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Benedict was born in the Umbrian town of Nursia, in what is now central
Italy, in 480 AD. While Benedict was not the founder of monasticism, he
is regarded by many as the father of Western monasticism. Benedict
spent many years on his spiritual journey before establishing a
monastery in Monte Cassino, 80 miles SE of Rome. At Monte Cassino,
Benedict created guidelines to govern the life of that monastery. Over
the centuries the Rule of Benedict, as these guidelines have become
known, has become the foundation for hundreds of Benedictine and
Cistercian monasteries throughout Europe and the world.
The Rule of Benedict governs almost all the details of daily monastic
life, but is not so much a set of do’s and don’ts as it is a guide on
how to live a life in community with others, and a life centered in
God. The Rule directs the monastic to see Christ in the other, whether
the other is someone they live with or is a stranger at the monastery
door. Over the centuries, monasteries in Europe have tended to serve as
places where travelers could often find lodging. The Rule brought the
meaning of hospitality to fullness. Over the years many non-monastics
have come to see the potential value of the Rule in their lives. The
Rule can provide a framework to enable spiritual growth while living in
the everyday world – a world of stress and uncertainty and challenges.
The Rule can provide a model for our interactions with family, friends,
co-workers and all others we come into contact with. It can guide us
in facing our responsibilities and obligations at home, in the
workplace and in the community.
There are many publications on St Benedict and the Rule of Benedict that
are available to the lay person.RELATED
LINKS:
http://www.osb.org/gen/benedict.html
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02467b.htm
http://www.ccel.org/b/benedict/
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