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Detail of a mosaic,
San Marco, Venice.
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 life in common is not possible unless all accept a rule of life and an authority entrusted to give it its meaning. The Abbot elected by his fellow-monks is at the service of the monastic family: by his example and his teaching, he helps and encourages the brothers to persevere in the life they have chosen. |
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 hen important decisions are to be made, the Abbot convokes all the monks and asks each one his opinion. As Saint Benedict said, “often the Lord reveals to the youngest what is better to do”. The less important matters are settled by the Abbot and his council. |
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 he Benedictine monk is a “cenobite”, that is, he lives with others. The monastery gathers a number of persons together since they share the same ideal and each one’s abilities are put at the service of all to assemble a community living according to the Gospel. Community life weaves among its members a family spirit. It also facilitates the discovery of self, the acceptance of others and the love of God. For the love of God and of neighbour are unseparable. The Holy Spirit labours in the monk’s heart to lead him to a still greater charity. |
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et them bear with the greatest patience one another’s infirmities whether corporal or spiritual.