We are grateful to share that our founder, Br. David Steindl-Rast, is celebrating his 97th birthday at home in Austria this week. He shared the following message:
Blessings in return to all who sent good wishes for my birthday. The blessing I wish you above all others is trust in life. Life never disappoints us in that trust, which is the root of the tree of grateful living. May you always enjoy its sweet fruits!
We hope you enjoy the assortment of updates on Br. David’s active life below, including his recently-awarded Gold Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria, and the release of his newest book.
Br. David Awarded Gold Decoration of Honor
On July 4, 2023, Br. David was awarded the Gold Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. The award is given to select individuals by the Austrian government and was presented to him by Susanne Raab, the Austrian Minister of Women, Family, and Youth. Br. David is at his monastery in Austria, where he devotes his time to writing and contemplation. Please join us in celebrating this tremendous achievement!
Br. David’s New Book: You Are Here
Earlier this year, Br. David released his latest book, You Are Here: Keywords for Life Explorers. This important work offers clear definitions of his key spiritual terms, each contextualized in an inclusive, accessible roadmap for living a full and meaningful life. It is ideal for those new to Br. David’s teachings as well as longtime devotees of his work. Learn more about the book here.
Described by Br. David as his “spiritual legacy” and unlike any book he’s written before, You Are Here offers invauluable spiritual direction from a unique perspective in history.
Purchase your copy from Orbis Books, Bookshop, or Amazon.
Celebrate Br. David’s Birthday
We welcome you to share a birthday wish for Br. David in the comments below.
If you have been inspired by Br. David and are moved to share your appreciation, we invite you to honor Br. David’s 97th birthday this week with a gift. Please join us in gratefully preserving the overflowing gifts of Br. David’s amazing 97 years of life and teachings with the blessing of your support.
Br. David Steindl-Rast
Happiest of Birthdays to you Brother David. So incredibly Grateful for all of your trips around the Sun and all of the rays of light and love
you have bestowed upon humanity and our beautiful planet. 🙏 Thank you.
Happy birthday, Brother David. You have had such an impact on my life. It was by chance that I heard you on a radio show several years ago. I am grateful for the inspiration you have provided through your talks and books. Blessings on this special day.
Fran
Happy Birthday Br. David. Thank you for your inner beauty, clear mind and spiritual inspiring words. You have had a profoundly uplifting powerful impact on how I now view the world. I am deeply grateful for all you have accomplished and thankful to have found your message.
Jeanne.
Brother David, may you continue to be richly blessed on this birthday and on every day!
With deep appreciation for your life and ministry —
Julianne
I am grateful to you for encouraging me to self-publish my book. (Kauai Gratefulness, Inspirations on Brother David’s Teachings on Kauai).
97! My goodness you are living a good life.
Love,
Pam
Dear Brother David, blessings to you as you celebrate your 97th birthday! You have helped me to profoundly transform my life! When I say thank you, I trust you know what my heart is saying that words cannot express. You are such a tremendous inspiration and role model! Thank you for the goodness you bring to our world each and every day. God bless you.
With love and gratitude, Sheila 🕊🙏💖🧘♀️🌈
Dearest Brother David,
I send happiest birthday wishes! My heart overflows with gratefulness for you.
In JOY and With LOVE,
Tracey
Dear Brother David,
Happy birthday! I send my deepest congratulations to you for your birthday and for the award that you received. It is such a great honor. I am certain that you receive awards/ rewards every day. They surround me as I listen to the morning chorus of birds this morning in Maine. You have touched the world, so many lives, and my life, in particular, by reminding us to bring gratitude into our moments. It is the icing on the cake! You have deeply touched my spirit and helped me to lead a richer, fuller, loving life. I am grateful, Brother David. Happy, happy birthday, dear one.
Love,
Maryann