The monks began a time of reflection during the week of July 15. This opportunity for private prayer and reading is meant to revitalize the monks' spiritual lives. Like any other household there are chores to do and work to perform and a monastery is no different. Our order has the motto of "ora et labora," (work and pray), and when the labora out-weighs the ora something must be done to balance the scales. We always ask for and appreciate the prayers of all, however, we ask more so now for your prayers and encouragement so we may return to our communal prayer life with greater zeal and appreciation.