They were founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia, a 6th-century monk who laid the foundations of Benedictine monasticism through the formulation of his Rule of Saint Benedict. Charlemagne had Benedict's rule copied and distributed to encourage monks throughout western Europe to follow it as a standard. Chapter 22 regulates the dormitory. In the summer then, they should go out at dawn for four hours, to do the necessary work, and then spend two hours reading. If they obey with ill will, and murmur with their lips and in their hearts, even if they fulfill the command, it is not acceptable to God, who sees the heart of the murmurer. This rulebook for the monastic life was written by Benedict around 530. St Benedict lived in the 5th century, and wrote his famous Rule as a practical guide for abbots and brother monks living together in a monastic community. May the Lord our God give us the wisdom of His Holy Spirit to guide us in our lives. concerning the applicability of the principles and spirit of the Rule of Saint Benedict to the secular working environment. 5. Each monk is to have a separate bed and is to sleep in his habit, so as to be ready to rise without delay [for early Vigils]; a light shall burn in the dormitory throughout the night. The Rule of St Benedict consists of a Prologue and seventy-three chapters, ranging from a few lines to several pages. Soon, all monks had to take three vows: Vow of poverty. The Rule of St Benedict by Benedict of Nursia (fl. Although written for monastics, many of the issues addressed in the Rule can be applied to life in the world outside the monastic community. Show honor to them all, especially to fellow Christians and to wayfarers. Chapter 56 directs the abbot to eat with the guests. May the Lord be pleased to manifest all this by his Holy Spirit in his laborer now cleansed from vice and sin. Traditionally, the daily life of the Benedictine revolved around the eight canonical hours. [The nighttime service was called Matins.]. : the renunciation of one's own will and arming oneself "with the strong and noble weapons of obedience" under the banner of "the true King, Christ the Lord" (Prol. What do you think the reason for this is? Chapter 19 emphasizes the reverence owed to the omnipresent God. Does the Bible teach this viewpoint? The Rule of Saint Benedict (Latin: Regula Sancti Benedicti) is a book of precepts written in 516[1] by Benedict of Nursia (c. AD 480–550) for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot. The monastic movement that began in Egypt and Syria in the third century and soon spread to the Western Mediterranean used and produced all sorts of texts: lives of saints, monastic travelogues, descriptions of monastic institutions, and homilies or talks on spiritual topics. When they have been washed, let them say, “We have received your mercy, O God, in the midst of your temple” [Ps 48:10]. Edited and prepared for the web by Dan Graves. Chapters 23-29 specify a graduated scale of punishments for. Such action deserves punishment rather than reward. For most of us, it is enough. To be content with the meanest and worst of everything, always considering oneself a bad and worthless workman. Strict but useful rule helped monks transform Europe. It is often forgotten that the root of the word obedience is found in the Latin word audire, "to listen." 48) shall be taught, so that by persevering in the monastery till death his disciples may "through patience share in the passion of Christ that [they] may deserve also to share in his Kingdom" (Prol. It must be as plain and cheap as is consistent with due economy. Benedict’s Rule, a model of Christian discipleship that was community-centered, has endured as a living text for more than 1500 years, making it, according to some, the most influential text on Western society after the Bible. Each monk is to have a change of clothes to allow for washing, and when travelling is to have clothes of better quality. Monks (men) - Benedictine Rule: A monk is a man who has chosen to devote his life to a certain discipline of prayer. The Benedictines, officially the Order of Saint Benedict, are a monastic religious order of the Catholic Church following the Rule of Saint Benedict. 10:19] and “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” [Prov. Chapter 1: Of the Kinds or the Life of Monks . Chapter 71 encourages the brothers to be obedient not only to the abbot and his officials, but also to one another. The rules he established were called Benedictine Rule. For he himself says to the teachers, “Anyone who hears you hears me” [Lk. In time, setting an example with his zeal, he began to attract disciples. Then let the Abbot, or some he chooses, sit down with them. Although written for monastics, many of the issues addressed in the Rule can be applied to life in the world outside the monastic community. The duration of labour varies with the season but is never less than five hours a day. [9], During the more than 1500 years of their existence, the Benedictines have not been immune to periods of laxity and decline, often following periods of greater prosperity and an attendant relaxing of discipline. The vice of personal ownership must by all means be cut out in the monastery by the very root, so that no one may presume to give or receive anything without the command of the Abbot; or to have anything whatever as his own, neither a book, nor a writing tablet, nor a pen, nor anything else whatsoever, since monks are allowed to have neither their bodies nor their wills in their own power. “Keeping every rule for the love of Christ.” Benedict of Nursia ca. If we would approach men who are in power with humility and reverence, when we want to ask a favor, how much more must we beseech the Lord God of all things with all humility and pure devotion? Idleness is the enemy of the soul, and therefore the brethren ought to divide their time between manual labor and devout reading. The Rule of St. Benedict is a timeless document - in so many ways as fresh and relevant as it was when it was written almost fifteen hundred years ago. Benedict lived in the sixth century AD and came from Nursia in Umbria. To let one’s humility appear outwardly to all around. They are also sometimes called the Black Monks, in reference to the colour of their religious habits. Source for information on Benedictine Rule: New Catholic Encyclopedia dictionary. Benedict's greatest debt, however, may be to the anonymous document known as the Rule of the Master, which Benedict seems to have radically excised, expanded, revised and corrected in the light of his own considerable experience and insight. To subject oneself, for the love of God, to a Superior, in all obedience, imitating the Lord of whom the Apostle says: “He became obedient unto death” (Phil 2:8). Benedict created the rule at a time when the Roman Empire had collapsed in the West, and Europe was being overrun by barbarian tribes, most of them pagans. Some decades later, the monastery was destroyed and not rebuilt for a long time. To this day, The Rule of St. Benedict is the most common and influential Rule used by monasteries and monks, more than 1,400 years after its writing. The first one is the famous ora et labora. It is a short book, consisting of 73 chapters (no more than paragraphs), and sets out St Benedict's vision of how the values of the gospel can be lived out in a community. Secondly, I want to suggest that the vow of stability is an excellent foundation for environmental stewardship. And since Benedict required monks to spend time in reading, they kept theology and culture alive through centuries when almost the entire continent was illiterate. The Benedict Option draws on the virtues in the Rule to change the way Christians approach politics, church, family, community, education, our jobs, sexuality, and technology. Once he has climbed all these steps of humility, the monk will arrive at the love of God, which being perfect casts out fear. Benedictines read a portion of the Rule of Benedict every day. Throughout the Carolingian empire which covers modern France, Belgium, Holland Switzerland, Germany, parts of Italy and Austria, hundreds of monasteries of monks and nuns come now under the Rule of Benedict. Monks dressed in loose brown robes, tied at the waist with a cord. The Rule opens with a prologue or hortatory preface, in which St. Benedict sets forth the main principles of the religious life, viz. Many scholars maintain that ch. Chapter 59 allows the admission of boys to the monastery under certain conditions. The Rule of Benedict covers and pretty much dictates all of the elements of a monk’s life, prayer, free time, work, community life. St. Benedict wrote his rule with his own abbey of Montecassino in mind. It looked like Christianity in Europe was finished. Beds must be frequently examined by the Abbot, to prevent personal goods from being stored. At least one of the sources cited attributes the passage to a mythical Chapter 74; the Rule of St Benedict contains only 73 chapters. Although the following material applies to people who want to make a vow as part of becoming a monk or sister (something Benedictine oblates do not do), oblates can, in their own lives "in the world" strive to apply the monastic principles in the Rule of St. Benedict to their life. The Rule of St. Benedict 1 The Rule of Saint Benedict (Translated into English. At the work of God, in the garden, on a journey, in the field, wherever you may be, sitting, walking or standing, always bow your head. When the guests have been received, let them be accompanied to prayers. Not to love one’s own will or wish to fulfill one’s own desires, rather obeying the word of the Lord: “I came not to do My own will but the will of Him that sent Me” [Jn 6:38]. Christian monasticism first appeared in the Egyptian desert, in the Eastern Roman Empire a few generations before Benedict of Nursia. He died and was buried there around 547. The Rule of St. Benedict is a timeless document - in so many ways as fresh and relevant as it was when it was written almost fifteen hundred years ago. Let the greatest care be taken, especially when receiving the poor and travelers, because Christ is received more specially in them. What happens if the man in power is not godly, or is given to fads? Remember that it is not for many words, but for the purity of our heart and tears of remorse that we are heard. St. Benedict wrote his rule, the so-called Benedictine Rule, c. 535–540 with his own abbey of Montecassino in mind. The term conversatio morum is found in chapter 58 of the Rule of St. Benedict. Rule of St. Benedict. The numbered paragraphs below refer to sections in the Rule. It has many offshoots and variations, and it has proved itself sturdy, surviving many near collapses and reforms. The rules he established were called Benedictine Rule. Life in medieval Europe was incomparably poorer and more restricted than it is today: the life Benedict describes would be a step up for the poorest people and not much of a step down for the rest. Mass. Benedictine Rule Each section of this Middle Ages website addresses all topics and provides interesting facts and information about these great people and events in bygone Medieval times including Benedictine Rule. This appeal to multiple groups would later make the Rule of Saint Benedict an integral set of guidelines for the development of the Christian faith. Chapter 5 prescribes prompt, ungrudging, and absolute obedience to the superior in all things lawful. How do you think Benedict’s attitude toward possessions compares to what was done and taught in the New Testament? Chapter 55 says clothing is to be adequate and suited to the climate and locality, at the discretion of the abbot. In such times, dynamic Benedictines have often led reform movements to return to a stricter observance of both the letter and spirit of the Rule of St Benedict, at least as they understood it. Two meals a day are allowed, with two cooked dishes at each. There are two popular mottos which can express the spirit of Benedictine rule. 3). Beyond its religious influences, the Rule of St Benedict was one of the most important written works to shape medieval Europe, embodying the ideas of a written constitution and the rule of law. Each monk is allowed a pound of bread and a. 4. I believe, however, that for a temperate climate a cowl and a tunic are enough for each monk — a woolen cowl for winter and a thin or worn one for summer — along with a cloak for work, and socks and shoes. Let’s find out more interesting facts about Benedictine Rule below: Facts about Benedictine Rule 1: the popularity. They are to set an example of humility, and can only exercise their priestly functions by permission of the abbot. If he does not change, let him come under the correction of the Rule in such a way that others may fear. 6th century) is a book of precepts written for monks living in community under the authority of an abbot.Since about the 7th century it has been adopted with equal success by communities of women. Saint Benedict's model for the monastic life was the family, with the abbot as father and all the monks as brothers. All rights reserved. And the fourth kind is that of the monks called Girovagi, who are all their lives guests for three or four days at a time in the different groups of cells through the various [6][7], The Rule opens with a hortatory preface, in which Saint Benedict sets forth the main principles of the religious life, viz. The Rule of St. Benedict is not only the basic guide for living for monks of various orders (Benedictine, Cistercian, et cetera), but is also the inspiration for today’s neo-monastic movements in cities around the world. In the same way, he should bear in mind for the infirmities of the needy, and not the bad will of the envious. The Rule is so wide that it encompasses the practicalities of communal life as well as the monks’ spiritual lives. Anglican Benedictine Monk from Nashdom Abbey writes. 10:16]. 167).[8]. And it does so with urgency.” Lowther Clarke. Rule ch. 2. The moment the Abbot commands anything they obey instantly as if commanded by God Himself. “To declare with the tongue and believe in the inmost soul that one is the lowest and vilest of men.” Do you agree that this is a healthy opinion to have of yourself? London: S.P.C.K., 1931) PROLOGUE Hearken continually within thine heart, O son, giving attentive ear to the precepts of thy master. Chapter 2 describes the necessary qualifications of an abbot, forbids the abbot to make distinctions between persons in the monastery except for particular merit, and warns him he will be answerable for the salvation of the souls in his care. Facts about Benedictine Rule 2: the spirit. Disciples must obey with good will, “for the Lord loves a cheerful giver” [2 Cor. Chapter 34 prescribes a just distribution of such things. 57.9). Christian History Institute. Fix your eyes on the ground, thinking of your sinfulness, imagining that you already stand before the fearful judgment seat of God, and always saying in your heart what the publican in the Gospel said: “Lord, I am a sinner and not worthy to lift up my eyes up to heaven” [Lk. Containing today’s events, devotional, quote and stories, © Copyright 2021. Chapter 73, an epilogue, declares that the Rule is not offered as an ideal of perfection, but merely as a means towards godliness, intended chiefly for beginners in the spiritual life. Within a generation, both solitary as well as communal monasticism became very popular which spread outside of Egypt, first to Palestine and the Judean Desert and thence to Syria and North Africa. Are things more likely to be cared for if everyone owns them or if one person owns them? For example, are sixth-century objectives, like blending in with contemporary dress or providing service to visitors, better served or compromised by retaining sixth-century clothing or by insisting that service excludes formal educational enterprises? Because of this, almost all the Rule is applicable to communities of women under the authority of an abbess. This full commentary -- predominately literary and historical criticism -- is based on and includes a Latin text of Regula Benedicti (Liturgical Press). It establishes a way of life rooted in the Gospel and grounded in the scriptural principles of charity, humility, stability, and faithfulness. Examples include the Camaldolese, the Cistercians, the Trappists (a reform of the Cistercians), and the Sylvestrines. The Abbot should break his fast in deference to the guest, unless it is a day of solemn fast, which cannot be broken. The Benedictine Rule is strict—its main theme being absolute obedience to the Abbot. Do you think it is a good discipline for those who can manage it, or completely unhealthy, or what? The Rule of St. Benedict 3 dislike they esteem unlawful. [original research?]. The Rule of St Benedict Trans. If, however, the needs of the place, or poverty should require them to do the work of gathering the harvest themselves, let them not be downcast, for then they will be true monks, living by the work of their hands as our forefathers and the Apostles did. Chapter 70 prohibits them from striking one another. [4], In chapter 73, Saint Benedict commends the Rule of Saint Basil and alludes to further authorities. In modern times, this timetable is often changed to accommodate any apostolate outside the monastic enclosure (e.g. Saint Benedict's model for the monastic life was the family, with the abbot as father and all the monks as brothers. These are essentially the duties of every Christian and are mainly Scriptural either in letter or in spirit. It also incorporated a degree of democracy in a non-democratic society, and dignified manual labor. Chapters 50 and 51 contain rules for monks working in the fields or travelling. They then gathered in Chapter to receive instructions for the day and to attend to any judicial business. The rule, which spread slowly in Italy and Gaul, provided a complete directory for both the government and the spiritual and material well-being of a monastery by carefully integrating prayer, manual labour, and study into a well-rounded daily routine. Later, in Chapter 7 of the Rule, we find that “The first step of humility, then, is that a man keeps the fear of God always before his eyes (Ps 35[36]:20) and never forgets it.” If we think that the Master wrote these Chapters, which is probable, and that the Master had this clear contradiction, then we must wonder why Benedict took it over. Chapter 69 forbids the monks from defending one another. [5] Saint Benedict's work expounded upon preconceived ideas that were present in the religious community only making minor changes more in line with the time period relevant to his system. The English Benedictine Reform or Monastic Reform of the English church in the late tenth century was a religious and intellectual movement in the later Anglo-Saxon period.In the mid-tenth century almost all monasteries were staffed by secular clergy, who were often married.The reformers sought to replace them with celibate contemplative monks following the Rule of Saint Benedict. The Benedictine rule offers a comprehensive directory for reaching the main idea of both spiritual and physical well-being of a monastery or monk. The master may speak and teach, the disciple should be silent listen. In comparison with other rules for monastic life that were being developed at the same time, Benedict’s Rule is humane and gentle. As for bedding, a straw mattress, a blanket, a bedspread and a pillow are enough. Thanks to this love, every rule that he previously kept out of fear, he will now begin to keep without any effort, naturally, by force of habit, no longer from the fear of hell but for the love of Christ, from the habit of good and the pleasure of virtue. They must look for all necessities from the Abbot, and have nothing without his permission. The 1949 Edition. To Prefer Nothing to Christ 'Come, follow me' The monastery is the place where monks and nuns are called to live the Christian Gospel. St Benedict is often seen as the father of monasticism. Advantages seen in retaining this unique Benedictine emphasis on autonomy include cultivating models of tightly bonded communities and contemplative lifestyles. 18:13]. They popularize this rule further through their mission in continental Europe and eventually in 816/17 an important synod declares Benedict’s Rule binding for all monks. Above all, let one or two of the senior monks be appointed to go about the monastery during the reading time, and look out for any lazy brother giving himself over to idleness or vain talk, being unprofitable to himself and disturbing others. The other brothers however should keep the fast as usual. Chapters 43-46 define penalties for minor faults, such as coming late to prayer or meals. [Ps 21:7] 8. Priesthood was not initially an important part of Benedictine monasticism – monks used the services of their local priest. [15] However, scholarly articles published since have not given weight to this assertion, neither as support for nor as refutation of the claim. Chapter 21 regulates the appointment of a. …most contemporary monastic rules, the Benedictine Rule emphasizes less austerity and contemplation and more common life and common work in charity and harmony. The abbot made the rules or laws of the monastery. Sam Rahberg is former Director of the Benedictine Center and a spiritual director in St. Paul. I have watched my mouth, dumb and humbled, and kept silent even from good things” (Ps 38:2—3). Let everyone have all things in common, as it is written, no one kept anything as his own [Acts 4:32]. And in all his decisions, let the Abbot remember God’s retribution. The Benedictine Rule is popular among the monks for these precepts can bridge the formulaic institutionalism and individual zeal. It was founded by St Benedict in c. 540. The words "gossipy and contumaceous" replace the original "lavish or vicious"; and the words following "he must depart" were originally "lest, by sympathy with him, others also become contaminated. 7. Saint Benedict is clear in the Rule that monks should have what they really need and that abbot must supply those real needs. Chapter 7: Of Humility . Coarse jokes, idle words and anything that provokes laughter, we condemn to eternal exclusion and we do not permit the disciple to open his lips for such speech. Rev. If we can live by the Rule, then Saint Benedict thinks that we have at least some degree of virtue and the beginning of a monastic life. Old clothes are to be given to the poor. Boniface Verheyen, OSB Benedictine values by translating those values into our everyday lives at Stella Maris. It is interesting to see the contrast between the form of community so often advocated today and that of the Holy Rule. This is such a strong teaching today when every person believes that he or she has a right to have things, to have material possessions, to decorate one’s own room, to purchase things without asking anyone. Priesthood was not initially an important part of Benedictine monasticism – monks used the services of their local priest. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a community of sworn obedience? The Benedictine Rule is strict—its main theme being absolute obedience to the Abbot. Over all, do think it would be good to be a member of a Benedictine monastery? The Rule itself is the best witness to Benedict's life and character, showing us someone who was wise, kind, steeped in scripture and concise in expression. Most people used to the freedoms and luxuries of life in the modern West would find it too demanding but in its historical context, it would not have been seen that way. 18:21]. The latter is expected to integrate manual labor, prayer, and study into a daily routine. St Benedict and his Rule Possibly the most famous Rule is that of St Benedict. Boniface Verheyen, OSB. Benedict's concerns were the needs of monks in a community environment: namely, to establish due order, to foster an understanding of the relational nature of human beings, and to provide a spiritual father to support and strengthen the individual's ascetic effort and the spiritual growth that is required for the fulfillment of the human vocation, theosis. The Rule (as it is usually called) is about community living—a day-to-day basic guide originally written for Christian men who wanted to be monks, telling them what to do, how to be Christ-followers in that unique way, and how to get along with each other. At the heart of reform movements, past and present, lie Hermeneutical questions about what fidelity to tradition means. Benedict's influence was very strong. (There, the notice was not attributed to Saint Benedict).[14]. [2] There is, however, no evidence to suggest that Benedict intended to found a religious order in the modern sense and it was not until the Late Middle Ages that mention was made of an "Order of Saint Benedict". This page was last edited on 26 December 2020, at 19:39. The rules he established were called Benedictine Rule. To speak gently and without laughter, humbly and with gravity, with a few sensible words, and not loudly, as it is written: “The wise man is known by the fewness of his words.” 12. The Abbot should give clothes to the brothers according to the climate in which they live. Other perceived losses include inefficiency and lack of mobility in the service of others, and insufficient appeal to potential members. Chapter 6: Of Silence . Brothers, the Holy Scripture cries to us, “Every one that exalts himself shall be humbled; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.” [Lk. How would your life be different if you belonged to such a community? So if you have to ask the Abbot a question, you should do it with all humility and respectful submission. Chapter 42 enjoins the reading an edifying book in the evening, and orders strict silence after. What are Benedict’s instructions about prayer? And lastly, the monastery was envisaged not as a prison camp to punish offenders, but as a loving community where people come together to help each other in their chosen path, to submit their entire lives to the will of God. Monks should not worry about the color or the texture of these clothes: they should be whatever you can get most cheaply. Chapter 38 prescribes reading aloud during meals, which duty is to be performed by those who can do so with edification to the rest. The monks formed a sort of corporation, presided over by an abbot, who held office for life. Benedictines have chosen a life under the Rule of Benedict. Because they wear black habits, Benedictine monks are often called “Black Monks.” The Benedictine order is a federation of independent monasteries dating back to the lifetime of St. Benedict, who first established a hermitage … Compared with earlier monastic writers, especially the author of the Rule of the Master, from whom he borrowed and adapted copiously, Benedict is much more moderate in the demands he makes on people. Chapter 48 emphasizes the importance of daily manual labour appropriate to the ability of the monk. Chapters 31 and 32 order the appointment of officials to take charge of the goods of the monastery. Perceived disadvantages comprise geographical isolation from important activities in adjacent communities. Benedict by Benedict of Nursia these values give us a set of practices for a life under the of. The reverence owed to the colour of their religious habits us a set of practices a... 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