Light in the Desert : Photographs from the Monastery of Christ in the Desert

English

ISBN: 0890135339

EAN: 9780890135334

Category: Travel / United States / West / Mountain (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, UT, WY)

Publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press

Release Date: 10/31/2011

Synopsis: In 1968 the Trappist monk Thomas Merton visited the Benedictine monastery Christ in the Desert, near Abiquiu, New Mexico, shortly after it was founded. His writings and photographs of his experience brought the secluded monas-tery to the attention of a wider community of people seeking sanctuary and spiritual inspiration. After being imprisoned in Afghanistan while on assignment for Life magazine in 1989, photojournalist Toni, OBrien sought solace and perspective at the monastery. He returned in 1994 to do a story and, in the process, became a practising member of the community. During his year-long residency, OBrien was granted rare access to photograph the monastery and the daily activities and offices that have been kept in a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. OBriens camera became an instrument of contemplation and spiritual healing, his reverent photographs reflecting, as well, the harsh beauty and austerity of the monastic life. In an accompanying essay, poet Christopher Merrill follows the daily offices of the monastery, weaving threads of history, theology, and spirituality.

Excerpt: Unknown Property Excerpt

Light in the Desert : Photographs from the Monastery of Christ in the Desert

Illustrated: Yes

Format: Hardcover

Height: 0.29 inches

Width: 10.04 inches

Length: 12.8 inches

Weight: 45.15 oz

Pages: 112