Listening as the heart of benedictine hospitality

‘Listen!’ This opening word in the Rule of Benedict can be understood as the heart of Benedictine hospitality. This call to listen invites us to hear of an attractively immersive way of living in Christian community. A notable feature of Benedict's monastic communities is their commitment to hospitality, which is, fundamentally, the outflowing of a shared life ordered so as to create the conditions in which people listen to the Christian tradition, themselves and one another.
 Listening is the decisive factor enabling a group of people to overcome clashes of personalities, perceptions and expectations, thus ensuring the enduring resilience of an open-hearted community able to welcome guests and new members. It is both realistic as to the foibles and failures of human nature and idealistic in aspiring to seek and see Christ in each person and each conversation. Drawing on Benedictine scholars we will explore this ancient vibrant tradition of listening hospitably to one another and God, which has much to recommend it to all communities.

Certificate in Christian Studies:
In-depth option in subject area 5, Spirituality and daily living


Tutor: the Revd Lucy Dallas
Date: 10 February 2024, 10am to 12.30pm, in Norwich Cathedral Library
Cost: £10


To book please contact the NCCL Administration Team, NCCL@cathedral.org.uk, 01603 218443. PLEASE NOTE Cheques should be made payable to NORWICH CATHEDRAL

Whilst we strive to accommodate everyone this is not always physically possible, so we reserve the right to turn away those who have not booked in advance. If we are able to accommodate those who have not booked in advance, we reserve the right to make an additional charge, over the basic course fee.

Image (c) Bill Smith
bs 04 west door-min