“For Brendan, salvation is best accomplished through the monastic way, understood as a combination of ascetic practices and liturgical observance.”

“Riga castle was simple and ascetic in appearance, befitting its military role.”

“For this reason, religious communities must not only be prayerful groups but also ascetical communities in the Church.”

“But it is especially in the Preface that the Founder sets forth a demanding ascetical program.”

“In general, any settled dwelling place has been unacceptable to the ascetic mentality, as noted in ascetical movements in many religions.”