Note: This letter was written on St. John’s Abbey letterhead:
“I live in a cell also, only it is a cell in a monastery. I am a Benedictine monk from Minnesota.”
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Added February 25, 2010
More information regarding the monk and prisoner will be available soon.
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Excerpts below are from a letter written by a monk at St. John’s to a prisoner he found on a prison pen pals web site:
“I would love to take a walk on the wild side and hear from you! Is that really your picture… wow! Can’t imagine that I would regret writing to you at all. I like free spirited people, and open-minded people. Wonderful picture, you do look quite striking really. Ok, you’re quite handsome. So what are your innermost desires and secrets? Your expectations of a relationship like this? Be assured that your secrets would also be safe with me.”
“Now, who am I? I have been writing to a gay prisoner for about four years and someone put me onto this prison pen pals web site and decided to write to you. You probably get lots of letters so I will tell you about myself and let you decide if it pricks your interests at all.”
“I live in a cell also, only it is a cell in a monastery. I am a Benedictine monk from Minnesota.”
“I greatly appreciate photography, play raquetball with some of the college students on campus, like biking, swimming, tennis, hiking, I like to give massage and get massage…who doesn’t? I like going to movies and fun stuff like that. I’ve been through some tough stuff and some mistakes in my life and want you to know that there is not one ounce of judgement in my body. Rather I’m into unconditional acceptance and for that reason I decided to do something wild for me…start writing to you.”
“Why you? Well, yes I like what I see but I also believe that I have a lot to learn from you. From your experiences in prison, before and perhaps after as well, I want to understand what your time in solitude has meant for you. I value long term friends and I like having friends out side the monastery. I have gay friends in Minneapolis and beyond. ”
“Yes, I am gay myself and I hope that doesn’t bother you. Can’t imagine it would. I struggle with sexuality and was wondering how you deal with your sexual desires where you are now. You can ask me anything you like and I look forward to an open and interesting relationship over the years. I wanted to be as honest with you possible and if you decide not to write to me, I will honor that as well. If you decide to write to me I will send a photo next time. I hope to hear from you.”
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