The Fellowship of St. Columbanus

Benedict Feeds His Monks Sodoma (1508) It is a saying almost to the point of a cliche among Catholics that Christ did not write a book, but founded a Church. The communication of the Gospel does not begin with the Book, though it is important, but with the Life of Faith, with the communion of the Church and the charity of Christians. The Book comes out of this Life as a guide and a record--a touchstone by which we are always returned to the center of the Faith. But Christ is present in the world first through the living witness of his Body--the Church. In much the same way, our holy father St. Benedict's greatest legacy is not the written Rule, but the Society he founded. The Rule, beautiful as it is, comes after. I will probably never run out of reasons to encourage everyone to read the rule, but St. Benedict himself tells us that it is "only a beginning" (chapter 73). The real instruction in Christianity is found in the life of all the saints who have gone befo...

Our little fellowship was caught somewhat unprepared to publish a reflection this week. My wife and I have just welcomed our first child, a boy named Wendell. And our two other members have less internet access than they had expected. So instead of a full reflection on the lections, we are going to briefly welcome Wendell into the world, as well as a couple of brief updates. We have been speaking to a few potential recruits to the Fellowship, and I am very excited about their contributions. We are still looking for more people who may have a call in the area of Catholic education in a lay Benedictine setting. Continue praying that we would find good partners in this work. And let us know if you have someone in mind. And in honor of Wendell's birth, God, a new song shall I sing to Thee,      upon the nebel-asor shall I play for Thee; Baby Wendell The Giver of salvation to kings,       The deliverer of David his servant  ...