Draft letter to Ellis

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pax MANUFACTURERS OF SCIENCE, POLISHER Glenstal, 2nd Febr. 35 Dear Friend, I thank God for the generous purpose he impressed in your soul; the perseverance in it for two years is a presumption of a real vocation Benedictine life is a wonderful one, because, in its simplicity, it aims at God only; the first condition S. Benedict requires from a man who asks to join the monastery is "si revera quaerit Deum". Do you feel that prevalent desire to be God's man, to serve him in any situation and by every means? In fact, the little priory of Glenstal is a trying place for a "noviter vehiene ad conversionem" - as says Our Holy Father: the and in perfect ordinance; - Glenstal is a castle without achieved accomodations for regular life, a monastic "camping". Benedictine life grows at ease and fully where the divine Office in the choir all aid of chant and ceremonies is displaid; where all charges are regularly held by some monks, while the others are busy without confusion in their toil; - we are still a faxxxxxxxx small Benedictine life runs quietly quietly in the path of unbroken tradition, so helpful in any way to the soul; - and we are beginning here a new work: the revival of the tradition interrupted for centuries, the adaptation of monastic life to the ideal of Irish people, with its spirit of self denial, and the rising up of the whole soul to the most spiritual life. as highly spiritual as possible. number, and the life here is uneasy and uncomfortable. need For such a task, we want thoroughly spirited men - men of perfect obedience and self denial tools steadiness - stabilitas, says S. Benedict - and mortification, spirit of prayer and separation from the world. Are you ready for that poor and difficult life? I suppose you lived in New Zealand Colleges a life more english-fashioned, with its ease and comfort. Dont you think you are more fitted to join an english monastery? They are many, with perfect convenience guiletion, but in a less severe spirit - they would say more "broadminded" than we, simple Irishmen, intend to be. And, of course, you could find the Benedictine life without leaving Australia. New Nursia Ab ey, in West Australia, is a fervent monastery - but clear you cannot loneliness and homesickness, which will tempt you in our far away and remote solitude of Glenstal? They are all points worth of your meditation before God, dear friend and it is not so bad that correspondence is slow between New Zealand and Europe - it will give you time of for reflexion. At any rate, you must finish your 2nd year of Philosophy before entering the monastery