Monastic Life
Please visit our abbey at http://www.geneseeabbey.org.
MonasticismThe Abbey of the Genesee on DVD, Part One
The Abbey of the Genesee
The Abbey of the Genesee on DVD, Part Two
History of MonksBread
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Monasticism
Monasticism (from Greek: monachos — a solitary person) is the religious practice in which one renounces worldly pursuits in order to fully devote one's life to spiritual work.
Many religions have monastic elements, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism, though the expressions differ considerably. Those pursuing a monastic life are usually called monks or brothers (male), and nuns or sisters (female). Both monks and nuns may also be called monastics.
Back to TopThe Abbey of the Genesee on DVD, Part One
Back to TopThe Abbey of the Genesee
The Abbey of the Genesee is a community of contemplative monks belonging to the world-wide Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.) more commonly known as Trappists. We were founded from the Abbey of Gethsemani, Trappist, KY in the spring of 1951.
There are 17 other Cistercian monasteries of monks and nuns in the United States. For more information about the Cistercians read The Cistercians: An Introductory History by M. Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O.
As described in our Constitutions our community belongs to "... a monastic institute wholly ordered to contemplation. The monks dedicate themselves to the worship of God in a hidden life within the monastery under the Rule of St. Benedict. They lead a monastic way of life in solitude and silence, in assiduous prayer and joyful penitence..."
Located in the picturesque and historic Genesee River Valley in western NY, we live close to the rhythms of nature. Within our monastic enclosure are some 1,200 acres of forest, ravines, rolling hills and a meandering creek. In addition, we have acres of woods and farm lands which serve to maintain the rural solitude for us and our retreatants. For information on our retreats, please e-mail Fr. Jerome at: JeromeMachar@geneseeabbey.org or call Bethlehem Retreat House at 1- (585) 243-2220
Back to TopThe Abbey of the Genesee on DVD, Part Two
Back to TopHistory of MonksBread
When the monks arrived from The Abbey of Gethsemani in the spring of 1951, Br. Sylvester, a baker in the Navy, began baking a wholesome, old fashioned loaf of bread for the community and a few guests. Before long guests and visitors were asking to purchase this unique loaf.
To respond to the demand for bread, now known as Monks' Bread, it was decided to incorporate a small bakery in the new abbey the monks were building. By the spring of 1956 things had progressed to where a large modern bakery was set in operation. Today that bakery, continually upgraded and improved, is still in operation producing five varieties of Monks' Bread: white, whole wheat, raisin, sunflower, and Maple-Cinnamon.
Monks' Bread is a specialty loaf in which only the finest ingredients are used and baked according to the old-fashioned fermentation process.
Presently the monks bake three days a week. The bread is sold to a local distributor for distribution to supermarkets in Western and Central New York. If it is not available in your store you might ask the store manager to carry it. Monks' Bread and other premium products are also available at our Abbey Store at the monastery.