Monastery

On Friday I had the privilege of visiting the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Maryland. Located in the rollling hills, it is a secluded monastery housing friars in the Franciscan tradition.

Standing in the shadowy hallways and walking quietly through the buildings it was a moment of tranquility unparalleled in our culture.

Carol, an administrative assistant, walked us through the buildings and shared the story of the construction of the monastery. She told the story of how the friars had come to the area and established the ministry of prayer and healing. St. Francis of Assisi's influence continues through the ministry of the the Franciscans.

The highlight of the visit was walking into the chapel and seeing the Stations of the Cross on perimeter walls. I was reminded of the word, "pilgrimage."

In the chapel there is a Relic of St. Anthony of Padua. It is a certified relic (a fragment of the bodily remains of the saint.) It was removed from the tomb of St. Anthony in 1995 and given to the Shrine of St. Anthony by the Paduan Friars in 1998.

The reliquary (which holds the relic) in the form of a bust of St. Anthony was designed in Padua, Italy especially for the Shrine.

St. Anthony was renowned for his intercessory power and being a source of comfort for those who have experienced loss in their lives...healing.

Standing in the chapel I was struck by not only the beauty of the structure but the solemnity of the moment.

I plan to return to spend time there in the future. Something in the "moments of solitude" called to me in familiar ways, ways that make me long for more moments like that.

Pulling out of the driveway and heading for Boston, I looked back to see the monastery fading in the distance. Even though the building was fading from view, the memory was solidified in my mind. It was a holy moment for which I am grateful.