In his Rule for Monasteries St. Benedict, inspired as he was by the example and teaching of Jesus, devotes a chapter to the reception of guests. There he notes that monasteries will never be lacking in guests. This is as true today, fifteen hundred years after St. Benedict, as it was then. Our constitutions take up this theme, Every monastery is to continue the tradition of welcoming guests and the needy as Christ according to local circumstances. Let those whom the providence of God has led to the monastery be received by the brothers with reverence and kindness but without allowing this service to impair monastic quiet.
People come for a variety of reasons with differing needs and expectations.
As far as possible we welcome and accommodate this diversity. To facilitate this there needs to be co-operation among guests, respecting each ones need for quiet, rest and privacy. Our constitutions go on to encourage us to 'render assistance to those who come to the monastery looking for deeper prayer'. Simply by providing an opportunity to be in an environment which is spacious, tranquil and holy. We invite participation in our public worship of God celebrated regularly throughout the day, and encourage the use of the Church and prayer room at other times.