“Work, and don’t be sad.” A great saying, which partly contains the teachings of the Benedictine rule: did not this rule civilize the world through prayer and work? Pray and Work. (Dom Bernard Maraichaux O. S. B.)

Dom Bernard Maréchaux (1849-1927)
Benedictine

HYMN OF SAINT BENEDICT
† Pax.
Benedict, no longer a child, heard this word of complaint
Addressed to us by Jesus Christ:
“All the goods of this world are man’s; but if he loses his soul
They are of no value”;
…Benedict sets off,
crozier in hand,
…Confident in this firm cross,
Confident in our brothers and in the entire Church marching with us,
Sure of the Father who guides us!
Happy is he who has planted the cross in the center of his crossroads!
Blessed is he who entertains God in his heart.
And whose whole thought return to Him seven times a day
Like monks in the choir!

Rather than returning to God, it is simpler not to leave Him.
My son, listen to Saint Benedict.
We are more certain of forgiveness when we strive to deserve it.
One goes faster by going straight.
And why torment yourself so much about earthly things,
When is it so easy to have nothing? Why discuss and talk so much, when it’s so easy to remain silent?
We will all be dead tonight.
Eat your God and be quiet! Walk, work, obey!
My grace rests upon you.
And when God Himself speaks and says that it is enough,
Why ask for anything else?
…And since our happiness in Heaven will be to sing all together,
Why not start right away?
If happiness in Heaven is to love, why is there war now?
Why, brothers, should we separate?
Blessed are the sons of Saint Benedict who are all together with him!
Blessed is the secret disciple,
From whom emanates, without words, like from someone who nods,
His consent to peace!

Paul Claudel (1868-1955)
Writer