Association of St. Benedict, Patron of Europe
The Association of St. Benedict, Patron of Europe ( en . : St. Benedict Patron of Europe Association , it . : San Benedetto Patrono d'Europa , lat . : Associatio Sanctus Benedictus Patronus Europæ , abbreviation: ASBPE ) is a recognized international association of believers papal law. It was founded in 1967 and recognized by decree in 1988 . It has over 500 members in 14 countries worldwide.
history
With the apostolic letter " Pacis nuntius ", Pope Paul VI declared. On October 24, 1964, St. Benedict of Nursia became the patron saint of Europe and named him the "father of western monasticism". After this appointment, in 1967 the idea of founding an association arose. The main goal of the association was to promote and spread Christian culture in a united Europe . Pope John Paul II confirmed these characteristics when he again paid tribute to the life and appointment of Benedict in the Apostolic Letter " Sanctorum altrix " in 1980. On July 11, 1988, the Association of Saint Benedict, Patron of Europe, was recognized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity and included in the official list of associations and societies .
Self-image
The highest premise of all events is the rule of St. Benedict , striving for it is the highest commandment for the members of the association. Following this challenge, reading the Holy Scriptures accompanies their daily life , they want to draw their strength from the creative teaching of life and the Benedictine traditions . Participation in the sacramental and liturgical life in your local church is compulsory, which also results in obedience to the church hierarchy . To fulfill their Christian life, the members advocate the principles of Catholic social teaching and serve to expand Christian culture.
Organization and dissemination
The members of the association are accepted through co-optation . This is preceded by a written commitment in which you recognize the guidelines and agree to live and act according to them. The local members join together in local groups, and if possible join a Benedictine or Cistercian monastery for spiritual edification . The international association is run in a collegial style by a management committee, which consists of a total of 12 members. At the head is the President, at his side are two Vice Presidents and a Secretary General. This group of people is elected by the committee. The committee works in close cooperation with local and national Benedictine abbeys. The headquarters of the association is in Rome . The association states that the number of members is over 500, spread across 14 countries. The main focus with 13 associations is Europe, while North America is represented by one association.
literature
- The Spiritual Communities of the Catholic Church - Compendium (No. 18, Association of St. Benedict, Patron of Europe, pp. 65–66), St. Benno-Verlag , Leipzig , 204, ISBN 3-7462-1995-7
Web links
- Entry on gcatholic.org (English)
- Pontifical Council for the Laity: St. Benedict Patron of Europe Association (English)