Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary
Regular observance, or observance of the Rule (regula), encompasses all the elements of Dominican monastic life. The four main pillars of the life: common life, the celebration of the liturgy and private prayer, the observance of the vows and the study of sacred truth, are supported by many other observances, such as enclosure, silence, the habit, work and penitential practices. These observances daily extend to the nun the invitation to embrace the Cross. The observances of monastic life are meant to lead the nun to deeper union with Christ Crucified.
In the Dominican tradition, regular observance sets the nun at the heart of the “holy preaching,” for by living together in harmony, as they withdraw into solitude with Jesus, the nuns become a sign of the New Jerusalem which the brethren of the Order preach. The life of observance prepares the nun to receive the gifts which St. Dominic had of devoting himself totally to God and bearing sinners and those in need within his heart.
Enclosure and silence are perhaps the most characteristic marks of monastic life. They can often be viewed from a negative aspect, in terms of their restrictive character. In actuality however, the regulations of papal enclosure and the practice of silence safeguard and engender the positive values of monastic life. Enclosure and silence create the atmosphere, the space, where God can dwell in the midst of His people, in the heart of the Church, His Bride. Here in this space, the nun is free for God alone; here she listens for His voice, waits upon His will, sings praise to His glory.
Work is also a characteristic observance in the monastic life. Prayer, work and study alternate in harmonious rhythm throughout the day, and manifest a right ordering of values among earthly activities. Monastic work both shares in the creative power of God, and in the lot of all people who earn their living by the sweat of their brow.
The practice of penance, such as fasting and abstinence, is an invitation to the nun to deny herself, take up her cross, and bear the death of Jesus in body and soul. The discipline acquired through this practice leads to a greater purity of heart. This gift of self-sacrifice, through penitential practices, is directly linked to the salvation of souls, meriting the glory of the resurrection for others.