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Benedictines for Peace and Justice
Sisters and Oblates of Saint Benedict’s Monastery welcome your presence as we actively live our faith and social justice commitment.
Voices That Challenge
[Canonization: October 14, 2018]
It is 40 years since an assassin hired by the government of El Salvador fired a fatal shot from the backseat of a car outside a chapel in the early evening as Óscar Romero, archbishop of San Salvador, was saying Mass. In this theological analysis of Romero’s life, especially his years as bishop, Michael Lee, a theologian at Fordham University, shows convincingly why he is a saint for our time.
Revolutionary Saint by Michael E. Lee
Orbis Books
Lee is up to more than describing Romero’s life story or the social and political forces that so distinctively shaped it. Lee wants to trace the way Romero understood his Christian faith in the midst of change, crushing social injustice, ecclesial upheaval and the self-interested political uses of power. The Second Vatican Council and the Latin American bishops had sent new messages to the Latin American churches about how to engage the world. Where does the church stand in this tumultuous place?
Lee commands multiple sources to answer these questions: Collections of Romero’s homilies, his pastoral letters, his diaries, collected memories of those who knew him. He also brings a deep knowledge of the theology of this time and place, analytical acumen and an ability to write clear, accessible prose.
Notable
Peace Pole
“Seek peace and pursue it.” The Rule of Saint Benedict’s direct challenge to live our beliefs calls us into prayer: Recognizing the violence in my own heart, I recommit myself to seek peace: by striving for peace and integrity within myself, by accepting suffering rather than inflicting it, by refusing to retaliate in the face of provocation and violence, by persevering in nonviolence of heart and tongue, by living conscientiously and simply so that I do not deprive others of the means to live, by being aware of and grateful for the gifts of peace in my community and nation. God of Peace, I trust in your sustaining love and believe that just as you gave me the grace and desire to offer this prayer, so you will also bestow abundant grace to fulfill it.
Two peace poles reflect the presence of belief and prayer through action on the campus of Saint Benedict’s Monastery and the College of Saint Benedict. The poles bear the phrase “May Peace Prevail in the World” written in English, Norwegian, Hmong and Swahili—peace to the north, south, east and west.
Voices That Challenge
[Canonization: October 14, 2018]
It is 40 years since an assassin hired by the government of El Salvador fired a fatal shot from the backseat of a car outside a chapel in the early evening as Óscar Romero, archbishop of San Salvador, was saying Mass. In this theological analysis of Romero’s life, especially his years as bishop, Michael Lee, a theologian at Fordham University, shows convincingly why he is a saint for our time.
Revolutionary Saint by Michael E. Lee
Orbis Books
Lee is up to more than describing Romero’s life story or the social and political forces that so distinctively shaped it. Lee wants to trace the way Romero understood his Christian faith in the midst of change, crushing social injustice, ecclesial upheaval and the self-interested political uses of power. The Second Vatican Council and the Latin American bishops had sent new messages to the Latin American churches about how to engage the world. Where does the church stand in this tumultuous place?
Lee commands multiple sources to answer these questions: Collections of Romero’s homilies, his pastoral letters, his diaries, collected memories of those who knew him. He also brings a deep knowledge of the theology of this time and place, analytical acumen and an ability to write clear, accessible prose.
Notable
Peace Pole
“Seek peace and pursue it.” The Rule of Saint Benedict’s direct challenge to live our beliefs calls us into prayer: Recognizing the violence in my own heart, I recommit myself to seek peace: by striving for peace and integrity within myself, by accepting suffering rather than inflicting it, by refusing to retaliate in the face of provocation and violence, by persevering in nonviolence of heart and tongue, by living conscientiously and simply so that I do not deprive others of the means to live, by being aware of and grateful for the gifts of peace in my community and nation. God of Peace, I trust in your sustaining love and believe that just as you gave me the grace and desire to offer this prayer, so you will also bestow abundant grace to fulfill it.
Two peace poles reflect the presence of belief and prayer through action on the campus of Saint Benedict’s Monastery and the College of Saint Benedict. The poles bear the phrase “May Peace Prevail in the World” written in English, Norwegian, Hmong and Swahili—peace to the north, south, east and west.
Witness
Defining violence is too often entangled in experience and intent. The guns in many homes are stored for seasonal hunting. Some are in our homes for the sake of creating a sense of security. Others purchase and store guns with the intent to kill people. The use of guns impact our lives—responsible storage, education and use are the intent of the majority. Gun violence is avoidable when we work together. Stay aware. Keep talking. Be the change. Gun violence does not have to be part of generations to come.
The Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America website invites us to consider many practical ways to address a common desire—to enjoy the freedom of guns in your home or cabin as everyone around them knows they are safe. Conversation starters for all ages are available with a click on the site. Opinions and experience can come to common understanding when we listen to each other, challenge each other and embrace the lives being saved by our simple conversations.
Involvement
Walk the labyrinth, located south of the Spirituality Center●Studium, between the Center and Brian Hall on the campus of Saint Benedict’s Monastery.
The labyrinth is an archtype, a divine imprint, found in all religious traditions in various forms around the world. By walking a replica of the Chartres labyrinth, laid in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France around 1220, we are rediscovering a long forgotten mystical tradition. The labyrinth has only one path, so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives. It touches our sorrows and releases our joys. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart.
The Three Stages of the Walk
Reflection
Where We Start the Migration Story Matters
Judgment and blame aren’t typically attitudes that I bring to something I sit down to read, especially when I am aware of not having any background, experience or understanding of the information before me. I really can only relate to another’s journey, their story, when I listen to their experience. As I become aware of my biases, limited knowledge and even possible fears, only then can actually open my heart to speak louder than my attitudes of ignorance, actively hearing to the other’s journey.
Lord, a thought, a smile, the simple acknowledgement of the other welcomes a sense of peace in the moment. A welcoming spirit is without judgment or blame. Teach us to pray.
Witness
Defining violence is too often entangled in experience and intent. The guns in many homes are stored for seasonal hunting. Some are in our homes for the sake of creating a sense of security. Others purchase and store guns with the intent to kill people. The use of guns impact our lives—responsible storage, education and use are the intent of the majority. Gun violence is avoidable when we work together. Stay aware. Keep talking. Be the change. Gun violence does not have to be part of generations to come.
The Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America website invites us to consider many practical ways to address a common desire—to enjoy the freedom of guns in your home or cabin as everyone around them knows they are safe. Conversation starters for all ages are available with a click on the site. Opinions and experience can come to common understanding when we listen to each other, challenge each other and embrace the lives being saved by our simple conversations.
Involvement
Walk the labyrinth, located south of the Spirituality Center●Studium, between the Center and Brian Hall on the campus of Saint Benedict’s Monastery.
The labyrinth is an archtype, a divine imprint, found in all religious traditions in various forms around the world. By walking a replica of the Chartres labyrinth, laid in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France around 1220, we are rediscovering a long forgotten mystical tradition. The labyrinth has only one path, so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives. It touches our sorrows and releases our joys. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart.
The Three Stages of the Walk
Reflection
Where We Start the Migration Story Matters
Judgment and blame aren’t typically attitudes that I bring to something I sit down to read, especially when I am aware of not having any background, experience or understanding of the information before me. I really can only relate to another’s journey, their story, when I listen to their experience. As I become aware of my biases, limited knowledge and even possible fears, only then can actually open my heart to speak louder than my attitudes of ignorance, actively hearing to the other’s journey.
Lord, a thought, a smile, the simple acknowledgement of the other welcomes a sense of peace in the moment. A welcoming spirit is without judgment or blame. Teach us to pray.
Witness
Defining violence is too often entangled in experience and intent. The guns in many homes are stored for seasonal hunting. Some are in our homes for the sake of creating a sense of security. Others purchase and store guns with the intent to kill people. The use of guns impact our lives—responsible storage, education and use are the intent of the majority. Gun violence is avoidable when we work together. Stay aware. Keep talking. Be the change. Gun violence does not have to be part of generations to come.
The Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America website invites us to consider many practical ways to address a common desire—to enjoy the freedom of guns in your home or cabin as everyone around them knows they are safe. Conversation starters for all ages are available with a click on the site. Opinions and experience can come to common understanding when we listen to each other, challenge each other and embrace the lives being saved by our simple conversations.
Involvement
Walk the labyrinth, located south of the Spirituality Center●Studium, between the Center and Brian Hall on the campus of Saint Benedict’s Monastery.
The labyrinth is an archtype, a divine imprint, found in all religious traditions in various forms around the world. By walking a replica of the Chartres labyrinth, laid in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France around 1220, we are rediscovering a long forgotten mystical tradition. The labyrinth has only one path, so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives. It touches our sorrows and releases our joys. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart.
The Three Stages of the Walk
Reflection
Where We Start the Migration Story Matters
Judgment and blame aren’t typically attitudes that I bring to something I sit down to read, especially when I am aware of not having any background, experience or understanding of the information before me. I really can only relate to another’s journey, their story, when I listen to their experience. As I become aware of my biases, limited knowledge and even possible fears, only then can actually open my heart to speak louder than my attitudes of ignorance, actively hearing to the other’s journey.
Lord, a thought, a smile, the simple acknowledgement of the other welcomes a sense of peace in the moment. A welcoming spirit is without judgment or blame. Teach us to pray.
Prayer
Insight and understanding are rooted in prayer—the unconditional awareness of God’s presence. Join us in praying this Prayer for Pentecost from Catholic Relief Services:
“Welcome Holy Spirit.
In the silence of a still night’s fearful thought you come,
Comfort in the sleepless worries,
Gentle in the rising doubts,
Forgiving all our handmade hurts,
Patient in our pointless hurry,
Counseling as the waves come crashing,
“Be still and know that I am God”
Wonderful counselor, comforter, God with us
You will never abandon us.
You will always be with us.
Your promises are sure.
Help us to give like you,
forgive like you, live for you.
Amen.”
International
Human Trafficking—One in four people wrapped in human slavery within the United States are children. Their families are falsely promised good jobs, education, economic security and love. Whatever your stereotypical misconception of people being trafficked is, consider someone in your family being trapped into what they had imagined as a hope for their future.
“Once enticed, traffickers keep their victims from seeking help through means such as confiscating identification documents, threats of violence against the victim or their family, and physical or psychological abuse” (What is Human Trafficking?, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops).
Education and awareness are the invitations for us to reaffirm are profession of faith—actively speaking for the voiceless, being informed when we vote on local, state and national issues. Slavery in our midst—it’s real. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services are offering us the opportunity to be enlightened and empowered today!
Prayer
Insight and understanding are rooted in prayer—the unconditional awareness of God’s presence. Join us in praying this Prayer for Pentecost from Catholic Relief Services:
“Welcome Holy Spirit.
In the silence of a still night’s fearful thought you come,
Comfort in the sleepless worries,
Gentle in the rising doubts,
Forgiving all our handmade hurts,
Patient in our pointless hurry,
Counseling as the waves come crashing,
“Be still and know that I am God”
Wonderful counselor, comforter, God with us
You will never abandon us.
You will always be with us.
Your promises are sure.
Help us to give like you,
forgive like you, live for you.
Amen.”
International
Human Trafficking—One in four people wrapped in human slavery within the United States are children. Their families are falsely promised good jobs, education, economic security and love. Whatever your stereotypical misconception of people being trafficked is, consider someone in your family being trapped into what they had imagined as a hope for their future.
“Once enticed, traffickers keep their victims from seeking help through means such as confiscating identification documents, threats of violence against the victim or their family, and physical or psychological abuse” (What is Human Trafficking?, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops).
Education and awareness are the invitations for us to reaffirm are profession of faith—actively speaking for the voiceless, being informed when we vote on local, state and national issues. Slavery in our midst—it’s real. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services are offering us the opportunity to be enlightened and empowered today!
Catholic Social Teachings
Overcoming Polarization Through Catholic Social Thought is a web presentation by Sister Patricia Chappell, director of Pax Christi USA, that challenges our understanding and effects of racism in our daily living.
“If you want to maintain the status quo, then in the midst of social and political turmoil, the response is SILENCE. On the other hand, in order to engage in and bring about social change one must take the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching seriously—one cannot be silent but a risk taker and a public one at that.”
Sometimes subtle, many times obvious, racism throughout multiple cultures and institutions keep us apart. The commonality of our lives together can be peace and understanding. It’s our choice.
Resources
“Listen carefully and attend with the ear of your heart.” Loosely quoted, Saint Benedict invites, challenges, maybe even demands the faithful to become listeners. To realize we are called to listen, and to hear, there is a difference—first from within. One of the many ways to enter into the journey is to read and reflect. Then the conversation begins.
America, The Jesuit Review
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Catholic News Agency
Federation of Saint Benedict
Jubilee, USA Network
Justice for Immigrants
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Minnesota Catholic Conference, Human Trafficking
National Catholic Reporter
National Human Trafficking Hotline, Minnesota
National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
Public Radio International
Sojourners
The United Nations Refugee Agency/USA
World Peace International
“YES!”
Catholic Social Teachings
Overcoming Polarization Through Catholic Social Thought is a web presentation by Sister Patricia Chappell, director of Pax Christi USA, that challenges our understanding and effects of racism in our daily living.
“If you want to maintain the status quo, then in the midst of social and political turmoil, the response is SILENCE. On the other hand, in order to engage in and bring about social change one must take the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching seriously—one cannot be silent but a risk taker and a public one at that.”
Sometimes subtle, many times obvious, racism throughout multiple cultures and institutions keep us apart. The commonality of our lives together can be peace and understanding. It’s our choice.
Resources
“Listen carefully and attend with the ear of your heart.” Loosely quoted, Saint Benedict invites, challenges, maybe even demands the faithful to become listeners. To realize we are called to listen, and to hear, there is a difference—first from within. One of the many ways to enter into the journey is to read and reflect. Then the conversation begins.
America, The Jesuit Review
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Catholic News Agency
Federation of Saint Benedict
Jubilee, USA Network
Justice for Immigrants
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Minnesota Catholic Conference, Human Trafficking
National Catholic Reporter
National Human Trafficking Hotline, Minnesota
National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
Public Radio International
Sojourners
The United Nations Refugee Agency/USA
World Peace International
“YES!”