The Maronite Monks of Jesus, Mary and Joseph are a new monastic order of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, of Los Angeles. This Eastern Rite eparchy (that is, diocese) serves around 50,000 registered Maronite Catholics (and God knows how many more unregistered, as well) in 42 churches and missions in the west of the United States, under the authority of Bishop Elias Zaidan and in union with Rome.
Now, in order to establish the Sacred Heart Maronite Monastery, the Maronite Monks of Jesus, Mary and Joseph have purchased 65 acres of land in Castle Rock in the southwestern region of the State of Washington. Once completed, the monastery will be home to a cloistered community of up to 20 men. This community will be the only one of its kind in the whole eparchy.
“We believe in the diversity of vocations, whether they be diocesan or religious, active or contemplative,” said Bishop Zaidan in an interview with Catholic World Report. “The establishment of this monastery fills the gaps we had in the eparchy, so that we reflect the full image of the Church. It is our hope that the monastery continues to grow in the upcoming years, be an oasis of peace and a place of special contact with the Lord.”
To read the whole interview, you can click here.
And today we celebrate...