How silence shapes the Benedictine way of life

Dusk at La Concha Beach - a moment of silence on a trip taken by members from the St. Bede Abbey and Academy community.

As you explore how to become a monk, you may be broadly aware of the role silence plays in a monastery like St. Bede’s. St. Benedict emphasizes in The Rule that monks should “prefer silence” and that much wisdom comes from listening rather than speaking. In chapter six “On the Spirit of Silence,” St. Benedict writes:

Let us do what the Prophet says: I said, I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue. I have set a guard to my mouth. I was dumb and was humbled, and kept silence even from good things (Ps 39:1–3).

You can learn more about The Rule here.

St. Benedict regards silence as a path to holiness and self-discipline. Even good speech should be weighed carefully, as too much talking often leads to sin. For a Benedictine monk, silence fosters humility, wisdom and openness to God’s voice.

If you are asking the question “how do I become a monk,” it’s essential to understand how silence will shape your experience at our monastery in Illinois.

Interior stillness

In a noisy world, silence helps cultivate interior peace. Through silence, monks learn to detach from distractions and instead foster a spirit of humility and self-awareness.

This begins with exterior silence. A monk may refrain from expressing a thought or turning away from distraction. And by quieting the body and environment, the mind and heart soon follow. This creates, over time, a state where the monk is no longer influenced by every thought or emotion.

In turn, interior stillness provides an opportunity for the monk to notice what’s really going on inside, including his motives, desires, fears and attachments. It’s within this space that the monk can hear the “still small voice” of God and discern how to respond with love and wisdom.

So, it’s not just the absence of noise that shapes a monks’ prayer, work and life. It’s the cultivated inner peace and attentiveness.

You can learn more about monks’ prayer here.

Mindful speech

In discussing speech, St. Benedict quotes Proverbs: "In much speaking you will not escape sin" (Prov 10:19).

Silence encourages monks to speak only when necessary and with purpose. And when they do speak, their words become more intentional, compassionate, and grounded.

Benedictine speech begins in silence. Before speaking, a monk listens—first to God, then to others. By listening, a monk ensures that their words come from a place of calm, clarity, and love—rather than ego, anxiety, or impulse.

Silence also supports the central theme of community within a monastery. Restraining speech guards against gossip, criticism, and unnecessary conflict. Likewise, it promotes peace within the monastery and a focus on the communal good over individual expression.

Daily rhythm

Life in our monastery in Illinois, as with all monasteries, follows particularly daily rhythm. Appropriately enough, silence marks key parts of that ritual, reinforcing the sacred rhythm of the monks’ prayer, work, and rest.

In most Benedictine monasteries, including St. Bede’s, meals are taken in silence. While the community eats, a monk reads aloud from Scripture or spiritual writings. In doing so, the simple act of eating becomes a moment of communal presence, without the need for casual conversation. The soul is nourished just as the body is. And it’s a reminder that even daily tasks can be sanctified by simplicity and attentiveness.

Certain areas of the monastery, like the cloister or cells, are traditionally designated as quiet areas. Here, silence deepens monks’ prayer, reading and reflection. It’s not uncommon for monks to go for long stretches of the day without saying a word, especially outside communal activities

One of the most well-known practices is the "Great Silence" observed after the final prayer of the day, Compline. From the end of Compline until after breakfast the next morning, monks refrain from speaking unless absolutely necessary.

The Great Silence is a chance to maintain a sacred stillness through the night—and enter sleep in peace and prayer. It is a practice of discipline and reverence, guarding against trivial talk or late-night busyness.

If you want to learn how to become a monk, it’s key to note that silence in the monastery isn’t a rigid suppression of speech. Think of it more like music: a balance of sound and rest. The Rule doesn’t call for total silence, but for measured, purposeful speech. The silence is there to make room for God, for peace, for the right word at the right time.

And if that curiosity brings you closer to monastic life, we encourage you to reach out and learn more about joining St. Bede Abbey. Get in touch by submitting the form at this link.