The Transformation of Self to Serve Others
St. Romuald of Ravenna (952-1027) founded the Camaldolese-Benedictine order during a time when the Catholic Church was in dire need of reform. The Church had strayed from the teachings of Jesus, who was humble at heart and poor in spirit. Practices such as the buying of pardons and blessings, priestly marriages for power and privilege, and ignorance of Christ's essential teachings had infected the Church hierarchy, resembling modern-day politics. Today, we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Romuald and the foundation of the Camaldolese-Benedictine order. St. Romuald’s sensitive humility and innovative spirit remain relevant today in both religious and secular organizations worldwide.
In my journey to become a Camaldolese-Benedictine Oblate in 2017, I spent two years studying and integrating their disciplines into my daily life. Camaldolese-Benedictine practices focus on the three-fold good: living in community, withdrawing into solitude to cultivate an inner disposition, and evangelism or serving the deepest needs of people. These practices shape my daily life in both visible and invisible ways. Most mornings, I either attend Mass from 8:00 am to 8:30 am or practice Lectio Divina, a meditative reading that transforms poetry, prose, or inspirational passages into applied action. This morning ritual equips me with a peaceful, gentle, and kind disposition, leading to productivity, teamwork, effective leadership, tolerance, inclusion, relational skills, interpersonal skills, and organizational strategy.
Starting the day with an organized practice, whether Yoga, Meditation, or inspirational reading, shifts one’s mindset towards gratitude, empathy, and grace. While the origin of these practices is religious, their relevance transcends any one religion or faith. In the 10th century, St. Romuald incorporated interreligious dialogue and practices into Camaldolese-Benedictine traditions, fostering acceptance and a desire for inquiry. This spirit of acceptance and continuous learning is evident in my leadership style today.
The relevance of these medieval practices and the Camaldolese-Benedictine order’s foundation raises several questions for 2024:
Do corporate wealth, power-based alliances, and pay inequality exist in today’s for-profit and non-profit organizations?
Do organizations need ethical reform from grassroots movements led by individuals with lived field experience?
Can we identify credible, effective leaders who begin their days with some form of interreligious or secular “solitude” such as Yoga, Meditation, silent walks or runs in nature, or breathing practices? How does this shape their credibility?
What does it mean to build a community that invites diverse thought, connection, and belonging?
St. Romuald’s approach to entrepreneurial growth in the 10th century is particularly noteworthy. He would send two mature followers to communities throughout Europe to reform organizations like hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and churches. He trusted that these small, relational efforts would foster reform, a strategy that remains relevant today. Thriving organizations often stay true to their foundational principles through such relational growth.
So, what are your daily rituals, routines, and rhythms? Look to your leaders and inquire how they shape their days. I never wear a spiritual symbol like a cross in public and rarely mention my status as a Camaldolese-Benedictine Oblate. My practice is grounded in a diverse community each morning, followed by solitude. Only then do I engage with organizations and the world, strategically leading transformative change.
References:
Belisle, P.-D. (Ed.). (2002). The privilege of love: Camaldolese Benedictine spirituality. Liturgical Press.
Carey, M., Ph.D., O.S.B., & Horsman, J., Ph.D., O.S.B. (2015, April 14). *Course notes*. Lecture presented at St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, California.
Casey, M. (2001). *A guide to living in the truth: Saint Benedict's teaching on humility*. Liguori, MO: Liguori/Triumph.
Jäger, W. (1995). Search for the meaning of life: Essays and reflections on the mystical experience. Liguori, MO: Triumph Books.
