Benedictine Spirituality

The spiritual dimension that St. Benedict included in his Rule draws on Scripture: “Do not forget hospitality, for through it some, without knowing it, have harbored angels.” Does the name of our monastery, Engelberg, remind us somewhat of this expression – harboring angels? Hospitality, as Benedict understands it, has to do with community. That is, with sharing, giving and receiving. The stranger brings something precious with him: himself – and therein the possibility of encountering Christ.

Engelberg is surrounded by high mountains. But mountains in their grandeur, in their size and timelessness, are a particularly good place to find oneself. Here, where man becomes small, where he steps out of his secure and familiar surroundings, he is oriented in a completely new way towards the essentials of life. It is especially helpful to take time out for several days at a time – a time when no one wants anything from you, but when I am alone with myself. The longer the stay in the mountains, the less pressure there is to “do something”. You are simply allowed to be there, to enjoy the glory of creation and let it take effect on you.