11th July 2026 –
The political and economic state of Europe is never out of the news. Politicians, bureaucrats and bankers will determine the immediate future of the European States. Treaties and agreements of one sort or another, have come and gone in the past, some are remembered, most are forgotten. Generals too, have had a try at shaping Europe – sometimes by prolonged and bloody wars – their methods can only last a few generations, for it is only an imposed solution. But it has been said that if one had to choose one figure who most shaped Europe it would be Benedict of Nursia. Saint Benedict is remembered by the Universal Church on this day – with the title of Patron of Europe.
When Europe seemed to be descending into darkness after the fall of the Roman Empire, Benedict’s Rule brought the light of a new dawn. Simply put it offered Peace and Stability. Benedict’s vision created a civilized society where the ordered daily rhythm of prayer and constructive, community based endeavours conquered the deadly infections that circulated in the society of his time. And more than that, the monasteries that followed Benedict’s Rule were like the seeds of a new plant – they were planted in the soil of Europe and they took root. Through them the Kingdom of God spread.
The life of monks and nuns highlights and emphasises those things that are essential for all Christian life. Monks and nuns are not necessarily any better than other Christians, but because of their public commitment to a Christian way of life in a community, they are a reminder of those promises made by all Christians through Baptism and Confirmation, which creates the community which is the Body of Christ. The lives of monks are centred around prayer and the service to others – these are the elements that unite all of us to God and to each other. This form of unity, centred on our Creator, leads to the Peace that Christ offers. Let us then, as Saint Benedict says in his Rule for Monks, prefer nothing whatever to Christ that He may bring us to life everlasting!
Biddings:
Let us pray for the whole Church, that by its life of prayer and the work of service it may be a living sign of the love of God in our world.
Let us pray that we may continue to hold firm to the faith of those who helped spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the people of Europe. May we always find ways to assist those who are in spiritual or material need.
Let us pray for all those who are outcasts in our society, that they may find in us hospitality and compassion.
Let us pray for all those who have died recently, especially Ann Widdecome. May their faith carry them into the arms of our Risen Lord where they shall enjoy the true life of justice and truth and where love peace reigns.
