As summer begins, why not celebrate YCL with some trappist ale?
As the Memorial Day weekend draws to a close, summer begins, and the long, hot days lie ahead. A recent web article about the production of beer at St. Joseph's Abbey, a Trappist monastery near Spencer, Massachusetts, gives one a chance to think about a way to keep cool while supporting the "ministry" of these 57 monks officially known as the Cistercians of the Strict Observance.
An article on the CRUX website describes the work of these monks who have created Spencer Trappist Ale in their first year of production in the United States at their state-of-the-art facility in Massachusetts. According to the article, Trappist breweries must "be monitored to assure the quality of the beer is impeccable and the brewers are required to observe business practices that keep the monastic way of life at the forefront, meaning no profits are to be made." The income that the monks earn is intended to support their living expenses and maintain their buildings and property. "All money left after those expenses are met must be donated to charity," the author noted. "While the profits are not yet helping the charities they support, the ale they are selling, the new brews they are testing, and the craft beer industry in general is energizing the monks and their lay workers." Read the full article here.
An article on the CRUX website describes the work of these monks who have created Spencer Trappist Ale in their first year of production in the United States at their state-of-the-art facility in Massachusetts. According to the article, Trappist breweries must "be monitored to assure the quality of the beer is impeccable and the brewers are required to observe business practices that keep the monastic way of life at the forefront, meaning no profits are to be made." The income that the monks earn is intended to support their living expenses and maintain their buildings and property. "All money left after those expenses are met must be donated to charity," the author noted. "While the profits are not yet helping the charities they support, the ale they are selling, the new brews they are testing, and the craft beer industry in general is energizing the monks and their lay workers." Read the full article here.
Portrait by Eduard von Grützner
Dominican reflects on "Whether there will be beer in heaven"
In a recent blog entry on the Dominican Province of St. Joseph website, Br. Leo Camurati, O.P. has some excellent reflections on this important topic. He lists five objections and his replies to each, including one in which he concludes "In heaven, the task of brewing beer will not be toilsome but delightful." The Trappist brewers at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer will be happy to know that !!
Read all of Br. Leo's reflections about beer in heaven here.
Read all of Br. Leo's reflections about beer in heaven here.
