In Chapter 49 of The Rule. our Holy Father Benedict advises us that “[t]he life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent. Since few, however, have the strength for this, we urge the entire community during these days of Lent to keep its manner of life most pure and to wash away in … More Lent

Before Vigils each morning I put on the coffee, make my bed, and turn on my laptop. I check my email—answer the urgent, delete the spam—and move on to a news site to see what’s going on in the world. This is probably a mistake. By the time my interior Vigils bell has rung, the … More Sihon, Og, et al.

Today is her Feast Day; a special day for women oblates and all. Who knew that God would listen to her prayer, even though her saintly twin brother, Benedict, would not!

I’m off from work this week. Originally I thought I might make it up to the monastery, first time in two years, but I have an online class on Monday night (archdiocesan certification for catechists), my second graders on Saturday, and I didn’t think a mere two full days would address my pressing spiritual needs. … More Retreat