The Cloister – The Rule of Saint Benedict, The Prologue
Episode Six
For the next few months we are going to be joined by the monks of Glenstal Abbey as they share on the Rule of Saint Benedict. These shorter episodes will Explore various chapters and themes of the Rule of Saint Benedict to discover the wisdom and relevance this sixth-century document has for the twenty-first century today and not just for those who live in a monastery. In today’s episode Fr Columba shares on the prologue. Future episodes will include reflections on the Abbot, humility, hospitality, prayer, zeal, food and drink, work, caring for others and stewardship.
The Rule of Saint Benedict
Written some fifteen centuries ago, The Rule of St Benedict is still read and studied by thousands of men and women throughout the world. In recent years more and more lay people have turned to the Rule, and have found within its pages a deep and practical spirituality which is helpful to them in coping with the problems and challenges they meet in their everyday lives. This edition of the classic Parry translation of the Rule has been prepared for a general audience and comes complete with an introduction by Esther de Waal which offers a commentary both on the underlying themes of the Rule and on the contents of specific chapters. We come face to face with St Benedict himself and appreciate anew the magnificent combination of spirituality and practicality that make the Rule a uniquely valuable source book for us today. Abbot Parry OSB was for many years the Abbot of St Augustine’s Abbey Ramsgate, and the author of Households of God, which included both his translation of the Rule and an invaluable commentary. Esther de Waal is the author of a number of books, including Living with Contradiction and Seeking God, which explore the spirituality of the Rule of St Benedict and of the Benedictine life itself.Click the image to order on Amazon.
You can find out more about Glenstal Abbey here.
