The 60th anniversary of St. Benedict, patron saint of Europe, was celebrated

(ANSA) – PERUGIA, 31 OCTOBER – The 60th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Benedict as the patron saint of Europe was celebrated in Norcia. The Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti and the European Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni also participated in the work, among others. Present in the room were the president of the Umbria Region, Donatella Tesei, the extraordinary commissioner for post-earthquake reconstruction, Guido Castelli and a representation of the Benedictine monks, led by Abbot Benedetto Nivakoff. Mayor Giuliano Boccanera will do the honors. The conference was organized by the Spoleto-Norcia archdiocese, with Bishop Renato Boccardo explaining how this event “could be the beginning of a path that annually proposes to delve deeper into the aspects of Benedict’s contribution, naturally to monastic life and then to the construction of Europe”. “We know – added the prelate – how the rule has inspired a cultural, material presence, I am thinking of agriculture, of the reclamation that the monks have done. Therefore the sign that Benedict has left must be exploited, in quotation marks, that is, it does not simply belong to history, can still generate a way of being together even today”. “I would like this to be the beginning of a path that annually proposes one or another of the aspects of Benedict’s rule that can contribute today to the construction of the European continent”, the bishop said again. “Benedict speaks of the dignity of the person, he speaks of welcoming those who come from outside, he speaks of responsibility for the common good, the protection of creation, that is, all the themes that are particularly relevant even today”, underlined Boccardo. (HANDLE).