The Life of St. Benedict by Gregory the Great: Translation and Commentary

by Terrence G Kardong

Overview

In his classic Second Book of Dialogues, Pope Gregory the Great lionizes Saint Benedict as hero and casts him predominantly in the role of miracle worker. Yet in his Rule, Benedict comes across more as a practical community organizer and premier spiritual father. In this volume, Terrence Kardong offers a fresh take on Gregory the Great's classic. He alternates between translated sections of the Diablo's and his own commentary. Crisp and direct, and infused with his wry and ever-present sense of humor, Kardong's writings sure to build up the spiritual life of readers and, equally important, to make them love St. Benedict.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814632628
Publisher:	Liturgical Press
Publication date:	03/01/2009
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Terrence G. Kardong, OSB, (1936–2019), was a monk of Assumption Abbey, Richardton, North Dakota. He served as the editor of The American Benedictine Review, and was the author of many books and articles. 

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Section 1 Conversion and First Miracle 1

Section 2 Hermit Lost and Found 7

Section 3 Temptation in the Desert 13

Section 4 Temptation among Men 21

Section 5 Four Miracles at Subiaco 31

Section 6 A Blow to Hatred and a Coronation 41

Section 7 Fight against Satan 49

Section 8 Charism of Prophecy 59

Section 9 Further Prophecies 69

Section 10 Last Prophecies 81

Section 11 The First Three Miracles of Power 91

Section 12 At the Heart of the Signs of Power 101

Section 13 Power and Prayer: Two Examples of a Single Thesis 113

Section 14 Benedict and Scholastica 123

Section 15 The Vision of the World in the Light of God 131

Section 16 Death, Glory, and the Life Beyond 139

Notes 149

Editorial Reviews

This translation and commentary will be a valuable resource for educators seeking to introduce undergraduates to the development of monasticism and hagiography.
Religious Studies Review


The book is written with great affection for the character St. Benedict both historically and as he appears in the Life. Moreover, Kardong provides insight into how Benedict is seen through Gregory’s admiring eyes. For these reasons and because of the helpful line-by-line explication, the work may be helpful to both scholars and beginning students in the Benedictine studies, history, literature, and theology. Because the commentary so fully fills in the background and contextual picture surrounding the text, Kardong’s book would also be of benefit to a general audience interested in deepening knowledge of St. Benedict and the traditions surrounding his life.
Catholic Studies


This is a useful tool to instruct anyone interested in Benedictine life.
Benedictines

From the Publisher