Rooted in Timeless Wisdom

We invite you to discover, belong, and journey with us in faith. Welcome home to the Ancient Catholic Church—where tradition meets mission, and community flourishes.

Contemplative Solitude and Divine Silence:

Biblical Meditation: An invitation to slow down, read sacred Scripture, and allow its living words to inspire contemplation, reflection, and personal insight.

Through the practice of Lectio Divina, aspirants will discover a way to engage with Scripture that transcends ordinary reading, transforming everyday moments into a dialogue with the Divine.

Hermetical Order of the Camaldolese

For over thirteen years, Archbishop Felix Gibbins has faithfully served the Hermetical Order of the Camaldolese as a deacon, priest, and bishop. His ministry within the order is marked by an unwavering commitment to a life steeped in prayer, contemplation, and simplicity. Under his leadership, the order continues to nurture both its religious members and lay collaborators who wish to embrace the sacred rhythm of Benedictine spirituality.

Even within the constraints of a busy schedule, the Liturgy of the Hours offers points of grace throughout the day.

Participants will learn practical methods for incorporating short, structured prayers during the dawn, midday, evening, and night. Below is a realistic, flexible timetable for a two-week immersion that balances work, personal life, and contemplative practice.

Disciplined Prayer and Meditation

A Benedictine Life of Prayer, Contemplation, and Lifelong Commitment

Simplicity, Humility, and Service

Guided by the Benedictine motto “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work), the order lives lives marked by modesty and practical service.

Every act—from routine labour to prayerful meditation—is an expression of devotion to God.

Harmony of Solitude and Community

While personal prayer and reflection are essential, the Camaldolese stress the importance of community.

By engaging in shared worship, communal meals, and collaborative work, members find mutual support and spiritual enrichment in a vibrant fellowship.

The Camaldolese Way of Life

Rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Benedictine tradition, the Camaldolese practice centres on a few core principles:

Becoming an Oblate of the Camaldolese

What Is an Oblate?

An Oblate is a layperson or secular individual who, inspired by the monastic ideals of the order, chooses to integrate the spirituality of the Camaldolese into daily life. Rather than entering full-time monastic life, Oblates remain in the world—living their vocations in family, work, and community—while committing to a regular practice of prayer, reflection, and service. By embracing the Oblate way, individuals unite their daily responsibilities with a dedicated pursuit of the contemplative life.

The Path to Oblation

The process of becoming an Oblate with the Hermetical Order of the Camaldolese is a gradual journey marked by formation, commitment, and growth. Prospective Oblates are invited to:

Express a Calling:

Begin by reaching out to the order, either through local contacts or directly at the New Camaldoli community in Florida.

An initial meeting with a spiritual director or member of the formation team is arranged to discern the sincerity and depth of the calling.

A Period of Formation and Trial:

Prospective members are encouraged to participate in a formation program. This phase involves attending retreats, engaging in introductory classes on Benedictine spirituality, and gradually incorporating the order’s practices into daily life. The formation program helps candidates understand the values of the Camaldolese and what it means to live a life of contemplative prayer in the midst of everyday responsibilities.

Commitment and Covenant:

After a period of discernment, those called to deeper commitment may enter into a covenant of Oblation.

This formal promise does not require separation from one’s secular life but does involve a dedicated effort to integrate the practices and principles of the Camaldolese order into all aspects of daily living.

Incorporating Daily Prayer and Meditation

One of the cornerstones of the Oblate commitment is the establishment of a daily routine of prayer and meditation. The order offers guidance on how to weave these practices into the fabric of daily life:

Morning Reflection:
Begin the day with a period of silent prayer or contemplative reflection. Many Oblates find that dedicating even a few moments at dawn sets a tranquil tone for the day.
Liturgy of the Hours:
Wherever possible, Oblates are encouraged to join in or observe the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours. This may include morning, midday, and evening prayers—structured times that sanctify different moments of the day and connect them with the eternal rhythm of prayer.
Lectio Divina and Personal Meditation:
Incorporating the practice of Lectio Divina—sacred reading followed by contemplative prayer—allows individuals to meditate on scripture or spiritual texts deeply. This practice invites the Word of God to resonate within, offering insights and spiritual nourishment throughout the day.
Evening Contemplation:
As the day concludes, a time for quiet reflection and gratitude helps to release the day’s burdens and prepare the heart for rest. This evening prayer supports a continuous dialogue with God, fostering inner peace.

These practices are not imposed as rigid routines but are embraced as flexible guidelines adapted to one’s lifestyle—aiming to transform daily tasks into moments of sacred encounter with God.

Try a Two Week Prayer Course

Archbishop Felix has put together this two week sample prayer life for those who may be considering becoming an Oblate of the St Benedict Camaldolese Order. Remember, you can adjust the options available to you according to your work schedule and home life.

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New Camaldoli in Florida: A Living Sanctuary

The community at New Camaldoli in Florida stands as a luminous example of the Camaldolese way of life. Here, the benefits of both communal worship and individual prayer are harmoniously experienced. New Camaldoli offers:

A Peaceful Retreat:
Amidst the serene Floridian landscape, New Camaldoli provides a refuge where the demands of modern life give way to intentional silence and spiritual renewal.
Supportive Community Life:
Oblates and full-time members alike gather in shared prayer, study, and service, nurturing one another on the journey toward a deeper relationship with God.
Resources for Spiritual Growth:
The community offers regular retreats, workshops, and access to experienced spiritual directors who guide both new and seasoned members in enriching their prayer lives and daily meditative practices.

An Invitation to the Journey

The Hermetical Order of the Camaldolese welcomes all who feel called to integrate the contemplative and monastic spirit into the fullness of everyday life. By becoming an Oblate, individuals join a storied tradition of prayer, silence, and heartfelt service. Under the guidance of dedicated leaders like Archbishop Felix Gibbins and the nurturing presence of the New Camaldoli community, those who embark on this path discover that the quest for divine simplicity and inner renewal is both transformative and attainable.

Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more about the formation process, attend an informational retreat, or speak with a spiritual director affiliated with the order. Embracing the Oblate lifestyle offers a unique opportunity to balance active engagement in the world with a sustained, daily practice of prayer and contemplation—an invitation to live out the timeless legacy of Benedictine wisdom in every moment.

May the light of contemplative prayer guide every step along this sacred journey, and may the community of the Camaldolese inspire all who seek a deeper, more intimate communion with the Divine. Visit the Big Sur website:

New Camaldoli Hermitage

Learning with a Sacramental Church

Fostering faith, inclusion, and compassionate service within a vibrant community and beyond.

Creeds

The Nicene Creed & Apostles' Creed are are living expressions of the Church’s faith. They serve both as historical anchors and as vital components of today’s liturgy and pastoral life.

Ordo

Rooted in the church’s rich heritage & deep commitment to spiritual growth, the Ordo serves as a liturgical roadmap, fostering unity, devotion, and understanding.

Ecumenism: the journey towards unity among all Christians and mutual understanding with people of other faith traditions.

Ecumenical

Camaldolese Life

Contemplative Prayer

God in Nature

The Camaldolese Hermitage at Big Sur welcomes all who feel called to integrate the contemplative and monastic spirit into the fullness of everyday life.

The Hermetical Order of the Camaldolese warmly invites prospective aspirants—especially those engaged in full-time work—to experience a condensed two-week immersion into our way of life.

This is the invitation of the Ancient Catholic Church: to step beyond our everyday confines and encounter the divine where it has always resided—in the very fabric of creation.

Liturgical Calendar

Peace & Reconciliation

Homilies & Reflections

Cyclical journey through the seasons, solemnities, feasts, and memorials of the Church, uniting believers in prayer and worship. It serves as a spiritual compass, guiding our days, weeks, and months towards a deeper communion with God.

Rooted in scripture, Catholic teaching, dogma, and theology, our programme upholds the belief that forgiveness and mutual understanding are essential pathways to healing both individual hearts and the broader human family.

Explore and engage with the teaching of the church. Each homily is carefully chosen and curated to produce an accessible online library of teaching on scripture, dogma and theology. All our clergy are able to contribute to this growing resource.