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LIFE FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Welcome to Lions Gate Abbey. Here’s some of what we‘re about
Finding God in the Mundane
The sacred isn’t just in a church or a monastery. It’s in the quiet hum of a refrigerator, in the steam of a morning coffee, in the simple act of tying your shoe. We’ve been taught to look for God in the grand gestures, the miracles, the epiphanies. But what if He's also in the ordinary, in the day-to-day, in the things we take for granted? On this website and in each issue of "Solleone" there is a meditation on the sacredness of the mundane. We explore the spiritual discipline of cooking, the prayerful act of tending a garden, the quiet communion of a simple conversation. We’re not looking for the extraordinary. We’re looking for the divine in the familiar, because sometimes, it’s not about finding a new path, but seeing the one you’re on with new eyes.
The Silence and the City
We live in a world of constant noise, of notifications and demands, of a perpetual digital hum. Silence, once a common companion, has become a rare luxury. But for the Christian, silence is not an absence of sound; it's a presence. It's the space where we can finally hear the whisper of God. On this website and in each issue of "Solleone" you will find a guide to finding silence in a noisy world. We explore the practice of contemplation, the discipline of turning off the phone, the simple act of sitting still. We learn from the desert fathers and mothers who sought God in the stillness, and from modern mystics who find it in the heart of a bustling city. The world may be loud, but we are learning to listen more deeply.
Prayer in the Digital Age
Prayer has always been a conversation with the divine. It's a moment of vulnerability, of hope, of honest communion. But what does prayer look like in an age of instant gratification and constant connection? How do we find the stillness to speak to God when our phones are buzzing, our inboxes are full, and our minds are racing? On this website and in "Solleone", we are exploring new ways to pray. We're looking at the ancient practice of lectio divina, the Liturgy of the Hours, and other such devotions, as well as using scripture to guide our thoughts. We're also considering how technology can be a tool for prayer, not just a distraction. It's not about being perfect, it's about being present. And presence, in its simplest form, is the first step toward a conversation with God.
The Beauty of a Broken World
We often look for God in perfection, in the flawless, the ideal. But the world, as we know it, is a beautiful mess. It is full of brokenness, of sorrow, of flaws. And isn't that where God often reveals himself most profoundly? In the cracks and fissures, in the imperfections? On this website and in "Solleone" there is an exploration of finding God in a broken world. We look at the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is mended with gold, making the flaws part of the beauty. We see it in the lives of saints and ordinary people who have found grace in suffering. It's about seeing not just the despair, but the hope that lives within it. We're not looking for a perfect world; we're looking for the divine in the world we have.
Community in a Disconnected World
We are all connected, yet we feel more alone than ever. The world is a web of digital links, but we often long for the simple, tangible presence of another. The Christian life, at its core, is not meant to be lived in isolation. It is a life of community, of sharing burdens, of celebrating joys. On this website and in “Solleone" is a reflection on what it means to be a part of a community in a disconnected age. We look at the ancient monastic tradition, where life was shared in its entirety. We also explore new forms of community, both online and in person. It's not about being with everyone; it's about being with someone. It's about finding our place in a story that's bigger than ourselves, a story that we are all, in our own way, writing together.
Our Departments, Guilds, and Ministries
Bible Safari
Poetry Corner
Bible Safari
In the quiet spaces of Lions Gate Abbey, we confront the paradox of our time. The world outside roars with the cacophony of progress, demanding our attention, our allegiance. But here, we seek a different sound: the gentle murmur of ancient truths. We're not retreating from the modern world; we're simply finding a new way to navigate its
In the quiet spaces of Lions Gate Abbey, we confront the paradox of our time. The world outside roars with the cacophony of progress, demanding our attention, our allegiance. But here, we seek a different sound: the gentle murmur of ancient truths. We're not retreating from the modern world; we're simply finding a new way to navigate its labyrinth. In Bible Safari, we explore how the timeless wisdom of the Bible can be a compass in a world without bearings. We look at the digital age, with all its noise and distraction, and ask: Where is the silence? Where is the space for God? It’s not about turning back the clock; it’s about finding the sacred in the now, in the midst of the chaos. Join us in this quiet resistance.
Art Safari
Poetry Corner
Bible Safari
Art, in its highest form, is a conversation with the divine. It's not just about what we see; it's about what we feel, what we remember, what we long for. The old masters, in their quiet studios, weren't merely painting figures; they were painting faith. In Art Safari we delve into the art of the Christian tradition. We gaze at the light
Art, in its highest form, is a conversation with the divine. It's not just about what we see; it's about what we feel, what we remember, what we long for. The old masters, in their quiet studios, weren't merely painting figures; they were painting faith. In Art Safari we delve into the art of the Christian tradition. We gaze at the light in a Caravaggio, the sorrow in a Michelangelo, the hope in a Byzantine icon. But we also look for God in the modern gallery, in the abstract expressionist's splash of color, in the minimalist's empty canvas. The divine, you see, is not confined to gilded frames. It is everywhere, if you have the eyes to see it.
Poetry Corner
Poetry Corner
Poetry Corner
A poem is a quiet rebellion against the ordinary. It takes a moment, a thought, a feeling, and gives it a home in a handful of words. For centuries, poets have been the prophets of the human heart, speaking of a longing that transcends our daily lives. In Poetry Corner we turn our attention to the sacred in verse. We read the Psalms, anci
A poem is a quiet rebellion against the ordinary. It takes a moment, a thought, a feeling, and gives it a home in a handful of words. For centuries, poets have been the prophets of the human heart, speaking of a longing that transcends our daily lives. In Poetry Corner we turn our attention to the sacred in verse. We read the Psalms, ancient and raw, their cries and praises echoing our own. We find solace in the spiritual sonnets of John Donne, their intricate architecture holding profound truth. But we also find God in the stanzas of a modern poet, so we often feature the poetry of our resident Poet Laureate, Aurore Leigh Barrett. Poetry teaches us to listen, not just to the words, but to the silence they create.
Music Safari
Books, Coffee & De-Lites
Journaling Safari
Music. It's the language of the soul, the one we speak before we learn to talk. In the music of Lions Gate Abbey, the hymns rise, simple and true. They are a balm for a weary world. But music is more than just melody; it's a way of living. Music Safari explores the spiritual resonance of sound. We listen to the Gregorian chants, their ec
Music. It's the language of the soul, the one we speak before we learn to talk. In the music of Lions Gate Abbey, the hymns rise, simple and true. They are a balm for a weary world. But music is more than just melody; it's a way of living. Music Safari explores the spiritual resonance of sound. We listen to the Gregorian chants, their echoes telling tales of centuries past. We feel the power of a gospel choir, its harmony a testament to communal strength. But we also find God in the blues, in the sorrow of a lone guitar, in the silent space between the notes. We are searching for grace, and sometimes, you find it not in the grand symphony, but in a single, well-placed chord.
Journaling Safari
Books, Coffee & De-Lites
Journaling Safari
Your life is a treasure map. On Journaling Safari, we provide the compass. And the crew. We guide you through the landscapes of your past, pointing out the emotional landmarks and the personal nuances that often go unnoticed. Our expeditions are meticulously planned, taking you on a thematic journey through the different facets of your li
Your life is a treasure map. On Journaling Safari, we provide the compass. And the crew. We guide you through the landscapes of your past, pointing out the emotional landmarks and the personal nuances that often go unnoticed. Our expeditions are meticulously planned, taking you on a thematic journey through the different facets of your life or on a deep-dive into its most profound moments. We explore the emotional contexts in which our memories were formed, the lives of the people who shaped us, and the communities that have influenced us. We delve into the raw material of our experiences, providing a deeper appreciation for the nuances and richness of our own story. But this is more than just a historical tour. It's a spiritual one. We encourage reflection and personal application, helping you to see how your own story can illuminate your present and your future. We are fellow adventurers, all seeking the treasure of authenticity. And we know that the journey is best taken together.
Books, Coffee & De-Lites
Books, Coffee & De-Lites
Books, Coffee & De-Lites
A book is a very special thing. You’ve heard it called a magic carpet, or a ticket to another world. It’s also a key, a portal into seeing the world from other points of view. We’re told our newsletter, is a beacon in the digital sea. And within its gentle glow, we shine a light on the printed word. That’s where “Books, Coffee & DeLites”
A book is a very special thing. You’ve heard it called a magic carpet, or a ticket to another world. It’s also a key, a portal into seeing the world from other points of view. We’re told our newsletter, is a beacon in the digital sea. And within its gentle glow, we shine a light on the printed word. That’s where “Books, Coffee & DeLites” comes in. We don't merely "review" books, we dissect them. We hold them up to the light, we turn them over in our hands. We ask the questions others dare not: Does this story have a soul? Does this prose have a spine? Is this a book to be cherished? And, along the way we share ideas for how to enjoy a good book. With a stimulating cup of coffee? Some warm, comforting tea? And certainly, some kind of treat to go along with it.
So, if you're a person with curiosity, if you're seeking more than just a plot summary, if you're yearning for a genuine conversation about the books that shape our minds and our world, then perhaps you'll join us. We'll be waiting. Just beyond the glow.
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Solleone: The Newsletter of Lions Gate Abbey
We are born alone. We live alone. We die alone. So goes the saying. And yet... there are these moments, these brief, miraculous interludes where we are not. Where a shared laugh, a cup of coffee, a moment of mutual recognition, and sharing our lives of learning, of activities and of seeking meaning creates a magnificent connection. Here at Lions Gate Abbey, and in the pages of "Solleone", we cherish that connection. For the Christian life is a life lived in community. Not a sanitized, perfect community—that's a fantasy. But a messy, real one. A place of forgiveness and of argument, of sorrow and of celebration. And there is so much beauty and enchantment in this world to experience and celebrate! We are all, in our own way, trying to find our place in the same story. And every month, in this newsletter, we're simply reminding ourselves that we are not alone and there is so much to share with each other.