Abbey of Sant'Antimo

89 – The brother greets me and hurries off while the bell is ringing for Compline, the last prayer of the day. I also hurry along. I want to be present right from the beginning. The church is more or less empty. Once again, I sit down on the front bench. Precisely at 8.30 p.m., from the semi-darkness which pervades the side aisle, the white-garbed figures slowly emerge, to advance towards the lit-up presbytery, almost as if in a stage scene. Once again, a strong emotion sweeps over me. The chant begins – slow, calm, almost as if spoken… Only the voices of the brothers at prayer break the almost surrealistic silence of the church. The atmosphere that reigns, so rich and beautiful, is certainly the most suggestive that I have ever experienced. ‘Salva nos Domine, vigilantes, custodi nos dormientes, ut vigilemus cum Christo et requiescamus in pace.’ This is the antiphon of the Nunc dimittis recited in Latin. I too manage to understand it. This melody, so gentle, donates peace and tranquillity, as also a tender conviction that one will not be abandoned during the night. As a final act of this liturgical prayer, a brother blesses the community and all those present, with holy water.

90 – A subdued whispering is perceived, as everyone leaves the church. The lights are put out. Only silence reigns. But it is an unusual type of silence, enriched by various sounds – the singing of the crickets and the nightingales! The many voices of nature penetrate the walls of the church, to join the chant of the stones of Sant’Antimo. In silent prayer the brothers confide with their heavenly Mother as they say the rosary while kneeling on the bare floor, or on the kneeling stools. After a day constantly signed by the liturgical hours, and after the final prayer of the day, these priests still desire to be rapt up in God…
While the brothers are in the church, the doors remain open. I don’t want to leave the church. I sense a peace that reigns supreme.

91 – Strange to say, the church is empty, but I don’t feel alone. An intangible presence prevails within the walls of this church. I don’t hear any sound, but there is a silence that speaks – the silence of peace, with harmony for its voice. Here all is so perfect, so unique, so unusual, and essential. Here, art, history, beauty, nature, singing, prayer, and faith are found. Here man is found - and God.

Outside, around Sant’Antimo, the fields are aglow with fireflies.