Work
The monks generally work in silence, either alone or in small groups. Nothing sets them apart from their neighbours, not their work clothes – overalls -, nor their machines or concern for profit… except for their very short hair revealed when they raise their hats. Yet behind this ordinary appearance, the ideal of the elders who pray whilst working still applies. For this reason, they try to focus on mainly manual work, when economic necessities enable them to do so.
“Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Therefore, the brothers should have specified periods for manual labour as well as for prayerful reading.”
(Saint Benedict, Rule for Monks, Chapter 48)