A Day in the Life

of an Olivetan Benedictine Sister

Ora et Labora

            The Benedictine motto, Ora et Labora – “Prayer and Work,” summarizes a day in the life of an Olivetan Benedictine Sister. The two elements are woven throughout the hours and are always united. We pray together, as a community, and privately, as individuals; and it is our prayer that sustains and inspires our work in all its forms – be it domestic tasks, our apostolic works, or the “work” of living together as a family!

            In his wisdom, our Holy Father St. Benedict also accounted for the need for daily rest and recreation. Rest and recreation have a proper place in our lives – they refresh and renew us, as we come from and return to our prayer and work.