Ora et labora.… “Pray and work.”
This is the motto of the Rule of St. Benedict, written in 516 by the famous founder of Western monasticism, Benedict of Nursia. For fifteen centuries Benedictine monks have lived their lives according to this motto, performing manual labor and praying to God. Many laypeople have similarly taken this motto to heart, forming lay Benedictine societies or simply adhering to “the rule” in their daily lives.
“St. Benedict found the world, physical and social, in ruins,” observed the great churchman John Henry Newman, “and his mission was to restore it… quietly, patiently, gradually.”
At The Imaginative Conservative, we similarly seek to preserve the good, the true, and the beautiful of the Western Tradition. Our creed: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
We are blessed to have the generous support of many loyal readers. And so we would add to Benedict’s Rule the idea of giving to further the work of restoring a world in ruins: “Pray, work, give.”
The financial support of our readers makes it possible for us to share our hope-filled dedication to the true, the good, and the beautiful. Please join us by making your donation today. Every donation, large or small, joins with our labor and prayer to restore the best of the Western Tradition.
For your consideration:
PILLAR: $5,000 and higher
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FRIEND: $500–$999
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Support may be made annually or in monthly contributions. Donors giving $500 or more receive an Imaginative Conservative coffee mug, and the American Cause by Russell Kirk.
$10/month or $120 one-time donation: a subscription to The Imaginative Conservative Newsletter. $20/month or $240 one-time donation: a subscription to The Imaginative Conservative Newsletter and a copy of the American Cause by Russell Kirk.
The Imaginative Conservative is sponsored by The Free Enterprise Institute (non-profit 501c3). Your donation to the Institute in support of The Imaginative Conservative is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law (by mail: 9600 Long Point Rd., Suite 300, Houston, TX, 77055).
The top image is courtesy of Pixabay.
