Among the many available lists of core Benedictine values, I find that of Saint Johns Abbey to be one of the most helpful. The ideal of this pattern of conversion is meant to be incarnated in a special way for the community in the abbot, who is expected to be a symbolic center exercising a centripetal force that draws individuals into a truly Christian community of life for God and others in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Benedictines carry on a monastic tradition that stems from the origins of the Christian monastic movement in the late third century. In this article, Benjamin Schfer, who calls himself an intercessory musicianary, blog theologian, and pilgrim on the narrow road of learning to love, writes in depth about ways to foster awareness of God. But the monk's development, like that of all human beings, requires both material resources and the help of other people. The church and her sacramental system are essential to the Christian life of grace. In the 7th and 8th centuries it was often combined with other rules, especially that of St. Columban (d. 615). You can learn more about her in her Living Spiritual Teachers Project profile. The discipline of slowing down to pay attention renews our orientation toward receiving the presence of Christ. This listening is not merely an intellectual or rational activity; it is intuitive, springing from the very core of the monk's being where he is most open to God and most open to the word of life that God speaks. Finding God in All Things. Thus the rule refers frequently to the "divine commandments" and often cites the Bible, particularly the gospel. Patience does not relieve us of our natural feelings of aversion, irritation, and indignation, but it controls and rises above these feelings Our Lord felt the natural impulse to avoid suffering, but He set aside and refused to listen to this feeling: Father not my will but Thine be done.Where does this patience show itself? In Benedictine practice we acknowledge the primacy of God and look for God in the ordinary events of each day. 0000001056 00000 n Benedictine spirituality is practical and profound. Benedictine spirituality helps us to: Focus our eyes on God and His Word Be a people of humility Live and pray in community, rather than being too individualistic Maintain prayerful discipline in our lives 1. An essay by the Sisters of St. Marys Monastery in Rock Island, IL explains that the Benedictine practice of humility is the opposite of humiliation. If a monk's life is not grounded in God, he is tempted to put himself in the place of God. The whole spiritual life of the monk consists in listening to God by "inclining the ear of the heart." Reading the transcript or listening to the podcast is worthwhile. podcast at DiscerningHearts.com from the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory, Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B explains that obedience means, , Fr. Impact. Digital nun, writing for ibenedictines.org tells us, Fr. It is one among many schools that speak to contemporary hearts, yet it is particularly unique in its lasting impact on Western Christianity. Directly translated, Lectio Divina means divine reading. It is a matter of self-respect and purpose which we see clearly in the changing nature of retirement. Ive drawn this list of 22 (+ 1 = 23) Benedictine practices (arranged alphabetically) from Stepping into the Oblate way of life, published by St. Benedicts Monastery in 2017, when Laureen Virnig OSB served as Director of Oblates. The Benedictine practice of service to others is intimately entwined with the reverence for all creation, and another of the great foundations of Benedictine spirituality. The Benedictine practice of hospitality is radical. What makes spiritual direction distinctive is its The concept that we are not above nature but are part of it, stems from the practice of humility, of knowing who we are, how we are, and to whom we belong. Commit to daily, weekly or monthly prayer disciplines. It is not one of the distinguishing characteristics of early monastic life. He does not harbor illusions of grandeur but senses that all of his life is simply gift. The Benedictine practice of mindfulness, like all the Benedictine practices, is lifelong. Francis consulted her, especially when he was discerning between becoming a hermit and being an itinerant preacher. The resulting collection of ten core values - love, prayer, stability, conversatio, obedience, discipline . Benedictine monks have often received freely from their families and educators, from the rich Benedictine tradition, from the abundant life of their own communities, and from the many mercies of God. Cultural Producer. That kind of movement toward moderation is especially important as we live the open and complex questions. In a blog hosted by Holy Wisdom Monastery of Madison, Wisconsin, Lynne Smith, OSB, The website of Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas tells us, Modern monks like to point out that first word in the Rule is to Listen,, This article explains that silence is healthy, Monsignor Charles Pope seems to be saying in the blog post, A Reflection On the Benedictine Vow of Stability, ways for those of us who do not live in a monastery to embrace stability, The Friends of St. Benedict website says The, offers people a plan for living a balanced, simple, and prayerful life., Joan Chittister puts it, Benedictine practices build a spirituality that will enable us to go on beyond disappointment, beyond boredom, beyond criticism, beyond loss., the monks and oblates of Saint Meinrad Archabbley, in this post on Environmental Stewardship on the blog. Silence in Benedictine practice is knit together with listening and with prayer. Furthermore, he avoids anything that would be excessive or beyond the capacity of the average monk. The Rule of Benedict opens with the word "listen" (ausculta ). It is such a personal thing that it can be considered part of one's identity. It is the balanced spirituality that one finds in the Rule of Benedict that has made it attractive to many men and women throughout the ages. To be empowered by anything less than the God of love is to risk evil zeal in the name of vengeance. 0000000556 00000 n In this article, I have merely collected and summarized what other, more experienced Benedictines have taught and published. People are seen as an integrated whole: Body, Mind, and Spirit. Benedict, RULE OF Saint.This work holds the first place among monastic legislative codes, and was by far the most important factor in the organization and spread of monasticism in the West.For its general character and also its illustration of St. Benedict's own life, see the article St. Benedict of Nursia.Here, however, it is treated more in detail, under the following heads: I. to the Rule is a good way to summarize the goal of Benedictine spirituality and prayer. About oblates, the Benedictine order says: "Oblates seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of life. As time went on we decided that we needed a clear focus on the values. The rule is marked by a strong sense of the individual monk's personal worth and dignity. He is called to live in the rhythm of alternating between receiving and giving, accepting the gifts of God and others, while sharing generously jut as others share generously with him. Adrian Burke, OSB writes, Benedict insists in his Rule that we must balance our lives with prayerand work, with readingand recreation, with restand activity. Benedictines attempt to incorporate all of these important aspects into every day. My work with the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (MID) has . He is called to witness in a materialistic world to the dependence of all men and women on God, and to their need and destiny for a happiness that lies beyond material fulfillment. You can read more about the Liturgy of the Hours by clicking here, but the best way to learn about Liturgical prayer is to find a monastery and experience it. St. Benedicts chapter on humility is one of the longest in the, The Benedictine practice of Liturgical prayer is one of Benedictine spiritualitys most visible, unmistakable hallmarks. Its principal source is the Word of God and its model is Christ. Benedictine spirituality is a way of life that helps a person to seek God and his will daily. Benedictine obedience is ultimately directed not to other humans or to ourselves, but through the agency of others and the deepest yearnings of our own hearts, in love, to God. As you read, pay attention to the one or two which resonate most for you today. Im interested in connecting person-to-person with others who share my values, who want to participate with me in building a meaningful network of relationships that will serve to support us on our spiritual journey. It sets up a framework of life, an institution, of which the essential and constitutive elements are firmly determined: life in common under the government of a superior called an abbot, who has the help of a prior and other officials and takes counsel of the whole assembly of monks, even the youngest in the community. ." St. Benedict lived in the 6 th century. The monk's own attitude toward his life then is one of stewardship. Am I growing in my true identity as a son or daughter of God? Closely related to both listening and humility is the virtue of obedience. If he gets the grandeur of God in place, he is apt to get the rest of monastic life in place too. Benedictine spirituality is a way of life that helps a person to seek God and his will daily. It is only in a secondary sense that Benedict himself, speaking through the rule, and the abbot of the community are masters. He did not intend to impose uniformity; he foresaw and intended diversity and reserved to each monastery the possibility of adapting the rule's prescriptions to various circumstances, provided the essential values of monasticism were safeguarded. Fr. It is humility that makes us happy with what we have, willing to have less, kind to all, simple in our bearing, and serene within ourselves. It only takes 2-3 minutes to read her article. 0000000949 00000 n On the constitutional level, Benedict's supreme achievement was to provide a succinct and complete directory for the government and the spiritual and material well-being of a monastery. In monastic life public prayer is only one observance among those which help the monk seek God. One of the primary characteristics of a spiritual person is openness. Through contemplative prayer, the monk becomes an emptiness so there is space for God as well as space for others. Obedience is an act of letting go of the egoistic will. Monsignor Charles Pope seems to be saying in the blog post, A Reflection On the Benedictine Vow of Stability for Community in Mission of the Archdiocese of Washington (DC), that stability of heart is the Benedictine practice our chronically unstable contemporary society most desperately needs. Quick and easy, no. We always can go deeper in prayer, grow more open to the truth, enrich our understanding of the will of God, and learn what, in this moment at this time, is good, acceptable, and right. As Sister Julie explains on the blog A Nuns Life, The Liturgy of the Hours is made up of specific prayers said at various time (hours) during the day and night. Divine omnipotence is a divine operative attribute, an, TAULER, JOHANNES Benedictine Center is affiliated and operated in partnership with St. Pauls Monastery. Getting Started with Ignatian Spirituality Beyond the Basics of Ignatian Spirituality Humility fosters stronger, healthier connections within communities by breaking down the artificial barriers between individuals. . Sister Joan Chittister is an extraordinarily prolific writer and among the most famous living Benedictines. Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. What gives the Rule of Benedict its exceptional quality has commonly been called its "discretion," in the double sense of the word: discernment and moderation. The monk is called to discern how the Benedictine tradition speaks to the basic human condition, often characterized by blindness and greed. Sister Joan Chittister is an extraordinarily prolific writer and among the most famous living Benedictines. He was born on March 2, 480 AD, in Norcia, Italy. Acts 18:18). While there are times allotted for prayer and for work, ultimately there is to be no division between the two. is an herbal liqueur produced in France. It is God who is the primary author of life for Benedict's disciples; hence the monk's obedience is above all to God and God's word which the monk finds mediated into his life through a wide variety of persons and experiencesin the rule, in the abbot, in the community as a whole, in the young and the old, in the sick and in guests, in the liturgy of the hours and in personal prayer, in sacred reading, in work, and in silence. 480 to 547 CE in Italy. Rather, it is a series of embodied practices that forms the monk over the course of a lifetime to make space for the guest. Monastic Spirituality. Poverty of spirit, simplicity, sharing and giving, self-denial prompted by love, freedom of heart, gratitude, care for persons, and sound judgment with regard to created things should proceed from exposure to God in prayer. In an article for HuffPost Sister Joan tells us that a Benedictine lifestyle is an an oasis of human peace in a striving, searing, simmering world. This lifestyle disallows war and violence on any level, including the root causes of violenceambition, greed, waste of resources, class distinctions, and the hubris that leads to the oppression of others, that justifies force as the sign of our superiority. This lifestyle makes ample room for what it valuescommunity, prayer, stewardship, equality, stability, conversion, peace all [which] make for communities of love. Without humility, Sr. Joan explains, there can be no peace. No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else." The Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, Indiana explain the importance of community life in Benedictine practice on their website. This grows our ability to rest in stability. What do I make (or make possible) with the precious energy of my life? Hospitality Of all creatures, the human person is in fact the neediest. Perhaps the most useful definition is that given by Jean gerson: "Theologia m, Omnipotence is derived From the Latin omnis (all) and potens (capable of making or producing). A monk spends his whole life becoming humble. We prefer concepts like freedom and independence. Benedictine simplicity of life is understood properly with the reality of Christ and his mission in mind. 540-604 CE), who praised Benedict for his discretion and moderation. Their prayer discipline is based on the rhythms of the universe. Benedictine reverence for all creation applies to nature and all creatures, to the objects we use and make, and to all peoplepilgrims, the broken and downtrodden, to every single human, including ourselves. It is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others. From the 13th century, Benedictine monasteries have often felt the influence of spiritual movements coming from non-monastic sources. Saint Clare of Assisi (16 July 1194 - 11 August 1253, born Chiara Offreduccio and sometimes spelled Clara, Clair, Claire, Sinclair, etc.) Bndictine D.O.M. Hence the monk must be poor psychologically because he realizes his dependence on others. The Rule revolves around five practices: Prayer, Work, Study, Hospitality and Renewal. What are the characteristics of Benedictine spirituality? Benedictine spirituality is simple and down to earth. It continues today as an institute for Benedictine students and others who wish to obtain graduate degrees in philosophy, theology, liturgy, and monastic studies. What is Benedictine Spirituality? Fr. By listening and seeking stability of life, we strive to discern the new path that Christ is forever calling us to travel. Just because these spiritualities are different does not mean they are contradictory. 0000000820 00000 n (320) 363-7112. mholicky@csbsju.edu. One of the great challenges in the rule is that the monk obey others not only in their strengths but also in their weaknesses, for it is tempting to see others in their weakness as simply burdens rather than as gifts. Paradoxically, the key to a full life, is to understand that all things are to be done with moderation. (Rule of St. Benedict 48:9). People are tired and worn out from striving against unhealthy systems. Stop the madness; listen to the God who loves you. He neither innovated nor broke with tradition. 1) They know that not one-size-fits-all. This Benedictine practice is exceedingly difficult for most of us, for most of our lives. What practise spiritual practices do? In contemporary society, Christian spirituality is generally defined as a set of beliefs, values, and way of life that reflect the teachings of the Bible, the holy book of Christianity. He simply organized a form of cenobitic life in complete conformity with the demands of the monastic vocation, which is but integral Christian life. Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. Benedictine writers often appealed to methods of prayer and asceticism that were foreign to the monastic tradition. 4. Listen here: It embraces a diversity of vocations: lay and clerical, contemplative and active, academic and pastoral, married and celibate. The meaning of stability in our day and time refers to staying rooted where we arein relationship with ourselves and with others, in order to grow in the spiritual life. Benedictines read a portion of the Rule of Benedict every day. Which value speaks to your heart most strongly at this time and why? This springs from a desire to please God, or to seek God, as the Rule puts it (chapter 58). No one thingprayer, work, rest, studywas to be done in the extreme. Benedictine prayer has several characteristics that make more for a spirituality of awareness than of consolation. Prayer is essential to a Benedictine lifestyle. This will not subscribe you to a contact management software program, and you wont get an onslaught of computer-generated emails begging you to buy my books and services. Im interested in connecting person-to-person with others who share my values, who want to participate with me in building a meaningful network of relationships that will serve to support us on our spiritual journey. Instead, holiness of life was to be found through the right balance of these elements in life. Sam has experience in parish ministry and holds a masters degree in theology from Saint Johns University (Collegeville, MN). If you fill out this form, Ill respond from my personal email. Adrian Burke, OSB writes, Benedict insists in his. Mindfulness is a trending word these days yogis, psychologists, educators, physicians, and practically everyone else is talking about the importance of quieting our busy minds in order to become more aware of the present moment. 480 to 547 CE in Italy. Ancient Tradition. Like counselling, therapy and coaching, spiritual direction rests on careful listening to the 'client'. It evokes the name of St. Benedict, who lived in the 6th century, together with all those who have been inspired by the Rule of Benedict and associate themselves with the Benedictine spiritual tradition. The Rule of St. Benedict, written in the 6th century AD, still holds great relevance for our lives today. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we should use them in that order. St. Benedicts chapter on humility is one of the longest in the Rule. One of the primary functions of the various monastic structures is to provide conditions in which the monks can concentrate on learning the art of listening. St. Vincent teaches us to see Christ in the poor and suffering, so much so that the poor become our Lords and Masters and we their servants. Mindfulness is a trending word these days yogis, psychologists, educators, physicians, and practically everyone else is talking about the importance of quieting our busy minds in order to become more aware of the present moment. The Benedictines, officially the Order of Saint Benedict (Latin: Ordo Sancti Benedicti, abbreviated as OSB), are a monastic religious order of the Catholic Church following the Rule of Saint Benedict.They are also sometimes called the Black Monks, in reference to the colour of their religious habits.They were founded by Benedict of Nursia, a 6th-century monk who laid the foundations of . 0000001554 00000 n On the blog Catholic Beer Club, Br. In the East it dates back to the 3rd century with St. Anthony, and in the West to the 4th century with St. Martin and other founders of monasteries. Awareness of God In Benedictine practice we acknowledge the primacy of God and look for God in the ordinary events of each day. This little rule for beginners serves to develop a spirituality made up of practices, which Benedictines incorporate into their relationship with God and their interactions with the people with whom they live and work. The Benedictines, strictly speaking, do not constitute a single religious . defines the leader of a Benedictine community is not being head of an institution but being in relationship with all the members. However, it may involve the following characteristics: Antiquity of 3,000 and 1,500 years. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. Near the end of his life in 547 AD, Benedict of Nursia wrote a a guide to living, in the company of other humans, the kind of good days that add up to a good life. Stewardship of resources, as a Benedictine practice, flows out of the commitment to stability, explain the monks and oblates of Saint Meinrad Archabbley, in this post on Environmental Stewardship on the blog Echoes from the Bell Tower. We stumble through being in right relationship. How are you being called to participate in Gods work of reconciliation, healing, and in shaping structures that support values like these. It can be described as a state of mind that provides their values and influences how they live their lives and exercise their judgment in such things as deciding between right and wrong. Clear focus on the rhythms of the longest in the Rule refers frequently to the one or which. Or beyond the capacity of the longest in the ordinary events of each day, Fr deeper,. Prayer has several characteristics that make more for a spirituality of awareness than of.. Illusions of grandeur but senses that all things are to be found through the right balance of these important into. 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