Humble, gentle, and wise
8 Feb. 9 June. 9 Oct. The eleventh degree of humility is, that when a monk speaketh, he do so gently and without laughter, humbly,...
To strengthen thee in the Testaments of God
Today is the feast of Saint Columba (Colum Cille), one of the three principal patron saints of Ireland, the other two being Saint Patrick and...
Cum gaudio Sancti Spiritus
Saint Benedict the Practical When it comes to the observance of Lent, Saint Benedict is very practical, very concrete. He doesn’t spend a lot of...
Father Leopoldo Pastori (1939–1996)
A Missionary-Monk: Father Leopoldo Pastori (1939–1996) Leopoldo Pastori was born in Lodi, Italy on February 9, 1939. Leopoldo entered the PIME Fathers (Pontifical Institute for...
Father and Teacher of monks and hermits
The Supplemento Monastico al Messale Romano gives the following Collect and Preface for Saint Romuald. Although of recent composition and somewhat lacking in the sobriety...
Ballasts in Peter’s storm–tossed bark
Maria Fortunata Viti: A Nearly–Forgotten Benedictine Blessed Today is the feast of a now nearly–forgotten Benedictine Blessed: Maria Fortunata Viti. Back in October 1967, at...
The Clothing of a Novice
Vestition of André Goibayer Feast of Saint Miniato and Companions, Martyrs 25 October 2014 The Three Criteria André, my very dear son, In Chapter LVIII...
Blessed Columba Marmion, O.S.B.
Would you have recognized him? This is none other than Blessed Abbot Columba Marmion, O.S.B. He was obliged to travel in disguise during World War...
Novena to Saint Bernard Tolomei
For those who would like to join us in making a novena to Saint Bernard Tolomei from August 13th to the 21st, we offer this...
Our Lady in the Chapter Room
It occurred to me that today’s feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is most suitable for letting readers of Vultus Christi see the wood–carved...
Saint Henry, Emperor and Benedictine Oblate
While Keeping Vigil Benedictine Oblates living and working in the world have two holy patrons: Saint Francesca of Rome whom we celebrated in March, and...
Saint John Gualbert
Good for Evil and Blessings for Curses Good rendered for evil; blessings for curses; pardon, peace, concord, and reconciliation. A Collect for the Memorial of...
The liturgy: foremost and indispensable
Blaming the Jesuits Father Blake of Brighton, with his customary candour, writes in a recent post: I blame the Jesuits and the Spirit of the...
Saint Bede the Venerable
A Model for Monks Today is the feast of Saint Bede the Venerable, a model for all Benedictine monks by reason of his serene fidelity...
Ex abundantia enim cordis os loquitur
Today’s feast of the Holy Abbots of Cluny compelled me to return to Pope Benedict’s exposition of the contribution of Cluny to the life...
The Joy that Flows from God’s Goodness
The treasured Wednesday catecheses of Pope Benedict XVI constitute a precious heritage for the Church in every place and time. One will want to return...
For My Oblates . . . and Others
Saint Benedict the Practical When it comes to the observance of Lent, Saint Benedict is very practical, very concrete. He doesn’t spend a lot of...
Ut perfectam disciplinam teneamus in Christo
A Soldier Turned Monk Today is the feast of Saint Benedict of Aniane (745-821). Under the patronage of Louis the Pious (778-840), Benedict of Aniane,...
Vita vestra est abscondita cum Christo in Deo
Your life is hidden away now with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 Some are called not to much speaking, nor to conversations about the Church,...
Become Like a Consuming Fire
The First Benedictine Oblates In the Benedictine tradition, January 15th is the feast of the young disciples of Our Father Saint Benedict, Maur and Placid....