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Influencers Find Peace in Catholic Priory's Silence
28 Jun
Summary
- Three influencers swapped lifestyles for seven days with friars.
- The social experiment took place at a Carmelite Priory in Oxfordshire.
- Friars noted transformative changes in the young men's perspectives.
A reality TV program has offered a glimpse into a life of contemplation as three young influencers experienced monastic living. For one week, fashion influencer Luke, barber Max, and personal trainer Alan swapped their usual lifestyles for the serene environment of the Carmelite Priory in Oxfordshire. This social experiment, part of the Channel 5 series "Trading Places," allowed the men to engage with the friars' devotion to simplicity and service.
Friars at the priory, which has hosted a community since 1958, described the experience as transformative for everyone involved. Father Liam Finnerty noted that the young men moved from a "frenetic kind of lifestyle" towards discovering themselves in silence. The spiritual practice of extensive silence, a core element of the friars' daily routine, was a significant adjustment for the guests.
Beyond the influence on the young men, the friars also found the encounter enriching. Father Alexander Ezechukwu stated that offering hospitality and friendship, central to their Carmelite identity, had a profound impact. He suggested that encountering different ways of life fosters personal change and a greater appreciation for one's own experiences.
