 |
| Fujimi monks in recreation room. |
The monks of Saint John's built a new monastery in Fujimi, Japan in 1999 which replaced one closer to Tokyo that had been gradually choked off by commercial development in the wake of WWII. This place could not be more amazing. Surrounded by two mountain ranges, it is an incredible blend of east and west, Fujimi and Collegeville charm. The poured concrete walls (what else?) contrast the warm teak wood floors from the Philippines. The chairs and tables were crafted at Saint John's then shipped over and assembled on site. If the weather permits, you can walk out the main path of the house and see Mt. Fuji in the distance. There are young men joining the monastery at a faster rate than they have room....a good problem for any monastic community. The Prior, Fr. Roman Paur, is as gracious a host as you can imagine and not just to monks. They have a perfect guest wing, small but beautiful and open to any of you who read these words. I add their email address with confidence that they would love to hear from anyone who is interested in their ministries: fujimi@osb.or.jp. The monastery is a few short train rides from Narita airport, even closer to Tokyo.
Tomorrow I look forward to seeing the small town, famous for its water, skiing and of course, the views.
