The following set of photographs were taken while I was on retreat at our monastery in Trappist, Kentucky - Our Lady of Gethsemani. I was there for a week, preparing for my solemn profession of vows which will take place here at Conyers on May 29th. The week was wonderful. I stayed in Thomas Merton's Hermitage, which was a great experience. I ventured down to the abbey a few times, to visit with the monks and share a few meals, but for the most part I stayed in and around the hermitage. I did a lot of reading, writing and going for walks. Kentucky sure is a pretty state. And the monastery has a beauty all its own.