Mount Saint Benedict Monastery
620 Summit Ave.
Crookston MN 56716-2799

Phone: 218-281-3441

 

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The Rule of Benedict

The Rule of Benedict provides guidelines for a monastic lifestyle that includes a balance of prayer, study, work and leisure. A major difference between this rule and others is that it stresses moderation rather than austerity.

The Rule of Benedict was originally written in the sixth century for monks. Over time, the Rule has been adapted to reflect changing cultures, times and places, but those who choose this lifestyle still live out the essence of the original principles. All seventy-three chapters of the Rule provide teaching about the basic monastic virtues of humility, listening and obedience as well as directives for daily living addressing things like :

• times for common prayer
• meditative reading
• manual work
• details of community living
• clothing
• sleeping arrangements
• food and drink
• care of the sick
• reception of guests
• recruitment of new members
• time away from the monastery
• and more

Recommended Reading

Books

• de Waal, Esther. Seeking God: the Way of Benedict. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1984
• Fry, Timothy, OSB, et al. RB 1980: The Rule of Saint Benedict in Latin and English. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1981
• Kardong, Terrence. Commentaries on Benedict's Rule. Richardton, ND: Assumption Abbey Press, 1986
• Kardong, Terrence. Commentaries on Benedict's Rule II. Richardton, ND: Assumption Abbey Press, 1995
• Vest, Norvene, Oblate, OSB. Preferring Christ: A Devotional Commentary and Workbook on the Rule of Saint Benedict. Trabuco Canyon, CA: Source Books, 1990
• Wood, Hilda, OSB, trans. Saint Benedict of Nursia: A Way of Wisdom For Today. Strasbourg: Editions du Signe, 1994

Periodicals

• "Monasteries and Development - as understood in the Rule of Saint Benedict," - AIM Bulletin 1999, 66; Les monastères et le développement - vision à partir de la Règle de S. Benoît, - Bulletin AIM 1999, 66, 19-24
• "Of Old People and Children (RB 37)," The American Benedictine Review 49(1998)343-355
• "Perspectives on the Holy Rule and Monastic Life. Interview with Sister Aquinata Böckmann, OSB," - Benedictines 55,2(2002)44-51

Books about the Rule of Benedict from Amazon.com

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