For St Benedict, St Augustine was a precious resource as he composed his Rule. Here is one example: (St Augustine) ‘Before all else, dear brothers, love God and then your neighbour, because these are the chief commandments given to us’. (St Benedict) ‘In the first place, to love the Lord God with all one’s heart, all one’s soul and all one’s strength. Then, one’s neighbour as oneself’.

Both these quotations show us clearly that monastic life is the living out of the Gospel. We do it for the world, for the Church, and in our own path toward holiness.

May we all be strengthened in this endeavour, and draw closer each day to the Lord. May God bless you.