Monastic identity in Contemporary Societies: Developments and Self-Positioning – MS 415
Fr Michael Casey OCSO :
Monday 17 October: 1030h to 1630h
This day is for monastics and people who are responsible or interested in our accurate self-representation on digital media.
Dr Wim Vandewiele, lead researcher in contemporary monastic communities KU Leuven, will attend and present plans for a study day in 2017. The identity of traditional monastic communities in Western societies and elsewhere can be understood as a sign of a continuing shared search for meaning in our societies. Traditional monastic communities are like a pilot light for values that are present in society, yet often overlooked or forgotten.
Fee: £30
arrive: Monday for registration at 10am
Sessions: Monday 17 October 10.30h – 16.30h
depart Monday 1700h
Tutor: Fr. Michael Casey O.C.S.O.
Text for Study:
On this study days participants will be guided by Fr Michael Casey OCSO of Tarrawarra Abbey. The course is open to all interested students.
Some accommodation is available in the House for Guests.
Location: The day will be in the Benedictine Institute, 74 Castlebar Road, W5 2DD
Contact us by email: info AT college4life DOT org
Trust, initiative, hope, industry, competence, fidelity and love are eternal values that are to be lived explicitly in monastic communities. In contrast Western societies are marked by atomisation and ‘anomie’. Young people attracted to monastic values are generally members of the ‘digital native’ cohort or the Net Generation. The challenge for monastic communities is to make contact with this cohort and pass on our values as legacy.
The presence of the newest cohort of our society, called ‘digital natives’ or the ‘net generation’ is exciting for members traditional monastic communities. We are challenged to respond to the needs and enquiries of these young people.
The phenomenon of ‘a new net based enquiry into monasticism’ is a sign of life and hope for our societies and the world and a welcome challenge for monastic communities. Younger spiritual pilgrims are frequently social activists and seekers of justice for victims and persecuted minorities.
Dr Wim Vandewiele, researcher at KU Leuven in the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies is working with the monks of Ealing Abbey and others in this field to prepare for a Study Day in Leuven in October 2017 for interested parties. One concrete outcome will be a research article in Dutch and English.
This day, led by Fr Michael Casey OCSO begins our research on the third theme, “Monastic Identity and Self positioning in Society”.
We are working to ensure that the participation of ‘digital natives’ or members of the ‘net generation’, young people who have been immersed in technology all their lives, with sophisticated technical skills and learning preferences will be an integral part of this day.
A measured and more disinterested approach is now required to include ‘digital natives’ in our research as equal collaborators deserving respect in their own right.
OR contact us
by post: 74, Castlebar Road, Ealing, London W5 2DD
by telephone: +44 (0) 20 8862 2156
by fax: +44 (0) 20 8862 2133
© Ealing Abbey page created 17 March 2015