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More than a Real Estate Deal

Culture
United States
Started March 22, 2026

More than a Real Estate Deal In summer, wildflowers broke out along the stony ridges of the mountains, and for most of winter the valley would be hushed with snow the color of cotton paper. The Trappist monks of St. Benedict’s Monastery were lovers and stewards of the place and called it their “sacred valley.” They came from Brooklyn or Boston, had once served in the Air Force or as missionaries abroad. One brother had fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and when he died, I helped carry his bo...

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More than a Real Estate Deal

Commonweal (United States) | Mar 21, 2026

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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 22, 2026
The preservation of St. Benedict’s Monastery is essential to maintain the spiritual and historical significance of the sacred valley.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 22, 2026
While the monastery has historical significance, the evolving needs of the community must also be considered in any real estate decisions.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 22, 2026
The Trappist monks’ commitment to stewardship demonstrates the importance of protecting natural landscapes against commercial exploitation.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 22, 2026
Real estate transactions can often lead to cultural erasure; we must critically assess what we lose when prioritizing development over preservation.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 22, 2026
The development of the land surrounding St. Benedict’s Monastery could provide economic benefits that outweigh the monastery's historical value.
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