VirtuAL WALK

The reception of guests Rule of St. Benedict

In Benedictine monasteries, hospitality is practiced according to the Rule of St. Benedict. However, this Rule also applies to many other religious communities. The rule, as recorded in the 53rd chapter of the Rule of St. Benedict, reads:

The reception of guests: All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
Proper honor must be shown to all, especially to those who share our faith (Gal 6:10) and to pilgrims.
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All humility should be shown in addressing a guest on arrival or departure.
By a bow of the head or by a complete prostration of the body, Christ is to be adored because he is indeed welcomed in them.