Each moment comes to us laden with God’s order and grace, and it will sink into eternity to remain forever what we have made it. Christ is alive; He is present in the Eucharist. He is the Bread of Life. Does not this Divine King, present among us, require a court to adore Him? We have chosen this role; are we wrong? (…) Human love accomplishes wonders, and yet divine love would leave us cold and inert? Would this love be powerless to make me spend hours joyfully in the company of the One I love more than anything? How could we not be wrapped in love?
Dom Chautard was defending the monastic orders against Clemenceau, in February 1903.

Dom Chautard (1858-1935)
Trappist, Abbot of Sept-Fons

“The slightest contact with this great monk, [Dom Chartard], left an unforgettable impression on everyone. A powerful attraction emanated from his entire being, seemingly springing forth from a radiant soul nourished to its very core by an inner life expanded by superior knowledge and love. Therefore he had a seductive, irresistible charm felt even by those whose bias or natural coldness initially kept them reserved. The virility in his bearing, the harmony of his gestures, the nobility in his posture, the expressive and nuanced nature of his face, the flame in his direct, astonishingly profound gaze, the warm and luminous speech—everything about him would captivate. (…) And when he spoke, it was difficult to resist the loftiness of his thoughts, the effervescence of his wit, his quick and infectious enthusiasm, the warmth with which he knew how to animate his discourse, especially when he spoke of the great causes of the Church and of France. Learned among scholars, simple with the simple, speaking medicine, law, sociology with those familiar with these fields, he astonished parliamentarians and statesmen with his rare understanding of political problems. He discussed asceticism and theology with distinguished religious figures and eminent prelates, conversed as easily about science and literature with university professors, as he did about technical and professional matters with the humblest of workers. Moreover, if he condescended to speak about everything, what he sought above all in those he entertained was the soul. An incomparable mentor, he uplifted his listeners, who were now unable to break free from the strange hold of this man, whose serene majesty and singular authority fascinated them.”

A Monk
Trappist at the Abbey of Sept-Fons