Rule of Saint Benedict
The Rule of Saint Benedict is a book of precepts written in 516 by Benedict of Nursia for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot. The spirit of Saint Benedict's Rule is summed up in the motto of the Benedictine Confederation: pax and the traditional ora et labora. Compared to ot…
Monte Cassino
Monte Cassino is a rocky hill about 130 kilometres southeast of Rome, in the Latin Valley, Italy, 2 kilometres to the west of the town of Cassino and 520 m altitude. Site of the Roman town of Casinum, it is best known for its abbey, the first house of the Benedictine Order, having been esta…
Full Answer
What is the purpose of the Benedictine rule?
observance by
- Benedictines In St. Robert of Molesme …Cîteaux, where they strictly followed St. ...
- Cistercians In Cistercian …the strictest interpretation of the Rule of St. ...
- Maurists In Maurist …to strict observance of the Benedictine Rule and especially to historical and ecclesiastical scholarship. ...
- Mechitarists In Mechitarist …constitution is based on the Rule of St. ...
What is the main idea of the Benedictine rule?
What is the main idea of the Benedictine rule? The Benedictine Rule is strict—its main theme being absolute obedience to the Abbot. Benedictine, member of any of the confederated congregations of Roman Catholic monks, lay brothers, and nuns who follow the rule of life of St. Benedict of Nursia.
What was the Benedictine rule?
Benedict Rogers is co-founder and Chief Executive of Hong ... human rights and the international rules-based order, all increasingly threatened. Myanmar is facing a dire humanitarian, human rights and economic crisis. The military, known as the ...
What are the rules of Benedict?
Latin
- Regula Benedicti in Latin and German. © 2013 Salzburger Äbtekonferenz.
- Regula monachorum. Text llatí segons el manuscrit de Sankt-Gall Sant Benet de Núrsia. ...
- Regula Sancti Benedicti (Latin text, translations and indices in Biblioteca Benedictina Intratext)
- The Rule of Our Most Holy Father St. ...
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What is the meaning of Benedictine rule?
According to Benedict, all things – eating, drinking, sleeping, reading, working, and praying – should be done in moderation. In Wisdom Distilled from the Daily, Sister Joan Chittister writes that in Benedict's Rule, "All must be given its due, but only its due.
What did Benedictine rule create?
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. It also incorporated a degree of democracy in a non-democratic society, and dignified manual labor.
What was the Benedictine rule quizlet?
Benedictine Rule was a set of vows created by a monk named Benedict in about A.D. 530 when he organized the monastery of Monte Cassino. His rules eventually came to be used by convents and monasteries across Europe in order to regulate monastic life.
Who was St. Benedict and what was the purpose of Benedict's rules?
St. Benedict's supreme achievement was to provide a succinct and complete directory for the government and the spiritual and material well-being of a monastery. His Rule carefully integrated prayer, manual labor, and study into a well-rounded daily routine that has shaped Christianity for nearly 1,500 years.
Who was Saint Benedict quizlet?
St. Benedict came from a family of wealthy Christians. His family wanted him to be educated in Rome, but he did not like the moral decay there, so he went into the wilderness to live the life of a hermit. Later, he established a reform for the ways monks should live.
What were monks who chose to live on their own apart from society?
Monasticism was a movement of men and women moving away from the world to pursue holiness and become more like Christ. At first, monks lived as hermits, but they later formed communities.
What crop restored fertility to the soil in the three field system of rotating crops?
legumesFollowing a two-field crop rotation system common in the Middle Ages and a three-year three field crop rotation routine employed later, the regular planting of legumes such as peas and beans in the fields that were previously fallow became central and slowly restored the fertility of some croplands.
Why is the Benedictine Rule important?
Benedict's rule provided for a monastic day of work, prayer, and contemplation, offering psychological balance in the monk's life. It also elevated the dignity of manual labour in the service of God, long scorned by the elites of antiquity.
What are the Benedictine values?
Benedictine ValuesCommunity. Striving together for the common good and growing in relationship with God, one another, and self. ... Hospitality. Receiving others as Christ with warmth and attentiveness. ... Moderation. Honoring all of God's creation and living simply with balance and gratitude. ... Prayer. ... Respect for Persons. ... Service.
What does the word Benedict mean?
benedict • \BEN-ih-dikt\ • noun. : a newly married man who has long been a bachelor.
What was Benedict's rule?
In history of Europe: The organization of late imperial Christianity. Benedict’s rule provided for a monastic day of work, prayer, and contemplation, offering psychological balance in the monk’s life. It also elevated the dignity of manual labour in the service of God, long scorned by the elites of antiquity.
Where was the Benedictine Rule written?
monasticism. Rule of St. Benedict, written in Beneventan script at Montecassino, Italy , late 11th century. Abbot Benedict of Nursia, depicted in the act of writing the Benedictine Rule, painting by Herman Nieg, 1926; in the church of Heiligenkreuz Abbey near Baden bei Wien, Lower Austria.
Why did the Benedictine rule succeed in the West?
In Christianity: Missions and monasticism. The Benedictine Rule—initiated by St. Benedict of Nursia—succeeded in the West because of its simplicity and restraint; more formidable alternatives were available in the 6th century.
Who was the organizer of the Cistercian rule and order?
Robert was succeeded by St. Alberic and then by St. Stephen Harding, who proved to be the real organizer of the Cistercian rule and order. The new regulations demanded severe asceticism; they rejected all feudal revenues and reintroduced manual labour for…. Read More.
Benedictine Rule
Interesting facts and information about life and the lives of men and women in the Medieval period of the Middle Ages
Benedictine Rule
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Why did Charlemagne copy St Benedict's rule?
Charlemagne had Benedict's rule copied and distributed to encourage monks throughout western Europe to follow it as a standard. 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. It also incorporated a degree of democracy in a non-democratic society, and dignified manual labor .
What are some examples of reform movements of St Benedict?
Examples include the Camaldolese, the Cistercians, the Trappists (a reform of the Cistercians), and the Sylvestrines. At the heart of reform movements, past and present, lie Hermeneutical questions about what fidelity to tradition means. 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?
What is the monasticon anglicanum?
Monasticon Anglicanum, or, The history of the ancient abbies, and other monasteries, hospitals, cathedral and collegiate churches in England and Wales. With divers French, Irish, and Scotch monasteries formerly relating to England. Sam Keble. ^ Kardong, T. (2001). Saint Benedict and the Twelfth-Century Reformation.
What is Benedict's greatest debt?
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. Saint Benedict's work expounded upon preconceived ideas that were present in the religious community only ...
What is the meaning of Chapter 64?
Chapter 64 orders that the abbot be elected by his monks, and that he be chosen for his charity, zeal, and discretion. Chapter 65 allows the appointment of a provost, or prior, but warns that he is to be entirely subject to the abbot and may be admonished, deposed, or expelled for misconduct.
How many meals are allowed in the monastery?
Two meals a day are allowed, with two cooked dishes at each. Each monk is allowed a pound of bread and a hemina (about a quarter litre) of wine. The flesh of four-footed animals is prohibited except for the sick and the weak. Chapter 41 prescribes the hours of the meals, which vary with the time of year.
What are the rules of Chapter 51?
Chapters 50 & 51 contain rules for monks working in the fields or travelling. They are directed to join in spirit, as far as possible, with their brothers in the monastery at the regular hours of prayers. Chapter 52 commands that the oratory be used for purposes of devotion only. Chapter 53 deals with hospitality.
What is the Benedictine customary?
A ' customary' is the code adopted by a particular Benedictine house, adapting the Rule to local conditions.
What is the meaning of the Benedictine vow?
to remain in the same community), conversatio morum (an idiomatic Latin phrase suggesting "conversion of manners"; see below) and obedience to the community's superior. This solemn commitment tends to be referred to as the "Benedictine vow" and is the Benedictine antecedent and equivalent of the evangelical counsels professed by candidates for reception into a religious order .
What is the Benedictine Confederation?
Benedictine Confederation. Parent organization. Catholic Church. Website. osb .org. 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, ...
What is the oldest Benedictine monastery in the world?
The English Benedictine Congregation is the oldest of the nineteen Benedictine congregations. Augustine of Canterbury and his monks established the first English Benedictine monastery at Canterbury soon after their arrival in 597. Other foundations quickly followed. Through the influence of Wilfrid, Benedict Biscop, and Dunstan, the Benedictine Rule spread with extraordinary rapidity, and in the North it was adopted in most of the monasteries that had been founded by the Celtic missionaries from Iona. Many of the episcopal sees of England were founded and governed by the Benedictines, and no fewer than nine of the old cathedrals were served by the black monks of the priories attached to them. Monasteries served as hospitals and places of refuge for the weak and homeless. The monks studied the healing properties of plants and minerals to alleviate the sufferings of the sick.
How is Benedictine monasticism different from other Western religious orders?
Benedictine monasticism is fundamentally different from other Western religious orders insofar as its individual communities are not part of a religious order with "Generalates" and "Superiors General". Each Benedictine house is independent and governed by an abbot.
Where did the Benedictine monks live?
The first Benedictine to live in the United States was Pierre-Joseph Didier. He came to the United States in 1790 from Paris and served in the Ohio and St. Louis areas until his death. The first actual Benedictine monastery founded was Saint Vincent Archabbey, located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1832 by Boniface Wimmer, a German monk, who sought to serve German immigrants in America. In 1856, Wimmer started to lay the foundations for St. John's Abbey in Minnesota. In 1876, Father Herman Wolfe, of Saint Vincent Archabbey established Belmont Abbey in North Carolina. By the time of his death in 1887, Wimmer had sent Benedictine monks to Kansas, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Illinois, and Colorado.
What was the purpose of the Monasteries during the French Revolution?
Monasteries were among the institutions of the Catholic Church swept away during the French Revolution. Monasteries were again allowed to form in the 19th century under the Bourbon Restoration. Later that century, under the Third French Republic, laws were enacted preventing religious teaching. The original intent was to allow secular schools. Thus in 1880 and 1882, Benedictine teaching monks were effectively exiled; this was not completed until 1901.
Summary
The Rule of Saint Benedict (Latin: Regula Sancti Benedicti) is a book of precepts written in 516 by Benedict of Nursia (c. AD 480–550) for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot.
The spirit of Saint Benedict's Rule is summed up in the motto of the Benedictine Confederation: pax ("peace") and the traditional ora et labora ("pray and work"). …
Origins
Christian monasticism first appeared in the Egyptian desert, in the Eastern Roman Empire a few generations before Benedict of Nursia. Under the inspiration of Saint Anthony the Great (251–356), ascetic monks led by Saint Pachomius (286–346) formed the first Christian monastic communities under what became known as an Abbot, from the Aramaic abba (father).
Overview
The Rule opens with a hortatory preface, drawing on the Admonitio ad filium spiritualem, in which Saint Benedict sets forth the main principles of the religious life, viz.: 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. 3). He proposes to establish a "school for the Lord's serv…
Secular significance
Charlemagne had Benedict's rule copied and distributed to encourage monks throughout western Europe to follow it as a standard. 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. It also incorporated a degree of democracy in a non-democratic society, and dignified manual labor.
Outline of the Benedictine life
Saint Benedict's model for the monastic life was the family, with the abbot as father and all the monks as brothers. Priesthood was not initially an important part of Benedictine monasticism – monks used the services of their local priest. Because of this, almost all the Rule is applicable to communities of women under the authority of an abbess. This appeal to multiple groups would later m…
Reforms
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. 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. Examples include the Camaldolese, the Cistercians, the Trappists (a reform of …
Popular legend
A popular legend claims that the Rule of Saint Benedict contains the following passage:
If any pilgrim monk come from distant parts, with a wish to dwell as a guest in the monastery, and will be content with the customs which he finds in the place, and do not perchance by his lavishness disturb the monastery, but is simply content with what he finds: he shall be received, for as long a time as he desires. If, indeed, he would find fault with anything, or expose it, reason…
See also
• Rule of Saint Augustine
• Rule of Saint Basil
• Benedict of Nursia
• Benedictine rite
• Benedictines
Overview
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 o…
Historical development
The monastery at Subiaco in Italy, established by Benedict of Nursia c. 529, was the first of the dozen monasteries he founded. He later founded the Abbey of Monte Cassino. There is no evidence, however, that he intended to found an order and the Rule of Saint Benedict presupposes the autonomy of each community. When Monte Cassino was sacked by the Lombards about the yea…
Benedictine vow and life
The sense of community was a defining characteristic of the order since the beginning. Section 17 in chapter 58 of the Rule of Saint Benedict states the solemn promise candidates for reception into a Benedictine community are required to make: a promise of stability (i.e. to remain in the same community), conversatio morum (an idiomatic Latin phrase suggesting "conversion of man…
Organization
Benedictine monasticism is fundamentally different from other Western religious orders insofar as its individual communities are not part of a religious order with "Generalates" and "Superiors General". Each Benedictine house is independent and governed by an abbot.
In modern times, the various groups of autonomous houses (national, reform, etc.) have formed themselves loosely into congregations (for example, Cassinese, English, Solesmes, Subiaco, Ca…
Other orders
The Rule of Saint Benedict is also used by a number of religious orders that began as reforms of the Benedictine tradition such as the Cistercians and Trappists. These groups are separate congregations and not members of the Benedictine Confederation.
Although Benedictines are traditionally Catholic, there are also some communities that follow the Rule of Saint Benedict within the Anglican Communion, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Lutheran C…
Founders of abbeys and congregations and prominent reformers
• Earconwald (c. 630–93)
• Benedict Biscop (c. 628–90)
• Leudwinus (c. 665–713)
• Benedict of Aniane (747–821)
See also
• Dom Pierre Pérignon
• Benedictine Confederation
• Catholic religious order
• Cistercians
• French Romanesque architecture
Further reading
• Dom Columba Marmion, Christ the Ideal of the Monk – Spiritual Conferences on the Monastic and Religious Life (Engl. edition London 1926, trsl. from the French by a nun of Tyburn Convent).
• Mariano Dell'Omo, Storia del monachesimo occidentale dal medioevo all'età contemporanea. Il carisma di san Benedetto tra VI e XX secolo. Jaca Book, Milano 2011. ISBN 978-88-16-30493-2