Living the Monastic Horarium

In Chapter 48 of his Rule, St. Benedict outlines the daily schedule of prayer and work for his monks. The monastic horarium, or schedule, is the heartbeat of the monastic community. It is the structure in which the monastery functions as an institution and punctuates the specified times for giving thanks and praise to God. The schedule is the rhythm of our daily life that gradually forms us into what Christ has called us to be, which is men seeking holiness and constant conversion towards God. It is through our common life together of prayer, work, lectio divina, and community that we are made whole­.Whether you are a young man considering a religious vocation or someone seeking to live more fully in God’s presence, you are welcome to take a glimpse into our daily schedule, where we find God.

St. Benedict said, “Prayer should, therefore, be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace” (RB 20:4). The monks of Conception Abbey celebrate Mass daily. They gather five times each day for the Liturgy of the Hours, services of prayer, and Scripture reading. Individual “holy reading” or lectio divina—consisting of Scripture, theology and spiritual writings—is also a scheduled part of daily life.

Benedictine monks live a monastic life with the purpose of glorifying God in all things (1 Peter 4:11). This includes engaging in meaningful work that points others toward the work of Christ in their lives. From manual labor to administration, the monks seek to share God’s love with those whom they encounter. Ora et Labora—praying for the Church is truly working for the Lord.

Monks support and encourage the brother encountering difficulties, and they celebrate with one another during joyful times. St. Benedict instructed, “No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else. To their fellow monks, they show the pure love of brothers” (RB 72:7-8). The spiritual life is always a journey that we undertake with others.

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