One of the graces of this Roman experience is the convergence of text and liturgy. Today, monastics everywhere celebrate two disciples of Saint Benedict - Maurus and Placid. On Wednesdays here, Sister Pauline - superior in this house - instructs us on The Dialogues of Pope Gregory the Great, from whom we learn of these two holy monks. Although the Benedictine ordo has nothing to do with our lesson plans, it is, I think, no accident.
Now, to be completely honest, I can never remember who's who in this most famous of miracles. Is Placid the older? The younger? Which one nearly drowns in the lake? Which one saves his brother, at the abbot's command, by running across the water and pulling him from its dept
hs - just as Saint Peter walked on the water by Christ's word. Here's what I learned: it was Placid, the younger boy, who nearly drowned and Maurus, the elder boy, who saved him. In a commentary by Adalbert de Vogue, OSB, I learned that the lake is symbolic of the devil who wants to swallow up the monastic. And Maurus, by his immediate response to Saint Benedict, becomes an icon of obedience - listening for the voice of GOD everywhere, but especially in the abbot who takes the place of Christ. The Life of Saint Benedict is required reading in formation, so don't fret if you haven't read it. You will...Today, we're celebrating Sister Maura, one of our classmates, on her feast day. And, Sister Veronica and I are missing our Sister Joan Ann - formally, Sister Placidus. Love to you, Joan Ann, and every good blessing this day can hold. Love to you all...
- Sister Vicki
