As in Paradise

Saint Romuald Enthroned with Four Saints, 14th century, Gradual from Santa Maria degli Angeli

Today is the memorial of Saint Romuald (c.951-1027), who established the eremitical Camaldolese Order around 1012. Here follows his ‘Brief Rule’, written prior to the foundation of the Order. 

‘Sit in your cell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish. The path you must follow is in the Psalms – never leave it.
 
If you have just come to the monastery, and in spite of your good will you cannot accomplish what you want, take every opportunity you can to sing the Psalms in your heart and to understand them with your mind.
 
And if your mind wanders as you read, do not give up; hurry back and apply your mind to the words once more.
 
Realise above all that you are in God’s presence, and stand there with the attitude of one who stands before the emperor.
 
Empty yourself completely and sit waiting, content with the grace of God, like the chick who tastes nothing and eats nothing but what his mother brings him’.

O God, who through Saint Romuald didst renew the manner of life of hermits in thy Church: grant, we beseech thee; that, denying ourselves and following Christ, we may merit to reach the heavenly realms on high; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ​ever one God, world without end. Amen. - Divine Worship: The Missal.