Carmelite monks in Wyoming use innovative technology to build Gothic monastery

 

CV NEWS FEED // Carmelite monks nestled in the picturesque mountains of Wyoming are using cutting-edge computer numerical control (CNC) machines to construct a Gothic monastery that honors ancient and traditional architectural styles.

According to Cowboy State Daily, the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming are currently nearing completion of their monastery. Only the chapel remains. This architectural centerpiece has been saved for last as the monks sought to perfect their self-taught stone-carving skills before starting the “crown jewel” of the project.

Initially, the cost of building a Gothic-style monastery seemed insurmountable, with estimates reaching up to $80 million. Despite the sum, the monks were undeterred. They turned to innovative solutions to make the project financially feasible for their income supported solely by sales of their Mystic Monk brand of roasted coffee.  

 

 

“We’re like, ‘Well, there must be another way,’” Brother Isidore Mary told Cowboy State Daily. “And when we were looking at the quotes, the biggest line item was always the stonework. So we said to ourselves, ‘Well, carving the stone can’t be that difficult. Why don’t we just learn to carve the stone ourselves?’”

The Carmelite order traces its origins back to Mount Carmel in Israel, where hermits sought solitude and prayer in the spirit of the prophet Elijah. The order was formally recognized by Pope Innocent IV in 1247. 

The Wyoming monks, who established their presence in the state in 2003, chose the rugged terrain for its natural beauty.  

 

 

“We came out here to pray because we all know this is God’s country in Wyoming,” Brother Isidore said. “Just being out here in this wilderness, in these mountains, it just lifts the soul to God. And we wanted to find a place where it was conducive to that prayer.”

According to Brother Isidore, many people thought the monks were “crazy” for attempting a task so ambitious as becoming self-taught stoneworkers, managing massive blocks of stone that can weigh up to 25,000 pounds.

“There’s some good reason for that — it definitely sounds crazy,” he said. “But miracles do happen, and our whole history is just full of them.” 

 

 

Utilizing CNC technology, the monks have transformed the massive blocks of stone into ornate architectural features, from intricate moldings to detailed carvings of angels and gargoyles. The process involves cutting large blocks into manageable sizes and then shaping them with diamond-coated tools.

Brother Isidore explained that many of the monks have used their experience in other fields to tackle the “steep learning curve” of cultivating their stoneworking skills. 

One of the monks is a self-taught sculptor who uses modeling programs to design various pieces, including angels and flowers. Other monks have experience with heavy equipment like cranes and forklifts from their ranch work, which allows them to manage tasks like digging and excavating large rocks, ultimately saving costs.    

 

 

Brother Isidore also noted his own mechanical aptitude from working with coffee roasting equipment that, though simpler than CNC machines, also involves basic automation. When challenges with the stone-cutting machines arose, he was reassigned to the CNC project to apply his skills.

The completion date for the chapel remains uncertain, but it could be as soon as 2030, the monks said.   

 

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