Among the beautiful, scenic landscape and chirping birds of Conyers, GA, lives the monks of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Its history spans 60 years as depicted by one of the founding monks, Father Luke Cod. He introduces the one hour documentary with “I believe you want to know about the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia.” He goes on to tell his recollection of 21 monks who left Gethsemani, came to Georgia and settled among this predominantly Baptist community.

We continue through their historical journey. We chronicle the monk’s life in a makeshift barn in which they lived until the monastery could be completed. Besides the monastery construction becoming the stuff of which tall tales are made of, the process is plagued with difficulties including lack of money and death. Eventually, it’s completed and they would have a place to call home. The church is a character itself. The body has many symbolisms directly connected to those found on the grandmother monastery, Melleray, located in France. Abbott and Father Dom Michael connect their role as Trappist monks with life in the Cistercian Order also followed by Melleray.

A look at the monastic day will reveal a simple daily routine of prayer seven times a day and work to provide income for the monks. Chants sang by the monks have evolved over the years and vary in tone and purpose. They’ve established themselves as a premier provider of Bonsai trees, fruit cakes and stain glass windows which are all profitable industries for the monastery. Occasionally, there are ceremonial events celebrating the transition from civilian life into the spiritual realm. Several monks and novices share a similar account of sacrifice, commitment and devotion.

Over the years, they’ve contributed to the community by serving as the first official Fire Department which is no longer in existence. Today, they give food to those who are in need, extend spiritual guidance to people around the country and provide health care to their own aging residents.

Ceremonies are a large part of the monastic life. One that is most important is a monk’s transition into the after life. It is a sad, but meaningful time. Monks are laid to rest in a beautiful ceremony, their bodies specifically prepared for entrance into heaven.
Through their tireless efforts a better community is formed and sometimes they are able to laugh about it, as we will see in a quick and amusing montage of bloopers.