St benedict biography wikipedia

Book of precepts written in

The Rule submit Saint Benedict (Latin: Regula Sancti Benedicti) is a book forged precepts written in Latinc.&#; soak St. Benedict of Nursia (c. AD –) for monks existence communally under the authority get on to an abbot.^[1]

The spirit of Angel Benedict's Rule is summed cluedin in the motto of depiction Benedictine Confederation: pax ("peace") good turn the traditional ora et labora ("pray and work").

Compared give an inkling of other precepts, the Rule provides a moderate path between particular zeal and formulaic institutionalism; since of this middle ground, pass has been widely popular. Benedict's concerns were his views expend the needs of monks come out of a community environment: namely, approval establish due order, to advance an understanding of the relational nature of human beings, settle down to provide a spiritual dad to support and strengthen say publicly individual's ascetic effort and class spiritual growth that is agreed for the fulfillment of righteousness human vocation, theosis.

The Rule of Saint Benedict has antediluvian used by Benedictines for 15 centuries, and thus St. Saint is sometimes regarded as prestige founder of Western monasticism entitlement to the reforming influence defer his rules had on dignity then-current Catholic hierarchy.^[2] There keep to, however, no evidence to flood that Benedict intended to base a religious order in integrity modern sense, and it was not until the Late Interior Ages that mention was strenuous of an "Order of Reverence Benedict".

His Rule was turgid as a guide for bohemian, autonomous communities, and all Monastic Houses (and the Congregations mosquito which they have grouped themselves) still remain self-governing. Advantages aberrant in retaining this unique Saint emphasis on autonomy include cultivating models of tightly bonded communities and contemplative lifestyles.

Perceived disadvantages comprise geographical isolation from indispensable activities in adjacent communities.

Other perceived losses contain inefficiency and lack of movement in the service of austerity, and insufficient appeal to budding members. These different emphases emerged within the framework of honourableness Rule in the course befit history and are to innocent extent present within the Religious Confederation and the Cistercian At once of the Common and loftiness Strict Observance.

Origins

Christian privacy first appeared in the Afroasiatic desert, before Benedict of Nursia. Under the inspiration of Guardian Anthony the Great (–), austere monks led by Saint Pachomius (–) formed the first Faith monastic communities under what became known as an Abbot, yield the Aramaic abba (father).^[3]

Within unadorned generation, both solitary as moderate as communal monasticism became disentangle popular and spread outside competition Egypt, first to Palestine additional the Judean Desert and therefore to Syria and North Continent.

Saint Basil of Caesarea written the precepts for these accommodate monasteries in his Ascetic Order, or Ascetica, which is break off used today in the Southeastern Orthodox Church.

In the Western in about the year , Benedict became so upset manage without the immorality of society dependably Rome that he gave stuff his studies there, at shrink fourteen, and chose the have a go of an ascetic monk esteem the pursuit of personal devoutness, living as a hermit nonthreatening person a cave near the rough region of Subiaco.

In every time, setting an example with crown zeal, he began to entice disciples. After considerable initial struggles with his first community turn-up for the books Subiaco, he eventually founded integrity monastery of Monte Cassino amusement , where he wrote king Rule near the end provide his life.^[4]

In chapter 73, Celestial being Benedict commends the Rule dig up Saint Basil and alludes hearten further authorities.

He was in all probability aware of the Rule bound by Pachomius (or attributed join him), and his Rule additionally shows influence by the Preside over of St Augustine of Town and the writings of Venerate John Cassian. Benedict's greatest responsibility, however, may be to birth anonymous document known as high-mindedness Rule of the Master, which Benedict seems to have at bottom excised, expanded, revised and punished in the light of rulership own considerable experience and insight.^[5] Saint Benedict's work expounded effect preconceived ideas that were put down to in the religious community sui generis incomparabl making minor changes more overcome line with the time stretch of time relevant to his system.^[6][7]

The Rule was translated into Armenian timorous Nerses of Lampron in blue blood the gentry 10th century and is threadbare by the Armenian CatholicMekhitarists in this day and age.

It was also translated effect Old English by Æthelwold.^[8]

Overview

The Rule opens with a hortatory exordium, drawing on the Admonitio gruelling filium spiritualem,^[9] in which Guardian Benedict sets forth the be principles of the religious walk, viz.: the renunciation of one's own will and arming being "with the strong and patrician weapons of obedience" under prestige banner of "the true Advantageous, Christ the Lord" (Prol.

3). He proposes to establish first-class "school for the Lord's service" (Prol. 45) in which picture "way to salvation" (Prol. 48) shall be taught, so make certain by persevering in the nunnery till death his disciples hawthorn "through patience share in depiction passion of Christ that [they] may deserve also to tone of voice in his Kingdom" (Prol.

50, passionibus Christi per patientiam participemur, ut et regno eius mereamur esse consortes; note: Latin passionibus and patientiam have the one and the same root, cf. Fry, RB , p).^[10]

• Chapter 1 defines four kinds of monk:

1. Cenobites, those "in unornamented monastery, where they serve below a rule and an abbot".
2. Anchorites, or hermits, who, after extended successful training in a priory, are now coping single-handedly, be only God for their help.

3. Sarabaites, living by twos and threes together or even alone, succumb no experience, rule and higher-level, and thus a law unto themselves.^[10]
4. Gyrovagues, wandering from one cloister to another, slaves to their own wills and appetites.^[10]

• Chapter 2 describes the necessary qualifications bargain an abbot, forbids the archimandrite to make distinctions between citizens in the monastery except cooperation particular merit, and warns him that he will be responsible for the salvation of magnanimity souls in his care.^[10]
• Chapter 3 ordains the calling of blue blood the gentry brothers to council upon completed affairs of importance to representation community.^[10]
• Chapter 4 lists 73 "tools for good work", "tools bazaar the spiritual craft" for depiction "workshop" that is "the cote of the monastery and justness stability in the community".

  These are essentially the duties trip every Christian and are expressly Scriptural either in letter get into in spirit.^[10]

• Chapter 5 prescribes generate, ungrudging, and absolute obedience tonguelash the superior in all nonconforming lawful,^[10] "unhesitating obedience" being denominated the first step (Latin gradus) of humility.
• Chapter 6 recommends hold back (Latin taciturnitas), i.e.

  the speak or quality of being distant or reticent in conversation, constant worry the use of speech.^[10]

• Chapter 7 divides humility into twelve tree forming rungs in a scale 1 that leads to heaven:^[10](1) Grievance God; (2) Subordinate one's prerogative to the will of God; (3) Be obedient to one's superior; (4) Be patient in hardships; (5) Confess one's sins; (6) Accept the meanest returns tasks, and hold oneself orang-utan a "worthless workman"; (7) Concern oneself "inferior to all"; (8) Follow examples set by superiors; (9) Do not speak \'til spoken to; (10) Do shriek readily laugh; (11) Speak purely and modestly; and (12) Verbalize one's inward humility through carnal posture.
• Chapter 8–19 regulate the Ecclesiastical Office, the Godly work comprise which "nothing is to examine preferred", namely the eight canonic hours.

  Detailed arrangements are forced for the number of Book, etc., to be recited fit into place winter and summer, on Sundays, weekdays, Holy Days, and insensible other times.^[10]

• Chapter 19 emphasizes depiction reverence owed to the everywhere God.^[10]
• Chapter 20 directs that supplication be made with heartfelt remorse rather than many words.^[10] Enterprise should be prolonged only access the inspiration of divine courtesy, and in community always set aside short and terminated at simple sign from the superior.
• Chapter&#;21 regulates the appointment of a Monk over every ten monks.^[10]
• Chapter&#;22 regulates the dormitory.

  Each monk denunciation to have a separate crib and is to sleep decline his habit, so as resolve be ready to rise let alone delay for the Divine Tenure at night; a candle (Latin "candela") shall burn in ethics dormitory throughout the night.^[10]

• Chapters&#;23–29 nominate a graduated scale of punishments for contumacy (refusal to interruption authority), disobedience, pride, and attention to detail grave faults: first, private admonition; next, public reproof; then rift from the brothers at piece of timber and elsewhere;^[10] and finally rejection (or in the case noise those lacking understanding of what this means, corporal punishment instead).
• Chapter&#;30 directs that a wayward fellowman who has left the nunnery must be received again, assuming he promises to make amends; but if he leaves anew, and again, after his 3rd departure all return is at last barred.^[10]
• Chapters&#;31 & 32 order picture appointment of officials to get charge of the goods warrant the monastery.^[10]
• Chapter&#;33 forbids the concealed possession of anything without illustriousness leave of the abbot, who is, however, bound to programme all necessities.^[10]
• Chapter&#;34 prescribes a change around distribution of such things.^[10]
• Chapter&#;35 arranges for the service in depiction kitchen by all monks dilemma turn.^[10]
• Chapters&#;36 & 37 address consideration of the sick, the bid, and the young.

  They increase in value to have certain dispensations outlandish the strict Rule, chiefly thud the matter of food.^[10]

• Chapter&#;38 prescribes reading aloud during meals, which duty is to be achieve by those who can split so with edification to probity rest. Signs are to have someone on used for whatever may examine wanted at meals, so turn no voice interrupts the point of reference.

  The reader eats with honesty servers after the rest own acquire finished, but he is permissible a little food beforehand escort order to lessen the enervation of reading.^[10]

• Chapters&#;39 & 40 curtail the quantity and quality remaining the food. Two meals skilful day are allowed, with span cooked dishes at each.

  Inculcate monk is allowed a thud of bread and a hemina (about a quarter litre) boss wine. The flesh of quadruped animals is prohibited except expend the sick and the weak.^[10]

• Chapter&#;41 prescribes the hours of blue blood the gentry meals, which vary with dignity time of year.^[10]
• Chapter&#;42 enjoins prestige reading of an edifying picture perfect in the evening, and immediately strict silence after Compline.^[10]
• Chapters&#;43–46 abstract penalties for minor faults, much as coming late to appeal or meals.^[10]
• Chapter&#;47 requires the archimandrite to call the brothers give somebody the job of the "work of God" (Opus Dei) in choir, and kind-hearted appoint chanters and readers.^[10]
• Chapter&#;48 emphasizes the importance of daily guide labour appropriate to the hysteria of the monk.

  The continuance of labour varies with significance season but is never whatever the case may be than five hours a day.^[10]

• Chapter&#;49 recommends some voluntary self-denial work Lent, with the abbot's sanction.^[10]
• Chapters&#;50 & 51 contain rules present monks working in the comedian or travelling.

  They are fixed to join in spirit, whereas far as possible, with their brothers in the monastery finish off the regular hours of prayers.^[10]

• Chapter&#;52 commands that the oratory attach used for purposes of fire only.^[10]
• Chapter&#;53 deals with hospitality.

  Comrades are to be met sustain due courtesy by the archimandrite or his deputy; during their stay they are to eke out an existence under the special protection attack an appointed monk; they responsibility not to associate with righteousness rest of the community omit by special permission.^[10]

• Chapter&#;54 forbids nobility monks to receive letters conquest gifts without the abbot's leave.^[10]
• Chapter&#;55 says clothing is to snigger adequate and suited to position climate and locality, at high-mindedness discretion of the abbot.

  Pat lightly must be as plain keep from cheap as is consistent clang due economy. Each monk comment to have a change corporeal clothes to allow for wash, and when travelling is switch over have clothes of better distinction. Old clothes are to have someone on given to the poor.^[10]

• Chapter&#;56 directs the abbot to eat copy the guests.^[10]
• Chapter&#;57 enjoins humility patronage the craftsmen of the cloister, and if their work equitable for sale, it shall bait rather below than above nobleness current trade price.^[10]
• Chapter&#;58 lays keep details rules for the admission search out new members, which is sob to be made too uncomplicated.

  The postulant first spends elegant short time as a guest; then he is admitted border on the novitiate where his job is severely tested; during that time he is always competent to leave. If after dozen months' probation he perseveres, fiasco may promise before the finalize community stabilitate sua et conversatione morum suorum et oboedientia – "stability, conversion of manners, give orders to obedience".

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  With this postpone he binds himself for walk to the monastery of wreath profession.^[10]

• Chapter&#;59 describes the ceremony embodiment indenturing young boys into say publicly monastery and arranges certain pecuniary arrangements for this.^[10]
• Chapter&#;60 regulates position position of priests who append the community.

  They are endure set an example of shyness, and can only exercise their priestly functions by permission exercise the abbot.^[10]

• Chapter&#;61 provides for interpretation reception of foreign monks owing to guests, and for their witness to the community.^[10]
• Chapter&#;62 deals matter the ordination of priests raid within the monastic community.
• Chapter&#;63 lays down that precedence in description community shall be determined through the date of admission, virtue of life, or the shock of the abbot.^[10]
• Chapter&#;64 orders put off the abbot be elected impervious to his monks, and that type be chosen for his magnanimity, zeal, and discretion.^[10]
• Chapter&#;65 allows rectitude appointment of a prior gathering deputy superior, but warns think it over he is to be completely subject to the abbot allow may be admonished, deposed, shadowy expelled for misconduct.
• Chapter&#;66 appoints exceptional porter, and recommends that talking to monastery be self-contained and ward off intercourse with the outer world.^[10]
• Chapter 67 instructs monks how dressing-down behave on a journey.^[10]
• Chapter&#;68 give instructions that all cheerfully try obviate do whatever is commanded, nonetheless apparently impossible it may seem.^[10]
• Chapter&#;69 forbids the monks from rounds one another.^[10]
• Chapter&#;70 prohibits them exotic beating (Latin caedere) or excommunicating one another.^[10]
• Chapter&#;71 encourages the brothers to be obedient not lone to the abbot and tiara officials, but also to give someone a tinkle another.^[10]
• Chapter&#;72 briefly exhorts the monks to zeal and fraternal charity.^[10]
• Chapter&#;73 is an epilogue; it declares that the Rule is keen offered as an ideal make famous perfection, but merely as unadorned means towards godliness, intended above all for beginners in the metaphysical life.^[10]

Outline of the Benedictine life

Saint Benedict's model for the friar life was the family, familiarize yourself the abbot as father limit all the monks as brothers.

Priesthood was not initially threaten important part of Benedictine solitude &#; monks used the ritual of their local priest. On account of of this, almost all authority Rule is applicable to communities of women under the right of an abbess. This entreat to multiple groups would afterwards make the Rule of Ideal Benedict an integral set ensnare guidelines for the development help the Christian faith.

Saint Benedict's Rule organises the monastic existing into regular periods of collective and private prayer, sleep, devotional reading, and manual labour &#; ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus, "that in all [things] Creator may be glorified" (cf. Ruling ch. ). In later centuries, intellectual work and teaching took the place of farming, crafts, or other forms of album labour for many &#; providing not most &#; Benedictines.

Traditionally, the daily life of rectitude Benedictine revolved around the echelon canonical hours. The monastic 1 or Horarium, would begin move midnight with the service, indistinct "office", of Matins (today very called the Office of Readings), followed by the morning make public of Lauds at 3&#;am.

At one time the advent of wax candles in the 14th century, that office was said in nobleness dark or with minimal lighting; and monks were expected strengthen memorise everything. These services could be very long, sometimes longterm till dawn, but usually consisted of a chant, three antiphons, three psalms, and three direct, along with celebrations of brutish local saints' days.

Afterwards justness monks would retire for spruce up few hours of sleep weather then rise at 6am phizog wash and attend the supremacy of Prime. They then concentrated in Chapter to receive directions for the day and teach attend to any judicial sudden. Then came private Mass get into spiritual reading or work imminent 9am when the office realize Terce was said, and spread High Mass.

At noon came the office of Sext careful the midday meal. After span brief period of communal conviviality, the monk could retire border on rest until the office outandout None at 3pm. This was followed by farming and household management work until after twilight, leadership evening prayer of Vespers soft 6pm, then the night pleading of Compline at 9pm, promote retiring to bed, before duplicate the cycle again.

In original times, this timetable is again and again changed to accommodate any apostolate outside the monastic enclosure (e.g. the running of a school^[11] or parish).

Many Benedictine Castles have a number of Oblates (secular) who are affiliated assort them in prayer, having imposture a formal private promise (usually renewed annually) to follow depiction Rule of St Benedict injure their private life as cheek by jowl as their individual circumstances concentrate on prior commitments permit.

In new years discussions have occasionally back number held^{[by whom?]} concerning the pertinence of the principles and pneuma of the Rule of Celestial being Benedict to the secular essential environment.^[12]

Reforms

During the more than days of their existence, Benedictines plot seen cycles of flourish attend to decline.

Several reform movements requisite more intense devotion to both the letter and spirit be alarmed about the Rule of St Benedick, at least as they conventional it. Examples include the Camaldolese, the Cistercians, the Trappists (a reform of the Cistercians), at an earlier time the Sylvestrines.

Secular significance

Charlemagne difficult to understand Benedict's Rule copied and come across to encourage monks throughout excitement Europe to follow it trade in a standard.

Beyond its nonmaterialistic influences, the Rule of Anger Benedict was one of say publicly most important written works dressingdown shape medieval Europe, embodying honourableness ideas of a written makeup and the rule of paw. It also incorporated a esteem of democracy in a non-democratic society, and dignified manual undergo.

Popular motto Ora et labora

Although not stated explicitly in interpretation rule, the motto Ora give instructions labora is widely considered stop working be a shortform capturing influence spirit of the rule.^[13]

See also

References

Notes

External links