First of all, our readers should know that this web site is especially for those who are attempting to discern their calling from God. You can learn more about the Monastery of the Ascension by accessing www.amorchristi.org and www.idahomonks.org. "Amor Christi" means "the love of Christ." St. Benedict states that we should "prefer nothing to the love of Christ." With this in mind and for that purpose, we have added this, our newest website, to our ministry of outreach for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. 

     The image above, by a monk at the Monastery of the Ascension, alludes to Pope St. Gregory the Great's account of St. Benedict's vision of the future destruction of his major foundation on Monte Cassino, Italy. It was sacked or destroyed several times over the centuries. This is not exactly "the latest news." But it always makes us aware of the temporary nature of all things human, even in religious life. Here, the bombing of Monte Cassino on February 15, 1944, is depicted as the vision that St. Benedict had. Behind him are peaceful doves. A wounded raven, symbol of the Order of St. Benedict, is in the center, and a B-52 bomber is at the upper right. A ghostly outline can be seen of the destroyed portions of the building. Modern Monte Cassino has been rebuilt and receives thousands of visitors annually.  For more information about the Abbey of Monte Cassino, just click your mouse on "Monte Cassino" in the navigation bar above, or do a "search" on the Internet and you will find many interesting sites to review.

     Coming back to home base again here at the Monastery of the Ascension, we were busy throughout much of the summer with hosting "elder hostels" that the participants found quite enjoyable and informative, ranging from Religions of the World to Medieval Mystery Stories.

     In July, Br. Selby Coffman completed his three years of temporary vows and made his final (permanent) vows. We are very pleased to have him on board. Among his jobs and activities are such things as caring for the trees in the wind breaks and a lot of house cleaning. His musical talent as singer and harp player is also much in demand. Perhaps he should have taken the name of "David."

     On Thanksgiving Day of this year, Fr. Kenneth Hein, O.S.B., formally transferred his monastic vows to the Monastery of the Ascension. He is kept quite busy with weekend parish work and with many other activities that include computer work, sewing, woodshop work, etc. 

     Below are pictures of Br. Selby and Fr. Kenneth.