Trappist: Living in the Land of Desire [Hardcover]

Michael Downey (Author), Michael Mauney (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1997

Combining poetic prose and dozens of stunning photos in both color and black and white, this extraordinary book draws readers into the prayerful rhythms of monasticism. The text includes a brief outline of the development of the Trappist order; the history of Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina, the site of these beautiful and evocative photographs; and-the major part of the book-insightful reflections on key themes of Trappist life.

These themes include such topics as solitude, anticipation, hospitality, hope, patience, commitment, the sanctity of work and the love of scripture. And at the heart of the monastic life is the idea of waiting-keeping constant vigil for the God who comes even now. Within this quiet life is the same struggle faced in the outside world, the same need for continual conversion. So while the monastery's values and virtues are unique, they also echo the universal call to holiness heard by every Christian.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Written at least partly as a companion piece for a PBS documentary of the same name, this beautiful book seeks to express the spirit of monasticism through an examination of one Trappist (Cistercian) monastery, Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina. Downey (systematic theology and spirituality, Saint John's Seminary, Camarillo, Cal.) has spent much time with the monks of the abbey, and the result is a portrait that goes beyond simple description to the essence of the daily life, purpose, and motivation of the Trappist. The superb accompanying photographs perfectly complement the text, resulting in a simple yet affecting volume. Some of the specifics in this short book are of limited interest to most readers, and anyone expecting an in-depth study of Trappist thought or history will be disappointed. Still, for collections with an interest in this area and for those seeking materials to feed the current appetite for books about spirituality (e.g., Cloister Walk, LJ 3/15/96), this makes an excellent choice.?Mark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll. Lib., N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A coffee table book of great beauty. -- Cistercian Studies Quarterly

A welcome and beautifully written introduction to both Trappist Benedictine spirituality and to life in one particular Trappist community. -- Publishers Weekly

The book is a pleasure to read, even study, and it is a visual delight. -- Catholic News Service

What a beautiful volume, evoking the height of beauty of the abbey! -- Collectanea Cisterciensia

recommend this book. -- Church and Synagogue Libraries

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809104911
• ISBN-13: 978-0809104918
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,091,126 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Michael J. Downey stumbled into teaching by accident. A friend needed help in a classroom on a Wednesday morning for a couple of weeks. After completing a teaching degree Michael taught highschool and then for 15 years was Assistant Principal in all girls, all boys and Co-ed schools. He now works as a consultant with teachers and others interested in ongoing formation. His research found that when people develop reflective practices, they nourish and sustain their vocational spirit, rather than burn out. Michael works in Australia and the USA.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A provocative meditation on finding Christ in daily life., March 25, 1998

By 

Dan Crawford ([e-mail]) (Fort Collins, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trappist: Living in the Land of Desire (Hardcover)

TRAPPIST: LIVING IN THE LAND OF DESIRE describes in words and pictures the quest of the monk to encounter, know and love Christ in the ordinary and routine activities of his daily life. Michael Mauney's striking photographs complement Michael Downey's thoughtful meditations on monastic life. A must read for anyone seriously interested in the "imitation of Christ" in the ordinary circumstances and activities of daily life.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Up-Close look at a Fascinating World, June 5, 2004

By 

Timothy Kearney (Haverhill, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Trappist: Living in the Land of Desire (Hardcover)

TRAPPIST: LIVING IN THE LAND OF DESIRE appears almost to be a coffee table book. It was written as a companion to a PBS special about the monks at Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina, but it is more like a spiritual guide to the Trappist way of life. The author, Michael Downey, gives excellent background information about the Trappist order as well as the history and life at Mepkin Abbey itself. We see what life is like at a typical day in the monastery. The day is rather routine (compared to most standards) and changes only on occasion, but it is in the routine that Trappists believe that God can be found. We also meet some of the personalities of Mepkin and we discover that monks are not people who flee from the world, but actually discover the world by setting themselves apart. Downey is able to capture the richness of monastic life in the book as well as how these adherents to the strict rule of St. Benedict as interpreted by the monks of New Citeaux in France and later reformulated at La Trappe also in France, live an ancient lifestyle that is somehow not outdated in today's world. The material in the book is both spiritually enriching and informative. The exquisite photographs also add the beauty of the book and make it a book that can cause a person to pause and think about God's presence in the world.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A BEAUTIFUL BOOK, September 12, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Nicaragua) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trappist: Living in the Land of Desire (Hardcover)

this is a book for everybody who want a moment of meditation the beautiful pictures take us to moments we never have in our daily life, this book also help to understand more about monastic life,and the cistercian charism of silence, prayer and love.