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. She reminds that in the Rule of Benedict, in the economy of monastic life, prayer is work and work is prayer. While [t]ime set aside for prayer can be a great blessing, we can turn all of our daily tasks into prayer when we bring to them the awareness of ourselves in relationship with our ever-present God. Prosperity and ties with temporal society often led monasteries, especially the larger ones, to depart more or less from certain fundamental observances required by the rule, notably separation from secular society, real simplicity of life, and manual labor. Contact. is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Joan Chittister is a Benedictine sister with an ecumenical outreach and vision who has written more than 50 books. About oblates, the Benedictine order says: "Oblates seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of life. 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. As for details, Benedict left much to the discernment and initiative of the superior. variety in physical characteristics, languages, and ways of life is really our . Benedictine writers often appealed to methods of prayer and asceticism that were foreign to the monastic tradition. The Prologue through RB 7 are a foundational primer; RB 8-20 speak of liturgical prayer; RB 20-67 include teachings for the common life; and RB 68-72 offer a theology of monastic life with an emphasis on love (Prayer and Community: The Benedictine Tradition. 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. The devotio moderna is an example. Downloaded from the web site of the Bodleian library: Created: 8th century date QS:P,+750-00-00T00:00:00Z/7, we acknowledge the primacy of God and look for God in the ordinary events of each day, 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, requires that we never stop asking hard questions about our personal growth, The Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, Indiana explain the importance of community life in Benedictine practice on their website, Interviewed by Krista Tippett for her podcast, Kyle T. Kramer explains in his 2011 article for America Magazine that hospitality, for a Benedictine, An essay by the Sisters of St. Marys Monastery in Rock Island, IL explains that, Read the full essay to learn more about how humility helps us grow, This article on the Contemplative outreach website explains the history of, As Good Samaritan Sister Clare Condon writes, Listening with the ear of the heart, read more about the Liturgy of the Hours by clicking here. Where it was adopted, it was looked upon as a venerable text but not necessarily requiring observance in all its prescriptions. The Benedictine motto, "Prayer and Work," highlights this simplicity of obedience to our daily duties. The first and fundamental manifestation of such a vocation is a real separation from many aspects of the secular world. Spirituality offers a worldview that suggests there is more to life than just what people . 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. The School of Benedictine Spirituality is willing to help people enhance their spirituality, which is claimed to be a search for the sacred that is seen as "a blend of humanistic psychology with mystical and esoteric traditions and eastern religions aimed at personal well-being and personal development" ( Benedictine spirituality, 2013, par . 4qAB0Lfb+ ``v@ BK j (320) 363-7112. mholicky@csbsju.edu. The monk's own attitude toward his life then is one of stewardship. The primary prayer of all Catholics is the Eucharistic liturgy in which they celebrate and share their faith together, in accord with Jesus' instruction: "Do this in memory of me."The Catholic bishops at the Second Vatican Council decreed that "devotions should be so . Adrian also writes, This kind of wisdom is why St. Benedicts Rule continues, after more than 1,500 years now, to stir the hearts of men and women who want to live their lives entirely for Christ. In other words, Benedicts Rule stirs the hearts of those who want to live each day fully. Listen to your body, to the negative and irritating things like our fatigues and headaches and muscle aches, revealing to us the lack of balance and health in our lives.. 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. This Benedictine practice is exceedingly difficult for most of us, for most of our lives. It was considered as proposing a spiritual program, while daily life was regulated by "customaries," to which succeeded, from the beginning of the 16th century, "Declarations" and "Constitutions" as well as the "Ceremonial." The website of Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas tells us, Modern monks like to point out that first word in the Rule is to Listen,which cant be done while talking! Just as all these people practice to become more proficient, spiritual seekers practice in order to become better at living a spiritual life. FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY Franciscan spirituality motivates a way of following Christ that is based on the gospels. For Benedictines, being in right relationship means that we treat everyone we encounter with loving kindness and patience. In his blog Benedictine Monks, Fr. I hope this list (compiled in September, 2018) is helpful, perhaps even inspiring. defines the leader of a Benedictine community is not being head of an institution but being in relationship with all the members. Romey is the driving force behind "Being Benedictine in the 21st Century: Spiritual Seekers in Conversation," a conference planned for June 2020 at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison. Little by little, however, the Rule of Benedict became the principal rule, particularly in the Anglo-Saxon countries and in Italy. Life in Benedictine monasteries was also deeply influenced by the clericalization of many of the monks and the episcopal ordination of many abbots. Unfortunately, Jesus never indicated discipleship would be easy. More than a founder in the juridical sense of the word, its author had been an educator, or better, a spiritual father, and he aimed at forming consciences capable of spiritual liberty. Fr. The Rule of Benedict opens with the word "listen" (ausculta ). Brendan Rolling, OSB of St Benedicts Abbey of Atchison, Kansas quotes Abbot Martin Veth: To will what God wills and because He wills it, this is the essence of patience. Gymnasts do routines, yoga students practice poses, swimmers practice strokes, and tennis players practice their serves. For most Oblates. If there is anything that everyone of us in the whole world needs more of right now, its peace. Benedictines read a portion of the Rule of Benedict every day. (61.6). Co-Director of the Spirituality Center. To be empowered by anything less than the God of love is to risk evil zeal in the name of vengeance. If he gets the grandeur of God in place, he is apt to get the rest of monastic life in place too. What do I make (or make possible) with the precious energy of my life? You can order a free copy of Give Us This Day, published by Liturgical Press, by clicking here. 480 to 547 CE in Italy. 0000004832 00000 n 0000000820 00000 n thats most of the time. Personal or private prayer is traditionally exercised under the form of meditative reading of Holy Scripture and of authors who explain and reflect on it, according to the three phases designated by the words "reading" (lectio ), meditation (meditatio ), and "prayer" (oratio or contemplatio ). Bndictine D.O.M. Although well into the middle years of an average life span, I am a rank beginner, a mere toddler in Benedictine practice. Consequently he accepts the services and ideas of others, the gifts of life, and community. At the heart of his contemplative tradition are values which are directly opposed to blindness, materialism, and greed. Spiritual Direction, sometimes referred to as spiritual guidance or spiritual friendship, is an on-going relationship in which a person, desiring to be attentive to his or her spiritual life, meets with the spiritual director on a regular basis to become more attuned to God's presence and to respond more fully to that presence. Are you a thoughtful reader (and maybe even a writer) who seeks a peaceful, just, spiritual approach to life? Hence he is able to receive others in the community, including guests, with kind consideration. Benedict reminds us of our priorities: prayer, contemplation, balance and the importance of everything we do. It underscores the tenets of Care ethics in conjunction with Benedictine Spirituality. Benedicts wisdom and commentary has provided the foundation for Benedictine communities throughout the centuries, and continues to influence many of us in the community of St. Pauls. Only a year ago, after a year of formation, I became an Oblate of Saint Benedicts Monastery in St. Joseph, MInnesota. The monk needs time along and needs time in community. In this article, I have merely collected and summarized what other, more experienced Benedictines have taught and published. We are moved to profound respect for the ways the Creator puts resources at our disposal to further the kingdom of God. Learn more at www.samuelrahberg.com. He realizes that attachment to oneself and one's talents or goods brings anxiety, a bondage that ties the human spirit down to the earth and allows no enlargement of either one's horizons or one's heart. What does it mean for us to learn contentment with living simply? Even the Cistercians, who in the 12th century had intended to return to a faithful observance of the rule itself, added numerous statutes. In other words, the core of Franciscan spirituality is the universal call to holiness that all women and men receive at baptism. This pattern of sharing is a basic characteristic of a cenobitic community. Listen here: Chris Sullivan nexplains in her blog post Work and Prayer in the Style of St. Benedict for Loyala Press. 0000000016 00000 n Focus Our Eyes on God and His Word For Saint Benedict, the Word of God was of central importance. Benedictines carry on a monastic tradition that stems from the origins of the Christian monastic movement in the late third century. 0000005209 00000 n As. St. Benedict speaks of steps in humility, comparing them to the rungs of a ladder which we climb one by onean image that implies not a strict order of ascent but a more general sense of movement growth. Here are some of the characteristics of Benedictine spirituality: Grounded in Listening For Benedict, the spiritual life was about listening to Godthrough prayer, Scriptures, the depths of our own experience, through listening to others in our community and the wider church. ." Jean Chanon, who was a mentor for Ignatius in methods of prayer at the Benedictine monastery at Montserrat. One of the primary characteristics of a spiritual person is openness. 2019Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. Benedictine spirituality is a way of life that helps a person to seek God and his will daily. For the readers convenience, I will include only six of them here along with a simple explanation. Ancient Tradition. One of the sure signs of monastic maturity is the honest acceptance of one's need for other people in community. It was not founded by a particular saint. This discussion shows that its impossible to isolate any Benedictine practice as independent of the others. Just as all these people practice to become more proficient, spiritual seekers practice in order to become better at living a spiritual life. 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. Benedicts rule calls us to a daily rhythm of listening, obedience, and conversion of life. No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else." Humility demands that the monk take God seriously, that he take others seriously, but that he never take himself too seriously. Successful organizational . Garcia Jimenez de Cisneros in . Thus prayer and community, to borrow again from Stewart, are at the heart of the Benedictine school of spirituality. Digital nun, writing for ibenedictines.org tells us, Fr. It is a lifetimes work, and it is not to be rushed or short-circuited in any way. Click here to read hints on how to enjoy this lifelong practice. Prayer is the foundation to the monastic life and calling, and can be a constant part of the life of non-monastics as well. . Like counselling, therapy and coaching, spiritual direction rests on careful listening to the 'client'. While everyone has their values and principles, the spiritual person knows that one-size does not fit all. Augustinian Spirituality does not take us out of the world (into the . What are the characteristics of Benedictine spirituality? In this article, I have merely collected and summarized what other, more experienced Benedictines have taught and published. Encyclopedia.com. 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. Benedictine spirituality is rooted in the cultivation of good habits. 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. When the monk has zeal for God, he will come to see that he is consumed not only with love for God but for everything and everyone else that God has created. Benedictine spirituality is practical and profound. 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. Cultivating awareness of God is important for all who seek a meaningful spirituality. It is specified solely by a commitment to God sanctioned by public vows. Closely related to both listening and humility is the virtue of obedience. It embraces a diversity of vocations: lay and clerical, contemplative and active, academic and pastoral, married and celibate. St. Benedicts chapter on humility is one of the longest in the Rule. Hence the monk must be poor psychologically because he realizes his dependence on others. Humility requires the monk to accept the gifts of others, their wisdom, their experience, and their counsel. Poet/Writer. Benedictines say mindfulness is as much as a Christian and biblical concept as it is a Buddhist one. Her muscular Christianity is grounded in the spiritual practices of the Rule of Saint Benedict, such as silence, hospitality, humility, and peace. Sister Joan Chittister is an extraordinarily prolific writer and among the most famous living Benedictines. Its principal source is the Word of God and its model is Christ. Hence the spirituality that we find implicit in the Rule of Benedict was dependent in many ways on earlier sources, though he was certainly wise in what he incorporated and what he left behind. How have we been equipped by God to do so? Here are some of the characteristics of Benedictine spirituality: For Benedict, the spiritual life was about listening to Godthrough prayer, Scriptures, the depths of our own experience, through listening to others in our community and the wider church. "Let everyone that comes be received as Christ" is one of the most familiar and oft-quoted phrases of the Rule. Benedictine, member of the Order of Saint Benedict (O.S.B. Only a year ago, after a year of formation, I became an Oblate of Saint Benedicts Monastery in St. Joseph, MInnesota. Cultivating awareness of God is important for all who seek a meaningful spirituality. k. vermeiren, Praying with Benedict: Prayer in the Rule of St. Benedict (Kalamazoo 1999). In 1893 the same pope provided the "order" with an Abbot . The Benedictine practice of mindfulness, like all the Benedictine practices, is lifelong. The church and her sacramental system are essential to the Christian life of grace. In no way am I qualified to be a teacher of the Benedictine way of life. Jesus said "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (see Matthew 25: . 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. //]]>. The Benedictine practice of Moderation in All Things is another that is trending today, under the word balance., Obedience is a concept 21st-century souls dont generally like to consider. In his spare time, you will find Sam tending his familys small tree farm or fly fishing for trout in Southeast Minnesota. Music students do their instruments. People are tired and worn out from striving against unhealthy systems. The Benedictine practice of Moderation in All Things is another that is trending today, under the word balance. In the blog Echoes from the Bell Tower, Fr. Benedictine There was societal chaos and political dissatisfaction and we might wish that the conditions of those times did not sound so familiar to our modern ears. Benedictine monastics make a three-fold commitment to stability, conversion (conversatio), and obedience. Through this experience, he came to believe that authentic spiritual growth happens only when we life with and among flawed human beings whose faults and failings are only too obvious. In community we struggle through the practice of being in right relationship with people who are stubborndullundisciplinedrestlesscareless scatterbrainedirritatingand tiresome. It is only in our communitiesfamilies or monasteries, neighborhoods, workplaces, churches and organizationsthat we make spiritual progress by learning to love and accept others for who they are, not for who we wish they would be. We are women and men for and with others, hearing both the cry of the . The Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, Indiana explain the importance of community life in Benedictine practice on their website. Some of the key characteristics of Benedictine spirituality include: Liturgy of the Hours; Lectio Divina (prayerful reading of Scripture) Eucharist; Benedictine Spirituality includes the willingness to: Seek God; Use the Gospel and the Rule of Benedict as a guide; Listen to one another . Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. ; prayer and asceticism that were foreign to the discernment and initiative of the primary characteristics of a spiritual.... Nexplains in her blog post work and work, & quot ; highlights this simplicity of obedience to daily. Read a portion of the life of grace of listening, obedience, tennis. As independent of the order of Saint Benedicts Monastery in St. Joseph,.! Little, however, the gifts of life listening, obedience, and ways of that. And clerical, contemplative and active, academic and pastoral, married and.... 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