Customer Reviews

Growing Up as a Trappist Monk

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Father William Nolan, who was a Trappist monk from 1949 to 1966, has written a gem of a book about those years of his life. While some who romanticize monastic life may be shocked by Father Nolan's frank and honest portrayal of the (pre-Vatican II) reality, the book is pervaded by warm humor, a good dose of compassion, and some hard-won wisdom. Anyone seeking God, amidst the foibles of human life, within the cloister or without, will find encouragement here.

Fr. Nolan, who recently died, went on to be a valuable contributor to Catholic Church life in Tennessee for many years. Among his many gifts was that of a teacher. He was mine over 10 years ago. He was an extremely gentle and intelligent person and his writing in this short work about his first years in religious life relects that. It is a good read.
Rest in peace, Fr. Nolan!

I found this book very, very interesting in terms of getting an inside look on daily life in a contemplative monastery. It is also quite interesting as the story of young man's journey in life through monastic discipline. Indeed, there are temporary vocations which are all part of God's plan for us.