Final Paper on Sem 4

Submitted by: Falsis, John Elbert R.

Submitted to: Dom Placid Acta

March 18, 2015

Summary of the Book Benedictine Rule of Leadership

The book is all about camaraderie and chivalry, the good things about this book is that it
has been written almost 15 centuries ago and it has been effectively handed down from St.
Benedict and it reached by the present modern time. The simple and extensive learning in
managing organization from the lowest member up to the abbot there were specific duties
assigned to each of them which make the community effectively functioning even with minimal
supervision.
The organized flow as well was carefully mapped out by the Rule of St. Benedict where the
community avoids bureaucracy by not establishing numerous ranks and keeps the solidity of the
community through discipline and familiarity of the goals of the Benedictine order.
The management of individuals was discussed as well, especially in dealing with the merits,
leadership roles and the process of discipline for offending members. In regard to
responsibilities, the notable topic was about seniority in ranks which I found very suggestive, it
only states that age is not a basis of seniority, but experience is a factor in dealing with ranks in
the Benedictine community. What it provides is that even if the person is of young age compared
to his colleagues, as long as he is competent to take on the responsibility, then he will be given a
higher position regardless of his age. Such idealism is what I profoundly agree regarding
handling talents and building a progressive community.
The greatness in the innovation of the Benedictine community was also mentioned in the Rule of
Leadership, the history of trade and arts of the monks were highlighted, some of which are the
establishment of hotels and hospitals which can be traced back as one of the greatest contribution
of the Benedictine brothers. Food and beverages were an item as well on the list of the produced
consumables, some of which even exist up until now, one of the liqueurs was even named
Benedictine Liqueur. These skills of the arts and trade were their bread and butter to help them
sustain their everyday activities in seclusion from the city for them to be able to live in prayer
and work.

Excellent leadership traits were well discussed also in the book; this was my favorite part of the
entire reading. Several notable leaders of different races and ethnic groups were mentioned, but
all have one thing in common, they stood by their men in the face of adversary. It may sound
suicidal, especially in battlegrounds, but it was the right thing to practice not because the Rule
states that it is but because it is for the betterment of the communitys participation in reaching
the goals as a group. A leader, according to the Rule is one that serves as an example to all and
leads on how everyone should act on their duties and obligation in the society accordingly. This
trait has been long gone, unfortunately, it was cited as well that leaders nowadays tend to be
more position concerned rather than a responsibility-oriented in the sense that leaders are at the
back side away from the Frontlines to be protected from the crossfire in the battlefield.
All in all, the book purely gives a ton of gold nuggets of advice which are applicable in every
diverse unit, community, enterprise or organization in the society. Giving suggestions on how to
properly handle different types of individuals and making efficient responses to the demand of
times, regardless whether you are in a monastery or in the urban jungle.

Five similarities of The Rule of St. Benedict from Civil Law.

Both are written by prominent and educated individuals St. Benedict is a well-educated person
and his previous stature in life was prominent as well, therefore giving him the edge on creating
such well-thought out rules. Same with St. Benedict, the framers of the Civil Code were educated
as well and mostly in the field of law.
Both were written for the purpose of starting a better community The Rule and the Civil
Code were authored to give instructions, rules and laws to follow and set standards of what kind
of behavior one should possess and observe in the society.
The books are codified it is much understandable and less confusing, especially in
understanding some provisions which are mistaken to be in connection with other laws but they
are not in fact related. Searching for provisions and rules are easier and less complicated.

Both are made to maintain peace and order the only way to govern a growing community is to
set the proper Rules and faithfully abide by it. Both books give a set of guidelines and
corresponding penalties for violations of such laws.
Both books have no exclusivity, and can be accessed by any individuals although they are
made by distinct entities of the society, they are open to be read by anyone who wants to
understand the rules and regulations designed for each community.

Five differences of The Rule of St. Benedict from Civil Law.

Interpreters are needed to understand some of the provisions of the Civil Law compared to
reading The Rule where the words are easily understandable, it is contrary to the verbose and
expressive writing of some provisions of the Civil Code, and one might require a lawyer to fully
understand the writings in the code.
The Rule of St. Benedict and the Civil Law are created by persons of separate entities of society
The law expressly prohibits the unison of the religion and of the state, therefore it could not
have been possible for the two entities to have written together a set of rules or laws for the
community.
The Rule of St. Benedict is easily understandable as compared to the Civil Law the words used
by St. Benedict are simple enough to be understood by anyone who knows how to read by using
simple terms and languages that are identifiable and familiar with most of the readers, comparing
it to the Civil Laws wordings which are verbose and some of the terms are unfamiliar to many.
The Civil Law is prohibitory in some nature as the Rule of St. Benedict is more rehabilitative
The Benedictine ideals, especially in performing discipline of its members are more concerned
about giving second chances to its members than to punish them for their first offense as
compared to the stringent nature of the Civil Law.

The Rule of St. Benedict transcends several centuries and will continue to influence the future as
compared to the Civil Laws existence which needs to be amended and changed as the society
makes progress without a doubt The Rule of St. Benedict will outlast the Civil Laws existence,
mainly because the Rule is made to be handed down from one generation to another as compared
to the lifespan of Civil Laws which must be changed depending on the current needs of society.

What are the characteristics of a good leader are as discussed in the book? How will you
apply these with our social leaders?
Of all the given traits of a good leader, I choose to discuss humility. For humility almost
possess all the necessary requirements to be a great leader. People in the society especially in the
governmental positions sometimes fail to present the humility a public servant must possess.
Most of the time it is these uniformed individuals who are violating our rights. And sometimes
even takes advantage of their position to gain a reward for themselves in the form of money and
at times high-end properties. A person in public position must always be mindful that they are
placed there to serve the people and not to serve themselves, but since corruption is rooted in the
hearts of minds in some of the traditional politicians, it is a hard feat to eradicate wrongdoings or
even promote humility at least.
Old people tend to play wise-guys sometimes, without taking into consideration the ideas of
the younger generation. Yes, experience is the best teacher there is but there are still areas for
improvement, even to those very experienced individuals. It takes a huge amount of humility to
seek for a younger persons advice, but it is the only way that we can communicate and obtain
each others ideas and concerns.
I remembered a commentary about politics in the Philippines and it was stated that a revolution
is needed to change the face of our political ring in our country. Hoping we need not to pursue
such ideal, but as St. Benedict has stated in his rule, these members are ought to be severed than
to influence others in the community. Unfortunately, we dont have such rule or luxury

implemented in our government. We just have to keep on practicing Ora et Labora and initiate
the change within ourselves and maintain the humility and teaching of St. Benedict and perhaps
in due time and when the situations call for such individuals, we will be ready.
What is the significance of the Benedictine Rule in the formation of future lawyers?
Being a lawyer is not easy, as students of the School of Law we find it very difficult to
earn your stripes in the academic stage of the program. Just imagine the requirements once
outside the walls of San Beda College Alabang. Future lawyers need a concrete and stable
foundation of virtues and traits to shield them off from the immoral, incorrect and unjustifiable
acts which taint not only the ethics of being a lawyer but also the name of the school and family.
To avoid such dilemma, it is better to have the Benedictine Rules embedded in the heart and soul
of every freshman whos going to enter the School of Law.
Its much better to start early as to give more space for conducive learning and make room for a
lot of improvements. Humility, prayer and work will be the best asset a future lawyer can bring
into the corporate world, and to influence other individuals of the passion and enthusiasm in
serving the clients and meeting the company goals. In conclusion, the Rules significance is
astronomical compared to the other line of profession because the world we have entered is
morally draining and demanding. Only a deep-seated virtue can withstand the threats of injustice.

What is the main theme of the book? Justify your answer.

Working together as a unit lead by the examples of St. Benedict, at the start of the
Rule it was already stated that the rules are made to serve as a reminder of how a member
should act in the community. Working side by side with your trusted people is a very exciting
proposition, but it only comes to reality when the leader trusts his people. In one of the situations
mentioned in the book, where a leader should support the works of his subordinate even to the
extent that the member is not sure about the output of the proposed solution to the issue. It was
stated by The Rule that, a person must be supported heavily by his leader and to mitigate any
punishment or disciplinary action in case the idea failed to produce the promised results.

Trust and honesty must be observed at all time to be able to work in unison with one another and
the unwavering compliance with the duties and obligations of the staff in service for better
results with high consistency. Teamwork is a work of art and the Benedictine community with
the help of The Rule of St. Benedict has perfected this craft with a lifetime of experience
perhaps it is one of the most solid planning tool in the history of man.