THOUSANDS ENJOY FOOD, DANCING AT MONASTERY.Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer After 40 years of opening its doors to the public, St. Andrew's Abbey St. Andrew's Abbey is a Benedictine monastery of men located in Valyermo, California. In 1929, St. Andrew's Abbey in Bruges, Belgium founded St. Andrew's Priory in China. Until 1953, the monks of St. Andrew's Priory conducted missionary work among the Chinese. hasn't lost its spirit. The Benedictine monastery A Benedictine monastery is a monastery that follows the Rule of St Benedict on monastic living, written by the founder of western monasticism Saint Benedict of Nursia/Italy (fl. 6th century). The Benedictine Order has been active since that time. celebrated its annual fall festival this weekend with more than 20,000 visitors filling their chapel for 17 Masses. ``There's something about this place that moves people,'' said Abbot Francis. ``This is a very peaceful festival. We offer the spiritual food.'' During the two-day celebration, the 600-acre grounds - five miles south of Pearblossom Highway on Valyermo Road - are filled with roving bagpipers List of Bagpipers Uilleann Pipes
n. Variant of handicraft. tr.v. hand·craft·ed, hand·craft·ing, hand·crafts To fashion or make by hand. hand·craft items including sand paintings, candles, quilts, dolls and the popular ceramic angels, transforming the usually serene courtyards into a crafter's wonderland Wonderland See also Heaven, Paradise, Utopia. Annwn land of joy and beauty without disease or death. [Welsh Lit.: Mabinogion] Atlantis fabulous and prosperous island; legendarily in Atlantic Ocean. [Gk. Myth. . Sue and Mel Erickson of Lancaster bought six ceramic angels and had each one signed by the Rev. Maur Vand Doorslaer, who created the popular figurine. ``Some are for us, and some are to give as gifts,'' said Sue Erickson, adding that this is the second year the couple has attended the festival. ``Last year was our first year,'' said Mel Erickson. ``We enjoyed it quite a bit and obviously came back.'' The annual celebration, which serves as the monastery's major annual fund-raiser, draws crowds from throughout Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, to the monastery that has been home to the Benedictine monks since 1956, four years after they were expelled from northern China by the communist government. Today, 20 monks continue the tradition, living quiet lives through communal living at the abbey, whose grounds also are the sites for retreats for teen-agers and adults seeking a peaceful place for spiritual reflection. ``This is a major way we keep our retreat houses open,'' said Abbot Francis, referring to the festival. ``It's just for operational needs.'' Each year, 52 youth and 70 adult retreats take place at the monastery. ``This is a place to come for spiritual renewal,'' said Abbot Francis. ``The spirit and atmosphere is great.'' CAPTION(S): 3 Photos PHOTO (1--color in AV edition only) Carol Nathanson of Riverside marvels at the wreaths on sale at the Craft Village section of the St. Andrew's Abbey festival. (2) Volunteer clown Cecelia Sumner entertains visitors to the fall festival Sunday at St. Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo. (3) Kodie Cole, 2, peeks over a tabletop to view the festivities fes·tiv·i·ty n. pl. fes·tiv·i·ties 1. A joyous feast, holiday, or celebration; a festival. 2. The pleasure, joy, and gaiety of a festival or celebration. 3. at the Benedictine monastery's annual celebration and fund-raiser. Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News |
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