The Benedictine Vows

The vows we profess as monks express the core elements of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

First, we promise stability in this community. Meaning, that we promise to cast our lot with these monks, in this place, doing what monks do, living as monks live. For over 160 years in Minnesota, and over 1,500 years since Saint Benedict, monks have committed to their community, to their monastery, to their home. While we may travel, we return. While we may spend time in solitude, retreat, and sabbatical, our community is there, still praying, still working. The oldest members of the community are here with the newest, each offering their wisdom and insight, brother helping brother, in conversion to love of God.

Second, we promise conversion according to a monastic manner of life, which translates just two Latin words, “conversatio morum.” They mean “changing behavior,” but in the context of the religious life, they also mean something like “getting on with being a Christian.” In a monastery, this requires simplicity of life and communal ownership of property, as well as living one's sexuality appropriately to monastic celibacy. “Conversatio morum” also includes the other practices that the monastic tradition has demonstrated essential for spiritual growth. Paramount among these, are gathering for common prayer several times a day, including a celebration of the Eucharist; reading and praying with Scripture; joining with one another at table to share food, edifying reading, and conversation; working to serve the church and to provide material support for our community and its various projects.

Third, we promise obedience. Obedience flows in many directions in a Benedictine monastery, for obedience entails  listening, paying attention to the varied ways that Christ calls us into a deeper relationship with Him and each other. As Benedictines, we obey—we pay attention to—our Abbot, the principal teacher in our monastery. We obey each other, for there is always something to learn from the example of our brothers in the community, and from the men and women we meet daily in our work. Ultimately, obedience means being accountable to someone other than ourselves—not just to God, but to the flesh and blood people we live with every day, for in them, too, we meet Christ.

Commitment, living as a Christian, and being accountable: Saint Benedict's common sense speaks to many who live other forms of Christian life. As a starting point, think about how each of those Benedictine themes expresses itself in your own life, and where you see a need for growth. With the Lord's help, and the support of others, may you grow deeper in union with Christ.