The Rule of Saint Benedict serves as the foundational guide for the Order of Saint Benedict, a monastic tradition centered on creating a stable, self-sufficient community dedicated to seeking God under the leadership of an abbot. At the heart of daily life guided by the Rule is communal prayer, specifically the Liturgy of the Hours, alongside the daily celebration of the Eucharist. This devotion to Christ fosters a spirit of generosity, expressed through hospitality and meaningful work, principles deeply embodied at institutions like Saint John’s Abbey.
The Core Benedictine Vows: Stability, Conversion, and Obedience at St. John’s
The essence of the Rule is encapsulated in the monastic vows taken by monks. The first of these is stability within a particular community. This vow signifies a monk’s commitment to a specific group of individuals in a specific place, dedicating themselves to their shared way of life. For a monk at Saint John’s Abbey, this means pledging allegiance to this community, in this Minnesota setting, participating fully in its rhythm and purpose.
The second vow is conversatio morum, often translated as “conversion of manners” or “monastic way of life.” It is fundamentally about embracing a Christian life lived with intention and discipline. In a monastery like Saint John’s, this translates into a life of simplicity, communal sharing of resources, and living out one’s sexuality in accordance with monastic vows, which for monks, means embracing celibate chastity. Furthermore, conversatio morum encompasses practices vital for spiritual growth: gathering for prayer multiple times daily, including the Eucharist; engaging deeply with scripture through lectio divina, or “sacred reading;” sharing meals with edifying conversation and reflection; and contributing to the community and the wider church through work and service. These practices are all integral to the life at Saint John’s Abbey.
The third key vow is obedience. In the Benedictine tradition, obedience is understood as a multifaceted concept rooted in “listening”—attentively heeding the various ways Christ calls individuals into a deeper relationship with Him and with one another. Benedictine monks, including those at Saint John’s, pledge obedience to their Abbot, who serves as the primary spiritual teacher within the monastery. Obedience extends to fellow monks as well, recognizing that valuable lessons can be learned from the example and wisdom of each member of the community and from those encountered through their work. Ultimately, Benedictine obedience signifies accountability to something beyond oneself – not only to God, but also to the tangible community of individuals living and working together daily. Within this community at Saint John’s, monks find Christ in each other.
These core tenets – commitment, Christian living, attentiveness, and accountability – resonate far beyond monastic walls. The wisdom of Saint Benedict offers a practical framework for Christian life in diverse contexts. Reflecting on how these Benedictine themes manifest in one’s own life and identifying areas for spiritual growth can be a valuable exercise for anyone seeking a deeper connection with Christ. With divine guidance and the support of community, individuals can strive for greater union with Christ, mirroring the Benedictine pursuit of God central to places like Saint John’s Abbey.
Saint John’s Abbey and the American-Cassinese Congregation
Unlike many other Catholic religious orders, each Benedictine monastery operates as an autonomous entity. However, these communities are often grouped into congregations based on shared origins or geographic proximity. Benedictine monasteries expand their reach by establishing new foundations that eventually become independent abbeys. Globally, these Benedictine monastic families are connected through a loose Confederation of Benedictine Monastic Congregations. While each monastery maintains its autonomy and may have variations in its daily schedule to meet community needs, all adhere to the common Benedictine vows under the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Saint John’s Abbey holds a significant place within this structure as one of nineteen independent abbeys comprising the American-Cassinese Congregation (www.amcass.org). Saint Vincent Archabbey in western Pennsylvania is the oldest member and the motherhouse of Saint John’s. Many other abbeys within the congregation trace their lineage directly back to Saint Vincent, while others originated as dependent foundations that later achieved independence and full membership within the congregation. Founded in 1855, the American-Cassinese Congregation has grown to include abbeys that joined through various paths and circumstances.
Currently, Abbot President Elias Lorenzo OSB (of St. Mary’s Abbey) leads the American-Cassinese Congregation, supported by a council of five monks, six financial advisors assisting with abbey visitations, and a procurator in Rome. The congregation’s presence extends across 15 US states, Puerto Rico, and six additional countries spanning three continents. The customs and traditions of the Bavarian Congregation have significantly shaped the American-Cassinese Congregation, with both congregations holding the Holy Guardian Angels as their heavenly patrons. Saint John’s Abbey, as a prominent member of this congregation, actively participates in and contributes to this broader Benedictine network, upholding the principles of the Rule of St. Benedict within its unique context.
