by Joseph Nangle, OFM
Pax Christi USA 2023 Teacher of Peace
This past Thursday (July 11) was the Feast of Saint Benedict, founder along with his sister, Saint Scholastica, of the glorious and long-enduring Catholic/Christian religious movement named after him. The Benedictine movement represents a glorious, history-changing reality in Western Christianity.
Founded in the sixth century it was “new grace of the Holy Spirit” needed in what has been termed the Dark Ages. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the Western world fell into centuries of economic, intellectual and cultural decline. The Benedictine movement provided glimmers of hope, safe havens and oases of dignified human life. In monastic enclaves dedicated souls lived out Benedict’s ideals of “prayer and work” (Ora et Labore). Historians agree that the ever-increasing numbers of Benedictine monasteries of that era “preserved the light of civilization” for the world.
What is truly astounding about Benedict and Scholastica’s vision and implementation are their endurance. Other equally providential charisms have appeared over these many centuries – the mendicant orders – Franciscan and Dominican – in the 13th century, the dynamic Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in the 16th; active orders and congregations particularly of women religious dedicated to serving basic human needs; and in our times recognition of laity as ”the People of God.” All have continued to grace our Catholic/Christian world, our faith-lives and practices.
The Benedictine charism similarly offers modern seekers a way of life uniquely relevant to this time, particularly with its founding principle of stability. All Benedictines make a vow to live in a particular monastic community for life. In this they find a source of strength and peace – a rootedness in their inner and outer journeys – which reinforce and strengthen the collective. In addition, monastery doors are also open to visitors of all kinds who share the monastic routines for longer or shorter periods. This sixth century vision has survived and prospered: today there are approximately 7,500 Benedictine monks and 1,300 Benedictine sisters worldwide.
The charism of stability has evolved creatively into “missionary monasteries,” monks and sisters who have taken their unique form of life to places where needs are great, where people are thirsting for a meaningful spirituality, and where “street cloisters” serve people who are most in need. This phenomenon has been particularly evident in the United States where, in the mid-19th century, monks from Germany came here and responded to the Church’s need for a presence in innumerable locales.
The result of this missionary thrust in our country has been described by historian Jerome Oetgen: “[T]he Benedictines taught us the meaning of community, how a diverse mix of students and teachers, and workers and pilgrims and guests could and should live together in faith and harmony with one another, how they could and should share both space and ideas, respecting each other’s differences, making peace with one another after arguments and disagreements, celebrating together the good times, urging each other on through the difficult times, trying to keep up with those who forged ahead while giving a hand to those who lagged behind.”*
This remarkable and lengthy history has unmistakable relevance today. Our culture is increasingly individualistic. Our questionable sense of national exceptionalism and consequent entitlement affects the U.S. American populace. Add to this the continually invoked and too often misinterpreted First Amendment to our Constitution, freedom of speech (claiming complete personal autonomy) and one has an unhealthy, self-referential, narcissistic population.
In this milieu people of good will, those devoted to the common good, seek like-minded souls with whom to walk and strive. In a word we consciously or unconsciously yearn for community. The Benedictine model should serve us extremely well here. The unique practice of living communally our ideals and employing them in the marketplaces of our lives cannot fail to produce in us the benefits described by Professor Oetgen.
*From the preface of “Always Forward” by Jerome Oetgen. Archabbey Publications, 2020
Joe Nangle OFM is a Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace and the 2023 Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace. As a member of the Assisi Community in Washington, D.C., he is dedicated to simple living and social change. Joe also serves as the Pastoral Associate for the Latino community at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Arlington, Virginia.
The essay on the Benedictine monastic tradition by Father Joseph came at just the right time amidst our once again national psychosis. The Benedictines may have originated in the Dark Ages, yet their lifestyle offers a shining path alternative to our present darkness. Saint Benedict, pray for us.
David-Ross Gerling, PhD
Important review Fr Joe thank you. Survival as a human being depends on our adopting models based on Benediction Community.. We have been put to the test without it and have failed. The Church today has these treasures and it needs to share them with all of us starting with its Sunday captive audience.