Brothers Abel and Joseph, junior monks, renewed their simple vows on July 26. This marks the beginning of their third year in the juniorate, also known as the monasticate.

After a six-month postulancy and two years in the novitiate, monks and nuns become juniors through temporary vows of stability, obedience and conversationem morem (fidelity to the monastic way of life).

As defined by the Order’s Constitutions, juniors undertake these obligations for a three-year period, or three periods of one year, before taking solemn, lifelong vows. At Gethsemani, brothers usually do the latter and renew them annually.

Brs. Abel and Joseph are two of Gethsemani’s four juniors. Br. Matthias, the most senior of the group renewed his vows on May 17. Br. Lazarus, the most “junior of the juniors,” is still in his first year in the juniorate.

In addition to the community’s four juniors, Gethsemani is blessed to have three novices and a postulant in formation.

Please pray for our brothers and all the Order’s monks and nuns in formation as they discern God’s call.