“As with most everything, there are positives and negatives on why we do what we do, and monasticism is no exception. The primary reason a man or woman becomes a monastic is that God is calling them to this life, responding with “Yes, Lord!” and pursuing what is truly a “love affair” that transcends our whole being. Like marriage it is a form of martyrdom that is driven by an all-consuming love for the other.”
(Newsletter of Sts Mary and Martha Monastery in  Wagener, SC)