MONKSWEETS

“When they live by the labor of their hands, as our fathers and the apostles did, then they are really monks.”

- Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 48

Several boxes of assorted chocolates and cookies from Saint Joseph Abbey, including Bliss With A Twist, Peanut Bliss, Angelicus, Sancta Maria, and Clostered Peanuts, some in clear plastic bags.

MonkSweets Has Introduced 8 Products Since 2019; Candies Available in Gift Shop

Monasteries and convents have a tradition of making food and drinks and selling them directly to the public. It is part of the monastic way of life to help the religious communities be more self-sufficient.

Br. Leo Franca, O.S.B., started MonkSweets in 2019. He said, “The MonkSweets cottage industry of Saint Joseph Abbey began in March 2019 as a little fun challenge. If other monasteries can sell great products like hot sauce, fruit jellies, cakes, pastries, and liqueurs, among other things, we can, too! So we decided to embark on the adventure of producing different kinds of candies to help generate some income for the Abbey and offer the public a variety of options for their sweet tooth.”

Volunteers help make and package the sweets.

PRODUCTS

While Br. Leo is constantly thinking of new “sweet” ideas to try, there are currently eight products sold at various times of the year at the Saint Joseph Abbey Gift Shop. They are: