Source
As its name indicates, the creator of this monastic rule was Saint Benedict of Nursia (480-547). In fact, in 529, when Saint Benedict began to found monasteries in Italy, especially those of Subiaco and Monte Cassino, he thought of this rule, since he came to see the lack of a common foundation that would establish discipline in the life of the monks. catholic monks. Indeed, at that time, monastic life was quite disorganized: there were many hermit monks and few communities of brothers. Therefore, around the year 530, Saint Benedict undertook to draft the basic principles of monastic life, with the purpose of guiding his disciples and orienting his spirituality. The Rule is distinguished by the desire of the founding father not to demand anything excessive. In fact, Saint Benedict specifies that it is a “sketch of the rule”, which gives an idea of how to grow in love and Christian perfection. However, he maintains that each monk must delve into it and develop it.
On the other hand, it is necessary to know that Saint Gregory the Great, the first biographer of Saint Benedict, was the person in charge of writing this famous rule, which soon became very popular.
Beginning
In the words of Benedict XVI, Saint Benedict emphasized the search for God as the fundamental and unique goal of human existence. Therefore, this Rule governs in detail the monastic life of the Benedictines, and organizes their life in a practical and spiritual way, as follows:
- The rule states the role of the abbot: the abbot is the representative of Christ in the monastery, he must lead the brothers along the path of holiness. Therefore, the purpose of Saint Benedict is that the abbot governs in such a way that “The strong desire even more and the weak do not lose heart”.
- The Rule structures the organization of the life of the monks between work and prayer. Saint Benedict especially insists on the central place that should be given to manual and intellectual work: “Idleness is the enemy of the soul, and for this reason at certain times the brothers will occupy themselves with manual work and at others with divine reading.”
- The Rule describes the monastic virtuesthat is, obedience, humility and the spirit of silence.
- The Rule gives meaning and importance to fraternal life: “Each one must try to please everyone in everything, not seeking their own convenience, but that of others”. For this reason, charity occupies a central place among the brothers and Saint Benedict refers to it by saying: “all guests who come to the monastery must be welcomed as Christ”to which he adds: “First and foremost, sick brothers and sisters must be cared for, serving them as Christ in person”.
- In addition to the above, the rule organizes in detail the monastic liturgy, which Saint Benedict calls Opus Dei (the work of God). This liturgy constitutes the center of the life of the monk, and is centered on the daily Eucharist and the other liturgical offices: Night Vigils, Lauds, minor hours, Vespers and Compline.
Regarding the Benedictines, it should be noted that, at the request of Saint Benedict, the brothers read the rule in its entirety three times a year. On the other hand, in terms of clothing, the Benedictine habit is generally black with a hood, belt and scapular.
Religious orders that follow the Rule of Saint Benedict
In addition to the Benedictines, there are other religious orders that follow the Rule of Saint Benedict. Therefore, these orders are part of the great Benedictine familyamong which we find:
Although in the 11th century the Benedictines moved away from Saint Benedict’s ideal of life, especially with the sumptuousness of clunysome monks dreamed of putting it back into practice.
In 1098, Robert de Molesme founded the Cistercian Abbey, which was developed thanks to San Bernardo de Claraval. The latter defended the need to return to the Rule of Saint Benedict in all its dimensions. For this reason, manual work, which had been neglected by the Benedictines, was once again placed at the center of community life. In fact, the Cistercian monks cultivated their land, as required by the Rule of Saint Benedict: “So they are true monks, when they live from the work of their own hands”. In addition, religious ceremonies were reduced, as was the decoration of churches, so that the monks could concentrate on God and prayer. In fact, the Cistercians seek to return to a humble life, without excesses, according to the evangelical ideal, which constitutes the basis of all Christian life.
This order was created in 1313 and is also known as the Benedictine congregation of Our Lady of the Mount of Olives.
This order, also known as The Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, was created in 1662. It is a contemplative order that seeks union with God through community life. All Cistercian monasteries are dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, therefore her feast is celebrated on August 15, the day of the liturgical solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.