The 24 Spiritual Principles of Magdalene
Influenced by the Benedictine Rule, Magdalene’s programs are grounded in 24 simple principles about living gracefully in community with each other. In the sixth century, St. Benedict of Nursia designed the Rule of Benedict that for more than a thousand years has served as a model for communal living. Rooted in fidelity, hospitality, reverence, and love for all humanity, the Benedictine Rule calls for a balanced way of life in which “the heart becomes broadened with the unutterable sweetness of love.” Out of the experience of living together, the Magdalene sisters, like the Benedictine brothers before them, have developed guidelines for living. Our Rule is a simple guide for living in community. Consisting of twenty-four principles, it describes practical ways we can love one another without prejudice or judgment.
The Rule of Magdalene
1. Come Together
2. Proclaim Original Grace
3. Cry With Your Creator
4. Find Your Place in the Circle
5. Think of the Stranger as God
6. Take the Longer Path
7. Make a Small Change and See the Big Difference
8. Let God Sort It Out
9. Stand on New Ground and Believe You Are Not Lost
10. Forgive and Feel Freedom
11. Unite Your Sexuality and Spirituality
12. Show Hospitality to All
13. Laugh at Yourself
14. Consider the Thistle
15. Listen to a New Idea
16. Lose Gracefully
17. Remember You Have Been in the Ditch
18. Walk Behind
19. Live in Gratitude
20. Love Without Judgment
21. Stay on Point
22. Pray for Courage
23. Find Your Way Home
24. Leave Thankfully