BENEDICTINE TRADITION
The Benedictine order, founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia, is the first and oldest religious order of the Catholic Church, and is the founding tradition of Mount Michael Benedictine School.
BENEDICTINE TRADITION
The life, legend, and miracles of Saint Benedict were passed down through Saint Gregory the Great’s second book of “Dialogues.” Today, they guide the spiritual, intellectual, and social aspects of Mount Michael Benedictine School.
Saint Benedict was of noble birth, but around twenty he sought and pursued a life of prayer. He became known for his miracles and holiness which attracted others seeking holiness. In time, he gave up his life of solitude to lead the community of followers that formed at Monte Cassino.
“THE RULE”
While many of the details of Saint Benedict’s life are unknown, the rule of life he fashioned stands as one of the great documents of Christian living. The “Rule of Saint Benedict” is a practical synthesis of the teachings and traditions of early Christian monks. “The Rule” has successfully stood the test of time because of its emphasis on flexibility and adaptability. Throughout history, “The Rule” has stood as a foundation of practical wisdom rather than a book of rules to be followed literally.
“ABBEY SCHOOLS”
Benedictine education and scholarship are rooted in tradition. During the Middle Ages, through their libraries and scriptoriums the Benedictines preserved western civilization and served as the only centers of learning and scholarship. It is through this tradition that the running of schools became the focus of many Benedictine Monasteries. Currently, Mount Michael Benedictine School is part of a network of twenty Benedictine high schools in the United States.
“ORA ET LABORA”
Since the beginning, St. Benedict’s followers have practiced a communal life of Prayer and Work—Ora et Labora. This tradition lives on at Mount Michael Benedictine. Through worship and praise, the faculty, staff, and students give thanks for our God given talents and commit ourselves to scholarly work habits “that in all things God may be glorified.”
To learn more about the history of the Benedictines, checkout the “History” page of Mount Michael Abbey.
Copies of “The Rule of Saint Benedict” and the “Life and Miracles of St. Benedict” (Book two of the Dialogues) are available in the library.