για Ελληνικά πατήστε εδώ
Ora et labora
The recognition of our need for God and His grace in our life (humility) and the exercise of the Presence of God at every moment of our life, as well as our focus onto the person of Christ constitute the foundation of a stable and prayerful attitude, according to Saint Benedict (Nurcia, Italy, 480-543 A.D.).
On the other hand, work is the means that aids man to live well and with discipline. Work is a strong creative power which lifts man up whereas idleness is only destructive. Work is necessary not only for the general and individual welfare, but, also, for maintaining an authentic Christian way of life.
Saint Benedict summarizes the above in three words: “Ora et labora”, i.e. “pray and work”.
Although the Saint was addressing his brothers / monks, fifteen centuries later the wisdom of his admonition is evident.
How many ills would have been avoided if this attitude became the general norm and prevailed among those in positions of heavy responsibility in leadership and decision-making!
The Holy Father never ceases to remind us that in order to build a more fraternal, just and humane society we must give living witness of our Christian Faith by our example, our works, our prayer and our love for God and neighbour.
Patron Saint of Europe
Saint Benedict is considered the father of Western monasticism.
The influence of his order in the formation of the European culture and civilization has been decisive.
The simplicity of his “Rule”, balancing wisely physical activity and spiritual life, became the model of monasticism in the West.
His encouragement for studies and learning led to the copying of precious manuscripts, not only of Christian origin, but also works of Classical Antiquity, and this really saved and spread the civilization of Europe during the dark times of the Barbaric invasions (5th-8th c. A.D.)
The monasteries became centres of learning and their libraries contained rich collections of invaluable manuscripts.
Many Benedictine monks contributed with zeal and self-sacrifice to the Christianization of the Old Continent, from the British Isles and the Netherlands to Germany, Scandinavia and elsewhere.
On October 24th 1964, Pope Saint Paul 6th proclaimed Saint Benedict Patron Saint of Europe.
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