Make the ‘rule’ of St Benedict part of your life

He who labours as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands – St Benedict

St Benedict’s motto ‘Ora et Labora’ (prayer and work) is one all Christians must adopt. This message was shared by Msgr Christian Pereira, parish priest at St Benedict’s RC, La Romaine.

During the Triduum leading up to the feast of St Benedict (July 11) Msgr Pereira said all Christians are called to work to build God’s Kingdom. The patron’s life was a thorough representation of what it is to work and pray.

“St Benedict reminds [that] all of us can find opportunities to sow a seed and draw people back to where they belong through work and pray, both privately and publicly”.

Msgr Pereira said, “You do not necessarily have to leave where you are but let God work in you wherever you are.”

St Benedict, who led a monastic life, had a profound devotion to the Cross of Jesus Christ where he carried it everywhere and also integrated it in his work.

He shared a story where attempts were made to poison St Benedict . When he blessed the chalice in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it would break, saving him from the poison meant for him.

He went on to tell those gathered of the Benedictine values very much aligned with Christian values:

• Love of Christ and neighbour
• Prayer
• Humility
• Hospitality
• Stewardship
• Stability
• Prayer
• Discipline
• Obedience
• Conversatio (Conversion of life)

“Take the Benedictine values and examine yourselves. ‘Is the love of Christ real in me?’ Are we rolling through life or motivated by this patron saint through his word and lifestyle?” asked Msgr Pereira.

In closing for Day 1 of the Triduum, Msgr stressed we must all “go out commissioning” like St Benedict, especially during this time of a the COVID-19 pandemic to go out to the lost members of our Church.

“Through the intercession of St Benedict may God help us to be more and more all that he has created us to be”

By Renee Smith

Email: comms.camsel@catholictt.org