« Idleness is the enemy of the soul. That is why, at certain times, the brothers need to occupy themselves in manual labour, and at other times with the reading of divine things (…) However, let all things be done with moderation, on account of the weak. ‘
(Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 48: From daily manual work)
But unpaid work is not less valued, otherwise how would we dress? What would we eat? How could life be pleasant if humble and unpaid work didn’t exist? Therefore our daily tasks occupy us in various areas: the infirmary, the upkeep of the house, the kitchen, the library, the accounts, the archives, the sacristy etc. … « The sisters have the right and the duty to participate fully in community life. This participation, however, can be carried out in different ways « (Constitutions of the Nuns, Chapter C.16: The active participation of sisters). In fact … « what someone does is for the benefit of all, and what all do is for the good of each person.” Alfred de Rievaulx, a Cistercian monk of the twelfth century).
