The qualities of the prioress or superior of a community are proposed by Benedict in Chapter 64 of the Rule. The two major criteria for leadership are: merit of life and wisdom in teaching. So, it seems that for Benedict setting a good example and teaching truth seem to be what is necessary to lead. No where in this chapter do we hear about the leader being the most popular, the most charming, or the most powerful. It is more important to be authentic and to have integrity. A very different picture from what is seen in our social and political lives.
I get the image of the leader in Benedict's model as a conductor of an orchestra that can blend the various instruments and their qualities into a beautiful tapestry of sound--even those of us that are sometimes slightly out of tune.
May we continue to learn to live this life in the footsteps of our founding generations.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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