"Two hundred men and one woman"

May 1, 2019

I once gave a retreat to the monks of Gethsemane in Kentucky. At that time there were well over two hundred of them in the monastery. At the end of compline, when the chapel was in total darkness, they began the “Salve Regina.” Way at the far end of this great chapel there was a large window. As a faint light began to play on it, it turned out to be an image of the Blessed Mother, surrounded by saints. And as they sang, more and more light poured upon it, until she almost seemed alive. I have never seen so many men in love with one woman. It would positively tear your heart out as they sang to the glory of the woman that they loved. It was a happy memory, this singing.