The Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders: Thirty of America's Oldest Monks and Nuns Share Their Lives' Greatest Lessons

If we are facing surgery or dental work we often ask the doctor or someone who has had the same procedure done to them, "Will it hurt?" A very valid question and wise to query someone who has previously experienced it in order to prepare ourselves for the future. Unfortunately, we don't follow the same lines of reason when it comes to life in general. Our children see us as ignorant and often equate old with useless. The truth is that old is experienced and our elders are a wealth of knowledge. "The Wisdom of the Benedictine Elders" attempts to draw that wealth of religious life experiences out from the senior Benedictine sources in the book. The book isn't exactly what the title implies however. Though each subject's interview is interesting, it may not be the answer to the meaning of life. If you have an interest in Benedictine life, especially monastic life, you won't be disappointed with this one.

This is a very interesting book of 30 elder Benedictine men and women. I knew one of these when I was going to college at his monastery. The interviews are realistic and to the point. The Benedictines tell it as it is or was. One down side of this book is that it only interviewed one brother. For some reason an elder from my monastery was not interviewed, but that is okay. The ones interviewed from other monasteries are great representatives of the Benedictines. If you want to learn some personal Benedictine history read this book. The author, a Benedictine Oblate, has done a great service to us Benedictines. This book is highly recommended. The art work is great too!

All I can say is that this book has inspired me to be more for God, to trust Him more, and yet to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground while traveling this earth. The elders teach us so much, and I'm not even Catholic! The message is lovingly written and well worth the investment. A great book!