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| "Saint Bruno Praying in the Desert" by Jean-Bernard Restout |
History
Shortly after Bruno was ordained,
he worked as a college professor, and then he was appointed chancellor (chief
assistant) to the archbishop. But all he wanted to do was live a quiet life and
focus on Jesus. He and six others were given a lonely area in the mountains to
build their home, and they became the Carthusian Order. They chose to live a
life of poverty, working with their hands and prayer. Bruno was very happy with
this, but Pope Urban II – Bruno’s former student – asked him to come to Rome as
an advisor during a time when there were a lot of problems with priests. So,
Bruno went to Rome until he could persuade the pope to let him start another
monastery. When Bruno died, there was no question that he had saintly virtues,
but he and the other Carthusians reject public honors, so Bruno was never
actually canonized a saint. Still, the Church recognizes Bruno with a feast
today.
Activity
Even though the Carthusians don’t
want big celebrations for the work they do, they all celebrate the feast of the
founder, Bruno. Usually, they pray and work all day with only bread and water
to eat, but at their evening meal, they have a delicious dessert. The
Carthusians in Vermont (USA) will typically enjoy a British-style Date and Walnut pudding, which is very easy to make and makes its own toffee-like sauce
as it bakes. (The walnuts can be omitted if there are tree nut allergies in your family)
Saint Bruno, pray for us!
More reading for parents:
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