Ora et labora

    On this feast of Saint Benedict, the patron of Europe and founder of Western Monasticism, I would like to recognize my relationship with the sons and daughters of Benedict.

     First are the monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, led by Archabbott Douglas Nowicki.  I've spoken of Saint Vincent's before.  The very first person that I met upon arriving that day in 1961 at the Prep was the headmaster, the late Father Louis Sedlacko.  Many monks helped shape me spiritually and intellectually in those early days, and even though I studied theology elsewhere (at Saint Francis in Loretto) I have and continue to have the blessing of working with these men in our parishes and their friendships.  Those of us in the trenches try to make it a point to let them know what a true blessing it is to this diocese to have this great Abbey (with Monastery, Seminary, College and pastoral missions) in our midst.  Father Earl Henry, the Prior, is a friend who makes every effort to assist the guys in the parishes, and we are most grateful.

     Secondly are the Benedictine Sisters at Saint Emma's Monastery in Greensburg, led by Mother Mary Ann.  These women, most of whom came from Germany years ago and have been joined by a growing number of American members, came to serve at Saint Vincent as cooks long ago and to found a Retreat House at Saint Emma's.  I was fed with tender love while at Saint Vincent and have visited the retreat house often, made my ordination retreat there, met for days of prayer, and enjoyed their hospitality.  They commit themselves to prayer and the service of the Children of God with wonderful graciousness.

     And thirdly, there is another group of Benedictine women that I worked with in Scottdale whose community is located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh - the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh located on Perrysville Avenue.  We had a small group serving at Saint John the Baptist parish ... during my time there were Sisters Anne Lazar, Eleanor Easly, Norma Weigand and Suzanne Chenot.  I got to know the community, presently led by Sister Benita, and cherish the shared ministry and friendships.

     The motto that Benedict established for his communities is : ORA ET LABORA - Latin for "Pray and Work".  It has served these three communities well as they continue to serve the larger community of the Church.  We are most grateful and continue to lift them in prayer.