Discover Your Call
We’re here to help you discover the way of life God created you to live.
Ask us anything!
Send a message to our vocation director, arrange for a virtual conversation or schedule an in-person visit to our abbey.
Ordo Sancti Benedicti
The Benedictine Order
Ordo Sancti Benedicti
The Benedictine Order
The black Benedictine habit is the mark of men whose work and prayer have steered the course of history. Benedictine monks have transformed the world by developing technology, preserving the treasury of literature, history and philosophy, and elevating souls to union with God in prayer and liturgy. From our first abbey in Italy to communities all over the globe, Benedictine brotherhood has inspired countless saints, popes, and even emperors and American novelists.
What’s your place in the Benedictine story?
PRAYER & WORK
Ora Et Labora
PRAYER & WORK
Ora Et Labora
The human heart is on a quest for purpose and belonging. Without a firm foundation, it’s restless and confused, longing to reach its full potential.
The Rule of Saint Benedict centers life on “ora et labora” — prayer and work. Around this simple rule, a monk’s life takes a new shape. In a stable rhythm of prayer he returns again and again to God, the Lord of his life. In daily service he prospers his brothers and the life of the world around him. Across the hours of each day, he renews walking the journey of the purpose he was made for.
For 1,500 years the Rule of Saint Benedict has transformed lives in all times and places.
Join Our Community
Meet the Richmond Monks
Our Benedictine community lives at Mary, Mother of the Church Abbey outside of Richmond, VA. Some of us have served in the United States Air Force and Navy, and some of us have come from as far away as Uganda. Our variety of experiences and skills are united in brotherhood by our prayer and service under the Rule of Saint Benedict.
We operate the Benedictine College Preparatory School, an all-boys Catholic military high school founded by our community in 1911. We also serve parishes and hospitals in the Diocese of Richmond.
Our Benedictine community lives at Mary, Mother of the Church Abbey outside of Richmond, VA. Some of us have served in the United States Air Force and Navy, and some of us have come from as far away as Uganda. Our variety of experiences and skills are united in brotherhood by our prayer and service under the Rule of Saint Benedict.
We operate the Benedictine College Preparatory School, an all-boys Catholic military high school founded by our community in 1911. We also serve parishes and hospitals in the Diocese of Richmond.
Upcoming Event
Support Mary Mother of the Church ABBEY
It takes more than a monk to do the work of the Lord. Join us in our mission by supporting our ministries, including the development of a new, all-girls preparatory school.
