Monasterio de Santo Domingo de Silos

 For several years we have visited the monastery where we have had the privilege of developing a relationship with padre Angel. He has blessed our life with his wisdom and humor and love of God. When asked why he became a Benedictine monk he has said that he long felt the call to bless humanity through prayer and service. 

Here we walk together... in quiet discussion of the day's activities. Another of our dear friends, padre Bernardo, died recently and we had the privilege of visiting his grave; a simple space where his fellow monks repose. Padre Angel invited us to pray at the spot the Our Father. It was a beautiful experience.

Lin with padre Bernardo Garcia Pintado (1934-2026) in 2022.

 The monastery is known within art circles for it reliefs. Three that stand out are:

The Descent from the Cross. This relief shows Mary at the far left clutching Christ's arm with John the Evangelist at the far right. Joseph of Arimathea (clutching the body of the Lord) and Nicodemos (removing the nails) are also present. Above the Lord are two angels who hold mantels that represent the parting of the heavens with smaller angels filling the space with incense. Two details that could go unnoticed:

The sculptor has given the Lord a peaceful countenance, devoid of pain. The sweetness of his face communicates his love for us and willingness to take upon himself our sins that we may feel joy.

At his feet is a small tomb. Notice the small hand (to the right) sustaining the top. Along the case are an A then a broken piece and M; Adam. It is a reminder 1 Corinthians 15:22 where we read: "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

The Second relief depicts three scenes from the Entombment:

The lower third of the relief depicts the soldiers who were tasked with guarding the tomb who had fallen asleep. Above them is the entombment of the Lord. I have long been intrigued by the figure to the right who sustains the arm of the Lord; the arm that clearly shows the wound in his palm. This figure looks out at us as if to say, "See here your Redeemer who gave himself for you." At the top of the relief are the women who went to the tomb to anoint the body of the Lord. Upon their arrival they find an angel sitting on the tomb who inquires as to why they have come, for the Lord is not there.

Lastly, is the Road to Emmaus...

Here we step into the moment when the Lord is about to move on and is invited by one of the disciples to join them. Look at his feet...

The Lord's feet seem to move in opposite directions. We were told that this gesture is a message to the spectator; which way will we go? Will we follow the Lord or will we go our own way. It is a consideration of our discipleship. Another important detail is the satchel that the Lord carries over his shoulder. If you look closely you will see that there is a conch shell on the lapel of the bag. This is the symbol of a pilgrim on the Camino. Christ is often seen as a pilgrim; coming from the Latin translation of the episode on the Road to Emmaus when he is asked if he is a stranger in the land. In Latin the word is peregrinus. We walk in the footsteps of the Savior as we live our life in harmony with truth.