said. They can start in the Monastic Heritage Center with a video about the monastic community and browse the exhibits. Many groups enjoy attending the noontime prayer service, he said. “The church is a short walk -maybe a quarter mile and a pretty walk;’ he said. “The monks themselves built the Gothic-style church.” After the service has concluded, the group can gather for lunch followed by some time for shopping. For a small extra fee, groups can arrange for a monk to lead a guided tour. “Visitors really enjoy that chance to meet the monks,” Burnham said. “All the monks have unique personalities.”
One monk, in particular, left his mark in the art of bonsai. In the 1970s, Father Paul developed quite a following for his bonsai mastery. His carefully tended plants remain on display in the bonsai nursery. The monastery’s outdoor spaces also are worth a visit, Burnham said. A prayer walk introduces the Cistercian saints, and the Stations of the Cross signs line a lake. Overnight retreats can be arranged for groups. The monastery’s on-site retreat center can sleep about 40, Burnham said.
Monastery of the Holy Spirit (770) 760-0959 www.trappist.net
404-288-1910
22 | WWW.CHURCHESNOW.COM • SPRING 2014