Hi everyone,
I was wondering if there is a translation of the Rule of St. Benedict any of you could recommend in modern English that is faithful to the essence of the original?
I ask because I had purchased the Imitation of Christ and the translation was in archaic no longer used English and I ended up having to buy another more modern translation because I just couldn’t understand what was being said and the reading of it didn’t flow well.
That’s why I want to a modern translation of St. Benedict’s rule that is accurate and faithful to the spirit of the rule. I have read portions of the rule online but I can’t stand reading at my computer for more than 10 minutes at a time. I like a book that I can walk around with. lol
Anyways, your recommendations are most welcome. Thanks.
I can’t recommend any particular translation, since I have only read one.
However, I wanted to draw your attention to Br. Jerome Leo’s daily readings from the Rule, along with his reflections. They are an easy way to get through the Rule, although perhaps a bit slower than you would like. He is a Benedictine monk at St. Mary’s Monastery at Petersham, Massachusetts, and is good about adapting the Rule for lay people. Plus the insights he offers about life in the monastery are fun.
And allow me to second the recommendation for Br. Jerome Leo’s commentary on the Rule. He is truly a blessing for Oblates and others interested in the Rule. He especially brings it to life for those who live outside the monastery.
My husband is a Benedictine Oblate, and they recomend “The Rule of st. Benedict in English”. It is a small red book, the 1982 version, published by the Liturgical Press. I think he paid three dollars for it 10 years ago.
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