StOM StOM 1507 | Page 17

Morag , Magazine Editor
Anglican Calendar of Prayer for July 2015
5 th
Osaka , Japan - The Rt Revd Andrew Haruhisa Iso
12 th
Peru , Southern America – The Rt Revd Dr Harold William Godfrey
19 th
Port Elizabeth ( S Africa ), The Rt Revd Neeba Nopece
26 th
Quebec ( Canada ) The Rt Revd Dennis Paul Drainville
Anglican Calendar of Prayer for August 2015
2 nd
Renek ( Sudan ) The Rt Revd Joseph Garang Atem
9 th
Rochester ( 11 , The Episcopal Church , USA )
The Rt Revd Dr Prince Singh
16 th
Ruvuma ( Tanzania ) The Rt Revd Dr Matemus Kapinga
23 rd
San Diego ( 1X , The Episcopal Church , USA )
The Rt Revd James Mathes
30th
Sebel ( Uganda ) The Rt Revd Paul Kiptoo Masaba
“ Library voice please ” ( quote )
We learn by example and those who attend or visit places of worship , including St Oswald ’ s , will remember the days that inside buildings of religion you could “ hear a pin drop ”.
Unfortunately , regardless of age or sex of persons , invasion of our own and our neighbours silence is invaded every minute of every day by voices and loud conversations , the attachment to new technology , the roar of transport and “ white noise ”.
St . Benedict of Nursia , a simple Italian monk of the sixth century , more than 1500 years ago composed his now famous Rule that is still as meaningful today . Numerous spiritual principles have their origins in Benedict ’ s great Rule - Discipline ; Humility ; Work ; Hospitality and then there is Spiritual Reading , or lectio divina .
Visit almost any Benedictine monastery at meal time and you ’ ll be treated to a form of this ancient tradition practiced out loud , when a designated monk reads while the others eat . In the refectory the reading is done by one of the brothers , while everyone else eats in silence . Does this describe and draw the picture of our service of Holy Communion at St Oswald ’ s ?
The Rule puts it this way : “ There is to be complete silence , so that no whisper nor any voice other than that of the reader be heard there . Whatever is wanted for eating and drinking the brethren should pass to one another , so that no one need ask for anything . If , however , something is wanted , it should be asked for by some sign or sound rather than by speaking .”

Morag , Magazine Editor

StOM Page 17