Reading alone, reading together

Throughout the year, work and study mark the monks’ day with different rhythms.

Between Easter and mid-September, for example, they begin work at dawn, from 5 to 9 a.m., and then devote themselves to study until noon. In autumn and winter, however, the schedule is reversed: the morning is reserved for reading until 9 a.m., after which they work until lunchtime. They also study on Sundays: with the exception of a few monks engaged in essential activities for the monastery, all must read the Holy Scriptures.

The period of Lent is particularly important. During this time of preparation for Easter, St. Benedict asks each monk to choose a book from the library and read it methodically, from beginning to end, without distraction.

One or two senior monks should keep watch to prevent anyone from chatting or disturbing his brothers. This practice is personal and silent, and the texts are murmered in a low voice to aid memorisation. They can also be meditated on and repeated during daily activities. Even manual labour is accompanied by specific prayers to be recited in every environment: in the kitchen, in the dormitory or in the hospital.

In addition to individual reading, there is also community reading. This is not limited to Mass. During meals, for example, a monk reads aloud to his brothers in the refectory. According to the ‘Rule’, those who perform this task must have a voice capable of ‘Aedificare Audientes’ (‘instructing those who listen’), with good diction to make the texts clear and engaging. Reading continues after dinner. In fact, before going to sleep, the monks gather to listen to edifying examples, such as the Lives of the Fathers of the Church.

Thus, monastic life alternates between moments of silence and meditation with collective readings, which help the community to strengthen its faith.