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The Rule of St Augustine
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Thoughts from St Augustine: |
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At the Friends of Augustine National Meeting held at BoarbankHall January 2009, we were urged to study The Rule of St Augustine but from a modern Lay view point. Time permitted only the first four chapters of the Rule to be discussed. The Clare Priory group continued to study and complete the Rule encompassing thoughts aired at Boarbank and in our following three monthly meetings: |
There were joys to be found in their company which still more captivated my mind – the charms of talking and laughing together and kindly giving way to each other’s wishes, reading elegantly written books together, sharing jokes and delighting to honour one another, disagreeing occasionally but without rancour, as a person might disagree with themselves, and lending piquancy by that rare disagreement to our much more frequent accord. We would teach and learn from each other, sadly missing any who were absent and blithely welcoming them when they returned. Such signs of friendship sprang from the hearts of friends who loved and knew their love returned, signs to be read in smiles, words, glances and a thousand gracious gestures. So were sparks kindled and our minds were fused inseparably, out of many becoming one.
Augustine Confessions (IV, 8)
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Interiority |
Chapter I ‘Purpose and Basis of the Common Life’‘Live together in one mind and heart on your journey to God through life. God is love and we must love each other. Share everything humbly: your riches and experience, time and talents, for the glory of God. Give from your heart, not just material things, but yourself. Don’t seek your advantage alone but try to be of benefit to everyone.' Chapter II ‘Prayer’‘Persevere faithfully in prayer: think over in your hearts the words that a come from your lips. Let the words that come from your lips be alive in your hearts.’ |
“Do not go outside yourself! Return to yourself! Truth dwells within."
“He is in our very inmost hearts, but our hearts have strayed from Him.”“Return to yourself from the things that are without and then give yourself back to Him who made you.”
“God speaks to us in the great silence of our hearts.” |
| Lay Friends of Augustine seeking God today through Augustinian Spirituality | |
Chapter III ‘Moderation and Self-Denial’‘Remember we are equal but not the same: we should all have what we need but simplicity should be our guide in life. Enjoy what you have but try not to be too attached to this. At meal-times be thankful and encourage conversation around the table, being mindful of God in each other.'Chapter IV ‘Safeguarding Chastity and FraternalCorrection’‘Exercise mutual care over your purity of life: seek inner beauty and purity of heart especially with regards to the opposite sex. Be open and accountable to each other because God looks after you through your brothers and sisters. Be vigilant for each other.'
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"O Sacrament of love, sign of our unity, bond of our fidelity, we who long for life have here its very source. Let us come here and believe, unite with You and live".
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| St Augustine | |
Chapter V 'The Care of Community Goods and Treatment of the Sick''Desire and work for the best for everybody, though remember this includes looking after yourself adequately. Be compassionate to those who are ill and give them all the time and help they need from you. Try and do all you have to do cheerfully!’Chapter VI 'Love and Conflict''Avoid conflict, if it occurs, be conciliatory preventing further escalation. Be quick to give and receive forgiveness but forgive even if not forgiven. Always love one another from the heart.'Chapter VII. 'Love in authority and obedience'. ‘Pray and work in a spirit of love, charity and friendship for and with the friars to further Christ's Kingdom, giving thanks for the richness and depth that this brings to our lives.’ Chapter VIII. 'Final Exhortation' 'Lovingly observe all that is written here, living not as slaves but as free people in the Love of Christ. Refer to this text frequently and use it to view yourselves as ina mirror.' |
Augustine of Hippo, or Saint Augustine (November 13, 354 – August 28, 430) was one of the most important figures in the development of Western Christianity. In Roman Catholicism, he is a saint and pre-eminent Doctor of the Church, and the patron of the Augustinian religious order. Born in Africa as the eldest son of Saint Monica, he was educated and baptised in Rome. His works, including The Confessions, are still read around the world today. His Rule is observed by the Order and was the basis for several other Religious Orders.
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