Modern Carthusians
The Carthusians were greatly affected during the Protestant Revolution and during the French Revolution and after in France. A large number of their monasteries were closed during both periods.
Today, the monastery of the Grande Chartreuse is still the Motherhouse of the Order. There is a museum illustrating the history of Carthusian order next to Grande Chartreuse; the monks of that monastery are also involved in the production of the Chartreuse liqueur. Although visits are not possible within the Grande Chartreuse, the 2005 documentary Into Great Silence gave unprecedented views of life within the hermitage. In the 21st century, the Sélignac Charterhouse was converted into a house in which lay people could come and experience Carthusian retreats, living the Carthusian life for shorter periods (an eight day retreat being fixed as the absolute minimum, in order to enter at least somewhat into the silent rhythm of the charterhouse).
The only Carthusian monastery in the United States is the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration, located on Mount Equinox near Arlington, Vermont. It was founded in the 1950s.
Read more about this topic: Carthusian
Famous quotes containing the word modern:
“In modern America, anyone who attempts to write satirically about the events of the day finds it difficult to concoct a situation so bizarre that it may not actually come to pass while his article is still on the presses.”
—Calvin Trillin (b. 1940)