The first words of the Rule of St. Benedict are, "Listen, O child, .. and incline the ear of your heart". The rest of the Prologue and 73 short chapters proceed to outline a way of life, sprung from the precepts of the New Testament, that will gently rend our hearts wide open, in order to be "overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love" (Prologue 49).
The Rule is oriented around these main principles: humility, obedience, silence, order and balance, and discretion...for it is through these practices that St. Benedict better came to know Christ.
Central to the Benedictine vocation are the words from the letter to the Philippians: Christ "emptied Himself and took the form of a slave.... He was known to be of human estate, and it was thus that He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!" (Phil. 2:7-8) St. Benedict took this humble, obedient Lamb of God as the archetype of our monastic lives, calling his own teachings a "little rule for beginners" who are "hastening to their heavenly homeland". (RB 73:8) It is to this that the woman who desires to become a Benedictine nun grafts herself.
But how does one KNOW that this is her call? The urgings of a "still, small whisper" in the heart and mind are the normal means. SomeOne is unsettling her by His persistent knocking, the quality of which drowns out all other desires, legitimate and lovely though they may be.
What is more delightful than hearing the voice
of the Lord calling us?
Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue
Suggested Reading:
And You Are Christ's by Thomas Dubay
The Meaning of Vocation In the Words of John Paul II
Union With God by Bl. Columba Marmion
Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux
In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden
(The movie is NOT recommended!)
Helpful Links:
"The experience of a vocation is unique and indescribable, and is only perceived as a gentle breeze of the clarifying touch of grace. The vocation is a breathing of the Holy Spirit, who, at the same time as he genuinely shapes our fragile human reality, shines a new light into our hearts."
Blessed John Paul II
What's Your Vocation?
Come and See!
If you are a Roman Catholic woman under the age of 35, and discerning your vocation, you are invited to visit us at any time of the year. You can come up just for one day or for several and would have the opportunity to see our life and to participate in our prayer and work.
For more information, or to arrange a visit, please contact our Vocation Director,
Sr. Immaculata, OSB at walburgavocations@gmail.com or
970-472-0612.
