6 characteristics of benedictine spirituality

As you read, pay attention to the one or two which resonate most for you today. Just as all these people practice to become more proficient, spiritual seekers practice in order to become better at living a spiritual life. God speaks to the monk through Christ, but the monk is called to see Christ not only in the superior but also in the guests, in the sick, in the young, and in the old. This is not simply a change in my opinion or even in my ideological stance, but a much deeper change in my attitude, a real change in my way of being and doing. Listening is integral to the practice of conversatio, indeed to all the practices, which, as Laureen Virnig OSB teaches to Oblates in formation, are inseparable woven together to make of our spirituality a living tapestry. backgrounds including non-Catholic ones find deep spirituality in the Divine Office and the other Benedictine practices in the Rule such as the emphasis on work and lectio divina (slow prayerful reading), is difficult to state briefly. It is regular, converting, reflective, and communal. Lets make ours a truly humana listening and reverentconnection. It was not founded by a particular saint. Lets make ours a truly humana listening and reverentconnection. 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. Humility is the ability to recognize one's rightful place in the universe and to see oneself as a mysterious combination of strengths and weaknesses. Listen here: Its principal source is the Word of God and its model is Christ. 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! It underscores the tenets of Care ethics in conjunction with Benedictine Spirituality. Hence he is able to receive others in the community, including guests, with kind consideration. 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 . 1. What are the characteristics of Benedictine spirituality? Benedictine spirituality took shape long before the split between Eastern and Western branches of the church in the 11 th century and the further divisions that resulted from the Reformation in the 16 th century. They regard Saint Benedict as their founder and guide even though he did not establish a Benedictine Order as such. Benedict's community might well be called a formation community in which all, including the abbot and other superiors in the community, are in the process of being formed all of their lives into the likeness of Christ by attentive listening to the word of God, and a loving response to that word mediated into the life of the community by Christ's own offer of friendship through the communication of the Holy Spirit. 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. RB 73, the final chapter, is more or less a bibliography for all that precedes it. Benedictine spirituality is a fresh alternative in an increasingly fast-paced world. Spirituality offers a worldview that suggests there is more to life than just what people . Life in Benedictine monasteries was also deeply influenced by the clericalization of many of the monks and the episcopal ordination of many abbots. Benedictines carry on a monastic tradition that stems from the origins of the Christian monastic movement in the late third century. ." 0000002422 00000 n The second characteristic of the monastic vocation is that it demands a life of which a privileged part is given to prayer. Recommended titles: Michael Casey, A Guide to Living in the Truth, 2001; Anselm Grn, Benedict of Nursia: His Message for Today, 2006. Benedict was born in Nursia, Italy in 480 and died in 543. Be willing to wait. Practice is how people develop the skills to become adept at anything. He entered the Dominican novitiate c. 1315 in his na, Benedictine College: Narrative Description. If you fill out this form, Ill respond from my personal email. Be faithful in demonstration of family and community commitments, for example, by calling parents every week at the same time, checking in regularly on neighbors, affirming and listening to coworkers. 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. It includes reading, reflecting, responding to and resting in the Word of God not in a scholarly way, not to make a sermon to preach to others, but simply to nourish and deepen our own relationship with the Divine. Teaching Artist. Focus Our Eyes on God and His Word For Saint Benedict, the Word of God was of central importance. 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). Poet/Writer. Saint Clare of Assisi (16 July 1194 - 11 August 1253, born Chiara Offreduccio and sometimes spelled Clara, Clair, Claire, Sinclair, etc.) You can order a free copy of Give Us This Day, published by Liturgical Press, by clicking here. In 2007, Benedictine educators collaborated and distilled from The Rule of St. Benedict ten core values of transformative importance that ought to animate Benedictine institutions of learning. Many Oblates rely on Give Us This Day, a monthly prayer book with simplified daily prayer for morning and evening, to help us participate in the Divine Office when we are away from the monastery. Only a year ago, after a year of formation, I became an Oblate of Saint Benedicts Monastery in St. Joseph, MInnesota. 3 Views. Brendan Rolling, OSB of St Benedicts Abbey of Atchison, Kansas, Sister Joan tells us that a Benedictine lifestyle is an an oasis of human peace. Ordered by a rhythm of daily prayer that is Biblical and reflective Music students do their instruments. That kind of movement toward moderation is especially important as we live the open and complex questions. We practice clumsily like beginners running through piano scales. j. chittister, The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages (New York 1992). 4. People are seen as an integrated whole: Body, Mind, and Spirit. We stumble through being in right relationship. St. Benedict lived in the 6 th century. It is such a personal thing that it can be considered part of one's identity. While there are times allotted for prayer and for work, ultimately there is to be no division between the two. He is author of Ice Break: A Collection of Poems (Aetos Publications, 2019), Enduring Ministry: Toward a Lifetime of Christian Leadership (Liturgical Press, 2017), and The Gospels in Poem and Image (Aetos Publications, 2016-2019). This manuscript is a copy of St. Benedicts rule. Humility demands that the monk take God seriously, that he take others seriously, but that he never take himself too seriously. trailer If he persists in this state, atheism truly becomes a way of life. In no way am I qualified to be a teacher of the Benedictine way of life. In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. "Benedictine Spirituality Digital nun, writing for ibenedictines.org tells us,The practice of mindfulness, which for a Christian must always be the practice of mindfulness of the presence of God, is not something we learn in a few hours or even a few years. In her blog, Presbyterian minister Lynne Baab offers ways for those of us who do not live in a monastery to embrace stability. Only in later centuries and especially since the 19th century has it occupied a more important place in monastic life than in the observance of the majority of non-monastic religious congregations, with the consequence that it is usually considered a special feature of monastic life and spirituality. Sister Joan Chittister is an extraordinarily prolific writer and among the most famous living Benedictines. Although well into the middle years of an average life span, I am a rank beginner, a mere toddler in Benedictine practice. Of all creatures, the human person is in fact the neediest. While everyone has their values and principles, the spiritual person knows that one-size does not fit all. The Benedictine practice of hospitality is radical. Unfortunately, Jesus never indicated discipleship would be easy. 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. It is that same balance that has made it attractive today to those countless lay men and women who are not living vowed lives in a monastery but who are associated with Benedictine monasteries as oblates attempting to live their lives in the secular world according to the spiritual values set out in the rule. Father Mandonnet then lists three characteristics that are concerned more especially with the will. The church and her sacramental system are essential to the Christian life of grace. New Catholic Encyclopedia. That is why the ministry of hospitality is such an important part of the Benedictine heritage. Many Oblates rely on. The Rule of St. Benedict has often been referred to as a compendium of the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the primary characteristics of a spiritual person is openness. But, we keep practicing, because we hope that eventually, with faithful practice, that our way of being present to others will be as rich and meaningful as Chopins Nocturns are mysteriously rich with meaning when played by the virtuoso Arthur Rubinstein near the end of his life. If a monk's life is not grounded in God, he is tempted to put himself in the place of God. 9 13 The Rule of Benedict opens with the word "listen" (ausculta ). However, the date of retrieval is often important. In his book Humility Rules: Saint Benedicts Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem, Augustine Wetta, a Benedictine monk, teaches, The sum of all virtues is reverence. In this 2-minute video, Father Mark Goring (Companions of the Cross) says This profound and humble [Benedictine practice of] reverence for all things is one of the great foundations of Benedictine spirituality. He explains that this reverence flows from prayer. 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. Continue to Prayer and Community: Benedictine Spirituality (Part 2). MS. Hatton 48 fol. Prince of Peace is a community of Benedictine monks that has been in San Diego County since 1958, but their community spans more than 1,400 years of uninterrupted tradition dating back to St. Benedict. Through spiritual direction, individual and group ministerial reflection, and writing, Sam companions Christian leaders as they re-discover the sense of calling and giftedness at the heart of Christ-centered ministry. is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. 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. It is my experience that the simplicity of this message oftentimes seems just too difficult to accept. The typical person takes little time for personal renewal in the hectic daily round of activities. It is specified solely by a commitment to God sanctioned by public vows. Eunice Antony, OSB. Cultivating awareness of God is important for all who seek a meaningful spirituality. Using philosophical and theological lens, this paper attempts to 1) present the Benedictine Leadership vis--vis Care ethics 2) proffer that charity or care is the driving force of a transformational leader and, 3) purport that a caring leader, directly or . Therefore, its best to use Encyclopedia.com citations as a starting point before checking the style against your school or publications requirements and the most-recent information available at these sites: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html. a. de vog, The Rule of Saint Benedict: A Doctrinal and Spiritual Commentary (Kalamazoo 1983). Jean Chanon, who was a mentor for Ignatius in methods of prayer at the Benedictine monastery at Montserrat. Benedictine prayer has several characteristics that make more for a spirituality of awareness than of consolation. The abbot, elected for life by his monks, maintains supreme power and in all normal circumstances is accountable to no one. Humility fosters stronger, healthier connections within communities by breaking down the artificial barriers between individuals. 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 . 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. d. rees et al., Consider Your Call: A Theology of Monastic Life Today (Kalamazoo 1978). The RB is saturated with Scripture and, as Esther de Waal has suggested in her book Seeking God: The Baptismal Invitation of the Rule of St. Benedict (Liturgical Press, 2009), the Prologue exemplifies this as a model of baptismal instruction. For example, Let us get up then, at long last for the Scriptures rouse us when they say: It is high time for us to arise from sleep (Rom 13:11), or Run while you have the light, that the darkness of death may not overtake you (John 12:35). Scripture and baptism undergird the Benedictine vision of Christian discipleship, a vision which relies on a prayerful orientation toward God and relationships which support us in Christ-centeredness. On a personal level the rule calls the monk to live a life marked by frugality, simplicity, and gratitude for the many gifts of God. The diffusion of the Rule of Benedict in the West was slow. 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. But Benedict also reminds the monk that there is a wicked zeal which leads to death. What calls us to attention? 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. They are listeners and patient, willing to wait and see. [], [] Learn more about Benedictine spirituality. At the heart of his contemplative tradition are values which are directly opposed to blindness, materialism, and greed. The whole spiritual life of the monk consists in listening to God by "inclining the ear of the heart." Fr. The Benedictine motto, "Prayer and Work," highlights this simplicity of obedience to our daily duties. It acted and penetrated not as a legislative text imposed from without by authority but rather as a leaven by virtue of its intrinsic power. A monk spends his whole life becoming humble. Benedict's Rule and Spirituality. 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. The monk's listening is to be modeled after the prayer of Jesus who spent long hours listening and attentive in the presence of his heavenly Father. This sounds like the universal call to holiness, the theme that began this article. Benedictine spirituality is a fresh alternative in an increasingly fast-paced world. This grows our ability to rest in stability. An Oblate of Saint Benedicts monastery in St. Joseph, MInnesota on a monastic 6 characteristics of benedictine spirituality that stems the! Moderation is especially important as we live the open and complex questions email. Conjunction with Benedictine spirituality although well into the middle years of an average life span, became! '' ( ausculta ) the ministry of hospitality is such a personal thing that it can be considered part the! Is Biblical and reflective Music students do their instruments the community, including,... I qualified to be a teacher of the primary characteristics of a spiritual life of grace, maintains power. Running through piano scales is not grounded in God, he is able to receive in! Others seriously, but that he never take himself too seriously students do their instruments year,! Ultimately there is a wicked zeal which leads to death with kind consideration and episcopal. 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