Members and friends of the Priory of St. Benedict are bridging the gap both literally and figuratively as they worked Saturday to construct a bridge across a nearby creek.

The meandering waterway separates the Priory's main house and chapel from most of its 32-acre spread. Once the structure is in place, Prior Michael-John hopes to develop a trail system allowing those who visit a place to walk and meditate.

Future plans also call for constructing the Stations of the Cross, a catholic devotion which commemorates the Passion and death of Jesus Christ.

Such settings provide a counter-cultural experience. People are able to reflect in a tranquil setting the important questions of life and spirit.

Founded in 1992 in Chicago, The Companions of St. Luke ~ Benedictine moved to Donnellson in 2000.Thinking outside the walls of a typical monastic society, a majority of its members live out of state as far west as Arizona and as far east as Florida.

"Benedictine life dates back 1,500 years," explains Michael John. "It was comprised of cloistered, single, celibate individuals both male and female.

"During Medieval times, monasteries were the centers of education and enlightenment as well as defenders of the faith.

"They acted as a bridging mechanism and offered stability to a collapsing society," says Michael John.

"Many of the great cathedrals, abbeys, monasteries and universities of England and Europe where built at the height of monasticism.

Seen as the only way to separate England from Rome, Henry VIII chose to rid the country of monastic life by shutting down those monasteries, abbeys and cathedrals run by monastics.

Through the centuries monastics have taken the early model of St. Benedict and modified it to meet historical and cultural needs.

The Companions of St. Luke are no different. When forming the order Michael John wanted to open the doors to other possibilities.

Many of the people living in the community are married and live in various places around the United States.

"In contemporary society, Religious life has shed the powerhouse image and acts more like a bridge bringing communities together," says Michael John. Saturday's bridge building brought together people from all over southeast Iowa as well as people of different faiths. Towns represented were Ainsworth, Mount Pleasant, and Burlington. Those who participated represented the Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist and Mormon churches.

"(Monasteries) have become centers of spirituality where people of all faiths can come together to reflect on God," explains Michael John. Outside of its natural beauty, the Priory is a unique place where one can find neutral ground to pray and express their relationship with God.

"Our doors are always open for prayer and for people to come on retreat," invites Michael John.

Next Sunday will find the Episcopal churches of St. John's, Keokuk, St. Luke's, Ft. Madison and St. Michael's, Mount Pleasant, converging on the Priory for a tri-church celebration of Holy Eucharist followed by a picnic. Anyone who would like to attend the service is welcome.