The Monastery

The Benedictine Abbey of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is linked to the Basilica of the same name, which houses the tomb of the great Apostle of the Gentiles. The monastery originated from the first monastic communities—male and female—that arose next to the basilica in the mid-7th century. By the will of the Popes, the monastic community was to ensure a continuous presence, dedicated to the care of the Apostle’s tomb and the celebration of divine praise. In this way, the monastery acquired the characteristics required by the particular place in which they found themselves living, in particular the liturgical-sacramental aspect. Over time, the administration of the extensive feudal estate and the study of sacred and secular sciences were added, a prelude to the Philosophical-Theological Academy of St. Paul flM, which in turn was the seed of the future University of Sant’Anselmo. In the 15th century, the Pauline abbey became part of the monastic reform advocated by the Congregation “de Unitate” or of St. Justina of Padua, which later became the Cassinese Congregation. Links with other monastic communities have always been very lively and significant: from the first impulse for reform, received from the Cluniac environment at the end of the first millennium, to the contribution made to monastic restoration in Germany, Portugal-Brazil, and France in the 19th century. In 2003, the parish attached to the basilica was abolished, while in 2005 it was the turn of the ecclesiastical Territoriality covering Capena, Nazzano, and Civitella San Paolo.

The History

Pope Gregory II, considered the refounder of the Pauline monastery (c. 715-730), ordered that the two aforementioned monasteries, the female and male ones, be united and entrusted the monks with the task of caring for the tomb of the Apostle. Over the centuries, the monastery experienced periods of great spiritual, cultural, artistic and economic prosperity, as well as periods of severe decline. Among the reformers were: Odo of Cluny; the monk Hildebrand of Soana, who later became Pope Gregory VII; Cardinal Condulmer, later Pope Eugene IV, who promoted the union of St Paul’s with the Congregation of St Justina of Padua. A special relationship existed between the monastery and the English monarchy, which, from the late Middle Ages onwards, began to exercise its protectorate over the Pauline complex. This is evidenced by the abbey’s coat of arms, which still bears the motto of the Order of the Garter, established by King Edward III of England in the 14th century. Despite the suppression of religious Orders in Italy following national unification, the Benedictine monks of San Paolo flM were allowed to remain as custodians of the Basilica. In the 20th century, two figures of clear holiness emerged in St Paul’s flM: Blessed Placido Riccardi and Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster (who became Archbishop of Milan). In the monastery of St Paul’s flM, on 25 January 1959, Pope John XXIII announced his intention to convene the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council.

The Activities

• Ecumenism. Since 1968, every two years, the Monastic Community of St Paul flM has organised the ‘Pauline Ecumenical Colloquium’, days of study of the writings of St Paul. Renowned exegetes and scholars from different Christian denominations take part. Every year, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated in the days leading up to the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (25 January), the monastic community prays every evening with representatives of different Christian denominations.
• Liturgy and pastoral care. The liturgical life of the Basilica is entrusted to the monks. They are responsible for daily celebrations, welcoming groups and, on behalf of the Apostolic Penitentiary, the ministry of Confessions. The Music Office takes care of normal activities and those related to permanent or guest choirs and the organisation of concerts. A monk collaborates in the animation of the University Chaplaincy of Roma Tre.
• Hospitality. The monastery offers hospitality to those who wish to spend a few days in spiritual retreat. The monastery library and archives are open to the public and available for consultation. The “botanical garden”, rich in medicinal plants and others mentioned in the Bible, can also be visited – upon registration – in spring and autumn.
• Commercial activities. The “monastic apothecary” (Spezieria) sells medicinal and food products based on monastic recipes, as well as skin care products.