Claude H. King

My E-Mail Address:  claudiomiguel_32@yahoo.com.

I am very much interested in Carthusian Life/Spirituality.  Like many people, I first remember hearing about the Carthusian Order through Fr. Thomas Merton's books. Especially remember once when Merton described looking in the Catholic Encyclopedia and seeing a picture of a Carthusian Monk looking down the long, long cloister. Odd - I remember seeing that same picture many long years ago.

I first became interested in the Trappists back in l948-1949.  It was when I joined the U.S.Navy, and was stationed in Washington, D.C. that I came across an article in Time Magazine regarding a Trappist Monastery in Berryville, Virginia (Holy Cross Abbey).  I had many talks with the Novice Master, and when I was discharged from the Navy, went to St. Mary's College in St. Mary, Kentucky to pick up some latin.  From there I returned to Holy Cross Abbey, and entered the Novitiate. I eventually left the Novitiate and returned to 'the World'.  It was only after Vatican II that I became somewhat disappointed with the Cistercians and their seemingly disregard for Tradition.  I still keep in touch with the Trappists, but they have become (at least to me) 'too much in the World'.  I am always amazed at the number of Monks living outside the cloister - hither and yon.  I find the Carthusian way of life like an oasis in the desert!!!  Their staunch adherence to the Monastic Life is to be admired - and envied.

I would love to spend a few days in one of their Charterhouses.

Would like to hear from anyone 'out there' and have a good exchange of 'Carthusian Thoughts'

PAX - claude