Benedictine Hallmarks
St. Scholastica’s Academy – San Fernando is a Benedictine school. Following the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict, it has a distinctive character of being a SCHOOL OF THE LORD’S SERVICE.
The Scholastican goes through an education that prepares her for a life that is centered in Christ and committed to the service of God and of God’s people. We situate this Benedictine education in the global context of our present society that is “materialistic, consumerist, impersonal, pleasure-seeking” a society eroded by political corruption, social injustice and devastation of the environment.
It is in this context of the culture of our post-modern society that the Scholastican is trained to be a woman centered in Christ, proclaiming Christ’s Gospel of love to all.
Following are the hallmarks of Benedictine education that prepares the Scholastican for her life-time mission.
Christ-Centeredness
“Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ” RB 72: 11
The Scholastican is helped to grow in the love of Christ through religious instructions such as regular celebration of sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Lectio Divina and through her personal prayers ever mindful of God’s presence and with the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Silence & Good Speech
“Cultivate silence at all times. Speak the truth from your heart.” RB Prol. 26, RB 7: 6
The Scholastican is guided to observe moments of silence where she can get in touch with herself and in touch with the God who speaks to us in the depths of our being. The silence observed in between class periods are all part of discipline that she goes through in order to grow in mind and heart of Christ.
Stewardship
“Regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar, aware that nothing is to be wasted or neglected” RB 31: 10
The Scholastican is trained to respect all creation in its beauty and proper use, recognizing it as a gift from God. This respect for God’s creation promotes the care and wellbeing of the community. She is trained to become stewards of the school campus by treating all private and public property as if it were their own and by keeping their classrooms clean and in order. This respect carries over to the library, canteen, and other school facilities, and also fosters respect for intellectual property and privileges such as internet and computer use.
Community
“No one is to pursue what one judges better for oneself but instead, better for someone else.” RB 72:7
The Scholastican is encourage to support one another and condemn any acts of bullying and inappropriate actions, verbal or non-verbal, that threaten or harm the community. She is asked to engage with her peers in considering whether their actions will serve the community. We must all challenge ourselves to make sure our actions are beneficial to the community. Strength of character in choosing to do the right thing is not always easy.
Hospitality
“All guests are to be welcomed as Christ. Great care and concern are to be shown in receiving the sick and the stranger, especially the poor” RB 53:1
The Scholastican are taught to see Christ in every person she meets and in everyone with whom she lives and work with. She is trained to help others, to be considerate and to be attentive to their needs particularly with the weak, the poor and the marginalized in our society.
Obedience
“Listen carefully, my daughter to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” RB Prologue 1
The Scholastican listens to God, to others and to oneself. She listens attentively to the word of God spoken to her by the people around her in order to anticipate the needs of others. Obedience prompts her to set aside her own interest, plans and her deepest longing for the sake of Christ and others.
Humility
“Whoever exalts herself shall be humbled. And whoever humbles herself shall be exalted” RB 7:1
The Scholastican is taught to accept the reality about herself and to live in truth. She is trained to be honest, to speak the truth, to stand up for the truth and if she fails or does something wrong, she has to face the consequence without losing hope in God. Thus, she can bring the spark of true freedom and peace in our society.
Discipline
The Rule of St. Benedict is built on the framework of discipline.
“Train up a child in the way she would go. When she is old, she will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6
The Scholastican is trained to observe discipline in everything so that she can further strive in living a virtuous life. The Benedictine life of prayer and work encourages the students to practice discipline while they conduct themselves on a day-to-day basis. She can practice the virtue of discipline by taking her studies seriously, acting in moderation when balancing study and social time, and keeping things in order. Discipline and order creates peace, love and joy.
Service
“We intend to establish a school for the Lord’s service, where we serve the sick, and poor like Christ, care for the elderly and outdo each other in respect and mutual obedience” RB 53,72
The Scholastican stands up in ready service for the welfare of others that who can defend the needs of the poor and the marginalized. She uses her gifts and talents to bring about justice and true freedom for others.
Stability
“As we progress in this way and in faith, we shall run on the path of God’s commands, our hearts overflowing with inexpressible delight of love.” RB Prologue 19
The Scholastican is trained to face the difficulties and demands of life, so that whatever situation she is experiencing, she will be able to live the challenges of living Christ’s life. These are all for the glory and for the up building of the Kingdom of God.
