Instruction 
Instruction on the Rule by noteworthy modern day monastics or oblates
“I”
The shallow “I” of individualism can be possessed, developed, cultivated, and pandered to, satisfied: it is the center of all our strivings for gains and for satisfaction, whether material or spiritual. But the deep “I” of the spirit, of solitude and of love, cannot be “had,” possessed, developed, perfected. It can only be and act… Read More ›
The road towards healing
We are healed of suffering only by experiencing it to the full. By Marcel Proust From Days of Healing-Days of hope Published by Hazelden How I wish healing was as easy as stepping into a shower, soaping up and then rinsing off. Afterwards there is a feeling of refreshment and cleansing. Life does not seem… Read More ›
Do not render evil for evil
In Lower Egypt there was an anchorite who was well-known because he dwelt in a solitary cell in the desert. Now by the power of Satan, a shameless woman who had heard of him said to some young men, “What would you give me if I could cause your anchorite to fall?” They agreed to… Read More ›
Counterbalance
“Progress always involves risk; you can’t steal second with your foot on first.” Mary R. It is so easy to cling to what is known, even if it is a situation that is painful and self destructive. In relationships, there is a very peculiar situation that can develop, that is in reality very common. This… Read More ›
Mary’s Meals steps in to help drought stricken Kenya
Rome, Italy, Aug 4, 2011 / 01:30 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Over 6,000 children in drought-stricken east Africa will receive a daily meal from this week onward. It is all thanks a charity founded by a Catholic aid worker who was recently declared a “CNN Hero” and awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen… Read More ›
The futility of analyzing “the good”
The more one seeks “the good” outside oneself as something to be acquired, the more one is faced with the necessity of discussing, studying, understanding, analyzing the nature of the good. The more, therefore, one becomes involved in abstractions and in the confusion of divergent opinions. The more “the good” is objectively analyzed, the more… Read More ›
St. Benedict speaks to our age
It is not only the bygone ages that had reason to profit from the benefits of this Patriarch; our own age has many important lessons to learn from him. Let those first of all who belong to his numerous family learn – We do not doubt that they do – to follow daily ever more… Read More ›
Earthly desires are shadows
The earthly desires men cherish are shadows. There is no true happiness in fulfilling them. Why, then, do we continue to pursue joys without substance? Because the pursuit itself has become our only substitute for joy. Unable to rest in anything we achieve, we determine to forget our discontent in a ceaseless quest for new… Read More ›
The Paradox of Human Existence
There is a paradox that lies in the very heart of human existence. It must be apprehended before any lasting happiness is possible in the soul of a man. The paradox is this: man’s nature, by itself, can do little or nothing to settle his most important problems. If we follow nothing but our natures,… Read More ›
Humility Enhances Humanity
Far from being demeaning or dehumanizing, true humility is a quality that enhances humanity. In Saint Benedict's view a monk is humble if meets the following criteria: He is serious in his commitment He is free enough of inner conflict to be able to follow the way of Christ He is able to endure the… Read More ›