*quote is from the Prologue of the Rule of Benedict
For a PDF version of the Monk Manifesto click the link to download a printable file.
The Monk Manifesto is also available in Spanish, German, and Norwegian translations. Click here for PDFs of Manifesto del Monje, Mönchs Manifest, and Munkemanifestet.
We invite you to. . .
Monk: from the Greek monachos meaning single or solitary, a monk in the world does not live apart but immersed in the everyday with a single-hearted and undivided presence, always striving for greater wholeness and integrity
Manifesto: from the Latin for clear, means a public declaration of principles and intentions.
Monk Manifesto: A public expression of your commitment to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life.
*quote is from the Prologue of the Rule of Benedict
1,701 Responses
Wow, I just finished the 7-day e-course on being a Monk in the World. It was incredible – I felt “home”. I am so eager to commit, a bit frightened – a lifetime commitment as I sit alone in my little cabin at my computer, in the chill of Michigan winter. 25 years old. I sense, though, that the commitment has been in me all along, it is who I am, this is just making it official!! To seek to receive and give love more and more. Thank you Christine for this creative expression of your faith and welcoming us on THE journey. Blessings all, and hello!
I feel welcomed into my new community of monks. What a blessing! The communion of saints.
I commit myself to this daily!
peace,
pat
I wholeheartedly commit!
I say Yes to Jesus and Mary as they lead me to God through contemplation and writing.
I love you, I thank you and I surrender all that I am to you.
All belongs to You and “all is grace”
This is my commitment to live differently.
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I love that there are 7. I think I’ll take take one to ruminate on each of my daily walks. Thank you so much, and Happy New Year!
This is a renewal of my efforts to be present in the world, to value the path with God as primary, to serve.
For about 10 years I have been “practicing” my own modified version of the Hours of the Day and, more recently, have included the daily meditation by Richard Rohr in my “Lauds” prayer periond. It is very meaningful to me, however, to be able to “identify” with a Movement of others committed to being a Monk in the Word.” May those of us who sense ourselves to be “in the world but not of the world” draw support and inspiration from each other and to what we can to lovingly transform the world. Thank to Christine and the Abbey of the Arts for their creative and gererative efforts.
Clifford O. Smith
It’s utterly amazing to me how God leads me. In my opinion, there are no accidents …and the course of events that led me 1st to your book as I was simply browsing Amazon ..then to this website …then to this Manifesto, are absolute confirmation to me that my spiritual path is being guided by the powerful and awesome essence of the Holy Spirit. And this Manefesto? Why, this is already my bent – albeit not nearly as refined as it needs to be. Without question I’ll sign and submit to this commitment. Without question I’ll relish the opportunity to continue my own transformation …and with a servant’s heart, encourage others to do the same.