Stability is necessary to permit the divine vocation to take root in a monk's heart. The only purpose of this vow of stability is to attain stability in love, i.e. a stability to live the Word of God. Benedictine stability places us in a situation where sooner or later we arrive at the heart of every human situation: the choice between despair and the total gift of self to God.
A genuine monastic vocation is not necessarily connected with great initial fervour. To begin well is a grace from God but perseverance is the proof of authentic generosity which does not wither under difficulties, routine and monotony of community life.
Benedictine stability refers to being a permanent member of a community who lives in that enclosure. A monk promises to live in the enclosure until death. The only exceptions made to transfer the stability of a monk are when he is needed to help in founding or renewing another foundation. Monastic stability is very personal and it is simple perseverance in conversion of life in obedience.
The Rule of St. Benedict defines obedience as the first step of humility. Obedience is the weapon given to the monk to fight against self will. Obedience helps a monk to move forward under divine inspiration and helps him to give proof of his love for God. The monk shows with his obedience to a superior that he has given all of himself and prefers nothing else other than Christ.
Conversatio Morum, or conversion of manners, means both to enter religious life and the manner of life which follows therefrom. It covers the whole journey of the monk in his following of Christ. Conversion of manners embraces the whole of life in all its aspects. Conversatio Morum is to follow Christ the poor and the chaste with a joyful heart. It is to be that cheerful giver whom God loves.