Hey, so glad you’re here. I like meeting new felines and people. I’m Dustmop, a female novice. I would like to join the Feline Cloister because: I need to broaden my activities. My age? I don’t know. To copy what many humans declare, I always say I’m 3 years old. That’s 29 in human years. I like being 3. Br. Ricky gave a feline chuckle at this and welcomed me to the Feline Cloister. I gave a big purr.
Br. Ricky asked about my outstanding characteristics. Bottom line, I’m a very friendly cat. He gave me a big feline smile and mewed that much of the Rule is about how to be a good friend and companion to others. He opened his well-worn Rule of St. Benedict in Mew and quoted this.
“First of all, love God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27). RB 4.1-2
I like that a lot. I also shared that I am a morning cat, unlike many other cats. A favorite thing to do is to wander around the neighborhood in the morning. I meet friends and let humans give me a pet. I greet squirrels and birds and chipmunks, but I never chase them.
Br. Ricky was pleased to learn of my companionly wanderings. “It sounds as if you are already practicing an important part of the Rule, Novice Dustmop. That is to let peace be your quest and your aim.” (Prologue 17) Hearing his encouragement makes me so glad that I’m becoming a novice in the Feline Cloister.
One of my very favorite things to do is to nap on the lounge chair on the side porch. In the afternoon, of course. I asked Br. Ricky if, as a novice, I could still enjoy this pastime. Br. Ricky nodded and said that even Benedict allowed for rest periods.
“From the fourth hour until the time of Sext [the noon prayer office], they will devote themselves to reading. But after Sext and their meal, they may rest on their beds in complete silence; should any members wish to read privately, let them do so, but without disturbing the others.” RB 48.4-5
He did caution me, however, that excessive napping is to be avoided.
“Refrain from too much eating or sleeping, and from laziness”
(Rom 12:11). RB 4.36-38
I thought that sounded reasonable and doable. I asked B. Ricky about how the Rule might help me broaden my activities, which is why I wanted to join the Cloister in the first place.
He shared that there are three important activities for monastic felines. The most important are the daily prayer services which he called the Opus Dei, the “Work of God.” This is the main work of any Benedictine sister, brother, or novice. Then there is work – labor – things that the community members to share their skills and support the community. Finally, lectio divina, which is the prayerful reading of Holy Scripture, where God speaks to us in our hearts.
Illus. feline manual labor Br. Boniface, OSB-F, clearing the ground for catnip plants
Br. Ricky said that he would help me incorporate these activities into my life as a novice. I thought that sounded great! I gave him an enthusiastic mew. Another novice project will be to help my human learn patience. She needs to sit in the sun like I do in the afternoon and just relax!
My favorite verses from The Rule of St. Benedict:
“Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way; the love of Christ must come before all else.” RB 4.20-21