The Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders: Thirty of America's Oldest Monks and Nuns Share Their Lives' Greatest Lessons

by Mark W. McGinnis

Thirty elders of the Benedictine Order, all born between 1901 and 1925 and at home in thirty monasteries and convents across the country, share their touching and thought-provoking life stories—the everyday rhythm and ritual of prayer and work, solitude and community, sanctity and humor; the most challenging moments of questioning, uncertainty, and tribulation; and moments of infinite inner peace and mystical joy.

Genres: Spirituality, Christianity

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jennifer Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most people do not know that I am a lay Benedictine. I belong to St. Benedict's Monastery in Oxford, MI and I meander up there once a month for prayer services, meetings and formation classes. This book was a beautiful look into the lives of very old and wise Benedictines around the country, some of whom died even before the book was published. Each entry details three important aspects of the lives of these men and women. First, each one tells the story of how they came to be a Benedictine. history- teaching, being an Abbott/Abbess, etc. Lastly, they talk about their favorite part of their lives in the monastery, what it has meant to them to spend their lives as a contemplatives. This was a quiet and reassuring book for me, but I read it over a very long period of time- very slowly.

[Amy Paget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book includes 30 brief biographies and reflections from America's oldest Monks and Nuns along with a sketch by the author and his comments. You get some very interesting insights into monastic life and work through these sketches and some sense of the patience and peace in the lives of these wise ones. Great reflective reading.

[Photovy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takeaways
1. Listen
2. Community is essential
3. Work and Prayer

[Erwin Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders, Mark W. McGinnis presents readers with thirty biographies of Benedictions in the United States. In every biography readers are introduced to:
● The setting of the monastery where they reside
● Their early lives
● Adjustments to monastic living
● Insights of their vocations
● Benedictines’ educational motivations
● Impact of Vatican Two
● Rules for living
● Aging in place
● Hopes for the future
McGinnis’ selection of monasteries range from the Big Cloud Abbey, Marvin, South Dakota; St. Scholastica Monastery, Fort Smith, Arkansas; St. Martin’s Abbey, Lacey, Washington; to San Benito Monastery, Dayton, Wyoming; Mount Angel Abbey, St. Benedict, Oregon; St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas; and more.
The monks themselves were quite an eclectic group. Some were from large families, quite poor, and received help in the early stages of their education. Most became quite accomplished, earned graduate degrees, taught elementary, middle, or high school, and at universities. Yet they still had busy lives with monastic living where they were devoted to ora et labora – “prayer and work.”
The monks led balanced lives for they also participated in physical activities, interacted with laypersons and oblates, and had time for recreational activities. They were in agreement about their chosen lifestyle, and were happy because they did not have to worry about a roof over their heads, meals, clothing, companionship, nor bills to pay. All these necessities were taken care of by treasurers at their institutions.
They saw future changes impacting their lifestyle. For one thing there were fewer sisters, brothers and priests joining their ranks. Some were in their eighties and there were concerns if there would be younger monks replacing them. Still they felt called to live out their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
This book is a wonderful primer for persons contemplating such a religious lifestyle. It shares what it takes to be faithful in the Christian faith. Readers live through the challenges the monks would face while progressing through life. Often it is asked, “Do they regret not being married and having a family?” With this question readers gain insights into what it takes to live in community, with dedication, perseverance, and love. The monks love their sisters and brothers and consider themselves members their families. Living in humility they care deeply for one another.

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I knew then.