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  THE ABBESS SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT SHE IS
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: The Abbess must remember her position and calling, adapt to
different characters, and strive to maintain a good flock through her
leadership.

Topics: "Christian Leadership", "Spiritual Guidance"
Scripture References: Proverbs 11:14, Luke 12:48, Galatians 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 1 Peter 5:2

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance for an abbess to
remember her calling and the responsibility that comes with it, as those
entrusted with more are required to do more. He highlights the
challenging task of ruling souls and the need to adapt to different
personalities, using various approaches such as coaxing, scolding, or
persuading based on individual characteristics. The abbess is urged to
adjust and relate to each person in a way that not only maintains the
flock but also leads to its growth and flourishing.

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CONTENT
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The Abbess should always remember what she is and what she is called,
and should know that to whom more is committed, from her more is
required (Luke 12:48). Let her understand also what a difficult and
arduous task she has undertaken: ruling souls and adapting herself to a
variety of characters. One she must coax, another scold, another
persuade, according to each one's character and understanding. Thus she
must adjust and adapt herself to all in such a way that she may not only
suffer no loss in the flock committed to her care, but may even rejoice
in the increase of a good flock.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/the-abbess-should-always-remember-what-she-is/
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