I would be remiss if I did not observe with great fondness this feast of St. Benedict, abbot, and father of western monasticism. My Benedictine roots stem from my college days at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL (then called Illinois Benedictine College), and I have a deep fondness for the monks of St. Procopius Abbey, who staffed the college, and in whose monastery I made my Priesthood retreat earlier this year. Benedict’s motto, Ora et Labora — Prayer and Work — are a constant reminder of the balance we are called to have in life. This motto is the name of my forthcoming personal website. A wonderful source of inspiration to me while I was working in the corporate world was a daily reading from The Rule of St. Benedict, which is a great reflection on the balance we are called to in life.
Admirable Saint and Doctor of Humility, you practiced what you taught, assiduously praying for God’s glory and lovingly fulfilling all work for God and the benefit of all human beings. You know the many physical dangers that surround us today, often caused or occasioned by human inventions. Guard us against poisoning of the body as well as of mind and soul, and thus be truly a “Blessed” one for us. Amen.
St. Benedict, pray for us.