Dover-Sherborn Press

Meat out, veggie in, at Peace Abbey

By Jessica M. Smith/ Correspondent
Thursday, March 30, 2006

SHERBORN - For The Peace Abbey, a center that promotes social justice, vegetarianism is a way of life and meat is never consumed on the premises. Last week, the Abbey celebrated its meat-free lifestyle by welcoming members of the community to the Great American Meatout.

    "The whole idea is to allow people to at least try something different," said Program Coordinator Dot Walsh, who added that she never tries to make people feel guilty for consuming animal products.

    The event that was held to educate people about the health benefits of a diet free of animal products featured a small smorgasbord of vegetarian and vegan delicacies. Most vegetarians eat eggs and dairy, while vegans abstain completely from all animal products.

    The lunch menu included vegetarian barley soup, veggie burgers and "smart" hot dogs with peppers and onions. Members of the Special Peace Corps who regularly visit the Abbey prepared the food in the upstairs kitchen. At the entrance to the kitchen, a sign reads, "May you eat with the awareness that many on earth go hungry."

    Not only does the Abbey offer lunches, it also boasts an entire library of books about the vegetarian lifestyle. "Lots of adults come here wanting to learn more about becoming vegetarian. Not because they themselves have stopped eating meat, but because their children have decided to be vegetarians," said Walsh.

    A main reason that meat is forbidden at the Peace Abbey, according to Walsh, is that its members feel connected to animals.

    Throughout the years, the Abbey has been home to many animals seeking refuge from slaughter, including local legend Emily the Cow, who jumped a fence to escape becoming a hamburger. The Abbey recently added a new member to its family. Willy, a goat, moved in about two weeks ago.