Prayer to St. Benedict Patron of Europe Feast Day on Sat. 11th July Almighty and everlasting God, who didst make thine Abbot Saint Benedict a wise master in the school of thy service, and a guide for many called into the common life to follow the rule of Christ: grant that we may put thy love above all things, and seek with joy the way of thy  commandments. We pray for our own country and for the  continent of Europe, for peace and for  prosperity. Above all, we pray that the peoples of Europe will continue to treasure the message of St. Benedict—the love of God, of true learning, and of all that is best in human culture. Protect us by your holy blessing, that we may never be separated from Jesus, Mary, and the company of all the blessed. Through your intercession, deliver us from spiritual oppression and physical ills, and guide us on the path to eternal peace