I, Brother_______layman, promise stability, conversion of life, and obedience according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Abbot, before God and His Saints, whose relics are venerated in this place called_______in the presence of the Reverend Father________, …

With these words the man who has been living as a monk throughout his years in the noviciate and juniorate, a period of time lasting, in most cases five years, vows himself to live for the rest of his life as a seeker after God above all. The irony is his days of searching are over, signed in his own hand just so.

Still, a seeker he is par excellence. In relinquishing the freedoms most of us hold dear, and taking on the yoke of obedience to rule and abbot, he is liberated from endless searching for “‘happiness”, for he has discovered it is in yielding to the Source of happiness, and seeking Him alone does he know real joy beyond any passing pleasure. He has found the Source, but like the mouth of an endless river, he has only begun his seeking…

This past Monday a young man named Br. Isaac vowed himself to the monastic life at the Abbey of the Genesee. I recommend a visit to their site to read about Isaac and his reflections on what it is to be a monk. Prayers for Br. Isaac and peace to you all.

Br. Isaac of Genesee

There is also a very enlightening interview with Br. Isaac printed in the Catholic Courier of Rochester, NY, which is worthwhile checking out.