Liturgy Alive St Benedict, abbot, patron of Europe

Introduction

    St. Benedict’s time, between 480 and 550 A.D., was one of crisis much like ours, with the whole world of his era changing face. The Roman Empire was crumbling in the West, and whole peoples were migrating from continent to continent. Spiritual confusion was even greater. To the order of monks he founded, he gave a rule that is a model of balance and appealing to human capacities. Benedictine monasteries became for much of Europe centers of civilization and culture. Benedict is the patron saint of Europe and of Western monasticism.

Opening Prayer

    All-wise and loving God,
    St Benedict wisely told his monks
    to combine work with prayer.
    Never let us forget either of these two.
    Let our prayer inspire what we do
    to take up our task in life conscientiously
    and to use our God-given talents
    in the service of you and of people.
    We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer over the Gifts

    Our loving God,
    with bread and wine we remember him
    who gave himself totally for others,
    your Son Jesus Christ.
    Everything was taken away from him
    except the certainty that he could count on you.
    Make us aware of the passing value of the things
    to which we attach ourselves.
    Set our hearts on the things
    that never devaluate: you and our neighbor,
    justice, truth and generous love.
    We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

    Lord our God,
    by the power of this eucharist
    help us to see and to practice fully
    what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
    Let us find serenity in him
    and learn to bring peace to others,
    the peace of love and kindness,
    of forgiveness and mercy.
    We ask this through Christ our Lord.