Georgia's Trappists

(2 of 2)

Abbot Dunne, who ranks as a Bishop, wears an episcopal ring, was born in Ohio (1874), went to school in Atlanta. He was the second native-born American, to enter Gethsemani, had to learn French to understand the rest of the monks.

When lean, ruddy, affable Abbot Dunne became abbot in 1935 there were 72 brethren at Gethsemani; today there are 151. Trappists in the U.S. total 275. Most men who enter are quite young (15 to 20). The Order does not normally draw professional men, but Superior Mary James Fox (Harvard '18, cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), who entered the Order 17 years ago, worked for the U.S. Treasury, after Naval service during World War I. "I was all ready to become a millionaire," he says, "when I felt a force turning me the other way."

Abbot Dunne has 18 applications from men now in service who want to try their vocations as Trappists after the war.

* At their profession all Trappists take the name of Mary. The Order has a special devotion to the Virgin.

1. Obama's Private Prayer 'Leaked'
2. How to Survive Plane Decompression
3. Obama: How to Look Presidential
4. Randy Pausch — Life Teacher
5. Baghdad Outraged by Olympic Ban
6. Beers With More Alcohol Catch On
7. Obama Gets Love from Sarkozy
8. Israel's Debate Over an Iran Strike
9. Why is the IOC Punishing Iraq?
10. Would You Drive 55?