St Benedicts Rule

St Benedict's Rule, circa 547 AD

If any pilgrim shall come from distant parts with wish to dwell in the monastery, and will be content with the customs of the place, and does not by his lavishness disturb the monastery but is simply content, he shall be received for as long as he wishes.

If, indeed, he shall find fault with anything, and shall expose the matter reasonably and with the humility of charity, the Abbott shall discuss it with him prudently lest perchance God hath sent him for this very thing.

But, if he shall have been found contumacious during his sojourn in the monastery, then it shall be said to him, firmly, that he must depart. If he will not go, let Two Stout Monks, in the name of God, explain the matter to him.


An early form of Parking Lot Therapy

And a more recent form of Urban Legend. (see Two Stout Monks)

(A writer for the Order of Saint Benedict refers to this as an Urban Legend in this article: www.osb.org -- Paul Crowley)


The official version of Saint Benedict's Rules are found at www.kansasmonks.org


See original on c2.com