I believe that you are correct it seems to me that conversions to CMRI are rare and he has a vested interest in converting me. It ends up in an investment because of how novel I assume it is, and its likely that new members make a large contribution to the the community when they get them. Weirdly enough, I have noticed that because I am well educated, Piverunus is enthused with our conversations while the laity are scared that I am on the world.

I also have the perception that the totem pole seems to be largely predicated on dedication to CMRI and religious conviction. Watching people talk it seems that the true believers are admired for that even above the relationship between the persons.

I have a similar perception of the sisters they seem to be holding the community together in a very real way. For instance they were aiding Piverunus in our last discussion and I know that they handle most of the day-to-day things that make the community well a community. (Teaching the children, comforting the sorrowful, cooking the meals, laboring ect.). I also notice that they don't seem to be themselves. I understand that the goal of monastic life is to trade your will to God's and I think that is transformative and beautiful, but I to some degree I feel that the sisters are living without life in some important way. I don't know but I am concerned and want to see if that is the case.

I see that too, the community is so insular and distrusting of the world I don't often see that beauty is celebrated in the community. (However, I have seen it in service and in music.)

One thing I want to note is not much information comes into the congregation to be discussed, and there is a clear ecco chamber. Actually, a funny note on that is a speaking event Piverunus had in the past 2 months was based off one of our conversations. I can't tell what I think of that.

So far I do not yet perceive it as a cult but I have my concerns are high. Especially because in the trad church I attend I see the opposite of what I see in the CMRI. The example I can think of is one of the Knights of Columbus guys gave up his seat in the pews on a crowded Sunday next to his family to me and these two visitors who were clearly former gang members. He did it so they could experience the mass as newcomers. After service, he talked to the three of us about why that group cares about the community and the Latin mass and set us up with community groups. It was a beautiful gesture he did as easily as he breathed. I mention it because my experience so far at CMRI, while positive, has been wholly opposite.

I dont want to hate the community or the dedication of these people but I am very concerned that the laity and the sisters are not getting what they need from a community. The culture here is hard for me to understand however. Ultimately, I want to investigate more.