October 6th St. Bruno

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Denise
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October 6th St. Bruno

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This saint has the honor of having founded a religious order which, as the saying goes, has never had to be reformed because it was never deformed. No doubt both the founder and the members would reject such high praise, but it is an indication of the saint’s intense love of a penitential life in solitude.

Bruno was born in Cologne, Germany, became a famous teacher at Rheims, and was appointed chancellor of the archdiocese at the age of 45. He supported Pope Gregory VII in his fight against the decadence of the clergy, and took part in the removal of his own scandalous archbishop, Manasses. Bruno suffered the plundering of his house for his pains.

He had a dream of living in solitude and prayer, and persuaded a few friends to join him in a hermitage. After a while he felt the place unsuitable and through a friend, was given some land which was to become famous for his foundation “in the Chartreuse”—from which comes the word Carthusians. The climate, desert, mountainous terrain, and inaccessibility guaranteed silence, poverty, and small numbers.

Bruno and his friends built an oratory with small individual cells at a distance from each other. They met for Matins and Vespers each day and spent the rest of the time in solitude, eating together only on great feasts. Their chief work was copying manuscripts.

Hearing of Bruno’s holiness, the pope called for his assistance in Rome. When the pope had to flee Rome, Bruno pulled up stakes again, and after refusing a bishopric, spent his last years in the wilderness of Calabria.

Bruno was never formally canonized, because the Carthusians were averse to all occasions of publicity. However, Pope Clement X extended his feast to the whole Church in 1674.

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Devotion to the souls in Purgatory contains in itself all the works of mercy, which supernaturalized by a spirit of faith, should merit us Heaven. de Sales
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MarieT
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Re: October 6th St. Bruno

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Personally, I'm very drawn to Carthusian spirituality.

A chance discovery in our parish library of an age-old book authored by "an unknown monk" provided some profound readings. I ended up purchasing the book despite my parish priest saying to take it, as it was old and he didnt think anyone would ever read it.

I didnt feel right taking it....perhaps in the future someone else from the parish would be drawn to it. In fact, i believe thats why the Holy Spirit made me return it.

I couldnt find a Carthusian monastery in Australia. Would love to spend a day in a retreat of silence in the Carthusian order. Apparently its very difficult to be accepted as a guest lodger for the day.

the Cistercian Abbey in my state is very welcoming. I will be returning soon for another day retreat.....i was there a few months ago and didnt want to leave.
St Bruno, please intercede for our country that a Carthusian Monastery may evolve here
"He who followeth Me, walketh not in darkness." sayeth the Lord
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Denise
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Re: October 6th St. Bruno

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When Fr. O was alive he confided in me that he would love to join the Carthusians if he was able. Unfortunately his age and health seemed to prevent it.
Devotion to the souls in Purgatory contains in itself all the works of mercy, which supernaturalized by a spirit of faith, should merit us Heaven. de Sales
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MarieT
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Re: October 6th St. Bruno

Post by MarieT »

he is in a higher order now - may he rest in the eternal bliss

How do i push for a Carthusian monastery in Australia :D I feel its my mission (one of them lol).
I mentioned it to a Fr Bruno that I know and he laughed.

I wonder what the requirements are for an order to be established here?
"He who followeth Me, walketh not in darkness." sayeth the Lord
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Denise
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Re: October 6th St. Bruno

Post by Denise »

You might contact the head of one of the monasteries and ask him. You never know what will happen.
Devotion to the souls in Purgatory contains in itself all the works of mercy, which supernaturalized by a spirit of faith, should merit us Heaven. de Sales
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