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Primary sourceBook

Regula Sancti Benedicti

Saint Benedict of Nursia

A volunteer audio reading in Latin of Benedict's own Rule for monastic life, the language in which he originally wrote.

This is Benedict's own Rule, read aloud in the original Latin in which he wrote it.

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Saint Benedict of Nursia, Regula Sancti Benedicti. LibriVox volunteer reading, read by bedwere.

About this source

What it is

This audio is a modern volunteer reading, made for LibriVox, of the Regula Sancti Benedicti (Rule of Saint Benedict) in its original Latin. The Rule is a set of precepts written by Benedict of Nursia for monks living together under an abbot.

Why it matters

Since about the 7th century, the Rule has also guided communities of women, and for 1,500 years it has remained the leading guide for monastic life in Western Christianity. Hearing it in Latin connects listeners to the language Benedict actually used.

Look closer

  • Why might hearing the Rule in Latin feel different from reading an English translation?
  • What does the long survival of this text suggest about its usefulness to different communities over time?
  • Remember this is a recent volunteer recording — how does knowing that change how you listen to it?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Saint Benedict on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Open pages of a medieval Latin manuscript on aged parchment, with handwritten black text in columns, red initials and rubrics, and a large decorated illuminated initial on the left page. The text appears to be a copy of a monastic rule.Book

Primary source

Rule of Saint Benedict

Benedict of Nursia · c. 600

A large monastery complex with a central dome and bell tower sits on top of a wooded hill under a clear blue sky. Dense green trees cover the hillside below the long pale building.Artifact

Secondary source

Monte Cassino

founded c. 529/530

Detail of a faded fresco showing a hooded, bald monk in a cream-colored robe seated at a white-draped table, holding a small cup. To the left, a woman in a blue blouse and orange skirt pours from a jug. Behind the table, a young man in green holds a tray, and another figure stands in a dark red robe. At the right edge, an older seated man in a light robe is partly visible.Painting

Secondary source

Fresco Cycle of the Life of St Benedict at Monte Oliveto Maggiore

Luca Signorelli and Sodoma · 1497-1505 (fresco cycle); abbey founded 1313

A dim, orange-lit chamber shows a large metal reliquary chest with three decorative hinged straps and studded ornamental fittings, set on a stone plinth. A brass plaque reads 'RELIQUES DE SAINT BENOIT 480-547'.Artifact

Secondary source

Reliquary of Saint Benedict at Fleury

A large, wrinkled parchment spread out on a dark background, with faded reddish and brown ink lines forming architectural plans of buildings, rooms, and circular features. Some handwritten text is visible at the lower left edge.Artifact

Secondary source

Plan of Saint Gall

c. 820-830

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