Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: stability

Outburst

I suppose that many people at one time or another has trouble in dealing with very powerful emotions. They seem to have a life of their own these emotional reactions, coming to birth it seems explosively at times, or slowly building, until some form of expression must be articulated, often in destructive ways. I know… Read More ›

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A Reflection On the Benedictine Vow of Stability

By: Msgr. Charles Pope Most Catholics are familiar with the three vows taken by most religious of poverty, chastity and obedience. To these three, St. Benedict (whose feast we celebrated Wednesday), added a fourth for the Benedictine order, the vow of stability. Our summer seminarian who had considered joining the Benedictines at one time spoke… Read More ›

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Attainment of peace of heart

Aelred of Rievaulx lists six stages to be passed through in the attainment of peace of heart and tranquility of mind. The rejection of worldly standards, particularly the search for pleasure or possessions and the ambition for honors. The setting aside of self-love, vanity, pride, and the comparison of self with others. Reflection on the… Read More ›

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New book asks: Is US a ‘nation of heretics?’

New York City, N.Y., May 1, 2012 / 04:02 am (CNA).- Are Americans actually trading in faith for a more secular outlook? Or is the country’s religious center merely shifting – toward a array of sects, visionaries, charismatic leaders and unorthodox doctrines? In his new book “Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics”… Read More ›

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Increased cohabitation rates mean more instability for children

New York City, N.Y., Aug 17, 2011 / 01:31 am (CNA).- Family instability continues to grow in the U.S. despite falling divorce rates for families with children. Researchers say an increase in cohabitation is part of the problem, adding that society’s “retreat from marriage” harms children and has particularly hurt poor and working-class communities. “In… Read More ›

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Solid Buildings and Stodgy Thinking

Solid buildings easily lead to stodgy thinking. How often the Church has failed to respond quickly to conscientious needs because so much financial investment was dependent on the preservation of the status quo — its schools, hospitals, and church buildings? Just as the necessity of long-term planning can lead us to overlook immediate imperatives, so… Read More ›

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Enlightenment and Stability

“Where shall I look for Enlightenment?” the disciple asked. “Here,” the elder said. “When will it happen?” the disciple wanted to know. “It is happening right now,” the elder said. “Then why don’t I experience it?” the disciple asked. And the elder answered, “Because you do not look.” “But what should I look for?” the… Read More ›

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