Benedictine and Franciscan spiritualities

[Zoe1188]

I've been looking into different religious communities as part of my discernment of my vocation and have learned a bit about the different monastic rules of life. The ones that speak the most to me are the rule of St. Benedict and the rule of St. Francis. They seem to be similar in many ways. I was wondering if anyone has any in-depth knowledge or resources on what the main differences are?

Thank you!

 

[judechild]

All I can really tell you about the theological differences is that the Franciscan rule is considerably more ''angelic''. The body is almost seen in a negative light - but not quite, because if it were then you'd have a heresy. Francis had a deep spirituality regarding the Incarnation as a reflection of the humility of God, but the body as regards the rest of us is usually seen as a hinderence. The Benedictine spirituality is more conventional, and also is more of a primer for the hermetic life.

As regards the Liturgy, they are both equally emphatic on the centrality of Liturgy in the life of the religious, but the Benedictine Order has developed a greater reputation as liturgists.

 

[Zoe1188]

All I can really tell you about the theological differences is that the Franciscan rule is considerably more ''angelic''. The body is almost seen in a negative light - but not quite, because if it were then you'd have a heresy. Francis had a deep spirituality regarding the Incarnation as a reflection of the humility of God, but the body as regards the rest of us is usually seen as a hinderence. The Benedictine spirituality is more conventional, and also is more of a primer for the hermetic life.

As regards the Liturgy, they are both equally emphatic on the centrality of Liturgy in the life of the religious, but the Benedictine Order has developed a greater reputation as liturgists.

Do you mean the body as in the body or Christ, the Church or our individual physical bodies? Sorry.

 

[judechild]

Our individual, physical bodies.

It is what led to the practice of fladulation in Franciscan orders (the Poor Man practiced it himself). The idea was that the body tempted the soul, and so the body must be disciplined stringently. It's important, though, that St. Francis did not consider the body evil - but Fransiscan spirituality does have a more dualistic flavor to it than other spiritualities.

 

[Zoe1188]

Our individual, physical bodies.

It is what led to the practice of fladulation in Franciscan orders (the Poor Man practiced it himself). The idea was that the body tempted the soul, and so the body must be disciplined stringently. It's important, though, that St. Francis did not consider the body evil - but Fransiscan spirituality does have a more dualistic flavor to it than other spiritualities.

Ok, I understand, thanks for the info

 

[Fantine]

Have you visited any Benedictine or Franciscan communities? I am sure that what you read in theory is different in practice almost everywhere--although most of it is probably observed.

I think that Franciscans are associated more with active ministry, particularly missionary work, while Benedictines are more likely to be centered in prayer and living in community together.

Of course, there are Benedictines who are missionaries, and I suppose there are Franciscans who are contemplative somewhere.

I would find two communities--Franciscan and Benedictine, which, from what you can learn about them online and through literature and phone calls, seem to be good fits for where you discern God is calling you. Then I'd visit each one for a few days.

 

[steve_bakr]

I concur with Judechild and Fantine. I strongly recommend that you arrange a visit to a monestery of each spirituality during your discernment. Speak to the abbot or a spiritual director.

I am only familiar with the Benedictines through my experience at the Monestery of the Risen Christ (MRC). The Benedictines seem to be quite spiritual and contemplative, and of course, liturgical.

The late Abbot David Geretz once told me that Benedictine spirituality was at the "cutting edge" of the Church. I take this to mean that the Benedictines may involve themselves in sometimes eyebrow-raising pursuits. Let me give a couple of examples.

The MRC and especially its sister monestery in New Mexico were involved in the "spiritual renewal" of many Protestants. Benedictines are very welcoming towards Protestants and interfaith principles in general.

Another example may be that the MRC presented a series of lectures on the interspirituality of Bede Griffiths. Griffiths had a cosmic spiritual view which he applied mainly as a Catholic priest and holy man living in an ashram in India.

Of course, daily life in a Benedictine monestery involves the Liturgy of the Hours. Morning Prayer is offered at 7 AM sharp at MRC, which is concluded with the celebration of the Mass. The Benedictines believe in combining prayer with some form of work and follow the Rule of St Benedict, which is short, simple, and wise.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Benedictines are a monastic order, generally, cloistered. Their focus is on living a life of prayer in contemplation.


Franciscans generally live in a monastery, but have outside ministries, generally serving the poor.

Both religious orders follow a rule of life established by their founder's, but somewhat modified to modern times.

In discerning a vocation it would help to figure out what kind of life you want to live. Working outside of a monastery or living within a cloister.


Here's a Benedictine Monastery near my home.

St. Scholastica Priory

Jim

 

[Brother Bread]

I love them both . I'm a Tau Maria Franciscan .Mostly because they are more evangelistic and get their hands dirty with the people. but I also love the Benedictine rule.

 

[Zoe1188]

Benedictines are a monastic order, generally, cloistered. Their focus is on living a life of prayer in contemplation.


Franciscans generally live in a monastery, but have outside ministries, generally serving the poor.

Both religious orders follow a rule of life established by their founder's, but somewhat modified to modern times.

In discerning a vocation it would help to figure out what kind of life you want to live. Working outside of a monastery or living within a cloister.


Here's a Benedictine Monastery near my home.

St. Scholastica Priory

Jim

Hey Jim!
It's really funny, I've been looking at St. Scholastica's, it's about two hours from where I live. I might contact them to see if I can arrange a visit.
I have visited a contemplative Marian Franciscan community in New Bedford. I found a lot of beauty in their way of life though some of their beliefs were a bit extreme for me.
I love contemplative spirituality but also have a desire to help God's people in a hands on way. I'm trying to find a spiritual director right now who may be able to give me more insight.
Anyway, thanks Jim

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Hey Jim!
It's really funny, I've been looking at St. Scholastica's, it's about two hours from where I live. I might contact them to see if I can arrange a visit.
I have visited a contemplative Marian Franciscan community in New Bedford. I found a lot of beauty in their way of life though some of their beliefs were a bit extreme for me.
I love contemplative spirituality but also have a desire to help God's people in a hands on way. I'm trying to find a spiritual director right now who may be able to give me more insight.
Anyway, thanks Jim

You can go on a week-end retreat there if you'd like. However, they're not directed, so if you never made such a retreat, it may be a little difficult.


Jim