Monasteries were always seen as a place of refuge. Hospitality was one of their specialties, but even this must have limits, like the gem I have unearthed in our Archives.
From the Original Rule of St. Benedict…
“If any pilgrim monk come from distant parts, with a wish as a guest to dwell in the monastery, and will be content with the customs which he finds in place, and do not perchance by his lavishness disturb the monastery, but is simply content with what he finds, he shall be received for as long a time as he desires.
If, indeed, he find fault with anything, or expose it, reasonably, and with the humility of charity, the Abbot shall discuss it prudently, less perchance God has sent him for this very thing.
But, if he have been found gossipy and contumacious in the time of his sojourn as guest, it shall be said of him, honestly, that he must depart.
If he does not go, let two stout monks, in the name of God, explain the matter to him.”
