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For over fifteen centuries now, the Rule of St. Benedict has provided to countless monks a powerful time-tested guide to living the apostolic life in Christ in a profoundly unique and intimate way. The opening words of its Prologue attest to the loving intention and sincere concern of its author: "Listen carefully, my son, to the master's instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice." With the Rule and an abbot to govern them, the monasteries endeavor to become "schools of the Lord's service" ... communities where, by God's grace, charity is grown and cultivated. St. Benedict's gaze stretches forth like a watchman from the stained glass window which overlooks the Abbey's barn chapel.