BENEDICTINE VALUES

Benedictine values are a set of principles and ideals that guide the way of life of Benedictine monks and nuns, as well as individuals and institutions influenced by the Benedictine tradition. These values are derived from the Rule of St. Benedict, a guidebook for monastic life written by Saint Benedict of Nursia in the 6th Century. Here are some of the key Benedictine values:

Prayer: A commitment to a life of communal and personal prayer, seeking a deep connection with God and fostering spiritual growth. Monks meditate of the word of God in Sacred Scripture through 'Lectio Divina'.

Stability: A dedication to staying in one community, embracing a sense of place and rootedness, and cultivating lasting relationships.

Obedience: A willingness to submit to the will of God, expressed through obedience to the Abbot or Abbess and the communal life of the monastery.

Humility: A recognition of one's limitations, a modest and unassuming attitude, and a willingness to serve others selflessly.

Work: A belief in the dignity of labour and the value of engaging in meaningful work as a means of serving God and contributing to the wellbeing of the community.

Hospitality: A practice of welcoming and receiving all with kindness, compassion, and respect, recognising the presence of Christ in every person.

Community: A commitment to living in harmony with others, fostering a spirit of unity, mutual support, and genuine care for one another.

Simplicity: A preference for simplicity of life, detachment from material possessions, and a focus on the essentials, avoiding excess and unnecessary distractions.

Balance: A pursuit of balance between prayer, work, study, and rest, recognising the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

Listening: A practice of attentive listening, both to God and to others, valuing silence and allowing space for reflection and discernment.

These values serve as guiding principles for living a contemplative, balanced, and purposeful life, emphasising the importance of seeking God and striving for holiness in all aspects of daily existence.

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