Hello! My name is Peanut Elizabeth Anne, but you can just call me Peanut. I am a 6-year-old female dog. I am so excited to be the very first Friend of the Feline Cloister! To read all about the Friends of the Feline Cloister, tap on the link below. But then come right back here to join me again.
To check out the Friends of the Feline Cloister, tap here.
Why did I want to become a Friend? First, St. Benedict is a beautiful human being who is welcoming to a life in community. Second, Amma Jane inspired me with her goodness and uplifting teaching.
On our Zoom call, Br. Ricky, the Novice Master of the Feline Cloister, gave me a delighted feline smile. I welcomed his hospitality with joy. “We’re so glad to have you with us, Peanut. You are already well known to the Worldwide and Resident Novices; in fact, to the whole Cloister.” We love the article that you wrote with your friend Resident Novice Michael James, Esq-F.
To read this article, tap on the title, but be sure to return here. I have much more to share.
Br. Ricky asked me about my outstanding personality characteristics. My human, Celeste, has told me that I am curious, affectionate, loyal and playful. Her daughter Lila says that I am sweet, intelligent, and protective.
Br. Ricky clapped his paws and said that these are wonderful Benedictine qualities. They show that I love being in community. Hearing that, I gave a bark of delight. I want to be a good follower of St. Benedict.
Br. Ricky quickly flipped through the pages of his well-worn copy of The Rule of St. Benedict in Mew. He translated the following into canine. (The Novice Master is fluent in several animal languages.)
“Among themselves they show the pure love of sisters and brothers; to God, reverent love; to their prioress or abbot, unfeigned and humble love.”
RB 72.8-10
There are lots of things that I like to do. Play and cuddle are at the top of the list because I love to be with Celeste and Lila. I like to eat dog treats, sleep, walk outdoors and run. I’m hoping that as a Friend of the Cloister these activities will be allowed.
Br. Ricky jotted something in his little notebook with a tiny green pen and gave me a big purr. “Peanut, all the different things that you like to do show that you are living a well-rounded and balanced life. You honor all parts of who you are; spiritual, physical, and mental. This is very important when we live as Benedictines.” I was so happy to learn that I was already on the Benedictine path. I didn’t have to give up any of these wonderful activities either. I wanted to purr and tried to. The distorted sound came out a choked growl-bark.
Br. Ricky responded with kindness to my impurrfect purr attempt. With a thoughtful look he cemented my delight to be a Friend.
“Peanut, you don’t have change and try to be like a feline. We respect and honor you just as you are – a loving canine. We can learn from you, too. We don’t all have to be the same.”
I felt my heart would burst. I did the dog-thing and energetically wagged my tail.
Sr. Maxine, OSB-F and Cooper, Friend of the Feline Cloister,
share mutual respect
Coming back down to earth I shared a few things that I don’t like: having my nails clipped, my teeth brushed, and my ears cleaned. When any of these are called for by my human I squirm, shake my head, and try to get away. The kind Novice Master nodded, recognizing that he didn’t like these trials either.
Friend Peanut eagerly awaiting attention. He turns his heart to RB 72.7 to practice patience
But I really barked sharply when I shared that I get very annoyed when Celeste and Lila are talking on the telephone. That means that they are not paying attention to me! And so I vocalize my displeasure.
Br. Ricky quickly jotted something in his little notebook with his tiny green pencil. He then looked up and explained the Benedictine way. “I can see that you feel very neglected then, right?” I nodded. “I know that you love community. In a community we acknowledge and honor the needs of others. Here’s what Benedict wrote.”
“No monastics are to pursue what they judge better for themselves, but instead, what they judge better for someone else.” RB 72.7
I got the message. My human Celeste and her daughter Lila need time to talk together. I can support them by being patient and quiet. I love them both can offer this gift to them. Br. Ricky clapped his paws and made another note in his little notebook with his tiny green pencil.
As a Friend of the Feline Cloister I want to do my very best to help my human Celeste and her daughter as much as myself. Even more than myself. I will share whatever I find in my studies to help my human learn that she is more than enough to God. Always.
I barked that I am so happy to be a Friend of the Feline Cloister. At this, Br. Ricky purred and I wagged my tail mightily.
My favorite verses from the Rule:
“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