Silence

“Monks should diligently cultivate silence at all times…”

- Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 42 Silence After Compline

“Let us follow the Prophet’s counsel: I said, I have resolved to keep watch over my ways that I may never sin with my tongue. I was silent and was humbled, and I refrained even from good words (Ps 38:2-3). Here the Prophet indicates that there are times when good words are to be left unsaid out of esteem for silence… Speaking and teaching are the master’s task; the disciple is to be silent and listen.” - Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 6 Restraint of Speech

• We enter into these periods of silence in the monastery in order to listen to the Master of whom Jesus spoke: “You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers” (Matt. 23:8). Silence is an invitation to enter into dialogue with the Mystery of God, our Father.

• We have a morning and evening silent period set aside for Lectio Divina, praying with the scriptures. The period of Grand Silence is kept after compline until after the Lectio period the next morning

• Note: These periods of silence are kept within the cloister of the monastery but are not expected to be kept outside the cloister (e.g. the

guesthouse). However, as you make your retreat here you are welcome to join us in spirit. Many find

“unplugging” from devices is a big help in this area.