Pope Francis marks anniversary of
Benedictine Confederation
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| St Anselm on Rome's Aventine Hill where the Benedictine Confederation has its headquarters. |
In a meeting marking the 125th anniversary of the
Confederation, the Pope recalled the vital work of hospitality, education and
dialogue that Benedictines have contributed to the Church throughout the world
By Philippa Hitchen
Pope Francis met on Thursday with a group of Benedictine
abbots and monks who are marking the 125thanniversary of the
foundation of their confederation.
In his words to the group, the Pope highlighted the work of
hospitality, education and dialogue for which the Benedictines are renowned in
countries across the globe.
Pope Francis recalled the Benedictine motto, ‘Prayer and
work and study’ which, he said, encapsulates the spirituality of the order. He
said that prayer and meditation on the Word of God generates in our hearts a
renewed zeal which leads us to share the gifts of God’s wisdom with others
through our daily work.
Discernment in spiritual life
The Pope said that St Benedict, in his day marked by a
profound crisis of values and institutions, was able to discern the essentials
of spiritual life, placing the Lord firmly at the centre. He said Benedictines
today must practice the same discernment in order to recognise the things that
come from the Holy Spirit and the worldly things that come from the devil.
In today’s hectic environment where people have no time to
listen to God’s voice, the Pope said, Benedictine convents and monasteries
become oases where women and men of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and
religions can discover the beauty of silence and the harmony of God’s creation.
Hospitality and dialogue
Pope Francis encouraged the Benedictines to continue their
important work of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, offering hospitality
to all who come through their doors.
Finally, he thanked them for the work of their schools and
universities in different parts of the world which continue to offer students a
‘school of service to the Lord’.
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