Give us a word. In the early Christian world of Egypt and the Middle East, pilgrims would go out from the cities to seek spiritual guidance from desert dwelling fathers and mothers, the forerunners of modern-day monks and nuns. Although this practice never died among the Orthodox faithful, who to this day seek out elders in monasteries, it is relatively unknown in the Christian West. In the spirit of this tradition, and having reached a turning point in her life, C. S. Magloire goes to stay in monastic houses in England and western Europe. Monks and nuns of different contemplative orders speak to her of the love that calls and sustains them through the challenges of monastic life a love that radiates outwards to illuminate our paths in the world.
