Oblates

Suggested Reading

Foundational Texts on the Rule of St. Benedict

  • Sutera, Judith. The Rule of Benedict: A Contemporary Reading (2021)
  • Kardong, Terrence G. Benedict’s Rule: A Translation and Commentary (1996)
  • Kardong, Terrence G. Day by Day with St Benedict (2005)
  • Chittister, Joan. The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages (1992)
  • de Waal, Esther. Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict (1984)
  • de Waal, Esther. A Life-Giving Way: A Commentary on the Rule of St Benedict (1995)
  • Fry, Timothy (ed.). RB 1980: The Rule of St. Benedict in English (1981)
  • Casey, Michael. Seventy-Four Tools for Good Living (2014)
  • de Vogüé, Adalbert. Reading St Benedict: Reflections on the Rule (1994)
  • de Vogüé, Adalbert. The Rule of St Benedict: Doctrinal and Spiritual Commentary (1983)
  • Böckmann, Aquinata. Perspectives on the Rule of St Benedict (2005)
  • The Benedictine Handbook, compiled by Ampleforth Abbey (2003)
  • The Oblate Life (2008)

Benedictine Spirituality and Life

  • Casey, Michael. Strangers to the City (2005)
  • Casey, Michael. Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina (1996)
  • Casey, Michael. Truthful Living: St Benedict’s Teaching on Humility (2001)
  • Steindl-Rast, David. Music of Silence (1995)
  • Swan, Laura. Engaging Benedict: What the Rule Can Teach Us Today (2005)
  • Vest, Norvene. Preferring Christ (1990)
  • Tomaine, Jane. St. Benedict’s Toolbox (2005)
  • Jamison, Christopher. Finding Sanctuary (2006)
  • Jamison, Christopher. Finding Happiness (2008)
  • de Waal, Esther. Living with Contradiction (1989)
  • Wiederkehr, Macrina. Seven Sacred Pauses (2008)
  • Holyhead, Verna & Muir, Linda. The Gift of St Benedict (2002)
  • Benedictine Daily Prayer: A Short Breviary (2005)
  • St Gregory the Great. Life and Miracles of St Benedict — no reliable single date (see note below)

Oblate Life and Lay Benedictine Living

  • Tvedten, Benet. How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job (2006)
  • Norris, Kathleen. The Cloister Walk (1996)
  • Norris, Kathleen. Acedia & Me (2008)
  • Norris, Kathleen. Amazing Grace (1998)
  • Böckmann, Aquinata. Around the Monastic Table (2009)
  • Chittister, Joan. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily (1990)
  • Chittister, Joan. The Monastery of the Heart (2011)
  • Chittister, Joan. The Radical Christian Life (2011)
  • Kulzer, Linda & Bondi, Roberta (eds). Benedict in the World (2002)

Contemplative Prayer and Practice

  • Keating, Thomas. Open Mind, Open Heart (1986)
  • Keating, Thomas. Intimacy with God (1994)
  • Keating, Thomas. Invitation to Love (1992)
  • Keating, Thomas. The Human Condition (1999)
  • Bourgeault, Cynthia. Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening (2004)
  • Funk, Mary Margaret. Thoughts Matter (1998)
  • Funk, Mary Margaret. Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life (2001)
  • Funk, Mary Margaret. Humility Matters for Practicing the Spiritual Life (2005)

Monastic Community and Tradition

  • Stewart, Columba. Prayer and Community: The Benedictine Tradition (1998)