A Declaration on Benedictine Monastic Life

The community finds and expresses its unity especially in the liturgy, the summit of the Church's activity and the source of her power. The monk's day is anchored by the Liturgy of the Hours. Coming together at regular times to pray, the monks testify to the importance of prayer in their life. The hours set the tone for a contemplative spirit and support the monk's desire to pray always.

At the center of the Church's sacramental life is the Eucharist. Here, above all, the Church comes true as a sign of unity, peace and salvation for the whole world. And in the climax of worship around the altar, all that the monastic community believes about itself as the People of God is celebrated in hope. (D4)