The first funeral I attended was my grandmother’s. She died unexpectedly and my family flew from California to Minnesota for the service. My sharpest memory of that day is following her casket down the aisle as we left the church. I was mortified that my family and I, eyes red from sobbing, had to face the congregants who’d gathered in the pews to honor my grandmother. I couldn’t really believe that the bawdy, book-loving outdoorswoman I loved was in that shiny box.
I’ve been to many funerals and visitations since then and watched other families trail behind their loved one’s caskets. Only once did I ever notice the casket itself — a pine box lovingly crafted by a family friend. Its simplicity, and knowing it was made by hand, gave it a resonance that made me look twice — it was the first time I recall thinking that a casket seemed just right.
These memories came back to me during a visit to the 150-year-old New Melleray Abbey near Peosta, Iowa. Since 1999, when the Federal Trade Commission passed a consumer protection law enabling clients to bring their own flowers, food, and caskets to a funeral home, rather than having to purchase them from the home, the monks have used the wood from their forest to create Trappist Caskets.
Linzee McCray
Casket in sales area.
Sam Mulgrew, general manager of Trappist Caskets, showed me around the building where the caskets are made and sold. It’s across the road from the monastery, which at its population height in 1950 housed 135 monks of the Cistercian Trappist order. Mulgrew says though today that number is far fewer — around 40 — New Melleray is a healthy, vital community. I asked him why the monks chose this unusual means of support.
“The Trappists‘ mandate is to live by the labor of their hands,” says Mulgrew. “They don’t fundraise or run schools or hospitals. They live a self-contained life of prayer. Making caskets is a good psychological and spiritual fit. Death is about moving on, going to a different place, and the monks spend a lot of time thinking about these things. These caskets reflect the quiet, simple life led by the monks and allows them to offer a part of their lives symbolically. It is a good fit in the material sense, too, as they have a 1200-acre hardwood forest that supplies them with the raw materials.”
Linzee McCray
Inside the casket workshop.
The caskets were originally made in the old farm buildings that dot the monastery grounds. But uneven floors, inadequate heating and cooling, and other health and safety issues made it difficult to produce enough caskets to meet demand. Four years ago they constructed a building of the same honey-colored limestone as the monastery across the road, and here they produce caskets and urns in a modern workshop.
“The monks don’t live to make caskets,” says Mulgrew. “Making caskets enables them to live the life they’ve chosen.”
That life includes a regimented daily schedule focused on prayer, work, and study that is based on the Rule of St. Benedict. The monks rise at 3:15 each morning and gather seven times throughout the day for prayer, as well as engage in silent, reflective prayer. While some monks produce caskets, others cook, do electrical and plumbing work, and take care of accounting and reservations for the eighteen rooms the monastery offers to visitors for contemplative retreats.
The monks who make caskets work alongside hired employees, and on a walk through the workshop it was impossible to tell who was a monk and who lives in town. While no radios blared classic rock, the sound of saws largely disguised the quiet and the only clue that this was not your average shop were the crucifixes and religious icons on the walls. Mulgrew pointed out an area above the main work floor where novices — monks undergoing the discernment process — worked in solitude and silence.
Linzee McCray
Interior of the church at New Melleray Abbey.
“We’re not an automated shop in the way that a contemporary cabinet factory is,” says Mulgrew, who greeted workers by name as we moved about the shop floor. “We rely on a lot of workmanship. Each board is examined to determine whether it would be best used as a panel or a rail. There’s more focus and attention to detail than in a high-volume industry. We don’t try to hide our joinery with trim work as is done with caskets that are quickly trimmed. Making a casket is a slow process — it takes from eight to eighteen hours. There are cheaper ways to make them, but for us it’s about the process. Our approach to woodworking is very integrated with everything else in the monk’s life and the work is done with the end use in mind.”
Annually, the organization sells about 1,600 caskets and 500 urns to devout Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Activist and statesman Sargent Shriver was buried in a Trappist Casket, as was scientist James Van Allen. The monks supplied a casket for the burial of Christina Green, the Arizona girl killed by the gunman who shot Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. “At our discretion, we donate children’s caskets,” says Mulgrew. “Many families do pay for them, but we have a fund that people can donate to, to support those who aren’t able to pay.”
While Trappist Caskets are simple — there are four basic models in four types of wood: cherry, pine, oak, and walnut — there is an increased interest in customization. A section of the workshop is devoted to laser engraving and plaques with the deceased’s name, birth and death dates etched and affixed to caskets and urns. Crosses with the name of the deceased, often made from the same wood as the casket, can be constructed as keepsakes for family members. Trappist Caskets has an affiliation with Notre Dame University and the Knights of Columbus and crafts caskets with the appropriate organizational insignia. Clients from around the country order caskets and urns — during my visit three caskets were loaded into a truck for the 100-mile drive to Decorah, Iowa, and others awaited air shipment to the East and West coasts.
Linzee McCray
Laser engraving samples.
While some caskets are sold on a “pre-need” basis, around 200 more are kept in ready inventory. The monks pray over each casket and urn before they are shipped, and for each one sold a tree is planted in the carefully managed monastery forest. The monks conduct a mass in remembrance of the deceased and each name is entered in a memorial prayer book.
“There is a deep sacramental component to our business,” Mulgrew says.
Linzee McCray
Casket blessing on shop wall.
The goal of Trappist Caskets is not unceasing expansion, but to provide sustenance for monastery life. The Abbot, Father Brendan Freeman, notes in his introduction to the monastery’s history that, since it was founded, New Melleray Abbey has stood apart from the world around it. “America has always been a society driven by money. A monastery sinking roots deep into Iowa soil aspires to a different dream, a different set of values. We do not try to compete with what drives our culture. We avoid politics, industry, and involvement in movements. We are simply here in this one dear place to pray for all the people and to praise God.”
A different dream, a different set of values, enabled by caskets.
A lifelong sewer/knitter and former weaver/spinner, Linzee Kull McCray, a.k.a. lkmccray, is a writer and editor living in Iowa. She feels fortunate to meet and write about people, from scientists to stitchers, who are passionate about their work. Her freelance writing appears in Quilts and More, Stitch, UPPERCASE, American Patchwork and Quilting and more. For more textile musings, visit her blog.
3 Featured Comments
Sign in to add your ownHoldTheWire says: Featured
I really enjoyed that story. Love their work ethic that isn't tied to just making money, but crafting something beautiful. I've visited a monastery where they make Monk's Bread. The quiet atmosphere and and beautiful grounds were really inspiring.
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says: Featured
So much nicer than the cookie-cutter, off-the-shelf, mass-produced variety of casket & lovely to see something meaningful made with meaning & I especially like that they plant a tree every time. We have a monastery near here, famous for its wine & honey. Here in the UK there's been a recent movement towards "green burials" with wicker coffins or even cardboard in a woodland cemetary with no marker stones, just a tree above each grave & the occasional bench for people to sit & contemplate... is that something that's happening in the US?
1 year ago
lju999 says: Featured
A beautiful article. I have read through it twice and marvel at the peaceful feelings that have settled over me. Everything that is born must die. That the remains of our mortal life are treated with grace is comforting to our loved ones left behind. After all, the funeral is for the living, not the dead. Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
141 comments
Sign in to add your ownbeliz82 says:
Great story Thank you for sharing :)
1 year ago
AudreysBrush says:
Very impressive. Thanks for the article.
1 year ago
heleendogge says:
very unexpected and very nice Sort of a taboo subject in plain daylight and in a very kind way, thank you for sharing
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Sad and yet a beautiful story.
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Sad but yet a beautiful story.
1 year ago
whichgoose says:
Love this quote: “The monks don’t live to make caskets ... Making caskets enables them to live the life they’ve chosen.”
1 year ago
HoldTheWire says: Featured
I really enjoyed that story. Love their work ethic that isn't tied to just making money, but crafting something beautiful. I've visited a monastery where they make Monk's Bread. The quiet atmosphere and and beautiful grounds were really inspiring.
1 year ago
blessedvintage says:
what a lovely place, i love that they pray over the casket before it goes. i live in az and had no idea about the young girls casket. blessings
1 year ago
blessedvintage says:
what a lovely story. I love that they pray over the casket before it leaves. I live in az and had no idea that they young lady who was killed recieved one of these caskets. What an honor to be buried in one of these. blessings
1 year ago
jibbyandjuna says:
Excellent article!
1 year ago
QueenBeeVintiques says:
Beautiful story about an unusual subject, thank you for sharing it...the blessing prayer that the monks use is very touching as well.
1 year ago
LavenderField says:
Thanks for this article. I enjoyed reading it.
1 year ago
maggiesraggedyinn says:
Very good insight into a different way of living. It feels good to read this type of article as it shows real people who live a decent, respectful, away from the craziness life.
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Wonderful post. Thank you.
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Beautiful work, love the crosses, it's nice to take time to reflect throught our busy days and give thanks to the Creator who gives us the gift of our special talents and tasks.
1 year ago
AccentsandPetals2 says:
Beautiful post.Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
metalicious says:
What a beautiful and peaceful view they have about life and death, thank you for sharing such an inspirational story.
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. I love the idea of the mass and prayers and a tree being planted for each casket sold. Also like the idea that you can donate to a fund for children's caskets.
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Very much a part of the wheel of life. As the Shakers professed: Work as if this were your last day, work as if you had a thousand years. Right livelihood is indeed work that supports a well chosen way of living, not the other way around. We all have this choice.
1 year ago
TheIDconnection says:
Wonderful story, amazing work. Monica TheIDConnection
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
NobleTextiles says:
Beautiful article!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says: Featured
So much nicer than the cookie-cutter, off-the-shelf, mass-produced variety of casket & lovely to see something meaningful made with meaning & I especially like that they plant a tree every time. We have a monastery near here, famous for its wine & honey. Here in the UK there's been a recent movement towards "green burials" with wicker coffins or even cardboard in a woodland cemetary with no marker stones, just a tree above each grave & the occasional bench for people to sit & contemplate... is that something that's happening in the US?
1 year ago
VintageMaryT says:
Thank you so much for the telling of this story in your wonderful way!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Lovely post ~ thank you. I want one of those caskets - but not yet.
1 year ago
Lambsears says:
A very nice article. It is nice to know that you can still get simple caskets in this world filled will excess and frivolity.
1 year ago
purplmama says:
Thank you sooo very much for this story. This has touched me profoundly... Today is going to be a good day!
1 year ago
BlueMoonLights says:
Very nice article, thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
lju999 says: Featured
A beautiful article. I have read through it twice and marvel at the peaceful feelings that have settled over me. Everything that is born must die. That the remains of our mortal life are treated with grace is comforting to our loved ones left behind. After all, the funeral is for the living, not the dead. Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
larkspurfunnyfarm says:
Such a blessing - Thank you for sharing the loving way of the monks and to show that care, love and handcraftmanship has more then a monetary purpose in life. Be Well and again thank you for sharing
1 year ago
thevelvetheart says:
This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
Simplycutestuff says:
Thank you for writing this! What an odd subject to find so uplifting, but I did.
1 year ago
lauraslastditch says:
I found this very touching indeed. What a gift to know that the casket comes with the prayers of God's servants.
1 year ago
blainedesign says:
What an unusual and beautiful story. As was said in one of the comments above, I feel more peaceful for having read it. What a special take on the handmade life. Great article.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Had no idea that monks made caskets. I thought they only did baking, jam and wines. Great article!
1 year ago
mylenefoster says:
I love these articles that feature labors of love, pride and beauty. Thanks etsy for making it accessible.
1 year ago
Northernleather says:
There is so much to learn from these monks! What a fantastic story of history, faith and sustainability. Thanks for this!
1 year ago
xenya says:
Wonderful feature.
1 year ago
marysworkshop says:
This is such a wonderful article explaining the monks simply beautiful contemplative lifestyle.
1 year ago
smoothpebble says:
thank you etsy for this story! it seems to me people can choose thoughtful, and intentional lives all the way to the very end. the fact that these are made in such a reverential way again marks the difference between handmade and mass-produced. well done!
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
The contemplative craftsmanship of monks has always been inspiring to me. How beautiful to apply this to an object as significant as a casket! Thank you for highlighting this. Thank you also for including my felted wool Buddhist monk among the related items. I'm truly honored.
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
what amazing craftsmanship. thanks for sharing your story.
1 year ago
AuracaunaDesigns says:
lovely. My Father-in-Law was just killed in a tragic accident and one of our family members made his casket... it is so comforting to know he is wrapped in our love forever... and not in some mass-produced box. We were even able to use some of his own materials... Thank you for this article...
1 year ago
BodyLuminosity says:
Beautiful and touching article.
1 year ago
mbrignall says:
Lovely article!
1 year ago
westernartglass says:
I've enjoyed the labor of the Trappist monks from Belgium and The Netherlands (Rochefort, Chimay, Koningshoeven--taste the silence) throughout my journey through life. This is a delightful piece, eh? and worth a second glance--my slightly rumpled carcass takes note.
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
these monks are amazing.
1 year ago
carolyngallo says:
wonderful. THANK YOU for sharing this!
1 year ago
slappytheseal says:
fabulous post!
1 year ago
SimpleThymePrims says:
Such a wonderful post...thank you!
1 year ago
ArtandArtisan says:
Thank you for sharing! This is a beautiful essay and something I wish I had known about much earlier.
1 year ago
metronomic1 says:
I wonder if they can make one lined in foam to keep my booze cold?
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Wonderful post. Thank you !
1 year ago
swingkatsvintage says:
Beautiful and inspiring story~ A blessing to anyone of any faith and a reflection each of us can ponder in a quest to quiet our minds in this very fast paced world in which we live :) Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
superstore1 says:
Beautiful
1 year ago
1samone says:
Wonderful story, thank you! It's beautiful that the monks pray over each and every casket. Then planting a tree after each one is sold is pure thoughtfulness coming full circle. These monks exude peace of heart!!! Bravo and God Bless!
1 year ago
swingkatsvintage says:
Added the link to the Abbey to my favorites on my web page. Now that I know about their fund for children's caskets it will be a blessing to spread that information! Thank you again~
1 year ago
crownring says:
Beautiful...........in so many ways.
1 year ago
DIVINEconsciousness says:
Such a loving inspiration to all of us! Just wonderful!
1 year ago
RubeesNest says:
How wonderful that they provide children's caskets to families in need. It gives my heart wings when I hear about unsolicited generosity like that. Thank YOU for this post.
1 year ago
CarriesCustomDesigns says:
A lovely story. It must be a comfort to families to know that a casket was made with such faith and love.
1 year ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
What a beautiful inspiring article!
1 year ago
Curlgirl64 says:
Thank you for sharing the article. You have given a view of people who are making a difference in their own quiet way that is truly apprecited and respected.
1 year ago
GetOutOfTheBox says:
Touched my soul.....
1 year ago
yogiodie says:
I have driven through their grounds and it is as impressive outside as it looks inside. I live 35 miles away and now MUST see the inside! This has always been my wish to have a urn/casket made by the monks. Awesome story-well done....
1 year ago
KristiKringle says:
Thank you so much for this lovely information. I was just at a memorial service yesterday where a friend had picked out his own beautiful urn in advance - so even though his sudden death was unexpected, his family knew what he wanted. I went to these monk's website as a result of your wonderful article and loved the idea that you could purchase what you want in advance, as then your family is freed from having to make those kind of decisions while grieving.
1 year ago
josiekatstrunk says:
Thank you for featuring a faith-based story in such a creative and positive manner. It means a lot me.
1 year ago
vintagebutterfly94 says:
Thank you for this moving post. I have to wonder what may result of it as it is tucked into thoughts and memories for a time to come....
1 year ago
jennyblasenpottery says:
Love this--my sister lives less than a mile from this monastery. It is a beautiful place!
1 year ago
MieleMelograno says:
Thank you for writing this article! I grew up not too far from here. While I never visited the humble beauty and love poured into each piece is something I've always known about. They are pieces of art for the soul.This article brought me to tears, in joyful remembering those loved and passed in Iowa. Again thank you for this article!
1 year ago
UUPP says:
Thank you for such a great article. I like the thought of such peace filled people making something for others. But also the fact that it is so meaningful for them that they take the time to pray over each item.
1 year ago
ImagineThatCustDesig says:
Awesome! what these Trappist Monks are doing.Such a Touching Article. Thanks Linzee McCray
1 year ago
DeAnnaClaudette says:
What a beautifully touching story.
1 year ago
impressionsbyjanelle says:
This was a very inspirational story. I love hearing anything related to the Rule of St. Benedict. Thank you.
1 year ago
FreshRetroGallery says:
Reminds me of the sacrificial love of my LORD and Savior, the carpenter's son. God bless these carpenters of today.
1 year ago
randomretro says:
thank you for this wonderful article..
1 year ago
sweetteabyme says:
This is a great article and I love the comparison to the 'shiny box'. Inspiring.
1 year ago
fiona74 says:
In a world full of busy-ness it is heartwarming to find the Trappist Monks managing to live their vocation and add their contemplative quietness to their casket making and tree husbandry at the same time. Growing the wood for the caskets, choosing the appropriate timber piece, praying over each one- what a wonderful casket to be able to farewell a loved one in when that time comes. Totally a from the earth and then back to the earth cycle. Bless you for sharing this inspiring article.
1 year ago
danielfranklin says:
Makes me wonder if Jesus made caskets.
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Great story
1 year ago
MissingHeirloom says:
danielfranklin I am guessing that answer is yes. As a carpenter he would have made furniture and cabinets - and yes part of that is caskets. Only until recently (last 90 years approx.) caskets were all part of the cabinetry/furniture making 'industry', and many furniture stores sold caskets.
1 year ago
MelanieDrew says:
so lovely
1 year ago
MissingHeirloom says:
danielfranklin the answer is most likely yes. Only until recently (the last 90 years or so) did casket companies exist. Up until that time, furniture carpenters made furniture, cabinets and caskets. At the same time caskets were also sold in furniture stores - because it was all a part of the carpentry trade.
1 year ago
MissPattisAttic says:
Thank you for sharing this story of the monks and how they make caskets. I just love the fact that they pray over each one. Here in Oregon there is a Monastery where they make the best candy I have ever eaten but I had not heard of one making caskets. Thanks again.
1 year ago
aWRISTocrats says:
These monks and the caskets they make are truly a blessing. I grew up in a city about five minutes from the abby and have known about these caskets for a long time. Thank you so much for this beautiful story!
1 year ago
MissingHeirloom says:
ok that wasn't supposed to happen :( I will definitely pass on the news of the childrens' caskets. I have had the good fortune to have 2 daughters - one who only stayed here with me on earth for a short amount of time. A friend made a pink seersucker 'ruffle' to go around her casket because the ridiculous thing looked like a styrofoam cooler. It was the 'only' thing available. UGH! Also I am of the age where I am helping my mother pre-plan her arrangements. There is nothing authentic about anything the funeral home showed us. I have always said just wrap me in an old worn quilt, and put me in a pine box. These caskets are just lovely.
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
What a wonderful article! Fantastic photography.
1 year ago
LivingVintage says:
Wonderful story. Great writing.
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
thank you for this post ..another way of seeing art in objects not thought of in that way ~
1 year ago
lavidavintage says:
What a lovely piece! The idea that work and craftmanship can be a vocation and a meditation is wonderful. I love their humility and their dedication to their calling.
1 year ago
2sleepingmice says:
Wonderful article! I really appreciate the unique ways people choose to serve the Lord.
1 year ago
DaphneDays says:
What a lovely article and beautiful work. Thanks so much for this.
1 year ago
thisthatotherthings says:
Worth a second read. Thank You for the article
1 year ago
SapphireStitching says:
thank you for the article - not says love by the devotion of true labor of love.
1 year ago
jimkat06 says:
Truly beautiful story of these monks who simply do God's work on earth. I am honored to know both men and women who chose to live a life devoted to the Lord. Thanks so much for this story!
1 year ago
katehust says:
very nice article. My uncle is a monk in upstate NY. They make monks bread to support their ministry. I loved visiting there as a child - it is such a peaceful place. Sad that many of these monasteries are dwindling in numbers.
1 year ago
tkmetalarts says:
Wow, love the church interior too - that austere beauty. What a wonderful story and thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
noblegnome says:
Very touching article. Really beautifully written about a really sensitive matter.
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
What an inspirational article, I never knew about these priests, how awesome. Thank you for this story. Aloha
1 year ago
loveknotaprons says:
This was such an interesting story. I loved learning about the monks and their ways. Very beautiful.
1 year ago
maybudha says:
I admire the monks' choice of making a living. I hope they will be there for a very long time for all of us' sake.
1 year ago
dhsagal says:
Beautiful story - I really enjoyed learning about the monks and their chosen craft - they are inspiring. Thank you for sharing...
1 year ago
SushiGirl says:
Such a beautiful and touching article! Thank you for sharing! May God bless these monks and the work of their hands.
1 year ago
TashinkaBeadingHeart says:
Wonderful story of the monks, very nicely presented. Thanks!
1 year ago
squibbles76 says:
Of all the architecture that man has made in this world...The Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, The Pyramids, Petra, St. Basil's Cathedral, etc. this one, New Melleray Abbey made me cry! I have never experienced any emotion while looking at famous buildings. However, I am overwhelmed with feelings of warmth, safety, and beauty. I am blessed to have been able to see the clean lines, natural wood, limestone that does not appear "cold", gothic windows, and simplicity of it all. It is overwhelming. Wow!
1 year ago
pickleberries says:
When my Grandfather passed this last October he was buried in a casket that the Trappist Monks created for him.
1 year ago
TheCovetingCrow says:
One of the most touching articles I've ever read. And powerful.
1 year ago
acorncupboard says:
Thought provoking, thank you.
1 year ago
JLuksetich says:
Even more beautiful in person, trust me!
1 year ago
Krystyna81 says:
What a beautiful article. I am currently reading "At World's End", the follow-up to "Pillars of the Earth". It takes place in the mid 1300's, and at the center of the story is a Priory with Monks. It's interesting to read about a contemporary version of these devout men. Thank you!
1 year ago
PyxusPassionProject says:
Wow! Now I know what I want to be buried in... So interesting and wonderful food for thought.
1 year ago
JingleDingleDangle says:
Beautifully written and thought provoking.
1 year ago
freedomrose says:
one of the nicest things I've read lately... God Bless... I would rather a casket of these , more than any other... thanks for sharing a wonderful spiritual uplifting story...
1 year ago
VintageDaisyStudio says:
I was surrprise when I spotted this on the front page. Because I live a little over an hour south of there. I used to drive through that way on my way to college in Waterloo after I would come home. Also had a prayer retreat in the monestary when I was in high school. I love seeing it sitting in the landscape. It's a beautiful road and lovley location to reflect, then your eyes come upon the monestary. It's just an all over feeling of peace.
1 year ago
LaronDesign says:
Thank you for sharing. Wonderful story !
1 year ago
foxegurl266 says:
Thank you for this wonderful story!
1 year ago
lotzastitches says:
I was not expecting such a wonderful article when I started to read this. The story and information was so heart warming. I'm hoping and praying I won't need one for a long time but as we all know.... we never know what's ahead for us. I'd much prefer having one made and blessed by these prayerful monks for myself as well as my family. Thanks for writing and sharing this!
1 year ago
Fynorrahs says:
Thank you for this article. This gave me the answer to current a dilemma. I will be placing an order this week.
1 year ago
riversongrapture says:
Such a wonderful feature. I have been to this abbey several times. It is a beautiful and peaceful place and I am always drawn to stop by, even if only for a few minutes, when I am passing through that area. So happy to find an article that shares the wonderful story of this place with others.
1 year ago
AnnTig says:
Great article!
1 year ago
CiaoLucia says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Wow looks like such a peaceful place, I like how the caskets are sustainable by planting trees to replace cut ones.
1 year ago
piggledee says:
What a great story. I remember we used to buy this most amazing butter made by Trappist monks in Japan. I had no idea of the philosophy behind their craft until I read this article. A handmade casket made in such a lovely, peaceful surrounding, knowing that they'd plant a tree for each casket sold (i.e. each dead person) -- if I were Christian I'd definitely want to be buried in it.
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
That is beautiful and the way we should go! Sweet and simple!
1 year ago
SkyBox says:
What a lovely little article.
1 year ago
stepbackink says:
Despite the knowledge that death awaits everysoul, articles like this evoke the thought of it even deeper. My tribe, use natural cotton clothes to wrap the dead then to barry, no caskets, no monuments or grave stones are erected, just a small rock to mark the spot of the departed.
1 year ago
kairo says:
I have sat in that chapel and attended a mass led by the monks. My dad has frequented the monastery as a place for meditation to reflect on his life choices of sobriety. He has already purchased his casket from the monks. People should visit the grounds if they have the chance.
1 year ago
artXchic says:
the abbey is stunning! so lovely
1 year ago
TheCleverCat says:
Beautiful and deeply moving. The idea of blessing th casket and planting a tree for each one delivered is so touching. And every prayer is precious, no matter the language or faith of the one who prays.
1 year ago
SeptemberWren says:
This isn't something I would expect to find on Etsy, but I am so grateful I have. Thank you.
1 year ago
LavenderLinensdotcom says:
I am replying to "mazedasastoat" - HORRORS for genealogists - not to have a headstone with dates. They can be works of art and everyone should have one.
1 year ago
BeehiveCatnipToys says:
What a Blessing that these caskets are made with such peacefulness, in such a serene setting and with God given talent. How Beautiful is that?
1 year ago
marysgranddaughter says:
A lovely story.
1 year ago
windsweptlady says:
In a community like this one, full of artists aware of their calling, talents, and environmental impact, rediscovering the meaning behind careful stewardship keeps us all self-aware. Monks or not, that we continue to keep each other conscious speaks to the fulfillment of our responsibility as members of that community. Let's all continue to be blessings to one another!
1 year ago
FiorellaJewelry says:
It gave me a very peaceful feeling to read this. At the end of a loved one's life, to be able to put them to rest in a casket that was prayed over and made with thoughtfulness, care, craftmanship and love, in a place of serenity...that has to make the whole process of saying goodbye easier.
1 year ago
beatroad says:
I love this. xo
1 year ago
esmeraldadesigns says:
amazing story-thank you again <3
1 year ago
BuniLuvr says:
Fabulous . . . will look up the New Melleray Abbey next time I am in Iowa. It's hard to imagine any place exists in this world as described. I believe there are abbeys in the area where I live . . . gives me a desire to explore and hopefully experience the peace that abounds in a life of simplicity
1 year ago
bittersweetdesign says:
I just ordered a catalog - as I have seen what the funeral homes have to offer - and I am in the pre-planning process with my mother.
1 year ago
kckwoodworking says:
Life mets death an death met light, and light will shine long after death is no more. I greatly enjoyed the story. God bless all.
1 year ago
ToothNailTail says:
So interesting. I didn't know about the protection law. I really enjoyed reading this, thank you!
1 year ago