T he Benedictines are the oldest of the monastic orders. The guiding principles to our way of life remain basically unchanged from when they were first set down by the Order's founder in the book "The Rule of St Benedict".  The book is viewed by many as the single most influential document in the shaping of western monasticism and remains the guide for all Benedictine communities to this day.

In addition to setting out procedures on liturgy and the way and cycle of daily life, it provides practical guidelines on matters ranging from the dispensing of food and drink to extending hospitality to guests.

St Benedict is said to have written his rule so that, 'by observing it in monasteries, we can show that we have some degree of virtue and the beginnings of monastic life'.

To read extracts from the Rule of St Benedict see the St John's Abbey website:- http://www.osb.org/osb/rb/text/toc.html

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