Comments on: CVPC #24 – Brother Michael – Vocations Director for Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery

By: B. Michael Foley

B. Michael Foley — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 01:38:53 +0000

Brother Michael conveys in his gracious response here, the simplicity and clarity so connected to Cistercian/Trappist spirituality. I have had the good fortune to visit Holy Spirit Monastery. Like most monasteries, Holy Spirit embodies an ambiance of stillness, quiet and peace, reflective of the monastic lifestyle lived therein by the monks. Worship finds it’s expression in many way’s on this sacred property and more communally in the magnificent Church building. Breathtaking and true to the intentions of the early Cistercians, this Church is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The monastery grounds equally provide ample space and vista’s which facilitates a receptivity toward the experience of God within. I intend on visiting again soon and encourage others to do also. As for vocation, this monastery has an excellent Novice Master. Brother Elias is a deeply spiritual man, kind, prayerful and wise. Any candidate aspiring to this way of life will find formation under his guidance and teaching as one “building on rock foundation.” As Vocation Director, Brother Michael also offers a special gift as one experienced through his own life’s journey to the monastic way of life, one invaluable to assist in the discernment process. These combination’s, a beautiful contemplative setting and authentic spiritual guides, make Holy Spirit a wise choice for any man considering vocation. A very special place.

By: ricky

ricky — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 05:02:35 +0000

I am discerning to be a trappist monk so I visited the Holy Spirit Abbey in Conyers. When I saw the place, I fell in love immediately. It is so quiet and calm. Not only the place, the monks too. There, I met personally Br Michael last December 2010 for my first vocational visit. He is a very nice man and I can sense that he is a sincere man, monk and effective vocation director. More so, his very self radiates his being “monk”–calm and gentle human being.
After my first visit, I decide to return this May for my interview. And hopefully, I will be accepted and become a trappist monk.
Please pray for me.

By: Alex Valentino

Alex Valentino — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:35:49 +0000

Excellent podcast. Brother Michael is straight forward and answers all questions to completion. You can sense the honesty and sincerity in his voice. Follow your heart; not your mind. Give it a try before it is too late. You’ll have plenty of time to change your mind.

By: Jo Lori

Jo Lori — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 01:48:18 +0000

Great podcast! I’m looking at Lay Cistercians, and I appreciated the nice interview. Keep up the good work, and God Bless you.

By: Vinnie L

Vinnie L — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:34:36 +0000

I’d like you to take a look at this great orthodox and traditional Irish Catholic blog. They’ve just posted about a retreat to a Cistercian monastery. looks like something you could tell your readers about and maybe link to or blogroll…

http://catholicheritage.blogspot.com/search/label/retreat

In Christo,

Vin L

By: Victor DiCavallucci

Victor DiCavallucci — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:34:06 +0000

Cool Message

I’m looking into joining the Priesthood God willing I was inspired listening to Brother Michael, because I’m getting older now as well going onto 38 in 6 months, and also not getting accepted to other groups, His Message gave me Hope – I hope to join someone soon

By: New CatholicVocations.com Podcast - Brother Michael - Vocations Director for Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Trappist Monastery « CatholicRadioReport.com

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:01:47 +0000

[...] Lady of the Holy Spirit Trappist Monastery February 18, 2009 — Paul A new podcast at VocationsCast.com features Brother Michael – Vocations Director for Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Trappist Monastery in [...]