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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
(Boys’ 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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