The ruins of Hailes Abbey The monks played a critical role in the development of Western civilization. But judging from Catholic monasticism’s earliest practice, one would hardly have guessed the enormous impact on the outside world that it would come to exercise. This historical fact comes as less of a surprise when we recall Christ’s words: “Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and all these things shall be added unto you.” That, stated simply, is the history of the monks. Early forms of monastic life are evident by the third century. By then, individual Catholic women committed themselves as consecrated virgins to lives of prayer and sacrifice, looking after the poor and the sick. Nuns come from these early traditions. The dissolution of the monasteries in the late 1530s was one of the most revolutionary events in English history. There were nearly 900 religious houses in England, around 260 for monks, 300 for regular canons, 142 nunneries and 183 friaries; some 12,000 people i
St. Benedict, Abbot, Patron of Europe - Information on the Saint of the Day - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/07/11/st--benedict--abbot--patron-of-europe.html The thought of St. Benedict is the lifeblood of Europe Born in the central Italian mountain town of Norcia (Nursia) around AD 480, St. Benedict became one of the most important catalysts for the creation of a new European culture after the fall of the Roman Empire in the West (traditionally dated to AD 476). The system of monastic life he developed and nourished spread centers of prayer and hospitality throughout the continent. Benedictine monasteries were not only spiritual and cultural centers, but also a source of sustenance and relief for pilgrims and the poor. Bright Star in a Dark Century St. Gregory the Great – who wrote the only ancient biography of St. Benedict that we have – called St. Benedict “a bright light” in an age marked by the most serious crisis. From his youth, Benedict’s life was marked b
5 Ways to Live Like A Monk in the World https://www.conceptionabbey.org/5-ways-live-like-monk-world/ Here are five tenets of Benedictine monasticism that you can cultivate in your life by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB, Vocation Director, Conception Abbey 1. Cultivate Silence, 2. Be Faithful to Daily Prayer, 3. Form Authentic Community, 4. Make time for Lectio Divina, 5. Practice Humility https://www.conceptionabbey.org/5-ways-live-like-monk-world/ 1. Cultivate Silence St. Benedict wrote, “Speaking and teaching are the master’s task; the disciple is to be silent and listen” (RB 6:8). Silence is the environment that allows you to listen to God’s voice and the voices of those around you properly. Many people are uncomfortable with silence or they find it awkward, so they fill their days with needless noise and distractions. Turning off the music and radio, especially when you are in the car, moderating television or Internet use will challenge you to listen to the God who dwells within you and s
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