The Season of Lent

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• Parent Category: News
• Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 April 2013 18:43
• Published on Sunday, 18 March 2007 00:00

The Season of Lent ....

Chapter 49 of the Rule of Saint Benedict is on the season of Lent.  This is what Saint Benedict has to say: 

Although the life of a monk
ought to have about it at all times
the character of a Lenten observance,
yet since few have the virtue for that,
we therefore urge that during the actual days of Lent
the brethren keep their lives most pure
and at the same time wash away during these holy days
all the negligences of other times.
And this will be worthily done
if we restrain ourselves from all vices
and give ourselves up to prayer with tears,
to reading, to compunction of heart and to abstinence.

During these days, therefore,
let us increase somewhat the usual burden of our service,
as by private prayers and by abstinence in food and drink.
Thus everyone of his own will may offer God
"with joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thess. 1:6)
something above the measure required of him.
From his body, that is
he may withhold some food, drink, sleep, talking and jesting;
and with the joy of spiritual desire
he may look forward to holy Easter.

Here is one of the hymns we are singing during this season: 

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