MONASTERIO DE SANTO DOMINGO DE SILOS (May 22)

 Today we spent the day with our Benedictine friends in Silos: fathers Bernardo (who is 89 years old and full of energy), Angel, and José Antonio. Father Bernardo took us on a visit of the cloister; considered to be one of the best preserved 11th century cloisters in Europe and one of UNESCO's Cultural sites. We felt especially blessed to be with the monks. Normally the monastery is closed on Mondays but they opened it up just for our visit! I had a chance to get some amazing photos. We also learned something interesting about them: they love the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and have recently been introduced to BYU's groups. They particularly enjoy the Christmas performances. Father Angel told us that he was given a Book of Mormon signed by all the members of the Tabernacle Choir! I just love the way that we can cross the imaginary boundaries that separate us and find so much in common.

This is our dear friend padre Bernardo

Going from the 18th century church there is a vestibule that connects with the cloister. High on the walls are the chains that freed Christians brought back from their imprisonment by Moors.

Silos known for a series of carved panels representing the life of Jesus. All of these carvings are from the 11th century. Below are some examples:

Here is the moment when Christs ascends into Heaven with the twelve and Mary looking on, Mary is the figure center right (opposite St, Peter) holding her hands up in front of her in a gesture of humility (similar to the figure we saw in the Iglesia de San Juan de Ortega). 

The descent from the Cross. This piece is particularly interesting because at the foot of the cross is a small box (below) that shows a small hand lifting the lid. This is Adam. Catholics believe that through the fall we all die, but the Savior redeemed us from that fall thus opening the tomb that shuts us all away from the presence of God.

Below is the moment when the Savior invites Thomas (Doubting) to examine the wound in his side. It is a touching moment, especially during certain parts of the day when the sun is just right. Note the expression on the Savior's face in the close up below. The look of mercy and kindness that transcends Thomas's doubt.

The next on is the Road to Emmaus. This panel is particularly important to us as pilgrims. Catholics see the experience of the disciples on the road as a pilgrimage; Christ is also (oddly enough) depicted as a pilgrim with the shell of Saint James displayed prominently on the Savior's satchel. 

Finally, placement of Christ's body into the tomb. The soldiers at the bottom represent the Roman guards who were sent to guard the tomb. It is interesting that they are clothed as soldiers from the 11th century.

Here are some shots of the Cloister:

As part of our experience the students learned Gregorian Chant and they performed it in the monastery's church immediately following Vespers with the monks. Many of the monks attended along with people who had come to the service.

Then we sang "All Creatures of Our God and King"

Here we are in the Church with several of our friends from the monastery. We love them so much!