The meaning and intentionality behind Benedictine architecture
The St. Bede Abbey Church in Peru, Illinois.
As with many aspects of Benedictine life, there is a deliberateness to how monasteries are designed and constructed. The architecture of monasteries, including our monastery in Illinois, serves to promote the rhythms and teachings practiced within.
In fact, St. Benedict called the monastery a schola, or school. The name is reflected in the monastery's layout. At St. Bede’s and beyond, each space has a purpose and a lesson—from discipline, to focus, to a closer relationship with God. For those seeking to learn how to become a monk, it’s essential to see how Benedictine teachings come to life within the monastery.
You can learn more about St. Bede monastery in Illinois here.
The structures that shape Benedictine life
Consider the church the "heart" of the monastery. At many monasteries, it's often literally the architectural center, oriented eastward to symbolize Christ as the Rising Sun.
Inside, monks are gathered in choir stalls, rather than spread out across the space. It's a physical reminder of the collectiveness of monks’ prayer, specifically designed for the chanting of the Divine Office. The acoustics are such to amplify the sounds of communal prayer, rather than the voice of an individual.
You can learn more about monks’ prayer here.
A hallmark of Benedictine life and its architecture is the quadrangular cloister, linking four important structures: the church, the dormitory, the refectory and the chapter house. Moving onward to the chapter house, circular seating or benches reinforce equality and mutual accountability.
Inside the refectory, long communal tables symbolize the unity of taking meals together. Many times, the refectory is parallel to the church, a reminder of the link between both spiritual and physical nourishment.
Buildings designed for visitors are crafted with an eye toward welcoming guests. The guest house is often near the entrance of the monastery. It serves a "front porch" to the world, symbolizing where the cloister meets with society. This symbolism is carried through to other guest structures. The outside world meets the inner world of Benedictine life.
It's key to note that St. Bede’s architecture avoids any excessive ornamentation, as with all Benedictine monasteries. Instead, the beauty of the buildings lies in the architectural humility of harmony and balance. You can even see this in monumental abbeys like Cluny Abbey in France or Monte Cassino in Italy. Despite their importance to the order, these building still strive for clarity and order.
The symbolism and prayful purpose of Benedictine gardens
Gardens are ever-present in the monastery. And their beauty certainly enhances the space. But the presence of a garden is more than pure aesthetics. They hold important meanings and truths that enhance the lives of Benedictine monks and those who visit.
A monastery’s buildings typically surround an open garden. In between, they’re connected by covered walkways. This modest construction is both open and enclosed at the same time, a symbol of the balance between stability and spiritual openness. Navigating the grounds, one is encouraged to engage in contemplation, through walking, reading and meditating.
And in many monasteries, the garden becomes something of a living scripture where natural symbols reinforce theological truths. Roses represent Mary and divine love. Lilies represent purity. And fruit trees bearing apples and figs symbolize Eden and redemption.
You may be aware that Benedictine monks grow much of their own food, some of which they even sell. Growing herbs, vegetables and fruit are an opportunity to practice monks’ prayer and work—ora et labora. In doing so, monks are tending to creation while practicing patience and humility. It is a form of prayerful work, aligning the body's labor with the soul's rhythm.
Silence throughout the monastery
The design and construction of Benedictine monasteries also serves to underscore silence as a cornerstone of monastic life.
You can learn more about silence and the Benedictine order here.
As mentioned, the cloister walls and walkways allow for silent contemplation. The repetition of movement and pacing under the arches mirrors the rhythm of psalms and chants. In essence, one’s movement embodies monks’ prayer. Similarly, the acoustics hush outside noise, creating a calming effect that reinforces silence.
Benedictine monks sleep in small cells, a place of "holy privacy" that emphasizes rest.
Even the positioning of the guesthouse—near the entrance—allows for visitors to stay without disrupting the rhythms of monastic life. Often times, there's even a guest chapel, so that visitors may share in prayer and liturgy without disturbance.
The spaces that Benedictine monks inhabit is an important, but often overlooked, aspect of monastic life. Understanding them better can give you a fuller picture of what it means to answer to call to join the Benedictine order. If you are asking yourself “how do I become a monk,” we encourage you to reach out at our contact form linked here.
