Two months ago, I came to this place to study about this man and his rule....the place was Rome, Italy and the man was Saint Benedict. I journeyed with several other brothers and sisters, who like me had knowledge and knew the Rule. But as these two months have progressed with lectures, discussions, reading, and visiting the places where this man lived, I realized that who I thought I knew has become real for me. Saint Benedict has become alive....he is now more than ever a part of my heart and spirit like never before. His spirituality, his thoughts, his rule now run burning hot within my veins. I have been reintroduced to someone at a deeper level...it is almost surreal.
I have journeyed with the help of this "Amma". Sister Acquanita who has shown me a Benedict that I barely knew. With her as my guide, I have been introduced to a friend, a father, a teacher, a fellow lover of Christ. She has shared his spirituality, his love and his journey....with a compassion and zeal like I have never had from another teacher....for this I am eternally grateful....
Thank you for all you give to make us understand and love more....
You see this was more than just a course on the Rule of St. Benedict. It was a journey of faith, of love and hope. It took me where I did not plan to go....deeper than I ever could of imagined...and showed me why I love being a Benedictine....
As I ponder these final days, I hope you will not get bored or think that I am too emotional...for I have been really touched by the hand of God...and for this and many things I am eternally grateful...
To be continued......
It has been lovely to journey with you and God has really blessed you and will continue to do so :-). you will be in my prayers are with you as you return to the USA.
ReplyDeleteI hope you continue this blog and share how you have applied this to your every day monastic life
ps. I'll now have to call the three of you the usa two and the uk 1
ReplyDelete