“I discovered, you see, that real Benedictinism requires us to pour ourselves out for the other, to give ourselves away, to provide the staples of life, both material and spiritual, for another. The question is not whether what we have is sufficient for the situation or not. The question is simply whether or not we have anything to give. That’s what hospitality is all about. Not abundance and not totality. Just sharing. Real sharing.” – Joan Chittister, Wisdom Distilled From the Daily Continue Reading
monastic benedictine values
Benedictine Values: Silence
This may sound weird, but one of the biggest adjustments I had to make when I became a Benedictine Sister was to learn to be quiet. Now, don’t get me wrong. I was never loud and boisterous (well, not really). In fact, I was drawn to peaceful venues in nature and church. But for me, white noise was the TV and radio. Continue Reading
Benedictine Values: Simplicity
Many religious orders take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, but Benedictine Sisters do not. When we become Sisters, we make monastic profession of 3 promises: obedience, stability and fidelity to the monastic way of life. It is within the promise of stability that we commit ourselves to chastity and monastic poverty, or simplicity. Continue Reading
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