An unofficial motto of Benedictine life is “Ora et Labora,” three Latin words that translate as: “Pray and Work.” In a nutshell, that is our life: prayer and work.
For us monks, some hours are taken up each day in praying the Divine Office (the Liturgy of the Hours) together in church, as well as celebrating daily Mass there. We also have time devoted to solitary or private prayer, Scripture reading (lectio divina), adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and private devotions, such as the Rosary.
In addition to our “strictly spiritual,” so to speak, activities, part of the day is devoted to work, such as maintenance projects, cooking, cleaning, laundry, to mention a few of our tasks. We also produce items, such as soaps, lotions, icons and rosaries, to sell in our Giftshop.
We have animals to tend to, including sheep, a donkey, horses, chickens and bees. There are fields to work, as well as vegetable and flower garden.
In today’s photo, a monk is changing the bedding in our Saint Brigit of Kildare poultry quarters. The bedding is cedar chips obtained from some of our felled trees.
A monk’s work is never done. As Saint Benedict reminds his monks: that in all things may God be glorified. That is our highest task.
With our prayers and we are grateful for yours.
Abbot Christian and the monks
