Benedictine monks are Catholic men who band together in the search for God. Saint Benedict wrote his Rule for monks to give monastic life its organization and to express its purposes. Benedictine monasticism complements a monk's ambition: his goal of glorifying God in all things. Today's monks, like centuries of monks before them, embrace Benedict's Rule as their guide to monastic life. A monk's first duty is prayer, and the works of virtue that follow upon it. Living together in community, monks vow:
- stability
a commitment of allegiance to this one monastery and its monastic family,
- conversion of life
a commitment to live in a monastic manner, following the Gospel according to the insights of Saint Benedict, and
- obedience
a commitment to give order to their pursuit of God by working under the guidance of a wise Abbot, who acts as "father" of the monastic community).
A Benedictine monastery exists as a witness to the world, testifying that the Gospel is more than an ideal: It is a standard of living, an application of the belief that Jesus Christ is still the way, the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6).
"If someone comes and knocks at the door, and is persistent in his request, he should be allowed to enter and stay in the guest quarters for a few days. After that, he should live in the novitiate." — Rule of St. Benedict
For more information, read The Benedictine Life by our Father Anselm Biggs. This essay, first written in 1969 and revised subsequently, is a good introduction to the history, content, and spirit of monastic life. It summarizes the origins and development of the Benedictines, then introduces Belmont Abbey, its history, the life of monks today, and the education of candidates for our cloister.
Catholic men considering whether they are called to the life of a Benedictine monk of Belmont Abbey should contact the Director of Vocations at (704) 825-6675. Candidates should be between 18 and 45 years old. The Director of Vocations is available to discuss the life, prayer, and work of the Abbey, as well as questions regarding the discernment of vocation. He can also provide publications that may help you in learning about the Benedictine life here see Publications.
