Richard Meux Benson, English priest and saint, founded the Society of St. John the Evangelist (b. 1824)

Richard Meux Benson (6 July 1824 – 14 January 1915) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of the Church of England and the broader Anglican Communion. An influential priest and profound theologian, Benson is primarily celebrated as the visionary founder of the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE), an initiative that marked a profound and groundbreaking resurgence of religious life within Anglicanism.

The Genesis of Anglican Monasticism

In an era largely defined by the High Church revival, also known as the Oxford Movement, which sought to restore catholic practices and doctrines within the Church of England, Benson's spiritual leadership led to a revolutionary development. On December 20, 1866, in Cowley, Oxford, he established the Society of St. John the Evangelist. This act was historically significant because SSJE became the very first religious order of monks—often affectionately referred to as the 'Cowley Fathers'—to be founded within the Anglican Communion since the English Reformation of the 16th century. Prior to this, monastic communities had been systematically dissolved during King Henry VIII's reign, leaving a centuries-long void in structured communal religious life for men within the Church of England.

Benson's profound conviction was that a dedicated, communal life of prayer, study, and service was essential for spiritual renewal and robust missionary outreach. The establishment of SSJE was not merely an academic exercise but a practical, living embodiment of Anglo-Catholic ideals, emphasizing ritual, sacraments, and a disciplined spiritual life. The brothers of SSJE committed themselves to the traditional monastic vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience, focusing on spiritual direction, leading retreats, conducting parish missions, and engaging in social work. Their influence quickly spread beyond Oxford, with missions and houses established globally, including in vibrant communities in India, South Africa, and the United States, showcasing the pioneering missionary zeal characteristic of the order.

Lasting Legacy and Commemoration

Richard Meux Benson's impact reverberates through the Anglican world. His unwavering leadership and spiritual depth helped legitimize and popularize the concept of religious orders for both men and women within Anglicanism, paving the way for numerous other communities that followed in their footsteps. His spiritual writings, though sometimes dense and deeply theological, offer profound insights into prayer, the Christian life, and asceticism, continuing to inspire many seekers today.

Given his foundational contribution to the revival of religious life and his enduring spiritual influence, Richard Meux Benson is formally commemorated in the liturgical calendars of several Anglican provinces, recognizing his sanctity and significant impact. He is remembered specifically:

• In the Calendar of Saints of the Anglican Church of Canada on January 15th.
• In the Calendar of Saints with a Lesser Feast of the Episcopal Church (USA) on January 16th.

These commemorations, occurring on slightly different dates across distinct Anglican provinces, underscore his revered status as a saint and confessor, honoring his tireless dedication to God and his pivotal role in restoring monastic life to the heart of the Anglican tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Richard Meux Benson

Who was Richard Meux Benson?

Richard Meux Benson (1824-1915) was a prominent English Anglican priest and theologian. He is primarily known as the visionary founder of the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE), which holds the unique distinction of being the first religious order for men established in the Anglican Communion since the English Reformation of the 16th century.

What is the significance of the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE)?

The SSJE holds immense historical significance as it marked the successful revival of monasticism for men within Anglicanism after centuries of suppression following the English Reformation. Its establishment demonstrated that a structured, communal religious life, dedicated to prayer and service, was not only viable but also invaluable within the Church of England, subsequently inspiring the formation of many other Anglican religious communities.

How did Benson contribute to the Anglican Church?

Beyond founding SSJE, Benson was a key intellectual and spiritual figure in the Anglo-Catholic revival, advocating for a deeper spiritual life, a robust sacramental theology, and the crucial importance of dedicated religious vocations. His work profoundly helped shape the high church tradition within Anglicanism and fostered a renewed commitment to prayer, mission, and spiritual discipline worldwide.

When is Richard Meux Benson commemorated?

Richard Meux Benson is formally commemorated on January 15th in the Calendar of Saints of the Anglican Church of Canada and on January 16th as a Lesser Feast in the Calendar of Saints of the Episcopal Church (USA). These dates reflect his recognition as a significant figure in Anglican history and spirituality.