Benedectines at Subiaco

 

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The structure of the monastic family of Subiaco, unlike other Benedictine communities, has a physiognomy all its own on account of the statute that unites the two monasteries. The Sanctuary at the Holy Grotto and the Monastery of St. Scholastica are two distinct houses but one single community.

Therefore, the monks of Subiaco, in spite of their vow of stability, belong to two monasteries. Residing in one or the other depends exclusively on the Abbot. This situation conditions not only the juridical rapport between the two monasteries but the community life therein as well.

For that which concerns their ordinary administration and internal organization, the communities of Sacro Speco and St. Scholastica act independently of one another. For all other matters, on the other hand, they act as one community.At St. Scholastica, where the larger part of the community lives, monastic life observant of the Rule is facilitated more than at Sacro Speco whether because of the smallness of the community (3-4 monks) or because of the necessity to accommodate the many tourists and visitors who make pilgrimages to the Sanctuary.

The Benedictine Community of Subiaco has 20 members. Eleven of the monks are priests andnine are brothers,· The Monastery of St. Scholastica is 76 km from Rome and 3 km from the city of Subiaco.· For all the friends of the monastery and for those interested, the monks publish "Il Sacro Speco" a bi-monthly religious journal.