As New England's Benedictine College, Saint Anselm College is rooted in a Christian and monastic tradition rich with the wisdom culled from 1500 years of communities seeking peace through a well-ordered life envisioned by Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-547).

His 'little rule for monks' established a set of principles that has led to human flourishing for members of its communities across ages and civilizations. Whether or not one is a monastic, Catholic, or Christian, the Rule of Benedict and the traditions it has fostered offer a coherent set of values both meaningful and perennial.

As a Benedictine College, Saint Anselm College is part of the Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities (ABCU), a group of 16 Benedictine institutions of higher learning and religious communities in the United States and Canada. In 2007 the ABCU produced "Education Within the Benedictine Tradition," which explains a number of the principles underlying a Benedictine approach to education. It includes ten 'hallmarks' of a Benedictine education.

(Saint Benedict's) 'little rule for monks' established a set of principles that has led to human flourishing for members of its communities across ages and civilizations.

In 2005, Professor Gary M. Bouchard produced "Being Benedictine: A Reflection on the Meaning and Significance of Benedictine Values at Saint Anselm College." From conversations with Benedictine monks, college administrators, professors, and staff, this collection of reflections on Benedictine identity and purpose is a uniquely Anselmian outlook on what it means to be 'Benedictine' at Saint Anselm College.

We in Campus Ministry hope this page will be a helpful resource for all who seek to learn the riches of the Benedictine tradition and its immense value for our lives and work today.

The Rule of Saint Benedict

About the Rule