31 July 2025

The fifth century, Italian Saint Benedict is largely unknown save for his famous ‘Rule of St. Benedict’. Unlike other monastic rules defining the life of the monastic community, the ‘Rule of St. Benedict’ is imbued with a rare tenderness.

The monks are encouraged to follow the Rule ‘not for fear of hell but for love of Christ’. And the Abbot is to understand that ‘what he has undertaken is the charge of weakly souls, and not a tyranny over the strong’.

There is to be no favouritism. Everyone takes their turn in the kitchen. Everyone washes the feet of the community. Everyone participates in the decision-making process even the young. As Benedict says, ‘God often reveals what is better to the younger.’

Treatment of the poor is the exception! ‘In the reception of poor men and pilgrims special attention should be shown because in them is Christ more truly welcomed.’ writes Benedict. ‘For the fear which the rich inspire is enough of itself to secure them honour.’

Although everyone takes it in turns to be a server, an hour before the meal, they are given extra rations ‘in order that at the mealtime they may serve their brethren without murmuring and undue hardship …’ Of course, they are last to be served!