Monastic Art & Architecture

Here’s a collection of images I gathered this past week, July 17–23, 2015, from Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey (O.C.S.O.), located near Lafayette, Oregon; and from Mount Angel Abbey, located in Mount Angel, Oregon; taken while I’ve been on retreat at these two places of prayer this past week. Trappists and Benedictines base their daily life, as well as their art and architecture on The Rule of St. Benedict, a document written by Benedict around 525. As Benedict writes of artists,

If there are artisans in the monastery, let them practice their crafts with all humility, provided the Abbot has given permission . . .”that in all things God may be glorified” (1 Peter 4:11). ~Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 57

So I’m never surprised to find beautiful artwork and architecture in at a Benedictine Monastery.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE TRAPPIST ABBEY, LAFAYETTE, OREGON

Trappist Abbey Church

Cross above Abbey Church

Our Lady of Guadalupe Oratory (place of daily prayer)

Carving of Grape Cluster on Door into Abbey Church

Image of “Our Lady of Guadalupe”

Abbey Dormitory looking out upon Abbey Cemetery

Trappist Porter’s Lodge and Porch (Guesthouse)

Guest Cottage named “St. Benedict” where I stayed

Sign on Bethany Prayer House

MOUNT ANGEL ABBEY, MOUNT ANGEL, OREGON

Mount Angel Abbey Church and Bell Tower

Mount Angel Abbey Sanctuary

The Oratory (place of daily prayer). Benedictine daily prayer takes place five times a day, including Vigils at 5:30am, Lauds at 6:30am, Day Hour at 12:15pm, Vespers at 5:30pm and Compline at 7:30pm. These services are usually about 30 minutes in length and are mostly singing of Scripture, especially singing the Psalms.