Our monks and nuns who have made simple vows (vows for a limited time) gather each year for a seminar. This is a great opportunity for monks and nuns from across the USA to get to know each other.
Because we are cloistered (living within the boundaries of the monastery) we have few opportunities to travel. This is one time that we travel to another monastery.
In this picture, on the left is Fr. Gerard-Jonas, a monk of Mepkin.
In the center is Sr. Mary Thérèse, a sister from Our Lady of the Mississippi.
Br. Emilio Rafael, who is second from the left, and Br. Philip, on the right, are both monks of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit.
Pope Francis currently lives in Rome.