Rule of Stone (St. Benedict of Nursia) lyrics

Ora et labora Lux in tenebris Deus vult, sanctus fortis Born in the ruins of fallen rome A world in ashes, faith alone Young noble blood, but the city's sin Called him away from the serpent's grin He fled to the mountains, subiaco's stone A cave of fire, cold and alone Tempted by flesh, he rolled in thorns Blood on the ground, the spirit reborn From the darkness he rose With the cross as his blade A war for the soul A monk unafraid Stand, saint benedict Father of monks, light of the west Rule forged in fire, put souls to the test Pray, work, obey Ora et labora, the holy command Built an empire not made by hand They came for wisdom, they came for truth Disciples gathered around his youth But jealous men tried poison and blade Bread turned black by a traitor's hand He blessed the cup, the chalice cracked The raven carried the death attack God's shield held firm, the plot undone He marched ahead, the war not done Through betrayal and hate Still mercy remained A general of peace He conquered with chains Stand, saint benedict Shield of the church, tower of prayer Darkness retreats when his name fills the air Pray, work, obey A code for the ages, eternal flame Europe rebuilt in Christ's name Monte cassino, fortress of God Rule of saint benedict, pillar of civilization Ora et labora, ora et labora On monte cassino the banner was raised Pagan temples erased by praise Not with sword but psalm and quill Faith and order, iron will Kings would fall and empires burn Yet his rule would always return From candle-lit halls to cathedral stone His sons would carry Christ's throne Scriptures preserved When the world went blind He saved tomorrow By guarding the mind Stand, saint benedict Hammer of chaos, builder of peace The monastic army would never cease Pray, work, obey From dark ages dawn was born Western christendom sworn Father, abbot, shepherd of men From cave to kingdom, age without end He saw his death before it came Raised by brothers, whispered God's name Standing in prayer, arms to the sky A soldier of Christ prepared to die Yet death was not the final call His rule still marches through history's wall From monasteries to schools and thrones His legacy outlives stone Stand, saint benedict Lion of monks, defender of truth The cross his banner, eternal youth Pray, work, obey Hear the bells of holy war Not of blood, but souls restored Stand, saint benedict Europe's father, rome's true son Victory claimed, the battle won Ora, labora Forever we sing To the saint who crowned Christ king Sancte benedicte, ora pro nobis Lux occidentis Amen