Monk vocations, part 3
The Benedictine Life
Regula et Traditio -- The Rule and the Tradition
The Rule of Benedict is a written document, and most communities have a written statement that defines their identity and purpose and order. Nations have constitutions. Religions have scriptures. Many institutions today have mission statements. The written document typically defines the core values and processes for the group. In Latin, this is the regula.
The tradition is the living memory of how the written document has been interpreted and adapted over time to different situations. The Latin word traditio means that which is "given or handed over." Often the tradition is captured by stories. Both the written document and the living memory are needed for the ongoing life of a community.
One can neither understand nor create a monastic community only by reading the Rule, the written document. Every book needs a community of interpreters to understand and live the written text. Without a text, a community is left to the whim of the present. Both the written text and the tradition embodied in a living community are necessary. Tradition, then, is very important to us at Saint Meinrad.
The following Come and See dates are scheduled:
August 1-5, 2008
December 27, 2008 - January 1, 2009
August 1-5, 2009
December 27, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Contact us at the Office of Monastery Vocations: vocations at saintmeinrad.edu
http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/v2/monastery/monastery_voc_comesee.aspx
100 Hill Drive
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
(812) 357-6318
Regula et Traditio -- The Rule and the Tradition
The Rule of Benedict is a written document, and most communities have a written statement that defines their identity and purpose and order. Nations have constitutions. Religions have scriptures. Many institutions today have mission statements. The written document typically defines the core values and processes for the group. In Latin, this is the regula.
The tradition is the living memory of how the written document has been interpreted and adapted over time to different situations. The Latin word traditio means that which is "given or handed over." Often the tradition is captured by stories. Both the written document and the living memory are needed for the ongoing life of a community.
One can neither understand nor create a monastic community only by reading the Rule, the written document. Every book needs a community of interpreters to understand and live the written text. Without a text, a community is left to the whim of the present. Both the written text and the tradition embodied in a living community are necessary. Tradition, then, is very important to us at Saint Meinrad.
The following Come and See dates are scheduled:
August 1-5, 2008
December 27, 2008 - January 1, 2009
August 1-5, 2009
December 27, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Contact us at the Office of Monastery Vocations: vocations at saintmeinrad.edu
http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/v2/monastery/monastery_voc_comesee.aspx
100 Hill Drive
St. Meinrad, IN 47577
(812) 357-6318
Today's Devotional
A Prayer of Comfort for Families Missing Their Fallen Military Heroes - Your Daily Prayer - May 27
Because the general public views them as fallen heroes deserving of patriotic honor, many may mistakenly think that this somehow helps to soften the blow of the loss to their family members. But for many families, it can be extremely difficult to accept and process, especially because their passing is without warning, unexpected, and with no opportunity to say goodbye.
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