Work

Monks live by the work of their hands as Saint Benedict says. Our Order’s Constitutions remind us, Work, especially manual work, gives the monks the opportunity of sharing in the divine work of creation and restoration and of following in the footsteps of Jesus. For Pope Francis the monastic tradition responds to the modern need for a correct understanding of work. Monastic work is revolutionary in showing that manual labor is spiritually meaningful. Our work provides for our needs and allows us to assist others. It also fosters our life of prayer. Our prayer is supported and intensified by the experience of cooperation with our brothers that any work project requires. We find that manual labor is a great way of relating to what is other than ourselves, that is, to God, to our brothers, and to those outside the monastery who benefit from our work. What we do and produce together communicates our love.