San Miniato Path 3

When I went to the church of San Miniato this time, I focused more on the monastic aspect of it.  So while I took a quick look in the church again, afterwards I stopped in the little shop run by the monks on the side of the church.  After purchasing some lavender, I was able to ask one of the monks some questions about life there.  He told me that they spent a large portion of their day in prayer; they prayed 7 times a day.  When they weren't praying, they take care of the grounds and make the goods they sell to support themselves. The most interesting part was when he told me why he joined the monastery.  I had originally meant why he chose this religious life and all he said was that it called to him.  He elaborated and told me why he chose that particular monastery.  He said it was because the monks here focused more on prayer while other monasteries with Franciscan monks focused more on going out and preaching and he preferred dedicating his time to prayer.