Video still from Trappist .

The Life of Trappist Monks Profiled in Special for ABC Stations

“Trappist,” a one hour documentary examining 1,700 of monastic life in the Western world, aired as a public service on ABC-TV stations in December, 2002. The program explores, with unprecedented television access, the daily life of the monks at Mepkin Abbey as a contemporary example of this enduring lifestyle.

In addition, “Trappist” surveys the history of Europeans and American monastic culture from its beginnings in the Egyptian desert, where early Christians established principles that are still followed by the Trappists of Mepkin Abbey today.

Trappist monks trace their history through 1,700 years of Western civilization. They have had a remarkable influence in the arts, education, science and technology. But their solitude, contemplation, and humility seem out of place in today's world. Filmed at Mepkin Abbey, “Trappist” combines the reality of a monk's life with startling and beautiful images of the past to explore how a monk fits into our modern world. Produced by Paulist Media Works in cooperation with WTVI-TV in Charlotte, NC, “Trappist” was part of the “Vision & Values” series and was made available to ABC-TV stations by the USCCB as a public service.

The annual “Vision & Values” series is produced by the Interfaith Broadcast Commission, of which the USCCB is a member. Other IBC members include the Jewish Theology Seminary, the National Council of Churches of Christ, and the Southern Baptist Convention. Each year, the IBC presents documentaries depicting the many aspects of faith as it is lived today.

To purchase a video copy of  “Trappist” go to Mepkin Gifts For the Eye of the Heart.