It's Fall Festival time at Valyermo and I have not managed to go for the past few years. So this year I invited a Max Martini Board friend, since she lives in Victorville and we made plans to meet in the middle, at the Fall Festival. The Benedictine Monks at St. Andrew's Abbey have a festival each year, to raise funds for their home. Lots of food, crafts and booths to look at. My favorite booth at the fair is the hand made ceramics that the monks make on the property. Beautifully designed by Father Maur of Belgium, he comes to the Abbey each year to design new Saints and angels. The angels are shown doing different tasks or work occupations. I own many of them, including Blessed Serra, Blessed Kateri and Jesus on the cross. Each is unique and Father Maur graciously signs them all at his booth. It is always a highlight for me.
They have a beautiful lake on the property and a Chinese garden adjacent to it, that is serene and a wonderful place to stop and reflect. There are even Stations of the Cross around the lake, for any who care to do some solitary praying.
My husband turned me on to this place, many years ago, so you don't have to be Catholic to enjoy the experience.
Being one though doesn't hurt at all. :-)
If you think this is something you would like to do and you live in the Los Angeles area, figure on spending at least 2 hours at the Abbey.
It is worth the drive.
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Photo Credit
An oil painting of the chapel at St. Andrew's Abbey. I painted this version, from a postcard painted by Father Werner. He is one of the monks at the Abbey.
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