Spirituality
Since the Basilians were founded by ten diocesan priests, we do not have a founder on which we can base a spirituality. This demands an astute attention to the Gospel as the focus of our lives.
Basilians commit their lives to prayer - in private, in community and in the work of the apostolate. As a community, our lives are centered around the Eucharist. The rhythm of our day is supported by the Liturgy of the Hours held in common as well as the spiritual exercises and meditation adopted for one's personal prayer.
Perhaps the best description of Basilian spirituality is as a hybrid between diocesan and religious prayer and work. Because the Basilians were founded by ten diocesan priests who came together out of necessity during the French revolution, our spirituality finds its life in both the work of the apostolate and the love of God experienced in the community.
While it is true that Basilians are named after St. Basil the Great, he is not our founder. Over the years, Basilians have looked to Basil as an example of goodness, discipline and knowledge just as we have looked to our other patrons: the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. John Bosco.
In practice, Basilian spirituality is much like that which is found in the Book of Sirach, for we believe that all aspects of life can lead a person to God. This is why we are not just teachers of religion, but of all disciplines whether they be languages, sciences, humanities, athletics, etc...
Each of these, when used out of love and for the betterment of our community, convey the love of God for the world. Thus, Basilians believe that spirituality is not limited to our churches and theological discourse, but lived out in every thought that manifests itself in the world.
