Oct 10, 2008
Book edited by: Fr. Anthony Marett-Crosby.
This is a wonderful resource for Benedictine Oblates and those interested in Benedictine life or spirituality. There are six parts to the book edited by Fr. Anthony Marett-Crosby, O.S.B., of Ampleforth Abbey in England. It covers spirituality, history and other related topics. There are several short essays by various international authors, many of whom many are Benedictines, Cistercians, Oblates or scholars. The general-level reader will be interested in this book and the academic scholar can use it as an introduction to the study of Benedictinism.
Fr. Anthony wrote the introduction which is followed by Ampleforth Abbot Patrick Barry’s translation of the Rule of St. Benedict. The Rule makes up part one of this book. Part two is a collection of essays on Benedictine spirituality covering the subjects: the Divine Office or the Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, work, vows and hospitality.
Part three of the book is entitled "The Benedictine Experience of God." This section includes a very short Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer in a two week cycle. This was created by Fr. Oswald McBride, O.S.B. of Ampleforth Abbey who also collected some Benedictine prayers. Rev. Robert Atwell, an Anglican priest, provides a list of some of the famous Benedictines and other famous monastic fathers and mothers and provides a short biography on them. The Irish monk Colman O Clabaigh, O.S.B. of Glenstal Abbey presents a list and description of Benedictine holy places.