Chapter House
The Chapter House holds a precious place in the hearts of the monks, nestled in the center of the monastery. A monastery Chapter House serves a multiplicity of functions. It derives its name from the monastery’s chapter, the group of senior monks that govern the monastery and meet in the Chapter House to discuss important matters.
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However the Chapter House is much more than a glorified conference room. It is the site where the most important events in a monk’s life take place, such as his clothing in the holy habit of Carmel and where he vows his life to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary in obedience, chastity, and poverty.
In the Carmelite liturgy there is a special office honoring the Mother of God at the end of Compline every Saturday night and on the vigil of each Marian feast. This is known as the Station to the Blessed Virgin. As the monks finish Compline, they process with lighted candles, chanting the litany of Our Lady, to the Chapter House. There they chant the solemn Salve Regina and Flos Carmeli, ancient hymns honoring the Mother of God.