The Benedictines

Ora et labora – pray and work. Benedictine monasticism, in its fusion of contemplative and active life, has shaped European culture. Mirko Breitenstein tells the story of the Benedictines from the time of the legendary founder Benedict of Nursia and his Rules of the Order to the present day. His book shows why the Benedictines’ way of life and spirituality had such a lasting influence on politics, science and society.