American Benedictine Forum Essay Contest
The American Benedictine Forum seeks to promote “love of learning” and “desire for God”1 through research, writing, and conversation among its members. We especially seek to inspire the extended Benedictine family through the annual American Benedictine Forum Essay Contest, open to monastics and oblates. Members may participate in either of two levels, one for those professed/in oblation under ten years, and another for those professed/in oblation over ten years.
Authors are invited to submit an essay of 2500-3000 words on a Benedictine topic. Essays will seek expand readers’ knowledge, perspective, or application of the topic — to be a source of ongoing formation in the Benedictine way of life. While not necessarily an academic research paper, the essay should draw on various sources (archival, previous Benedictine authors and speakers, perspectives from theology and the liberal arts and sciences, lived Benedictine experience, and others) and move beyond individual reflection. Examples might include:
- Adapting particular aspects of The Rule to specific 21st century issues.
- How has a particular tradition been practiced in a monastic community over the years, and how have changes affected community life? Sources could merge archival material, interviews with elders, newer members, and oblates.
- How can we understand RB 7 in light of modern psychology?
- Roots or developments within monastic liturgy.
In the years leading up to the Benedictine Jubilee of 2029, authors are particularly encouraged to write on themes related to Benedictine “places of hope since 529.”
- 2026: Norcia, “Awaken”
- 2027: Rome, “Listen”
- 2028: Subiaco, “Grow”
- 2029: Monte Cassino, “Flourish”
Requirements for Participation:
- ABF member
- Submit an essay of 2500-3000 words as a double-spaced Word document with citations in a recognized format.
- Indicate whether you are in Level A (under 10 years’ profession/oblation) or Level B (over 10 years’ profession/oblation).
- Deadline: March 21, 2027 (Feast of St. Benedict)
- Send as attachment to the Executive Secretary at [email protected].
Prize:
- Recognition in the American Monastic Newsletter and in its social media,
- a free 2-year membership in the ABF,
- a one-year waiver of registration fees for ABF events, and
- a book of interest for followers of St. Benedict.
- Authors will be encouraged and assisted to submit their essay to a relevant publication.
1 Jean Leclerq, The Love of Learning and the Desire for God: A Study of Monastic Culture (Fordham University Press, 1957). ↩