Why do we farm? Our first reason is because we have to eat. The simplest way is to work for it, by the sweat of our brows as we are supposed to do. So we farm for a reason seemingly utilitarian. Yet, it embodies the very essence of apostolicity: it brings us face to face with the fact that we are poor; that we have to work for the things we need, or do without them.

Nothing apostolic is ever beneath anyone. There was a time when so many people thought that farming was ‘beneath’ them, but that is impossible because every apostolic action has an eternal value. Tossing manure around has the same value as writing a thesis or working at any other occupation that appears to be cleaner. There is nothing dirty about farming. Everything the farmer deals with is clean and everything has a purpose. The manure is going to give us food for next year. The hog will be eaten. The cow will produce calves and give milk and meat. Everything on the farm leads to the feeding of mankind. How can it be dirty when it feeds the Temple of God and allows Christ to come and dwell in it?

The apostolic farmer is reverent with himself and with growing things, for he deals with the mystery of life. He touches God all the time in the mystery of nature and so can easily give God to others — for he is familiar with him. There are in the world two people who really touch God. The priest touches God in his very essence. The farmer touches God in his creation as it comes from his hands.”

Catherine has written a book, Apostolic Farming: Healing the Earth which we recommend if you would like to know more about the spirituality surrounding our farming at St. Benedict’s.