I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Jill Ore’s reflection on the parallels between a monastic cell and an offshore lighthouse.
I am currently writing a book that identifies and explores the common features found in the locations and lives of Christian monasteries and monks that are shared with isolated offshore lighthouses and their historical keepers. Integrating contemplative practices into my routine as a modern-day offshore lighthouse keeper facilitates recognizing and experiencing those connections fostered in the solitude and simplicity of lighthouse life. I am currently researching where the concept of the monastic cell finds its parallel in an offshore lighthouse. Join me on this voyage of discovery!
A monastic cell is the individual living space within the confines of a monastery that a monk retreats to. This sacred space offers solitude and silence for prayer, devotion, contemplative study, and seeking communion with God. It is the essence of the monastery in miniature. A monastic cell may also describe a stand-alone structure in a remote location, reminiscent of the wilderness caves of the Egyptian desert inhabited by the monks of the 4th to 6th centuries. The origin of the word “cell” comes from the Old French word “celle” derived from the Latin word “cella” meaning “room”, “store room”, or “chamber”. This was my monastic cell at a recent silent retreat I attended at the Sacramentine Monastery in Conway, MI.
As architecturally unique as each monastery is, so too are offshore lighthouses. Presuming to tame and civilize the inland seas that are the Great Lakes, man built lighthouses in the wilderness of water that boats are meant to conquer. What is an inland sea (or ocean), but a desert landscape covered by water? So sang the group America in their song, “A Horse with No Name.” White Shoal Lighthouse stands in the remote waters of northern Lake Michigan. Her original architecture featured ornate Greco-Roman columns covered by glistening white terra cotta tiles. These features are forever entombed in concrete and remain mostly unknown under her now iconic candy-cane stripe daymark.
An offshore lighthouse fulfills both definitions of a monastic cell. It is a stand-alone structure in a remote location and also contains individual rooms within for further retreat and solitude. (A cell within a cell.) Above is a sunrise seen from the window of my cell at White Shoal Light. This is where I begin and end my day with prayer and gratitude for the opportunity of keeping the light. Historically, my cell was used as a store room, fitting to the Latin word meaning “celle”.
DeTour Reef Light is located opposite White Shoal in the northern waters of Lake Huron at the foot of the St. Mary’s River. In stature, it is much smaller than White Shoal and architecturally distinct as well, save for their common wooden crib foundation only observed below the water line. I recently landed here as a first time keeper to assist in opening for the summer season. There is a reverence I feel living and working where, historically, women previously did not serve. These offshore stations were not built to house families. These were harsh and confined environments.
My “cell” at DeTour Reef Light with an east facing window to meet and greet the day. This historical head keeper’s room evokes a chapel-like atmosphere…perfect for prayer and meditation.
Jill Ore is an authoritative voice in the Michigan lighthouse community as well as a shining light for women desiring to re-imagine their life after age 50.
After recreating her life path after age 55, Jill now serves as Head Lighthouse Keeper of White Shoal Lighthouse and paves the way for adventure-driven volunteers and travelers to enjoy a bucket-list experience at this offshore location in northern Lake Michigan.
With over 30 years of experience as a hospital pharmacist and 8 years of experience in lighthouse volunteering, Jill has evolved and repurposed her skillset in guiding health restoration to lighthouse restoration. In 2023, Jill added Best Selling Author to her credentials in Shine Your Light, sharing her personal journey towards restoration in this collaborative book of illuminating stories that inspire resilience, self-discovery, and positive change.
