Monastery of Montserrat

The community today is made up of some 80 monks. As at all Benedictine monasteries, the monks of Montserrat follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, devoting their lives to prayer, welcoming pilgrims and visitors, and working.

Prayer sets the rhythm for the monastery day. The day begins and ends in prayer. Every day, in addition to celebrating the Eucharist, the monks meet five times to pray (the liturgy of the hours). 

They also have time for private prayer and for reading the Bible and other spiritual works. 

All this helps create an atmosphere of prayer throughout the day.

The reception of guests. One of the duties of monks following the Rule of Saint Benedict is to receive pilgrims coming to the monastery. A pilgrim is any person who knocks on the door in a spirit of internal quest. Guests receive special treatment at the monastery, and may share prayers and meals with the monks.

The monks’ work is difficult to define generically, due to the diversity of tasks they perform. Some study theology, history or philosophy; others contribute to different publications, give classes at the university, devote their time to research, or help run the Escolania (Boys’Choir), the library, the archives...

They must also perform all the work necessary for the good operation of the monastery and sanctuary: gardening, management of the sacristy, the infirmary, the hostel...