Worship Center Dedicated To Monastery

A new center of worship and devotion was dedicated on Saturday at a Green Country monastery.  The News On 6's Dan Bewley reports the new facility should attract more people of faith to the Cherokee County countryside.

Our Lady of Clear Creek was founded in 1999.  Now, nine years later the monks are adding on as they continue to strive for spiritual perfection.

On bended knee, the faithful pray in a one of a kind center of worship.

"This was closest to a heavenly experience on earth that anyone, or I, could imagine," said Tulsa resident, David Castelle.

Thirty monks of the Benedictine order call Our Lady of Clear Creek their home. Saturday's celebration was an open invitation for anyone, of any faith to visit the monastery and dedicate its new building which is north of Hulbert.

"I think it's pretty impressive, it's definitely secluded," said Owasso resident, Sam Williams.

Williams and his family are Baptists. It was their first venture to a Catholic monastery.

"It was a little bit different. I guess, the dining room I would have expected it to be dark and gloomy like you would see in old movies, or something like that," said Christy Williams.

Parts of the $12 million facility are still under construction. When finished, the monastery's prior says it will help the monks on their spiritual quest.

"Monastic life does not do anything different than all Christians are doing. It's just that we are trying to create an environment where that's easier and better, away from the busyness and the noise of the world to be able to pursue that ideal of Christian perfection," said Monastery Prior, Father Philip Anderson.

Father Anderson hopes this new facility brings more visitors, like the Williams. He hopes their journey into monastic life has a lasting effect.

"We hope they take away some peace of heart, that they are able to recollect their souls a little bit," said Father Anderson.

For the Williams and other visitors, the chance to pray and have fellowship with the monks is an experience that will not soon be forgotten.

The monastery accepts all visitors, no matter their religious affiliation.  There are special rooms to stay overnight for individuals or even families, but a reservation is required.

The monks have taken a vow of poverty so the new facility is being built through fundraisers, donations and help from the Benedictine order which is based in France.

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