Chapter 64: The election of an abbot or abbess (paragraphs 1-2)

The grounds on which a candidate is elected abbot or abbess must be the quality of their monastic life and the wisdom of their teaching, even if they are the last in order in the community. (From para. 1 of Ch. 64 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

St. Benedict teaches me: Order is not made from rank or attainment. Order comes from qualities of alignment, integrity, harmony in my inner and outer life, and in my life in community with others. Thus, I need an unobstructed openness to the prayer of the Spirit. Everything wise flows from this.