Ora et Labora in Chicago

From a purely historical perspective, there has always been a connection between the Order of Saint Benedict, and the Order of Malta. This connection is rooted in the broader influence of Benedictine monasticism on various religious orders, including the Order of Malta, which was established in the 11th century amidst the resurgence of monastic traditions. Indeed, at the time the Order of Malta was officially recognized by Pope Paschal II in 1113, Benedictine monasticism was flourishing, as well as unquestionably shaping the spiritual landscape of the Church writ large. Thus, the principles of humility, obedience, and service found in the Rule of St. Benedict continue to resonate with the mission of the Order of Malta, with our charism of service to the poor and sick.

With that history and spiritual connectedness at the forefront, nearly 20 knights and their sons converged on June 6 at the Monastery of the Holy Cross, a community of contemplative Benedictine monks of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation on the near-southwest side of Chicago. Power grinders and paintbrushes in hand, the Malta cohort gathered in the boiler room of the old church (for guidance and planning by none other than the incomparable Jack Shine) and quickly set to work restoring the wrought iron gates, and outdoor handrails of the historic building.

As this restoration effort was being conducted on behalf of a contemplative community, the knights were invited to take brief respites from the challenging work and summer heat outside to conduct “God’s work” inside the church proper, participating in the Divine Office with the Benedictines, specifically during Terce and Sext. The outdoor-indoor combination brought to this volunteer experience, a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Benedictine motto Ora et labora (work and prayer).

At the close of the day, we had completed a significant measure of restoration. (The new paint dried on the grates and gates in the back of the monastery just before the expected rain.) Perhaps as part of another Benedictine tradition, at the close of the effort, cold beer emerged as a reward in the cool of the boiler room where it had all begun.

The work is not yet complete. Only the rear entrance of the monastery has been fully restored. Additional wrought iron gates and grates surrounding the church still require grinding and painting. Therefore, once again we will seek to recruit a large crew of knights and their sons to converge in early autumn to complete what we started; a date in September will be identified soon.