything about our fasting we are mistaken. For the most dangerous audience for spiritual pride is ourselves. For this reason, sharing our Lenten program with someone who knows us well (like a spouse, a close friend or relative, a spiritual advisor), and letting them express their honest opinion about it, and thus being ready to reconsider it — this is a sign of a healthy Lenten fast, or a practice designed to take us out of ourselves, to relativize our wills, and so expand our hearts to embrace the fully cosmic plan of God revealed at Easter. We might grow in some virtue (or at least lose some weight) by giving up sweets for Lent. But, then again, we'll likely grow in many virtues we really need if we submit our program to the judgment of another, and humbly ready ourselves to hear something like, "Oh, that's nice, but perhaps what you might really want to work on this Lent is something like…"

- Fr. John Bayer, O. Cist (Fasting in the Rule of St. Benedict During Lent). Bolded emphases added.

Benedictine monks.

Ben Lee and Tyson Albright (https://camkramerphoto.smugmug.com/College-Wrestling/2020-21-College-Wrestling/Grand-View-Duals-Tournament-110720/Grand-View-1-vs-Benedectine-1/184lbs-Ben-Lee-Grand-View-fall-Tyson-Albright-Benedictine/)

Kylemore Abbey - a Victorian oasis along the west coast of Ireland

Kylemore is a 19th century neo-gothic castle that looks much older

Discover the hidden history of Beaumont Abbey, an archaeological marvel revealing 800 years of history in Indre-et-Loire, France. Find out what was left behind by the Benedictine nuns who lived there until they were finally expelled in 1780.

Former Benedictine monastery the Tegernsee Abbey, Bavaria, Germany

German vintage postcard, mailed to München

Bl. Pope Urban V 1310-1370 Feast Day: December 19 Patronage: Architects, Educators, Benedictines Missionaries

Blessed Pope Urban V was a French Benedictine monk who as pope brought the papacy back to Rome from Avignon. He was a brilliant intellectual, who lived simply and modestly. As an abbot, papal diplomat, papal ambassador and pope, he worked to reform, restore and unify the church. During his life, he worked for peace between France and Italy, established universities, and supported the crusades. He died of natural causes.

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Benedictine Palace, Fécamp,  eine-Maritime department, France,

Built at the end of the 19th century for Alexandre-Prosper Le Grand, a spirits merchant and who made his fortune by inventing and marketing the Bénédictine liqueur. 

@ Marc Nouss

Tonight’s libation is a Chrysanthemum cocktail

6 drops Angostura bitters

1/2 oz absinthe

3/4 oz Benedictine

2 1/2 oz Dolan Blanc Vermouth

Stir over ice and strain into a coupe

Orange twist for garnish

La Bénédictine de Fécamp

Welcoming Hildegard in Heaven

Some of my favorite stories about St. Hildegard von Bingen are about the friendships she had. First was Jutta von Sponheim (left), who taught Hildegard to read and write and probably to sing and play music too. When she passed away, Hildegard succeeded her as abbess of Disibodenberg. Second was monk Volmar (second from left), who encouraged Hildegard in her moments of doubt; his death was especially heartbreaking for Hildegard. Like Jutta and Hildegard, Richardis von Stade (right) was from a noble family and stayed in Disibodenberg and later Rupertsberg under Hildegard. Against Hildegard's wishes, Richardis became an abbess in a separate abbey. Her unexpected death shortly after leaving Rupertsberg broke Hildegard's heart. I could just imagine how happy their reunion in Heaven must have been in September 17, 1179.

Source details and larger version.

Within the hazy darkness, hooded figures are waiting.