Oblate Spring launched today.

Well, the final construction debris has been swept from the Oblate Spring web site and it has been launched as of Easter. There are additions stacked and ready to be brought to the site, however.

Oblate Spring recommends books and has lots of opportunities for reading. That reminded me of this wonderful passage from a book published in 1930, and quoted here in its famous 1962 version:

“2. READING

“Saint Benedict's legislation on reading has not always secured the attention it deserves. Its full implications can only be grasped by those who follow with some care a reconstruction of the daily life in Saint Benedict's monastery and discover that little less than four hours were daily devoted to reading, as compared to some six given to work. ....

"Among the direct descendants of Saint Benedict, reading and work have in a manner coalesced. They still remain real elements in every true Benedictine life, and their primary influence must always be upon the soul of the individual monk, but their secondary influence has passed far beyond the cloister into the civilization and education of the West.”

Quote from: “THE BENEDICTINES,” A DIGEST FOR MODERNS
BY DOM DAVID KNOWLES
Monk of Downside Abbey
Introduction by MARION R. BOWMAN, O.S.B.
Abbot of Saint Leo Abbey

THE ABBEY PRESS
Saint Leo, Florida
1962