Work
Work
By Fr Michael Casey
Since almost nobody is able to spend the whole day in holy activities, Christian monastic tradition has always insisted that monks work, to support themselves, to have something to share with the poor and to avoid the problems associated with idleness. The Cistercian constitutions are very clear about the value of work in the life of the contemplative monk.
Work, especially manual work, has always enjoyed special esteem in the Cistercian tradition since it gives the monks the opportunity of sharing in the divine work of creation and restoration, and of following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. This hard and redeeming work is a means of providing a livelihood for the brothers and for other people, especially the poor. It expresses solidarity with all workers. Moreover work is an occasion for a fruitful asceticism that fosters personal development and maturity. It promotes health of mind and body and contributes greatly to the unity of the whole community (Constitution 26).
Work has always been an integral part of Cistercian life though its nature has changed over the years as farming has become a more complicated affair. A hundred years ago there were many quiet, unskilled tasks in which monks could be engaged profitably without detriment to their recollection. To provide a steady income farming methods have to keep up with the times.
Since the beginning our monastery has operated a farm, but we have had to adapt over the years, discontinuing sheep and dairy cattle in order to concentrate on building a fine herd of beef cattle, mainly Charolais and Red Angus. It is a challenge to run a commercial farm and, at the same time, to be aware that the land must be conserved for future generations. Among the measures we have taken over the years has been the progressive elimination of weeds, pasture improvement, planting of more than 15,000 native trees along our 5 km of river frontage, strip grazing of cattle to make more efficient use of our pasture and to encourage more rapid regrowth, and a concern to avoid overgrazing.
As well as these major operations all the monks are engaged in doing the various administrative tasks that are necessary for the efficient running of the community, in forming and educating newcomers, in caring for the sick and aged. You will find monks at work in maintenance, repairing, cleaning, cooking, serving in the guest house, keeping the accounts, answering phones, mowing lawns, sewing habits, making the practical preparations for liturgical celebration.
