Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: St. Benedict

St. Benedict: Founder of Western Monasticism

14.. . . For in the Benedictine law the highest prudence and simplicity are united; Christian humility is joined to virile virtue; mildness tempers severity; and a healthy freedom ennobles due submission. In it correction is given with firmness, but clemency and benignity hold sway; the ordinances are observed but obedience brings rest to mind… Read More ›

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Passing of Our Holy Father St. Benedict

Towards the end of his life, Benedict is praying alone in a tower room before the others are awake. He prays how? standing at the window (ad fenestram stans83) looking out over the sleeping countryside. . . . Oninipotentem Deuin deprecans85—this seems to indicate prayer of supplication, petition, but is not to be taken too… Read More ›

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The Observance of Lent: Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 49

Although the life of a monk ought to have about it at all times the character of a Lenten observance, yet since few have the virtue for that, we therefore urge that during the actual days of Lent the brethren keep their lives most pure and at the same time wash away during these holy… Read More ›

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Suggested Reading for Lent

“On the days of Lent, from morning until the end of the third hour let them apply themselves to their reading, and from then until the end of the tenth hour let them do the work assigned them. And in these days of Lent they shall each receive a book from the library, which they… Read More ›

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Numbering of the Psalms

At the last Oblate meeting a question about the numbering  of the Psalms was raised. This difference is important particularly as you read the Rule of St. Benedict or the commentary on the Psalms that have been posted to the site. The reason for the difference is the Christian numbering of the Psalms, as found… Read More ›

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Life of St. Benedict

The Oblates have been studying the Life of St. Benedict. A pdf copy of the classic work written by St. Gregory can be downloaded from this site for the use at the meetings. The original source is of the document is from the Christian Classics Etheral Library which also has epub copies compatible with electronic book… Read More ›

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Trappist Monks and Nuns Revive Interest in Monastic Vocations Online

PEOSTA, IA (Cistercians of the Strict Observance) – For more than nine centuries, Trappist monks and nuns have witnessed to the gospel of Jesus Christ through a cloistered, communal life wholly ordered to contemplation. Cistercians of the Strict Observance, also known as “Trappists” are an order of the Roman Catholic Church who founded their first… Read More ›

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From the Life of St. Benedict

When this great temptation was thus overcome, the man of God, like to a piece of ground well tilled and weeded, of the seed of virtue brought forth plentiful store of fruit: and by reason of the great report of his wonderful holy life, his name became very famous. Not far from the place where… Read More ›

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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 ›

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St. Benedict, Father of Western Monasticism

Trusting in God and relying on His ever present help, he went south and arrived at a fort “called Cassino situated on the side of a high mountain . . .; on this stood an old temple where Apollo was worshipped by the foolish country people, according to the custom of the ancient heathens. Around… Read More ›

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