Rule of Benedict: chapter 49 "On the Observance of Lent"
Although the life of a monk out to have about it at all times the character of a Lenten observance...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 days all the negligences of other times...and give ourselves up to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and to abstinence.
Although the life of a monk out to have about it at all times the character of a Lenten observance...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 days all the negligences of other times...and give ourselves up to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and to abstinence.
During these days, therefore, let us increase somewhat the usual burden of our service, as by private prayers and by abstinence in food and drink. Thus everyone of his own will may offer God "with joy of the Holy Spirit" something above the measure required of him. From his body, that is he may withhold some food, drink, sleep, talking, and jesting; and with the joy of spiritual desire he may look forward to holy Easter.
And at other times also, if anyone should want to pray by herself, let her go in simply and pray, not in a loud voice but with tears and fervor of heart. She who does not say her prayers in this way, therefore, shall not be permitted to remain in the oratory when the Work of God is ended, lest another be hindered, as we have said.
Our daily Mass and Liturgy of the Hours are celebrated in the Peace Chapel amid the simple stone and purple banners of Lent.
Rule of Benedict: chapter 49
On The Observance of Lent (cont'd)
Let each monk, however, suggest to his Abbot what it is that he wants to offer, and let it be done with his blessing and approval. For anything done without the permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vainglory and will merit no reward. Therefore let everything be done with the Abbot's approval.
Our Lenten resolutions, received and blessed by the Prioress on Ash Wednesday, remain before the altar throughout the Lenten season as a reminder to us and a continuous offering and sacrifice to the Lord.
Ash Wednesday also begins our monastic Lenten traditions of sacrifice and almsgiving. As a community, we join the Universal Church in continuing our Friday sacrifice and abstinence from meat; however, we add an additional simple supper of soup and bread on Wednesdays. We also refrain from our Sister Baker's fresh-made pies throughout the Lenten season.
Our community also shares in the Benedictine tradition of table reading during our weekday suppers. This Lent we will share in listening to Pope John Paul II's exhortation Vita Consecrata to commemorate this Year for Consecrated Life. Our Benedictine family will join in almsgiving; the Sunday donations to the monastery and our sisters personal offerings, reserved from their personal budgets, will be offered to AIM, Alliance for International Monasticism.
Be assured of our prayers for you throughout this sacred Season of Lent. If you would like to share your intentions with us, follow this link to our homepage for prayer requests.
Blessings,
Our daily Mass and Liturgy of the Hours are celebrated in the Peace Chapel amid the simple stone and purple banners of Lent.
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| Our Lenten resolutions and promises... |
On The Observance of Lent (cont'd)
Let each monk, however, suggest to his Abbot what it is that he wants to offer, and let it be done with his blessing and approval. For anything done without the permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vainglory and will merit no reward. Therefore let everything be done with the Abbot's approval.
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| Sister Penny, Prioress, reads from Vita Consecrata during supper. The Sister Reader rings the little bell to quiet the room before she begins. After pausing to reflect at the end of her portion, she rings the bell to indicate the sisters may visit at their tables. |
Ash Wednesday also begins our monastic Lenten traditions of sacrifice and almsgiving. As a community, we join the Universal Church in continuing our Friday sacrifice and abstinence from meat; however, we add an additional simple supper of soup and bread on Wednesdays. We also refrain from our Sister Baker's fresh-made pies throughout the Lenten season.
Our community also shares in the Benedictine tradition of table reading during our weekday suppers. This Lent we will share in listening to Pope John Paul II's exhortation Vita Consecrata to commemorate this Year for Consecrated Life. Our Benedictine family will join in almsgiving; the Sunday donations to the monastery and our sisters personal offerings, reserved from their personal budgets, will be offered to AIM, Alliance for International Monasticism.
Be assured of our prayers for you throughout this sacred Season of Lent. If you would like to share your intentions with us, follow this link to our homepage for prayer requests.
Blessings,
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