It is the custom in all Catholic churches to celebrate the dedication of the church as a special feast day. St. Bernard of Clairvaux says, “While we have all the other feasts of the saints in common with other churches, this one is our own, so obviously if we do not celebrate it, no one will.”
The monks arrived at Gethsemani on the 21st of December, 1848, but the church was not completed until 18 years later, in 1866. It was dedicated on the 15th of November.
We celebrate this feast by placing candles in holders along the walls above the choir, twelve of them, six on each side. The candles burn for 24 hours, the entire length of the feast. The candles are the only illumination during Compline, throwing their soft light over the praying community.
This year’s feast was particularly significant in that we celebrated three anniversaries on this same day. Br. Luke celebrated 44 years of solemn profession, having entered Gethsemani in 1973, nearly 50 years ago. Br. John celebrated the silver anniversary of his solemn profession by renewing his vows during mass. And Br. Godric celebrated his first full year of simple profession by signing up for another one.
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