Joshua Bennett
The Great Silence is a period of solemn silence observed in Catholic and Anglican religious communities. It typically begins after the last common prayer at night and ends after the first common prayer in the morning. During this time, individuals refrain from speaking unless there is an emergency. The practice is believed to help individuals come to know Jesus Christ and hear his voice by restraining their tongues and reducing distractions. It is also seen as a form of penance, requiring self-denial and restraint. The Great Silence has been depicted in popular culture, such as in the BBC series 'Call the Midwife', where Anglican nuns observe it from Compline until the morning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Religious communities |
| Time | From night prayers (Compline or Evensong) until the morning prayers (Laud, Prime, or Morning Prayer) |
| Purpose | To know Jesus Christ and hear his voice |
| Practice | Monks can use sign language to communicate |
| Challenges | Fear of being alone with chaotic thoughts and feelings |
| Quotes | "What we need most in order to make progress is to be silent before this great God with our appetite and with our tongue, for the language He best hears is silent love." — Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591) |
| "The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity." — St. James |
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What You'll Learn
- The Great Silence is observed from night prayers until morning prayers
- It is a period of solemn silence and quiet before and after sleep
- The practice goes back to the beginnings of monasticism in the third century
- It is believed that silence is a means to know Jesus Christ
- The Carthusians are known for their disciplined quiet
The Great Silence is observed from night prayers until morning prayers
The Great Silence is a period of solemn silence observed in many religious communities, including Catholic, Episcopal, and Anglican. It typically begins with the last common prayer at night, such as Compline or Evensong, and ends with the first common prayer of the morning, which could be Laud, Prime, or Morning Prayer. During this time, individuals are encouraged to avoid disturbing noises and speak only in emergencies. The practice is believed to have originated in the early days of monasticism, as far back as the third century, and was established by St. Benedict, who laid down strict laws for its observance.
The Great Silence is observed to foster a deeper connection with God and to discipline the tongue, as words are believed to have immense power. It is a form of self-denial and restraint, providing an opportunity for private meditation, reading, and introspection. Silence is seen as a tool for spiritual advancement, allowing individuals to hear the voice of Christ and come to know Him better. This practice is not unique to Catholicism, with other religious traditions, such as Buddhism and Indian religions, also emphasizing the importance of silence in their own ways.
In the Catholic tradition, certain religious orders are particularly renowned for their disciplined quiet, such as the Carthusians, who were the subject of the documentary film "Into Great Silence." The Cistercian Order is also known for adhering strictly to the rule of silence, with the Reformed Cistercians (Trappists) maintaining this severity. Other contemplative orders, like the Camaldolese, also place a strong emphasis on silence.
The Great Silence can be challenging for some, as it involves confronting one's thoughts and anxieties without external distractions. However, it is believed to be a means of achieving holiness and a deeper understanding of oneself and the divine. Saint John of the Cross, a 16th-century mystic, once said, "What we need most in order to make progress is to be silent before this great God with our appetite and with our tongue, for the language He best hears is silent love."
Overall, the Great Silence, observed from night prayers until morning prayers, is a longstanding tradition in Catholic and other religious communities, promoting introspection, discipline, and a deeper connection with the divine.
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It is a period of solemn silence and quiet before and after sleep
The Great Silence is a period of solemn silence observed in Catholic and other religious communities. It is a time of quiet before and after sleep, usually from the last common prayer at night (Compline or Evensong) until the first common prayer of the morning (Laud, Prime, or Morning Prayer). During this time, individuals are encouraged to avoid disturbing noises and speak only in emergencies. The practice is believed to have originated in the third century with the beginnings of monasticism, and it continues to be observed by various religious orders today.
The Great Silence is a time for introspection and meditation, allowing individuals to focus on their spiritual growth and connection with God. It is believed that through silence, one can better hear the voice of Christ and come to know him. This practice is often accompanied by self-denial and restraint, as individuals refrain from idle talk and guard their tongues, recognizing the power that words can hold.
In Catholic tradition, the importance of silence is emphasized by saints and spiritual masters alike. Saint John of the Cross, for example, said, "What we need most in order to make progress is to be silent before this great God with our appetite and with our tongue, for the language He best hears is silent love." The practice of silence is seen as a means to holiness, a method for coming into communion with God and understanding His presence.
The Great Silence is not limited to Catholic monks or nuns; laypeople are also encouraged to incorporate periods of silence into their spiritual practices. While it can be challenging due to the constant noise and distractions of modern life, silence offers a chance for individuals to confront their thoughts and anxieties, bringing them closer to God.
Overall, the Great Silence in the Catholic tradition is a period of solemn silence observed before and after sleep, providing individuals with an opportunity for spiritual growth, introspection, and a deeper connection with God through disciplined quiet.
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The practice goes back to the beginnings of monasticism in the third century
The Great Silence is a period of total silence observed in Catholic religious communities, usually from night prayers until the morning. The practice is believed to have originated in the third century with the beginnings of monasticism.
St. Benedict was the first to lay down clear and strict laws regarding the observance of silence. In all monasteries, regardless of order, there are designated \"Regular Places\" such as the church, refectory, and dormitory, where speaking is more strictly prohibited. The night hours are specifically termed the "Great Silence". During this time, individuals are expected to avoid disturbing noises and speak only in emergencies.
The practice of silence is seen as a form of self-denial and restraint, and therefore, a wholesome penance. It is believed that through silence, one can better hear the voice of Christ and come to know him. This belief is echoed by St. James, who said, "The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity [...] Death and life are in the power of the tongue."
The Carthusians are known for their disciplined quiet, with a documentary film titled "Into Great Silence" showcasing their way of life. Other contemplative orders like the Carthusians, Carmelites, and Camaldolese also maintain strict rules of silence.
The Great Silence is not limited to Catholic monasticism, as it has been depicted in popular culture as well. For example, in the BBC series "Call the Midwife," Anglican nuns observe the Great Silence from Compline until the morning.
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It is believed that silence is a means to know Jesus Christ
The Great Silence in the Catholic Church refers to periods of total silence observed in religious communities, usually from night prayers until the following morning. The practice dates back to the beginnings of monasticism in the third century. During this time, one should avoid disturbing noises and only speak in emergencies.
Silence is believed to be a means to know Jesus Christ. It is during these periods of silence that one can experience spiritual consolation, feeling God's presence, love, and peace. This idea is supported by several Catholics who have shared their experiences of meeting God in silence. For instance, Michala Heller, a parishioner at Sacred Heart in Aberdeen, pursues silent conversations with God, during which she hears Jesus talking to her. Similarly, Mary Jo, who attends a silent retreat every year, sits in silence for 20 minutes every day, experiencing God's love and presence.
Father Traynor also shared a memorable moment when he felt interrupted by noise everywhere he went to find silence. He eventually screamed in frustration, only to hear Jesus' loving rebuke, reminding him to "be still and know that I am God."
These experiences highlight the importance of silence in the Catholic faith as a way to create space for God to speak and to listen to His voice. It is a time to be open to His presence and to experience His love and peace. By embracing silence, individuals can deepen their spiritual connection with God and gain a sense of His nearness and tender care.
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The Carthusians are known for their disciplined quiet
The Carthusians, or the Order of Carthusians, are a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Bruno of Cologne in 1084. The order includes both monks and nuns, and their way of life combines eremitical and cenobitic monasticism. The Carthusians are known for their disciplined quiet, which is an essential part of their way of life.
The Carthusian monastery is typically a small community of hermits, with individual "cells" or small houses for each monk, built around a cloister. The monks' focus is on contemplation and solitude, and they spend most of their time in their cells, meditating, praying, studying, and working in their gardens. Meals are usually eaten in solitude, and the monks observe a perpetual abstinence from meat.
To support the material needs of the monastery and the monks, there are two types of monks in a Carthusian community: the choir monks or hermits, and the lay brothers. The lay brothers serve the external needs of the contemplative monks, such as providing meals and other items to the hermits through a hatch in the cell door.
The Carthusians observe periods of total silence, known as the Great Silence, which is a practice dating back to the beginnings of monasticism in the third century. This period of silence usually begins after the last common prayer at night and ends with the first common prayer in the morning. During this time, Carthusians may engage in private reading and meditation, and they avoid disturbing noises and speak only in emergencies.
The Carthusians' emphasis on silence and solitude is reflected in their motto: "Stat crux dum volvitur orbis," which means "The Cross is steady while the world turns." This motto captures their dedication to spiritual contemplation and their removal from the distractions of the outside world.
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Frequently asked questions
The Great Silence is a period of solemn silence observed in religious communities, usually from night prayers until the morning. The practice dates back to the beginnings of monasticism in the third century.
The Great Silence is observed as a means of self-denial and restraint, and as a way to come to know Jesus Christ better. It is believed that silence helps one to hear the voice of Christ and deepen one's spiritual life.
During the Great Silence, speaking is strictly prohibited, and one should avoid disturbing noises, speaking only in emergencies. This time may be used for private reading, meditation, and prayer. Some Catholic orders, such as the Cistercians, Dominicans, and Discalced Carmelites, use specific signs to communicate when necessary.
Practicing the Great Silence can be challenging due to the fear of being alone with one's thoughts and facing internal chaos. It requires self-discipline and the ability to restrain one's tongue, which can be difficult in everyday life.
