During summertime, people will often point to me and say, “That habit must be really hot!” It’s true that black fabric absorbs sunlight and heats up rather quickly. For this reason, many monasteries in Africa and Asia wear white. But the tunic and scapular are relatively loose-fitting and do well when there’s a breeze. We experimented with a lighter-weight fabric years ago, for use during the summer months, but it wore out a bit too quickly.
Monks are meant to be companions of Christ, Who was poor and homeless. I’ve always felt it a bit unbecoming for monks to aim for physical comfort in the monastery. Saint Benedict warns monks not to complain about whether the material for their habits is too coarse (though he does insist that the abbot should make sure that they fit right!). In general, he wants them to accept what is given by the tradition through the community. A bit of discomfort offers me a small opportunity to make a sacrifice for Christ and His Church, and to experience a bit of alignment with those who live in real poverty.
Most places in the monastery are not air-conditioned for the same reason. There’s a general preference in the community for simply accepting the hot weather as part of what nature offers. It makes our food grow, the way God designed. In Chicago, it will be cold soon enough! And we will wear the same habit in December.