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The life of the Benedictine Order has evolved from a very long spiritual tradition in the past and continuously seeks new relevance to Christian life in the present. Its purpose revolves about engagement in being Christ-like in conjunction with like-minded souls, in the translation of thoughts and words to deeds.
Young men who feel affinity to the Benedictine way of life and are considering entering a monastery should above all else be prepared to enter a deep and steadfast search for God and at the same time possess the ability to attach one’s self to a community for life. Any Catholic Christian can be admitted to the Order. Acceptance is not dependent on education or special abilities.
Who ever wishes to become a Benedictine monk must undergo various phases of trial in the life of the Order. The steps to attaining entrance are as follows:
- Postulat | The Postulat or “Candidacy” lasts six months. The postulate lives in the monastery, takes part in the life of the Order, but does not wear the Order’s uniform or habit. | | | - Noviziat | The Noviziat or Novice period lasts one year. The novice receives his Habit, the “uniform” of the Order. This year serves as an initiation into Benedictine life, combined with studies of the Holy Scriptures, the Liturgy and the history of monasticism. The Novice may at any time leave the monastery. Following this year the Novice pledges himself for the next three years, the Triennium, to the monastic community. This pledge is called the "zeitliche Profess", ("pro-fession") and the "Profitent" is given a name in the Order. This name is one of that of a Benedictine or other monastic saint or patron. The Profitent then signs the Certificate of Profess and receives the Rules of the Order. | | | - Triennium | A Three-Year Trial Period. The “Profitent” uses this time for continuance of professional education or for theological studies at either Munich or Salzburg University or at ecclesiastical schools of higher learning like Benediktbeueren in Bavaria or St. Anselm’s in Rome. |
After about four and a half years, the Profitent binds himself to his monastery for the rest of his life. In a liturgical ceremony he pledges his oath, the “ewige Profess” or eternal pledge. The outward sign of this eternal pledge is his wearing the Kukulle, the broad “dress suit” of the Order to be worn on ceremonial occasions which is given to the monk at this event. At the same time the “Professe” as the monk is now called, is given the Stundenbuch or Book of the Hours because on making his eternal vow he also has committed himself to hourly prayer. On conclusion of the ceremony the monk becomes a full member of his monastic community.
To learn more about this contact:
Pater Dr. Niklas Raggenbass OSB
Benediktinerabtei St. Bonifaz Karlstr. 34 D-80333 München Tel.: +49 - (089) - 55171-0
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