[[Earlier this year several communities on the Central Coast received a substantial amount of rain in a short period of time creating havoc for some households and communities. Big Sur and the Hermitage were also affected. On Highway 1 there were multiple mudslides, even one that blocked our main entrance at the bottom of the hill, in addition to flooding and mudslides on our new driveway that was just rebuilt a few years ago.
Paradoxically, our charism of silence and prayer carries us through difficult times. It is in this remote location that our silence starts, but in it we also experience natural events firsthand. The closure of the highway delayed the delivery of supplies - diesel for our generators, propane for our heating, and food. Needless to say, these events confirm our decision to move towards solar sustainability.
Our charism of solitude and prayer remains stable as we do the work of God, continuing our daily prayers during Vigils, Lauds, Vespers, the celebration of the Eucharist, and praying Midday prayer and Compline. In these, we carry your intentions and prayer needs. We invite you to please continue sharing with us your needs and intentions so we can continue doing the work of God for you and with you.
Our gift of hospitality, through which you are welcome to participate in the Camaldolese charism, has been on a hiatus as the road conditions improve. The access from San Luis Obispo is always more treacherous and this section may not be open until late March. The access from Monterey/Carmel was affected by numerous minor slides and the road is more likely be open to the public by the second week of February. Once the roads open to the public we will be glad to welcome you again to visit and stay with us.
We are now receiving supplies regularly and all of us are doing well. We invite you to visit our website for updates (www.contemplation.com) and we are looking forward to welcoming you and seeing you again in person soon.
Fr. Cyprian and the monks of New Camaldoli]]
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