Rule of Benedict

Rule of Benedict
Like other Benedictine communities we follow The Rule of Benedict. This guide for living in community was written between 530 and 560 A.D. by Benedict of Nursia, an Italian monk and founder of Benedictine monasticism. Although written over 1,500 years ago, the Rule offers contemporary Christian women a way of living the Gospel. Through its focus on prayer, community, hospitality and balance, the Rule suggests ways to find holiness in our daily lives.

Today, each Benedictine community lives the values of the Rule in ways that adapt to their setting and to the gifts of each member. Benedictine Women of Madison emphasize three values from the Rule in a vision of weaving prayer, hospitality and care of the earth into a shared way of life.

“That they truly seek God” is the only requirement for monastic life Benedict mentions in the Rule, however, newcomers are not to be granted an easy entrance. (RB58) Benedict asks for maturity of character and emotional stability of those who wish to enter into community.

Community offers a one-page overview of the Rule.

For more information about the Rule of Benedict, visit www.osb.org/gen/rule.html.

Saint Benedict's gift Hospitality Peace