Weston Priory
Encyclopedia
Weston Priory is the home of a community of Benedictine
monks in Weston, Vermont
. They are particularly known for the songs they have contributed to Roman Catholic worship over the past 30 years.
in Jerusalem in 1953. The community founds their contemplative existence on the rule of Benedict and the Gospel
s. They are dedicated to peace and social justice, particularly in Latin America
, and also to caring for the natural world. In the 1960s, they began writing their own music for use in their community prayer, a central feature of monastic life. They compose all of the music they use when they pray the monastic office and celebrate liturgy. Their music is well-known throughout the world, as it has become popular Catholic liturgical worship music.
The priory itself contains several gardens, livestock, and an art store, including pottery and other ceramics made by the monks.
Notable community members have included ceramic artist Brother Thomas (Thomas Bezanson
) and Gregory Norbet, the composer of much of the community's earlier music. Author Tomie DePaola
was briefly a member in 1956.
Benedictine
Benedictine refers to the spirituality and consecrated life in accordance with the Rule of St Benedict, written by Benedict of Nursia in the sixth century for the cenobitic communities he founded in central Italy. The most notable of these is Monte Cassino, the first monastery founded by Benedict...
monks in Weston, Vermont
Weston, Vermont
Weston is a town in Windsor County, Vermont, United States. The population was 630 at the 2000 census. Home to the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company, it includes the villages of Weston and the Island.-History:...
. They are particularly known for the songs they have contributed to Roman Catholic worship over the past 30 years.
Overview
Weston Priory was founded by Abbot Leo A. Rudloff of Dormition AbbeyHagia Maria Sion Abbey
Hagia Maria Sion Abbey is a Benedictine abbey in Jerusalem on Mt. Zion just outside the walls of the Old City near the Zion Gate.It was formerly known as the Abbey of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, but the name was changed in 1998 in reference to the church of Hagia Sion that formerly stood on...
in Jerusalem in 1953. The community founds their contemplative existence on the rule of Benedict and the Gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
s. They are dedicated to peace and social justice, particularly in Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
, and also to caring for the natural world. In the 1960s, they began writing their own music for use in their community prayer, a central feature of monastic life. They compose all of the music they use when they pray the monastic office and celebrate liturgy. Their music is well-known throughout the world, as it has become popular Catholic liturgical worship music.
The priory itself contains several gardens, livestock, and an art store, including pottery and other ceramics made by the monks.
Notable community members have included ceramic artist Brother Thomas (Thomas Bezanson
Thomas Bezanson
Brother Thomas Bezanson was a Canadian born artist primarily known for his porcelain pottery and mastery of complex glazes...
) and Gregory Norbet, the composer of much of the community's earlier music. Author Tomie DePaola
Tomie dePaola
Thomas Anthony "Tomie A." dePaola , is an American author and illustrator of over 200 children's books, including Caldecott Honor book Strega Nona and Newbery Honor book 26 Fairmount Avenue. DePaola was awarded the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal in 2011.-Biography:DePaola was born in Meriden,...
was briefly a member in 1956.