inundado por um mistério de luz que é Deus e N´Ele vi e ouvi -A ponta da lança como chama que se desprende, toca o eixo da terra, – Ela estremece: montanhas, cidades, vilas e aldeias com os seus moradores são sepultados. - O mar, os rios e as nuvens saem dos seus limites, transbordam, inundam e arrastam consigo num redemoinho, moradias e gente em número que não se pode contar , é a purificação do mundo pelo pecado em que se mergulha. - O ódio, a ambição provocam a guerra destruidora! - Depois senti no palpitar acelerado do coração e no meu espírito o eco duma voz suave que dizia: – No tempo, uma só Fé, um só Batismo, uma só Igreja, Santa, Católica, Apostólica: - Na eternidade, o Céu! Benedictine Spirituality
The Rule of Saint Benedict, which is permeated by the spirit of Holy Scripture, is the source from which our monastic life is drawn. It is the foundation upon which the spiritual life is built. The fundamental principles of the monastic life which are expressed in the Rule
are vaild guides even in our own day.
are vaild guides even in our own day.
Constitutions of the Congregation of St. Ottilien, Preamble 3
The Rule of St. Benedict inspires us as Missionary Benedictines to live in the present world as a listening, praying, and serving community of brothers. Our spirituality as Benedictines can be summarized in the elements of this aspiration:
LISTENING
The first word of the Rule is listen. Saint Benedict was aware that an understanding of God's work in our lives and in the world begins by listening with the ear of our heart. God speaks to us in the silence of our hearts, in our encounters with other people, and in the experiences of every day life. By learning to listen more intently and recognizing the voice of God at work in everything we do, we come to a greater knowledge of God's will and abundant love.
PRAYING
Prayer is the foundation and primary work of our monastic way of life. Through prayer, the monk develops a relationship with God and cultivates a deeper sense of communion with him. Our daily rhythm of communal prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and celebration of the Eucharist, as well as private meditation and Lectio Divina, sanctifies our entire day and also allows us to intercede for the needs of the world.
SERVING
As Benedictines we are called to see Christ present in each person we encounter. The Rule of St. Benedict contains many admonitions to serve guests, the sick, the poor, and our own brother monks. The work and ministries we engage in allow us to put the fruit of our prayer into practice and is a concrete act of praise. All the work we do is done so that in all things God may be glorified.
COMMUNITY OF BROTHERS
A distinctive sign of the Benedictine monastic life is a continuing effort to build and strengthen the monastic community in fraternal charity. As members of a community we celebrate our joys together, encourage one another in challenging times, cooperate in a common mission, and help one another to grow personally and spiritually. The love we experience in community is a sign to the world of the Gospel way of life all people are called to live.
The Rule of St. Benedict as a spiritual path for today's world
(Podcasts of interviews with Fr. Mauritius Wilde)
(Podcasts of interviews with Fr. Mauritius Wilde)
- HR#17 “The Value of Listening and Silence” – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B
- HR#19 “Answering the Call to Consecrated Life” pt 1 of 2 – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B
- HR#22 “On Suffering” – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B
- HR#23 “Prayer during the Night” – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B
- HR#24 “The Monk, the Missionary Spirit and Evangelization” – The Holy Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B
5. Stability
10. Hospitality
12. Seeking God
14. Sustainability