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EXCURSIONS
FROM THE COSTA DORADA - MONTSERRAT |
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Montserrat
is a mountain, a sanctuary and a monastery. A community
of spiritism
Montserrat is a mountain at about 50 km (30
miles) NW of Barcelona,
in Catalonia, in Spain and is a very powerful symbol
for the Catalan people .
The mountain of Montserrat, which means "sawed
mountain", rises abruptly from the plain till
1.236 meters above sea-level, and is a unique geological
formation of such unique beauty, that tourists from
all over the world are seduced by the magic of the
mountain.
Montserrat is not only the perfect place to learn
a lot about the history of Catalonia,
but also a great place for climbers and hikers. If
you are a hiking enthusiast, you have many possibilities
here. Climbing is another sport that can be practiced
in Montserrat.
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| Monastery
The community today is made up of some 80 monks.
As at all Benedictine monasteries, the monks of Montserrat
follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, devoting their
lives to prayer, welcoming pilgrims and visitors,
and work.
Prayer
sets the rhythm for the monastery day. The
day begins and ends in prayer. Every day, apart from
celebrating the Eucharist, the monks meet five times
to pray (the liturgy of the hours). They also have
time for private prayer and for reading the Bible
and other spiritual works. All this helps to create
an atmosphere of prayer throughout the day.
The
reception of guests. One of the duties of monks
following the Rule of Saint Benedict is to receive
pilgrims coming to the monastery. A pilgrim is any
person who knocks on the door in a spirit of internal
quest. Guests receive special treatment at the monastery,
and may share prayers and meals with the monks.
The
monks’ work is difficult to define generically,
due to the diversity of tasks they perform. Some study
theology, history or philosophy; others contribute
to different publications, give classes at the university,
devote their time to research, or help run the Escolania
(Boys’ Choir), the library, the archives...
They must also perform
all the work necessary for the good running of the
monastery and sanctuary: gardening, management of
the sacristy, the infirmary, the hostel...
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Our
Lady
The image of Our Lady of Montserrat, popularly known
as La Moreneta (the Dark One), due to the dark colour
of Her skin, is a truly beautiful 12th-century Romanesque
polychrome carving. Pope Leo XIII proclaimed Our Lady
of Montserrat Patron Saint of Catalonia in 1881.
In 1947, the image was enthroned in a silver altarpiece,
paid for by popular subscription and installed in
the upper section of the basilica apse.
Artistically, the
image imitates a popular model, that of Our Lady in
Majesty, with a wholly frontal attitude and Baby Jesus
on Her lap in the centre. Both Mother and Child are
wearing crowns.
The figure of Our
Lady stretches out Her right hand, which holds the
globe, symbolising the cosmos. Our Lady nearly rests
Her left hand on the Child’s shoulder, indicating
that this omnipotent king is Her Son. With His right
hand, the Child gives a blessing, whilst His left
hand holds a pinecone, symbol of fertility and everlasting
life. |
Escolania
(Boy's Choir)
Montserrat is home to one of the oldest boys’ choirs
in Europe. Documents testify to the existence of a religious
and music school in Montserrat as far back as the 14th century.
The Escolania now accompanies religious ceremonies and communal
prayers in the basilica. All the choir members receive a
high standard of musical training, along with human and
intellectual education. The choir enjoys international fame
and prestige, giving concert performances all over the world,
as well as building up a large catalogue of recordings.
Over the course of its history,
the school has produced a good number of choirmasters and
musicians, as well as well-known composers and teachers.
The Escolania also enables some of the monks at Montserrat
to work in the field of composing, producing and teaching
music.
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