Monasteries have long been centers of learning for monastics and support for the communities they serve and monastics commit to life-long learning and personal formation. Monastics influence the times by developing a rich spirituality, grounded in the Benedictine values we know and love.
If Oblates are to live their call to be a monastic presence in their world, they must continue to develop a monastic heart through daily prayer and lectio, community, and learning. There are many good, contemporary writers on the Benedictine tradition. While not exhaustive, this listing offers an array of resources for Oblates to consider as part of their commitment to on-going formation and life-long learning.
Rule of Saint Benedict
A Reader’s Version of the Rule of St. Benedict in Inclusive Language, edited and adapted by Marilyn Schauble, OSB, and Barbara Wojciak, OSB, Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 1989, is available through Benetvision.
RB 1980 – The Rule of St. Benedict in Latin and English with Notes, Editor Timothy Fry, OSB, The Liturgical Press
Commentaries on the Rule of Saint Benedict
A Listening Community: A Commentary of the Prologue and Chapters 1-3 of Benedict’s Rule, Aquinata Boeckmann, OSB; translated by Matilda Handl, OSB, and Marianne Burkhard, OSB; Edited by Marianne Burkhard, OSB 2015, The Liturgical Press
From the Tools of Good Works to the Heart of Humility: A Commentary on Chapters 4-7 of Benedict’s Rule, Aquinata Boeckmann, OSB; translated by Marianne Burkhard, OSB, and Andrea Westkamp, OSB, 2017 Liturgical Press
The Road to Eternal Life: Reflections on the Prologue of Benedict’s Rule, Michael Casey OCSO, 2011, The Liturgical Press
The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister 1992, 2010, The Crossroad Publishing Company
Benedict’s Rule: A Translation and Commentary, Terrence G. Kardong, 1996, The Liturgical Press (Note: This is very academic and advanced; consider after one has already explored some of the other commentaries.)
St. Benedict’s Rule: An Inclusive Translation and Daily Commentary, Judith Sutera, OSB, 2021, The Liturgical Press
Writings by Erie Benedictine Sisters
Joan Chittister, OSB, is an internationally recognized speaker and writer. Any listing of Benedictine or monastic resources would include her body of work. Here are a few suggestions.
- Wisdom Distilled From the Daily
- The Monastic Heart
- The Monastery of the Heart
- 25 Windows into the Soul: Praying with the Psalms
- The Gift of Years
- Radical Spirit: 12 Ways to Live a Free and Authentic Life
- Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope
- The Time is Now
Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB
- A Monk in the Inner City: The ABCs of a Spiritual Journey
- Old Monk
- Peace is Our Calling: Contemporary Monasticism and the Peace Movement
- Joan Chittister: Essential Writings (editor along with Mary H. Snyder, Oblate)
Linda Romey, OSB
- Benedictine Life: A Vision Unfolding, Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica, Centennial Colloquium Presentation Papers (editor)
Other suggested Benedictine authors
Michael Casey, OSCO
- Living in the Truth: St Benedict’s Teaching on Humility, Liguori Publications, 2001
- Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina, Triumph Books 1996
- Strangers to the City, Paraclete Press, 2013
Esther deWaal, OSB Oblate
- Living With Contradiction: An Introduction to Benedictine Spirituality, Morehouse Publishing, 1998
- Seeking God: The Way of Benedict, The Liturgical Press, 2001
Demetrius Dumm, OSB
- Flowers in the Desert: A Spirituality of the Bible, Paulist Press, 1987
- Praying the Scriptures, Liturgical Press, 2003
Hugh Feiss, OSB
- A Benedictine Reader, Liturgical Press, 2023
Mary Margaret Funk, OSB
- Any of the “matters series” – Thoughts Matter, Lectio Matters, Humility Matters, etc.
Terrence G. Kardong, OSB
- Day by Day with Saint Benedict, Liturgical Press, 2005
Kathleen Norris, OSB Oblate
- The Cloister Walk, Riverhead Books, 1996
- The Psalms, Riverhead Books, 1997
Thomas Merton, OSCO, is one of the most celebrated writers of the 21st century. His many books are considered modern spiritual classics of the monastic tradition.
Jane Tomaine
- St Benedict’s Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living, Moorehouse Publishing, 2015
Benet Tvedten, OSB
- How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job: an invitation to oblate life, Paraclete Press, 2006
Judith Valente, OSB Oblate
- Atchison Blue: A Search for Silence, A Spiritual Home and a Living Faith, Sorin Books, 2013
- How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us about Happiness, Meaning and Community, Hampton Roads Publishing, 2018
Christine Valtners Paintner, OSB Oblate
- Earth, Our Original Monastery: Cultivating Wonder and Gratitude through Intimacy with Nature, Ave Maria Press, 2020
Christine Valtners Paintner, OSB Oblate and Lucy Wynkoop, OSB
- Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening & Awareness, Paulist Press, 2008
Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB
- Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day, Sorin Books, 2008
Other Resources (publications, websites, podcasts, etc.)
Abbey of the Arts an on-line monastery with a Benedictine and Celtic focus
Center for Action and Contemplation - daily reflections by Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr and others
Monasteries of the Heart – an online monastery that is a ministry of the Erie Benedictines
The Monastic Way – free monthly online publication available through Benetvision
Give Us This Day – a monthly publication from the Liturgical Press that includes daily readings and prayers
Spirituality and Practice – Resources for Spiritual Journeys
