When a novice monk enters the monastery, the Abbot presents him with a copy of the Rule of Saint Benedict and tells him:
‘This is the Rule under which we strive to serve Christ the true king. If you feel able to follow it, come in; if not, freely depart.’
For nearly a millennium and a half, monks and nuns have followed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the manner and example laid down by Saint Benedict in his Rule.
This sixth-century document has a relevance and wisdom for the twenty-first century, and not just for monks and nuns: it can be a practical guide, a spiritual teacher and a useful toolbox for all of us. The Rule has so much to offer that is has even been offered as a tool for parents, teachers, politicians, corporate leaders and more.
The Rule famously begins with the word Ausculta, “Listen!”, and we invite you to listen to the wisdom of Saint Benedict from his Rule with a 10-episode podcast released each Sunday by the monks of Glenstal Abbey on our social media channels.
Buy a copy of the Rule at our online shop here.
Subscribe to our YouTube page here, or visit our SoundCloud page for audio-only episodes here.