History of Origin

Since 1968, the “Benedict Prize” has been awarded in Mönchengladbach by the Citizens’ and Homeland Association in cooperation with the city to personalities who have achieved outstanding results in the fields of research, art, and science and who have rendered special services to the preservation of local heritage and traditions. Due to the dissolution of the citizens’ association, this prize was awarded for the last time in 2010. Its continuation was not guaranteed.

Citizens of Mönchengladbach did not want to accept this situation and began deliberations for a new beginning in 2012, which led to the founding of the association “Benediktpreis von Mönchengladbach e. V.” in June 2013. In doing so, they acted in the conviction that the symbolic awarding of a prize bearing the name of Benedict of Nursia and connected to his thought always represents a great opportunity: by honoring outstanding personalities and their respective exemplary achievements, the impact of responsible, value-based action can be repeatedly made public. A trend toward the non-acceptance of binding value foundations, extending even to arbitrariness, would thus be countered by the significance of fundamental and historically grown values for our coexistence.

Thus, from the consideration of the “ora et labora” rule, which has been valid since the founding of the Benedictine Order, the idea emerged to take the successful attempt to reconcile faith and reason as the basis for the award of the renewed Benedict Prize. Against the backdrop of tradition and contemporary effectiveness, personalities are to be honored in the future whose value-oriented actions stand out in a special way against the background of
Christian-Western experiences. This is primarily expressed in fundamental works and/or deeds—including those of younger people—in science, business, politics, society, and culture that are exemplary for the future.

The prize is independent of religious denomination and affiliation with a political party.

The respective prize winner is determined by a board of trustees, which is to be elected by the association “Benediktpreis von Mönchengladbach.” The board of trustees should reflect, as far as possible, the entire spectrum from which the prize winners can come according to the statutes.

The biennial award ceremony is to take place around March 21 (Benedict’s Day), for the first time on March 21, 2014.