Benedictines
follow the rule of St. Benedict. St. Benedict founded the
monastery of Monte Cassino in the sixth century. His rule was
soon widely adopted and he is now seen as the father of
western
monasticism. Benedict focused on the asceticism of living with
one another in community. He discarded the stricter physical
asceticism of the desert fathers for one of humble willing
service to the brethren or sisterhood. To do this he pointed
out
the need of an enclosure where the world would not disturb the
monk, and where the monk could not escape into the world. In
the
monastery the monk was to face up to his failings with firm
courage. It was often easier to run to the world for comfort
in
the guise of helping others. Benedict's feast day is on July
11.
I was a (Benedictine) monk for three and
a half years. Benedictine houses (monasteries) are numerous,
in
the main rich, and have many resources. On this page I wish to
concentrate on the
Carthusian order. For (lots) more 'Benedictine' information
see:-
Benedictines;
Yahoo
search
on Benedictines
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