Fr. Z's Blog

The fine monks of Saint Mary Magdalene Monastery in Le Barroux, France are traditional Benedictines in full communion with the Holy See.

They have produced a video DVD on their way of life.  They sent me a copy.

UPDATED ORDER INFORMATION:  HERE.
Here is a PDF the monk sent me with order information in English.

If you are having a hard time figuring out how to order the DVD you can get help via e-mail by writing to Dom Edmund.  vpc [AT] barroux [DOT] org

I must share some of this with you.

First, here is a promo.

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I have visited Le Barroux a couple times, though not for many years now.  

It is a truly beautiful place with an amazing Catholic identity. 

At this monastery, all the monks who are priests say Mass only in the older, traditional form.

Watch the video, above. 

Perhaps you might chime in here with comments about whether you might be interested in getting such a DVD. 

The monks contacted me about it and weren’t quite sure about what formats to produce it in.  This might depend on interest.  North America requires a different format, signal, etc., than Europe and the rest of the world.

To sweeten the deal… here are some images from the DVD

In the bonus section there are interviews and a great slide show.

The audio of the DVD is French.

You may select the language for the subtitles.

ENGLISH
GERMAN
SPANISH
ITALIAN
FRENCH

The DVD follows the monastic day and shows some important events.

The shots of the Pontifical Mass for Pentecost and images of the acceptance and vesting of a novice are in themselves worthy to get the DVD.

Here are various screen-shots to give you a flavor.

I think you will enjoy what you see.

The Rule of Benedict emphasizes both prayer and work, manual labor.

Ora et labora.

 
There are interviews.  The monks talk about their past lives, and the choice to embrace this life with its difficulties and joys.

The monastery is in a truly beautiful location.

The building is both modern and ancient.  Newly constructed and yet centuries old.

They work at all sorts of jobs.

But all the work is also prayer.

Nothing, however, compares to the heart of the monastery.

They wash the hands of visitors.

Reading during silent meals, without meat.

Back to work.

They kiss the feet of novices.

The whole community kisses the feet of novices….

There is recreation, especially the Sunday walk.

Vespers comes.

And Compline at the end of the monastic day.

There is time to read and pray in…

There is a chapter at the end.

You get the idea…..

Interested?

Let me know.

The monks will watch this entry for comments, I am sure.

I will let them know you are posting.
 

UPDATE 0709 GMT 10 May

One of the monks wrote to say:

Please note that this DVD has been published in the PAL format.

Check before ordering that your player is compatible.

PAL DVDs, including this one, can also be played on at least some American computers.    Again, check that you have this possibility.

UPDATED ORDER INFORMATION:  HERE.

The title is VEILLEURS DANS LA NUIT.

I can confirm that the DVD plays on my computer.  Again, though the audio of the DVD is French, you can choose various languages for subtitles as you please: English is available.

I can also play it on a DVD player I purchased which can play all regions all formats.   But it did not play on a regular American DVD player.