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Explanation of the Rule of St Augustine
By Bro. Smith SGS
This is the first time in print in over 80 years. The intial time to be translated from Latin.
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Description
This particular piece is a rather minute effort; it is a set of rules for a monastic community, which he founded at Hippo Regis in North Africa. This work has become so pervasive, that it either has been the sole foundation or has been the basis for hundreds of religious communities of men and women through the centuries. It has influenced religious life for more 16 centuries, thus guiding more than 150 around the world. Augustine went to great lengths to spell out these procedures in order to protect offenders, witnesses, and superiors from acting unjustly, rashly, or uncharitably. Being ever mindful of his own unworthiness, Augustine provided opportunities for sinners to repent and rejoin their brothers or sisters. In communal life, there are factors, which each person brings to the community, and their adherence to the rule varies upon the characteristics of the individuals. The objective of this rule is to create a harmonious environment whereby all participants may ascend in their quest to life a life for God. The idea of service learning also could be said to have roots in the Rule. This becomes apparent at Augustinian educational institutions, where the Rule’s influence can be noticed, although less directly than most of Augustine’s works. Chief among its legacies is an emphasis on learning and living for a higher purpose than individual enhancement. Augustine’s Rule had a very pastoral side to it, for it was written for an urban community that was out and about the city of Hippo Regis. It is also important to recognize that these groups have not only adopted Augustine’s Rule, but also Augustine himself as their father. Like that little family at Hippo, the Augustinian friars took a mission that was monastic but not cloistered. Right from their union they preached and taught in the cities and towns of Europe and later around the world. Those who follow this or any other rule will point out that this Rule is more complex in practice than it appears at face value. This is because accepting the larger formularies and timetables are easily incorporated into one’s manner of life. This is because everyone has a schedule of some form or another. The dilemma is in the finer points, which need to be considered in any relationship. This work is done by Hugh of St Victor, whom many consider the second Augustine.
