The Monk: a Man of Tradition

Michael Casey, 79, Australian monk of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, is widely recognized as one of the most authoritative voices of contemporary Christian spirituality. His books, articles and conferences on the relevance of the Rule of Saint Benedict, monastic tradition and Bernard of Clairvaux have been disseminated throughout the world. Some even consider him to be Thomas Merton’s spiritual heir. L’Osservatore Romano spoke with him in Rome, where he recently received an honorary doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Anselm. The following is a translation of the interview. Father Michael, in key moments in history, monastic presence has always held decisive significance. However, in the epochal change we are living, monasticism today plays quite a marginal role. Sure, it’s true: consider ...