49. The Abbey of New Clairvaux, Vina, CA [August 17, 2014]
Way back when #50churches visited Trinity Cathedral in midtown Sacramento (church number three), our partners in crime were the Aldrich family. It was on that visit that I first learned of the Abbey of New Clairvaux. Their daughter Jordan, inspired by the visit to Trinity Cathedral, started brainstorming and suggested that church visit number 50, the grand finale, should be to the Abbey.
Almost. It was church number 49.
The Abbey of New Clairvaux is a rural Trappist monastery located in Vina, a small town 20 minutes north of Chico off Highway 99. The farmland, once owned by Leland Stanford, produces figs, prunes, walnuts, and grapes which the monks harvest from the orchards and vineyards to sustain the community.
The monks who live and work at the Abbey describe themselves as a community of Cistercian monks living the Rule of Saint Benedict. Their mission statement continues, “We witness God’s love for the world according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ by a life of prayer, labor, and sustainable stewardship of our resources in simplicity and openness of the signs of the times. Our monastery welcomes all people in a spirit of hospitality, and engages others in collaborative relationships.”
The core values of the community are: Hospitality, Manual Labor, Prayer, Simplicity, and Solitude.
FOOD
We had some quality college food at Madison Bear Garden, Chico, CA, followed by a tour of Chico State by Esteemed Alumnus, Keith Aldrich. We got some serious insider knowledge of the place and life in Chico. Thanks Keith!
#50churches is always better in community — this was a special visit because of the fantastic company: Keith and Jordan, Connor, Asia and Maia and Tara.
Postscript
Favorite out-of-context quote:
"Winery, right. Church, left. All life choices come down to that." - Jordan, reading a sign as we entered the monastery grounds.
The effect of our visit on Keith was substantial.