From Brigittine Monks
FUDGE ROYALE

Our Lady of Consolation Priory: Amity, Oregon

The monks of Our Lady of Consolation Priory live according to the ancient Rule of St. Augustine, a guide for religious life written in about the year 400. St. Bridget, who founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior (the "Brigittines" included monks and nuns) in 1370, modified the precepts slightly, having been influenced by Cistercian monks. Our Lady of Consolation Priory's founder, Brother Benedict Kirby (1929-1998), was one of several men in the 20th century to have the dream of restoring the male branch of the Brigittine Order, whose last member had died in 1863. Circumstances didn't allow the others to succeed, but this, the only house of the order, has now survived for well over 30 years.

The monastery is on 44 acres situated 55 miles southwest of Portland. Brigittine Monks Gourmet Confections began in 1982 as a way for the monastery to offset some of its expenses, but the business has grown so steadily each year that the sales of their fudge and truffles have now become the order's sole source of income.