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Saint Bruno, whose feast day we celebrate today, was the founder of the Carthusian order in the 11th century.
They follow the strictest rule of life in the Church.
Carthusians live in one of twenty-five monasteries peppered throughout the world, mostly tucked away in the mountains. Each monk is given a cell set apart from their other religious brothers or sisters, living out their life in near total silence.
The monks only gather as a community on three occasions: to pray Morning and Evening Prayer, and to share a meal on great liturgical feasts, such as Christmas and Easter.
Why do the Carthusians insist upon living in such prolonged silence? Or, more importantly, what can they teach us today?
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They remind us that the most difficult battle we face often lies within. Mastering our own spiritual life is, in a sense, the beginning and end of the Christian journey.
Instead of judging the actions of other people, we should begin by looking at ourselves.
So much of the good and the evil that takes place in our world starts as a tiny seed planed in someone’s heart.
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In the silence, we are able to discern the will of God, ridding ourselves of anything displeasing to Him, while embracing what is good.
In honor of St. Bruno, perhaps we can all spend a few moments in silence today, seeking to better understand ourselves.
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Saint Bruno, pray for us.
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Image credits: (1) Into Great Silence (2) Into Great Silence