Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do you support yourselves?

We currently rely on the generous gifts of friends who love us, including our Associates and Oblates, but we also seek to contribute to our maintenance by the production and sale of our soap and other community wares.

 

Why do you have an age limit?

The depth of conversion invited and brought about by contemplative monastic life makes its challenges easier to engage before one adopts social skills and habits—accumulated over decades and often protective—that may be at cross-purposes with those required for monastic life. This is not to say that later vocations are impossible, only that the older aspirant will face significantly greater challenges and must be ready to embrace them.

 

ŸWhat is the symbolism of the Julian cross?

The Julian cross comes from the coat of arms of St Julien of LeMans, the patron saint of the church our St Julian’s cell was attached to, and from which, it is thought, that she took her name. The four-armed cross was originally a missionary cross pointing to the four corners of the world. We use it in this sense to express the reach of our intercessions, and also to symbolize the Order’s motto “Await, Allow, Accept, Attend.”

 

ŸDo you give retreats or quiet days?

Only very rarely. Some of our Oblates and Associates do give them, however, and if you contact us we can put you in touch with them if you are interested in hosting an event.

 

ŸCan you use the internet or social media?

We use the internet for business, and some forms of correspondence and study, but not for recreation.

We do not use any form of digital social media. This is a limitation we accept for the sake of our vocation. Any social media we have is operated by friends on our behalf.