Letter 14

From: Alcuin of York, scholar and court theologian To: The monks of Fulda Date: ~800 AD Context: Alcuin writes to the famous Frankish monastery of Fulda, founded by Boniface, on matters of monastic discipline and the relationship between scholarly work and the monastic life. To my beloved brothers at the holy monastery of Fulda, from Alcuin, servant of God, The monastery of Fulda is, I believe, one of the most important communities in the Frankish church — not because of its wealth or its buildings, though both are considerable, but because of its position as the heir of Boniface's missionary tradition and as a center of learning that has shaped the church in this kingdom for three generations. This position brings with it a particular responsibility: the community at Fulda cannot afford to be merely average. The standard you set for monastic life — the quality of your observance, the seriousness of your scholarship, the generosity of your hospitality — will influence every monastery in the kingdom that looks to you as a model. What I have heard of your current community encourages me. The scriptorium is producing work of high quality; the school is attracting students; the observance of the Rule is serious. What I want to urge is the maintenance of all of this under the pressure that success brings — the pressure to accommodate, to be flexible about the Rule, to let the distinguished visitors and the royal connections reshape the community's priorities. The monastic life is demanding precisely because it does not bend. Hold to it. Your brother in Christ, Alcuin