Reviews
The Benedictine rules are known for their rigorousness. Ritger brings them to an everyday audience in her book Benedictine Living. This collection of reflections and questions follows the timeless themes of the Rule of Saint Benedict which include awareness of God, listening, hospitality, humility, and others. It will boost your daily contemplation.
U.S. Catholic
Anyone who is interested in a daily approach to Benedictine spirituality that is both accessible to the novice and grounded in the tradition will find Benedictine Living a valuable guide. Kate Ritger seamlessly weaves together Scripture, the Rule of St. Benedict, contemporary monastic authors, and her own experience living as a Benedictine oblate to reveal how the cornerstones of Benedictine living, such as humility, prayer, work, and moderation, can day by day transform a life.
Michael Leonard Hahn, OSB, Saint John's Abbey, Instructor, Department of Theology, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Clarity, insight and personal authenticity permeate these reflections for daily life. In engaging conversation with her readers Kate Ritger describes and explores graced opportunities in the particularities of life in light of values and practices integral to the Rule of Benedict and Benedictine community living. This daybook is a compassionate and encouraging mirror for her readers, one in which they will see more clearly the transforming possibilities for their own lives.
Katherine Howard, OSB, St. Benedict's Monastery, St Joseph, Minnesota
Discover a way that the spirit of St. Benedict can come alive while growing green. Using stories, wisdom and personal experience, Kate Ritger gives flesh to this ancient text in a refreshing new way. Like the leaves and fruit of a plant, the Chapters of the Rule of Benedict can nourish a hunger.
Josue Behnen, OSB, Spirituality Center, St. Benedict's Monastery, St Joseph, Minnesota
This little book covers the 14 Christian qualities that give meaning and purpose to the author's life, including humility, community living, hospitality, awareness of God, and peace. She opens each chapter with a Scripture reading, followed by an inspiring meditation, and questions to open the heart, mind and soul.
Spirituality & Practice
Kate Ritger reminds readers of the daily process of being mindful. With a keen sense for finding the sacred in the ordinary, Ritger poses a challenge for readers to create a space for Benedictine meditation in their lives. The reflections paint a local picture on a timeless rule lived out in the 21st century and express the truthfulness of a life lived in the spirit of Saint Benedict.
Nickolas Kleespie, OSB, St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota
