Readings of the day: RB 3:1-6 Calling the Community for CounselMass: Ac 22:30; 23:6-11; Resp Ps 16; Jn 17:20-26

In the monastery no one is to follow her own heart’s desire, nor shall anyone presume to contend with her abbess defiantly, or outside the monastery.(RB 3:8)
It is thought-provoking to read today’s passage from

Readings of the day: RB 2:1-10 Gifts Needed by an Abbess or AbbotMass: Ac 18:9-18; Resp Ps 47; Jn 16:20-23
Sr Kathy DeVico, Abbess, Redwoods Monastery
DO NOT BE AFRAID. GO ON SPEAKING,AND DO NOT BE SILENT, FOR I AM WITH YOU.
When I was introduced to the Rule of St Benedict some 20 years ago, I was especiall

Readings of the day: RB 2:11-15; Col. 1:24-2:3; Resp. Psalm 62; Luke 6:6-11
Those who read the Qualities of the Abbess listed by Saint Benedict see clearly that the one chosen to care for and guide her sisters in community in their search for God has a daunting responsibility. Today we hear that the Abbess leads primarily by the example she sets; then by the words used in her teaching. Put another way, the Abbess is called to practice what she preaches.