Federation of Saint Benedict

With Hearts Inclined, III

Theological and Spiritual Foundations of the Federation

I. The Mystery of the Church
II. The Mystery of Cenobitic Monastic Life
III. The Mystery of Our Mission in the World
Appendix: Sources

III. The Mystery of Our Mission in the World

Christians cannot yearn for anything more ardently than to serve the modern world ever generously and effectively.

Revolutionary changes in every sector of society are affecting the life and role of Benedictine women today. New knowledge in many areas obliges us to question, then reaffirm or modify traditional values. Although much of the new is enriching - such as global consciousness and our recognition of the need for liberation of minorities - there is much that is appalling.

The world enshrines acquisition of power, possessions, and prestige in place of the authentically human and Christian. As a result of social and psychological slavery, many people succumb to despair, self-destruction, or distorted attempts to find happiness. Disregard and denial of the spiritual are prevalent.

Subject to these forces in our society and limited by them, we are called to love and serve others, especially the weak and troubled. Our Benedictine way of life clearly affirms their dignity and destiny and that of every human being in Jesus the incarnate God.

Our mission in the world is a call to contemplate and bear witness to the power of the resurrection in our lives and in the lives of others. By prayer, work, and community living, we seek to impart our vision of hope for justice and peace that in all things God may be glorified.

Sources

Apostolicam Actuositatem
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity

Ad Gentes
Decree on the Church's Missionary Activity

Of All Good Gifts
Statement on Stewardship in the Lives of American Benedictine Sisters

Contemplative Dimension of Religious Life, SCRIS, 1981

Dialogues of St. Gregory

Dei Verbum
Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation

General and Specific Norms of the Federation of St. Benedict and Its Member Monasteries, 1987

Gaudium et Spes
Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modem World

Lumen Gentium
Dogmatic Constitution on the Church

Perfectae Caritatis
Decree on the Appropriate Renewal of Religious Life

RB 1980: The Rule of St. Benedict

Religious Life and Human Promotion. SCRIS, 1981

Sacrosanctum Concilium
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

Of Time Made Holy
Statement on the Liturgy of the Hours in the Lives of American Benedictine Sisters

Upon This Tradition
Statement of Monastic Values in the lives of American Benedictine Sisters

You Alone Must Dare
Commissioned by the Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses; published 1980

Section One >>>