Rites of Reception into a Community of Monks according to the Tyniec Ceremonial of the 18th Century and the Instructions of St. Benedict of Nursia

Abstract

In his rule, St. Benedict of Nursia left guidelines for the admission of brothers and the profession of monks. Since the 8^th century, these guidelines have been enriched with numerous rituals, prayers and gestures illustrating the meaning of the monastic profession. An example of this are the rites set out in the 18^th-century Tyniec Ceremonial used by the Congregation of the Holy Cross in Poland. These include rites celebrated for admission to the novitiate; rites for religious vows, both solemn and simple; and inclusion into full communion with the professed brothers. An important element of the monastic profession was the reading of the document with an oath, signing it with the sign of the cross, and placing it on the altar. A sign of dedication to the service of God was the singing of the verse “Sustain me by your promise that I may live; do not disappoint me in my hope!” (Ps. 119[118]:116) accompanied by gestures showing the complete dedication of the newly professed to God. An unknown rite of the Benedictine Rule was that of full inclusion into the community three days after the vows were made. The Tyniec Ceremonial is a valuable source for learning about the liturgy of the Benedictines in Poland in the 18^th and early 19^th centuries.