The Ten Hallmarks of Benedictine Education. Ignatian spirituality is a spirituality for everyday life. Anglican spirituality is an ecclesial spirituality because Christian spirituality is all about life in Christ, which necessarily means life in His Body. [] Review Benedictine Spirituality (Part 1 of 3) [], [] Review Core Values: Benedictine Spirituality (Part 1 of 3) [], [] Learn more about core Benedictine values. Saint Gregory has written that Saint Benedict, in entering his solitude, had no other desire than "to please God alone", "soli Deo placere desiderans." These simple words, better than any others, explain the monastic vocation. 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. People are seen as an integrated whole: Body, Mind, and Spirit. 2019Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. It is rather the fact that monastic existence is a form of religious life having not secondary or ministerial purpose. Thus prayer and community, to borrow again from Stewart, are at the heart of the Benedictine school of spirituality. Benedictine hospitality requires us to moderate our own views and voices, and in this day and age, as in all ages, moderation is supremely radical. 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. Rather, it is a series of embodied practices that forms the monk over the course of a lifetime to make space for the guest. 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. But the monk's development, like that of all human beings, requires both material resources and the help of other people. 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. For Benedict, prayer had a particular structure and process. It is a matter of self-respect and purpose which we see clearly in the changing nature of retirement. c. smith, The Path of Life (Ampleforth, England 1995). This pattern of sharing is a basic characteristic of a cenobitic community. 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. [contact-form][contact-field label=Name type=name required=1 /][contact-field label=Email type=email required=1 /][contact-field label=Website type=url /][contact-field label=Comment type=textarea required=1 /][/contact-form], Downloaded from the web site of the Bodleian library: [1]. 480 to 547 CE in Italy. Which brings us back to awareness of God, to the beginning again. Garcia Jimenez de Cisneros in . Augustinian Spirituality does not take us out of the world (into the . The ascetic and contemplative orientation of the monastic life was accompanied historically by such cultural activities and manifestations as were compatible with a separation from the secular world, conversion, and a life of personal prayer. defines the leader of a Benedictine community is not being head of an institution but being in relationship with all the members. To be empowered by anything less than the God of love is to risk evil zeal in the name of vengeance. 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). Ignacio Gonzalez, OSB writes that the Benedictine practice of Conversatio requires that we never stop asking hard questions about our personal growth. 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.. As. Encyclopedias almanacs transcripts and maps. 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. thats most of the time. Benedictines are called to strive for silence and have a love for silence. 1. This means that the monk must be very quiet and still within himself, but also very alert and attentive if the word of God is to resonate properly within his innermost depths so that he is enlightened and nourished by it. Benedictine, member of the Order of Saint Benedict (O.S.B. https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/benedictine-spirituality, "Benedictine Spirituality Am I growing in my true identity as a son or daughter of God? 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. From the middle of the 20th century there appeared in Europe, America, Africa, and elsewhere monastic foundations that, drawing their inspiration from ancient sources, tended to return to forms of monastic life that are simpler and more contemplative. This discussion shows that its impossible to isolate any Benedictine practice as independent of the others. He entered the Dominican novitiate c. 1315 in his na, Benedictine College: Narrative Description. It's not a principle that defines what it means to be a Benedictine institution. 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. Benedicts rule calls us to a daily rhythm of listening, obedience, and conversion of life. A devoted monk, he established the Rule of Benedict. SUGGESTED BOX ON PRAYER The psalms eloquently express how we feel and how we think about life and time and God. What are Benedictine Practices? If he gets the grandeur of God in place, he is apt to get the rest of monastic life in place too. (Six Hallmarks of Benedictine Spirituality) by Fr. 1. It underscores the tenets of Care ethics in conjunction with Benedictine Spirituality. 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. Every four months, we begin again at the beginningso we read the Rulethree times every year. It is my experience that the simplicity of this message oftentimes seems just too difficult to accept. 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. Balance is less about achieving perfect equilibrium than it is a pendulum which continuously swings back toward a central point. In this, affective piety and the contemplative study of the mysteries of God were no longer so strictly united as in the preceding centuries, in which the patristic tradition had been preserved. Benedictine spirituality offers an important voice in our world today, a voice which informs our praying, living and discerning. This emphasis on silence is so that we can learn to listen to God more acutelyThis kind of sensitivity and awareness makes it easier to pray at all times. This article explains that silence is healthy for community life and fosters the learning of reverence for all creation. Therefore in Benedictine spirituality, mutual obedience is a habit to be shown by all to one another. Benedictine spirituality is rooted in the cultivation of good habits. 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. The Rule of St. Benedict (RB) became a foundational text for monasticism in the West, having emerged in the sixth century as the Roman civilization was collapsing. Chris Sullivan nexplains in her blog post Work and Prayer in the Style of St. Benedict for Loyala Press. The discipline of slowing down to pay attention renews our orientation toward receiving the presence of Christ. We each hunger to make a meaningful contribution to our world. 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. 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. He was the son of a noble and grew up in Rome. BARTH, KARL (18861968), Swiss Reformed theologian, described by Pope Pius XII as the greatest theologian since Thomas Aquina, A term used to cover a literally bewildering variety of states of mind. Are you a thoughtful reader (and maybe even a writer) who seeks a peaceful, just, spiritual approach to life? Impact. 0000000556 00000 n "Benedictine Spirituality More than a billion Muslims share a common set of fundamental beliefs that are described as "Articles of Faith." These articles of faith form the foundation of Islamic belief system. 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. The second characteristic of the monastic vocation is that it demands a life of which a privileged part is given to prayer. Prayer is essential to a Benedictine lifestyle. xref For most of us, though, stability can have a figurative element beyond our experience with a [], 2023 Benedictine Center of St. Pauls Monastery, Core Values: Benedictine Spirituality (Part 1 of 3), Prayer and Community: Benedictine Spirituality (Part 2 of 3) - Benedictine Center, Lectio Divina and Preferring Christ: Benedictine Spirituality (Part 3 of 3) - Benedictine Center, My Day with the Sacred Fire | Benedictine Center, Saturated with Peace: Experiencing Personal Retreat | Benedictine Center, Wholehearted Living as the Lamed Vav | Benedictine Center, Practicing Sustained Lectio Divina | Benedictine Center, What Discernment Means to Me | Benedictine Center, Sabbath: Well-being, Not Endless Work | Benedictine Center, Moderation and Rhythm: A Benedictine Help Against Social Isolation | Benedictine Center, Stability: The Benedictine Value of Locatedness | Benedictine Center, The Erector Set: Adapting to Others | Benedictine Center, Sharper: Benedict's Tools for Good Works | Benedictine Center, The Benedictine Commitment to Learning | Benedictine Center, We Dare To Hope (Part 1 of 2) | Benedictine Center, We Dare To Hope (Part 2 of 2) | Benedictine Center, Life, A Continuous Advent | Benedictine Center, Rooted in Love: My Sustained Lectio Divina | Benedictine Center, Just Wave: Following that Holy Nudge | Benedictine Center. ), member of any of the confederated congregations of monks, lay brothers, and nuns who follow the rule of life of St. Benedict (c. 480-c. 547) and who are spiritual descendants of the traditional monastics of the early medieval centuries in Italy and Gaul. It encourages a life balance between corporate worship, spiritual reading and work in the context of community. FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY Franciscan spirituality motivates a way of following Christ that is based on the gospels. Because each style has its own formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia.com cannot guarantee each citation it generates. Practice is how people develop the skills to become adept at anything. I hope this list (compiled in September, 2018) is helpful, perhaps even inspiring. 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. 9 0 obj <> endobj Instead, holiness of life was to be found through the right balance of these elements in life. 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. 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. There are three primary commitments in the Benedictine way that form the spiritual backbone for the rest of the spiritual practicesobedience, stability, and conversion. In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. Consequently he accepts the services and ideas of others, the gifts of life, and community. Gymnasts practice routines, yoga students practice poses, swimmers practice strokes, and tennis players practice their serves. Fr. 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! This springs from a desire to please God, or to seek God, as the Rule puts it (chapter 58). Ignatian spirituality challenges us to encounter God in all things, witnessing to the joy of the Gospel. Benedictines read a portion of the Rule of Benedict every day. No one thingprayer, work, rest, studywas to be done in the extreme. Getting Started with Ignatian Spirituality Beyond the Basics of Ignatian Spirituality 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. It insists that God is present in our world and active in our lives. Chanon gave Ignatius the book Exercises for the Spiritual Life written by Benedictine reformer, Fr. Awareness of God In Benedictine practice we acknowledge the primacy of God and look for God in the ordinary events of each day. 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. In monastic life public prayer is only one observance among those which help the monk seek God. Roman Roots. Jean Chanon, who was a mentor for Ignatius in methods of prayer at the Benedictine monastery at Montserrat. 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 . This Benedictine practice is exceedingly difficult for most of us, for most of our lives. Monks are to listen "to the precepts of the master" but their primary and ultimate master is God. praying the Divine Office) as well as regular silent . 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. It is likewise through that response that one becomes free to be and develop as the person one is called to be. Harry Hagan, OSB My part in this little show began as a description of the novitiate and how it brings new people from exclusion to inclusion, from fascination to identification, and from dependence to belonging. Humility helps us accept our gifts and talents joyfully while letting go of our false selves. By integrating their prayer and work, they manifest Christ's presence in society.". 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. All these helping ministries place value on the confidentiality of the relationship and may lead to increased personal wellbeing and a more fruitful and productive life. 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. You can order a free copy of Give Us This Day, published by Liturgical Press, by clicking here. For most Oblates. This grows our ability to rest in stability. Finding God in All Things. Eunice Antony, OSB. Columba Stewart OSB, the 73 brief chapters of the RB make up four major sections. Dominican preacher and mystic; b. Strasbourg, c. 1300; d. there, June 16, 1361. In her blog, Presbyterian minister Lynne Baab offers ways for those of us who do not live in a monastery to embrace stability. 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. 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? Benedict reminds us of our priorities: prayer, contemplation, balance and the importance of everything we do. Humility fosters stronger, healthier connections within communities by breaking down the artificial barriers between individuals. Lets make ours a truly humana listening and reverentconnection. Demonstrate good will, humility, trust, accountability, justice, faithfulness, obedience, peace, and discipleship. Which value speaks to your heart most strongly at this time and why? 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. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. Benedict shows us the value of ordering our day around communal prayer (i.e. Christian monasticism had been in existence for a long time before Benedict wrote his rule. Orbis, 20-21). U`` . It shows itself in the way (emphasis mine) you put up with the many things of your daily life, sickness, death, war, persecution, mishaps and misfortunes of every kind. In other words, without awareness of God and without gratitude, indeed, without the interweaving of all these practices into our lives, patience cannot exist. Practice is how people develop the skills to get adept at anything. Listen here: Prayer is essential to a Benedictine lifestyle. . It emphasizes the preeminent position which hospitality occupies in every Benedictine monastery. Belief in One God: The most important teaching of Islam is that only God is to be served and worshipped. Prayer is the foundation to the monastic life and calling, and can be a constant part of the life of non-monastics as well. podcast at DiscerningHearts.com from the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory, Fr. 6v-7r of the Bodleian library in Oxford. 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. Benedict's Rule and Spirituality. Hence, conversion to Christ and response to his love through the power of the Holy Spirit are the goals of obedience. to the Rule is a good way to summarize the goal of Benedictine spirituality and prayer. My work with the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (MID) has . We are all accountable as steward of creation, they tell us. Because I couldnt find relevant, simple answers online to the questions, What is Benedictine Spirituality? and What are Benedictine practices? I decided to publish this summary of 23 habits Benedictines seek, through lifelong practice, to cultivate into a lifestyle. The Rule of St. Benedict, written in the 6th century AD, still holds great relevance for our lives today. Furthermore, he avoids anything that would be excessive or beyond the capacity of the average monk. Adrian Burke, OSB writes, Benedict insists in his. 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. 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. Benedict calls the monastery a "school" because it is the place where the monk is to be taught by God. By listening and seeking stability of life, we strive to discern the new path that Christ is forever calling us to travel. Just as all these people practice to become more proficient, spiritual seekers practice in order to become better at living a spiritual life. Sister Joan Chittister is an extraordinarily prolific writer and among the most famous living Benedictines. 6 Characteristics Of Benedictine 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. Recommended titles: Michael Casey, A Guide to Living in the Truth, 2001; Anselm Grn, Benedict of Nursia: His Message for Today, 2006. Benedictine detachment does not imply a disparagement of good things, nor a fear of their power, but rather a just appreciation of all things as gifts of God. In 1887 Pope Leo XIII, who was enamored of the Benedictines, reestablished the College of Saint Anselm in Rome. The Rule revolves around five practices: Prayer, Work, Study, Hospitality and Renewal. startxref Cultivating awareness of God is important for all who seek a meaningful spirituality. 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). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoTQF_Z_3lQ. Benedictine spirituality offers an important voice in our world today, a voice which informs our praying, living and discerning. Spirituality is the broad concept of a belief in something beyond the self. . It is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others. The rule is marked by a strong sense of the individual monk's personal worth and dignity. Having the mind of a beginner, being receptive to starting anew, starting fresh, starting overthis, too, is a Benedictine practice. 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. 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. Her muscular Christianity is grounded in the spiritual practices of the Rule of Saint Benedict, such as silence, hospitality, humility, and peace. Obedience is a concept 21st-century souls dont generally like to consider. There is a temptation to complicate it, to . When I consider Benedictine hospitality, I like to extend this notion to the dialogues we initiate with those of other religious and spiritual backgrounds, especially with non-Christians. //]]>. The Cistercian Order reinforced the eremetical character of the cenobitical life itself. The Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, Indiana explain the importance of community life in Benedictine practice on their website. That kind of movement toward moderation is especially important as we live the open and complex questions. Being poor with the poor has characterized many religious from the time of the Middle Ages, but Benedictines, because of their cenobitic life and their cultural inheritance, are often rich. It encourages a life balance between corporate worship, spiritual reading and work in the context of community. 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. The Friends of St. Benedict website says The Rule offers people a plan for living a balanced, simple, and prayerful life. Simple, yes. <<8F8BC2AF36339D4C919A3718E673BE78>]>> You will likely recognize the timeless quality of the values which has caused them to endure for centuries and continue speaking to the many layers of our human experience (personal, familial, communal and societal). He neither innovated nor broke with tradition. Where it was adopted, it was looked upon as a venerable text but not necessarily requiring observance in all its prescriptions. In his spare time, you will find Sam tending his familys small tree farm or fly fishing for trout in Southeast Minnesota. How are you being called to participate in Gods work of reconciliation, healing, and in shaping structures that support values like these. Of all creatures, the human person is in fact the neediest. Quick and easy, no. 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. h|X+8v&yh{#||(E AM3. 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. As a Benedictine practice, obedience is intimately linked to being in right relationship, conversatio, humility, and listening. 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