Rule of Life for the Order of Saint Melangell

Preamble:

The Order of Saint Melangell is a community of believers dedicated to a life of prayer, contemplation, service, and hospitality, following the example of Saint Melangell, who lived a life of devotion to God in solitude and peace. Our rule seeks to guide us toward holiness through simplicity, love, and care for creation, emphasizing the virtues of humility, kindness, and reverence for life.

1. Prayer and Worship:

• Daily Prayer: We are called to pray the Divine Office daily, to immerse ourselves in Scripture, and to offer our hearts in continual communion with God.
• Eucharistic Devotion: We shall gather regularly to celebrate the Eucharist, remembering Christ's sacrifice and inviting His presence into our midst.
• Silent Contemplation: Following the example of Saint Melangell, we value silence as a means to hear God’s voice in the stillness of our hearts. We commit to periods of quiet reflection, retreat, and contemplation.

2. Community Life:

• Brotherhood and Sisterhood: We are a community bound together by a shared calling to love and support one another in faith. We strive to live in mutual respect, humility, and compassion, bearing one another’s burdens and celebrating one another’s joys.
• Hospitality: Inspired by Saint Melangell’s care for the vulnerable, we are called to offer hospitality to those in need, welcoming strangers with love, and offering sanctuary to those who seek peace.
• Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable to one another in love, seeking to encourage and correct each other gently, for the sake of mutual growth in Christ.

3. Work and Service:

• Simplicity: We embrace a simple lifestyle, free from excess, so that we may more fully focus on our relationship with God and our service to others. We use our resources wisely, and in all things, we strive to avoid waste.
• Labor of Love: Each member is called to contribute to the work of the Order through meaningful labour, whether within the community or in the surrounding world. We offer our hands to the service of God, the community, and those in need.
• Care for Creation: We recognize that creation is a gift from God and commit ourselves to care for the earth in a way that is sustainable and life-affirming, following the example of Saint Melangell, who lived in harmony with nature.

4. Solitude and Retreat:

• Time for Retreat: We honour the importance of retreat and solitude in our lives. Periods of quiet and rest are necessary for spiritual renewal and discernment. We commit to carving out time for solitude in our daily lives, allowing us to listen to God’s voice more clearly.
• Connection to God’s Creation: We seek to live in harmony with the natural world, taking time to reflect upon the beauty and wisdom of God’s creation, as Saint Melangell did in her solitude within the forests and hills.

5. Charity and Compassion:

• Love of Neighbour: We are called to love our neighbour’s as ourselves, showing compassion to the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, as Christ did. We will prioritize acts of mercy, offering assistance to those in need, and advocating for justice and peace in our world.
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: We seek to live out the message of reconciliation, striving to forgive one another as Christ forgave us. We make peace our priority and seek healing in relationships where there has been harm.

6. Formation and Growth:

• Spiritual Formation: We are committed to a lifelong journey of spiritual formation, engaging in study, reflection, and prayer, growing ever more deeply into the likeness of Christ.
• Discernment: We are committed to discernment in all aspects of our life and mission. We seek to understand God’s will for us through prayer, counsel, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• Commitment to Vows: Members of the Order take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, committing themselves fully to the work and mission of the Order, and living these vows with sincerity and joy.

7. Leadership and Governance:

• Servant Leadership: The leaders of the Order are called to serve the community with humility, wisdom, and love. They are to lead by example, nurturing the spiritual and physical well-being of all members.
• Community Decision-Making: Decisions are made with the input of all members, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of the community as a whole. We value the contributions of each person and work together to ensure the flourishing of the Order.

8. Celestial Hope:

• Eternal Perspective: We remember that our ultimate goal is union with God in eternity. We live each day with an eye toward heaven, striving to live holy lives that reflect God’s love and light. We commit to cultivating a deep sense of hope in God’s promises, trusting in His faithfulness in all things.

The Rule of Saint Melangell is not a burden but a path to greater freedom in Christ. As members of the Order, we walk this path together, ever seeking God’s presence in our lives and striving to serve Him faithfully in all things.