Today is the Feast of St Benedict.
To mark the occasion Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire, a ruined abbey now in the hands of the National Trust, are hosting a Mass in the ruins of the old cellarium.
The Cistercian monks who used to worship and work at Fountains Abbey lived according to St Benedict's rule, which he devised in 516 AD. He is therefore of particular importance to the specific history of Fountains Abbey as well as being a crucial figure in Christian monasticism more generally. Many monks today still live by his rule.
Attending Mass in the ruins of a medieval abbey which is now a World Heritage Site sounds wonderful, but sadly I'm not able to be there in person. However, the readings and prayers will be the same in any other parish celebrating the feast.
In case you can't make either, here is a very basic order of service so that you can join in spirit:
Collect
O God, who made the Abbot Saint Benedict an outstanding master in the school of divine service, grant, we pray, that, putting nothing before love of you, we may hasten with a loving heart in the way of your commands. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Proverbs 2:1-9
Psalm 33(34):2-11
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 5:5
Gospel: Matthew 19:27-29
Communion Antiphon: Luke 12:42
Prayer after Communion
Having received this pledge of eternal life, we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that, attentive to the teaching of Saint Benedict, we may faithfully serve your designs and love one another with fervent charity. Through Christ our Lord.