Dominic

We are told that in the year 1221 as Saint Dominic lay dying in his friary at Bologna, he spoke the following words to his brothers, “These, my much loved ones, are the bequests which I leave to you as my sons: have charity among yourselves; hold fast to humility; keep a willing poverty.” Such is his legacy, brilliant in its simplicity.

Having promised to be poor with the poor Christ and to prefer Christ Jesus our Lord above all else, Dominic’s bequest is ours as well. For as Cistercian monks, charity, humility and poverty are among the treasures we have inherited.  

Perhaps sometimes we have been unfaithful, and misused this legacy handed down to us by our monastic forebears. Let us beg the Lord’s tender mercy.

Giovanni Bellini,  Fra Teodoro of Urbino as Saint Dominic.