2001 Update

Two decades ago, the Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses published the third of its Upon This Tradition series, Of All Good Gifts, a document dealing with monastic women's stewardship. How effective has it been, and to what degree has it not yet been implemented? Answers to these questions are given here only in general terms, based on various individuals' observations and comments rather than scientific analysis.

First, however, it seems important to remind readers that the booklet was part of a significant pioneering endeavor. American monastic women had been accustomed to docile acceptance of pronouncements not only from the hierarchy but also from the Congress of Abbots or the office of the Abbot Primate for moral and spiritual guidance. They had looked to European monk-authors for editions of the Rule of Benedict and commentaries on it. Women in monastic formation studied the works of Delatte, Marmion, and Van Zeller, among others. It was of course often necessary to interpret such texts in the light of contemporary American practices and of feminine requirements/proclivities as to living and ministry. Even then, the non-inclusive language of such texts and their allusions to ordination required modification and adaptation.

What is truly remarkable and innovative about Upon This Tradition is that for the first time in their history, a group of monastic women in positions of leadership undertook to collaborate in creating documents of their own that would speak for themselves and their communities. Having set forth their raison d'etre and their liturgical life, they proceeded to a discussion of their stewardship: praising God as cenobitic contemplatives by loving, reverential service to material creation. The wording of this document reveals appreciative awareness of the divine origin of all that exists, but also of earth's fragility and of human responsibility for its preservation and enhancement, which are possible only if justice and peace prevail everywhere.

A cursory reading of Of All Good Gifts reveals the typical weaknesses of a work produced by a rather large group under constraints of time. Nevertheless, it is honest, hopeful, and forthright in upholding the goodness of imperiled creation while asserting the importance of stewards possessed of cenobitic moderation, genuine hospitality, and an incarnational approach to all that is.

Unquestionably, the people most influenced by this publication were those for whom it was intended. It raised awareness in all those communities that received and studied it. It has affected individual decisions/choices as well as monastery programs and plans in such matters as construction materials, power sources, and recycling. There has been a growing interest in ministry as spiritual directors and in the use of former school buildings as spirituality centers, along with focus on ecumenical outreach in a spirit of mutuality. The number of women immediately involved is comparatively small, but their word and example are incalculable.

From time to time, the document has been quoted in unexpected places; but the spirit of monastic women themselves as they embrace and exemplify its principles must be even greater than these few pages suggest. Environmental and peace-making activities are perhaps more obvious today than they were in 1980, and Benedictines continue to embrace them, just as in many communities they continue to read Of All Good Gifts publicly each year.

On the other hand, devastation of the planet and the immensity of human violence, because of ever more insidiously powerful weapons, give proof that forces for good are not winning and may even at times be losing ground. Benedictines themselves would be the first to admit that they have not prayed or worked enough. Their written words far surpass their achievements. Even though some of the Upon This Tradition documents would benefit from updating and better documentation, it is more important that we monastic women rededicate ourselves to wise and loving service of the Author of all good gifts.