HE BENEDICTINE way of life got its start centuries ago with the sixth-
century equivalent of a blockbuster. Benedict of Nursia, who led an Ital-
ian monastery, wrote the groundbreaking Rule for Monasteries, commonly
called the Rule of St. Benedict, around 530. That makes the Rule almost 1,500
years old—quite a legacy considering that this set of rules is still used.
The Rule was first used in monasteries of men and women in Italy, includingthe monastery run by Benedict’s sister, Saint Scholastica. It spread rapidly all overT
Benedictines emphasize a balance of work and prayer.
And they are firm believers in rolling out the welcome mat
to one and all.
Benedictines believe
in balance
Sister MariaVictoria Cutaia,O.S.B. is the vocation directorof the Benedictine Sisters ofPerpetual Adoration, whosemonastery is located betweena cornfield anda cow pasturenext to Clyde,Missouri.
BY SISTER MARIA VICTORIA CUTAIA, O.S.B.
REGULAR PRAYERtimes spreadthroughoutthe day are thepattern of life atmost Benedictinemonasteries. Theauthor, SisterMaria VictoriaCutaia, O.S.B. (farright), prays withher sisters.
COUR TESY OF BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF PERPE TUAL ADORATION
RELIGIOUS LIFE
