The traditional crafts and intangible heritage of Flemish monasteries will be presented in a series of audiovisuals in September

Ora et Labora project. © PARCUM

‘Ora et labora,’ is St. Benedict’s motto. The second part of this slogan “labora” or “work” translated over time into a wide range of monastic crafts or trades. Craftsmanship in monasteries and abbeys is therefore very diverse: from baking hosts or making soap over making ceramics to making cheese, brewing beer or weaving.

Prayer and labor in the Rule of Benedict are expressions of the same common desire of the monastics, namely union with God. The rhythm of monastic life is determined by the Liturgy of the Hours. Attention, stillness, harmony and the search for inner peace make monastic products inspired. They are made with love, attention and care for craftsmanship.

Study day in Leuven (18 September)

PARCUM (FRH member) mapped the richness of this intangible heritage through audiovisual documentation. The result culminates in a montage of video footage that will be shown to the public for the first time during a study day on 18 September in the Abdij van Park in Leuven.

The study day is an initiative by PARCUM in the framework of the Focus Craftsmanship project, which also involves the Center for Agricultural History (CAG) , CEMPER, ETWIE, Histories, FARO Flemish Cultural Heritage Center, and Workshop Intangible Heritage.

More information and registrations: https://www.parcum.be/nl/events/studiedag-ora-et-labora-kloosterambachten-in-de-kijker