Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

68th Rule of St. Benedict

2007-03-12T00:35:00.000+08:00

If a Sister Is Commanded to Do Impossible Things

"If it happens that difficult or impossible tasks are laid on a sister, let her nevertheless receive the order of the one in authority with all meekness and obedience. But if she sees that the weight of the burden altogether exceeds the limit of her strength, let her submit the reasons for her inability to the one who is over her in a quiet way and at an opportune time, without pride, resistance, or contradiction. And if after these representations the Superior still persists in her decision and command,let the subject know that this is for her good, and let her obey out of love, trusting in the help of God".

7th Rule of St. Benedict

2007-03-12T00:30:00.000+08:00

Concerning Humility

The sixth grade of humility is, that a monk be contented with all lowliness or extremity, and consider himself, with regard to everything which is enjoined on him, as a poor and unworthy workman; saying to himself with the prophet: "I was reduced to nothing and was ignorant; I was made as the cattle before thee, and I am always with thee"

The seventh grade of humility is, not only that he, with his tongue, pronounce himself viler and more worthless than all; but that he also believe it in the inner-most workings of his heart; humbling himself and saying with the prophet, etc.

The eighth degree of humility is that a monk does nothing accept what the common rule of the monastery, or the example of his elders, urges him to do.

The ninth degree of humility is that a monk restrains his tongue from speaking; and, keeping silence, do not speak until he is spoken to.
The tenth grade of humility is that he be not ready and easily inclined, to laugh.

The eleventh grade of humility is that a monk, when he speaks, speaks slowly and without laughter, humbly with gravity, using few and reasonable words; and that he be not loud of voice.

The twelfth grade of humility is that a monk shall, not only with his heart but also with his body, always show humility to all who see him: that is, when at work, in the oratory, in the monastery, in the garden, on the road, in the fields. And everywhere, sitting or walking or standing, let him always be with head inclined, his looks fixed upon the ground; remembering every hour that he is guilty of his sins. Let him think that he is already being presented before the tremendous judgment of God, saying always to himself in his heart what the publican of the gospel, fixing his eyes on the earth, said: "Lord I am not worthy, I a sinner, so much as to lift mine eyes unto Heaven”

5th Rule of St. Benedict

2007-03-11T21:35:00.000+08:00

Concerning Obedience

The first grade of humility is obedience without delay. This becomes those who, on account of the holy service which they have professed, or on account of the fear of hell or the glory of eternal life, consider nothing dearer to them than Christ: so that, so soon as anything is commanded by their superior, they may not know how to suffer delay in doing it, even as if it were a divine command. Concerning whom the Lord said: "As soon as he heard of me he obeyed me."

The part of St. Benedict's life that inspires me is...

2007-03-11T19:12:00.000+08:00

Then "giving over his books, and forsaking his father's house and wealth, with a mind only to serve God, he sought for some place where he might attain to the desire of his holy purpose; and in this sort he departed [from Rome], instructed with learned ignorance and furnished with unlearned wisdom"

He was in the world and was free to enjoy the advantages which the world offers, but drew back his foot which he had, as it were, already set forth in the world"

He had fled Rome to escape the evils of a great city; he now determined to be poor and to live by his own work. "For God's sake he deliberately chose the hardships of life and the weariness of labor"

The part of St. Benedict’s life that inspires me is that when he left home to serve his purpose. Even if his family is wealthy, he still didn’t care about those material things around him. He is determined to experience life being poor and spreading God’s word. St. Benedict can enjoy being wealthy but he chose to live a simple life and serve God. He shared his knowledge to people and he gained wisdom through his experiences. And he is happy that he lived his life serving God.

Proud Bedans

2007-03-11T19:06:00.000+08:00

We are proud being a Bedan because of the...

quality education
camaraderie & unity of students
bond among students, professors, school administration & employees
image the school has established
identity it gives to the students
activities that hone the students' skills
learning that students acquire in & out of the classroom

Bedans are...

humble
obedient
God-fearing
hospitable
intelligent
competent
children of God

Spiritual Teaching

2007-03-11T18:36:00.000+08:00

The rule of St. Benedict should not be viewed as an exclusively legal code though it includes prescriptions for living in a monastery. The Rule actually contains a treasure of spiritual wisdom concerning the monastic movement in the Church. It’s Prologue and seventy-three chapters provide teaching about the basic monastic virtues of humility, silence, and obedience as well as directives for daily living. The Rule of St. Benedict prescribes times for common prayer, meditative reading, and manual work; it legislates for the details of common living such as clothing, sleeping arrangements, food and drink, care of the sick, reception of guests, recruitment of new members, journeys away from the monastery, etc. While the Rule does not shun minute instructions, it allows the abbot to determine in great detail the particulars of common living.

St. Benedict

2007-03-11T17:55:00.000+08:00

Also known as
Benedict of Nursia, Founder of Western Monasticism

Name Meaning
Benedict = blessed

Born
c. 480, Nursia, Italy

Died
21 March 547 of a fever while at prayer in Monte Cassino, Italy; buried beneath the high altar there in the same tomb as St. Scholastica

Memorial
July 11

Profile

Roman nobility. Twin brother of Saint Scholastica. Studied in Rome, but was dismayed by the lack of discipline and the lackadasical attitude of his fellow students. Fled to the mountains near Subiaco, living as a hermit in a cave for three years; reported to have been fed by a raven. His virtues caused an abbey to request him to lead them. Founded the monastery at Monte Cassino, where he wrote the Rule of his order. His discipline was such that an attempt was made on his life; some monks tried by poison him, but he blessed the cup and rendered it harmless. He returned to his cave, but continued to attract followers, and eventually established twelve monasteries. Had the ability to read consciences, prophesy, and forestall attacks of the devil. Destroyed pagan statues and altars, drove demons from groves sacred to pagans. At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. A summation of the Rule: "Pray and work."

2007-03-11T16:03:00.000+08:00

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