Fall 2007
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF ST. BENEDICT’S ABBEY
Kansas Monks
Fall 2007
VOLUME 2
No. 3
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Fall 2007
Kansas Monks
Table of Contents 5
Perpetual Light
6
Borrowed Time
8
Dearest Mother
11
Sacrifice
Survivor monk returns to beloved Brazil Brazilian monks find past and future at founding monastery. A building block of community
13
Change’ll do you good
14
Banners of faith
19
Conversion of life is a daily pursuit Festival celebrates shared tradition
Campaign deadline
$2 million will be raised by end of 2008
Photo by Dan Madden
Robert Draftz and Prior James Albers, foreground, load stations of the cross into a pickup bed. The stations were erected on the hill north of the Abbey cemetery. For more see page 20.
Publisher:
Abbot Barnabas Senecal, O.S.B., bsenecal@kansasmonks.org
Editor:
Dan Madden, dmadden@kansasmonks.org
Graphic Design:
Cover Photo by Robin Ranieri
Sophia Harrison, sharrison@kansasmonks.org
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Photo by Abbot Barnabas Senecal
Father Bernard dies at 89
Contributing Writers:
Prior James Albers, Brother John Peto, Father Denis Meade, Abbot Owen Purcell, Dr. James Fleming
Photography:
Robin Ranieri, Alzbeta Voboril, Abbot Barnabas Senecal, Prior James Albers, Brother Lawrence Bradford, Sophia Harrison Kansas Monks magazine is published quarterly by the Office of Development, 1020 N. 2nd Street, Atchison, KS 66002. For a free subscription: 913.360.7897, or development@kansasmonks.org.
The “Left-Handed Jesus” from the Chapel of St. Joseph the Worker.
®from the editor®
From left to right monks make a difference By Dan Madden
I
’ll tell my story first, and then it will be your turn: It was a simple postcard. Abbot Barnabas Senecal had handed out several that day at a conference we were both attending. But the image on it struck me and I was touched by the gift, perhaps a bit more than most who received it. Pictured in the simple painting on the card was St. Joseph, crouching before a carpenter bench, gently instructing his toddler son, Jesus. But here was the kicker. The young boy, with a muted yellow halo around his head was wielding a small hammer – in his left hand. The Abbot even called the artwork the fresco of the “left-handed Jesus.” The card was a reprint of a fresco on the wall over the altar in the Chapel of St. Joseph the Worker, located in the crypt beneath the Abbey Church. Even though the Abbot was among the vast majority of right-handers in the world, he recognized the un-
commonness of a left-handed Jesus, let alone anything lefthanded that was good and holy in religious art, history or literature. This certainly was not lost on me, a member of the poor, unfortunate tribe of left-handers. We haven’t exactly been celebrated throughout history, where we’ve been labeled awkward, clumsy, subversive, evil and even satanic. Frankly, Christianity has been especially unkind. The Bible contains more than 100 favorable references to the right hand and 25 unfavorable references to the left hand. “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly…The right hand of the Lord is exalted” (Psalm 118:15,16). In the parable of the sheep and goats, the sheep are set at Christ’s right hand and the goats on the left. Those on the right inherit the kingdom of God, while those on the left depart into everlasting fire. The devil is almost always portrayed as left-handed and Continued on page 23
Fall 2007
Kansas Monks
Books about two remarkable monks available soon
A
s part of the celebration of our history, St. Benedict’s Abbey intends to publish translations of two books in the coming months. One is a memoir and the other a book of testimonies. One was written in German in 1871 and the other in Portuguese in 1992. Father Henry Lemke was the first Benedictine in Kansas. He was a native of Germany who had studied Lutheran theology at Rostock. Ordained a Lutheran minister, he then became interested in the restored Benedictine community life and its missionary
Fr. Henry Lemke Bishop Matthias
interest in serving the German people who were emigrating to the United States. He became a Roman Catholic, and subsequently a Benedictine missionary to the States. He wrote his memoirs and a monk of St. Boniface Abbey in Munich wrote historical notes to flesh out Father Lemke’s text. More than a century later, Bishop Matthias Schmidt, a member of the abbey that sprang from Father Henry’s adventurous spirit, volunteered for mission work in Brazil. Abbot Cuthbert McDonald chose then-Father Matthias in 1962 to lead his
community’s fledgling missionary effort. Three monks journeyed there, learned Portuguese and Brazilian culture, then accepted the administration of Holy Spirit parish in Mineiros in West Central Brazil. In 1969 Father Matthias became Bishop Matthias. He served in the Diocese of Jatai and then for 20 years in Ruy Barbosa, an impoverished area of North Central Brazil. By the time he died of a heart attack in May of 1992, at the age of 62, he had become beloved by the people for his work on their behalf for peace and justice. He wrote his message of love and service in the hearts of thousands, and they in turn wrote a book of tribute to his memory. Several folks, some with ties to our own parish ministry in Nemaha County, and some with ties to our religious community, have cooperated in translating the Lemke autobiography. The 200+ pages of memoirs give evidence of a man of faith who was intensely driven to serve the Germans and Irish in Pennsylvania, Kansas and New Jersey. His story is one of heroism and endurance, of troubles with his superiors and a spirit of independence and adventure. Bishop Miege invited him to serve in the Kansas territory, and he accepted. He claimed homestead land. He experienced the struggle of the Civil War as it affected Kansas in pre-state days. He knew the value of land and owned various parcels.
From the Abbot
He had a confidence that the Catholic Church could prosper in this land, even though it experienced great prejudice from groups such as the Know-Nothing party. My confrere, Father Duane Roy, has worked in Brazil for more than 30 years. He came back to Kansas in 2001-2002 and was pastor of St. Ann parish in Effingham and St. Louis parish, in Good Intent. During that time he translated from Portuguese to English the tribute texts that folks in Brazil had compiled after the death of Bishop Matthias in 1992. An Oblate of the Abbey has assisted in reviewing Father Duane’s translation. A Maur Hill alumnus has digitally scanned and improved the pictures that will accompany the text. Bishop Matthias was a leader in his Diocese of Ruy Barbosa. Beyond that, he was recognized as a spokesman for the poor of Brazil. He spoke out in international gatherings in Central America and in Canada, before the assembled
abbots of the world in Rome, and before other prelates of the Church wherever he encountered them. The titles given to these two books are indicative of the dedication and perspective of the two men. Father Henry Lemke’s memoirs bear the title A Warrior in God’s Service. He gave his life to the cause, all 85 years of it. The tribute book, honoring Bishop Matthias Schmidt, is To Be Seed, arising from the Gospel text proclaiming that only if the seed dies will it bear fruit. Bishop Matthias made this reference as a description of his own willingness to give his all and as a challenge to others to do likewise. We will have several hundred copies of each translated book printed and anticipate their availability in December. We would be pleased to put your name on a list of persons who are interested in purchasing a copy of either or both. Contact me at bsencal@ kansasmonks.org or call me at 913-360-7840.
Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB 3
Fall 2007
Kansas Monks
Fall 2007
Kansas Monks
Father Bernard Gervais, teacher, chaplain, dies at 89
Abbey Notes
Father Matthew Habiger has been collecting books to send to St. Benedict’s Monastery in Cebu, a central island in The Philippines. This monastery is a foundation of the Sylvestrine Benedictines, begun in 1999. It numbers four priests, 10 simply professed, seven novices and 20 postulants. Father Matthew shipped them two boxes of used books collected in the Abbey, and is looking for more monastic, theology, philosophy and spirituality books to ship them. Books dealing with history, science and literature would also be appreciated. Brother Kaio José Silva Maluf Franco graduated Aug. 3 from the Catholic University in Goiânia with a degree in philosophy.
Brother John Peto participated in the biennial meeting of the North American Association of Oblate Directors on 4
Father Brendan Rolling took a photograph of an eight-point buck in the Abbey garden. The deer have done damage to some garden crops, but our sweet corn and tomatoes were plentiful. Brother John Peto, Brother Gregory Dulmes and Brother Leven Harton assisted with talks and programming for the Kansas City University of Medical and Biosciences practicum, July 20 to 24, at Mount St Scholastica and St. Benedict’s Abbey. A group of 10 medical students, who have completed their second year of osteopathic training, completed the workshop, entitled “Ignite the Spirit.” Brother Jeremy Heppler and Brother Gregory Dulmes
have returned to Saint Vincent Archabbey Seminary for Second Theology classes. Brother Gregory made his solemn vow retreat at Conception Abbey before departing. He plans to profess solemn vows Dec. 8. Dan Madden, Director of Development, delivered a presentation at the Benedictine Development Symposium in Schuyler, Neb., in August. Dan’s talk was on how to write effective fund-raising letters. He also offered critiques of publications from other Bendictine communities. Andy Soukup, with us as Novice Brother Ignatius until this past May, has been accepted by the Diocese of Dodge City to begin studies for the priesthood. Benedictine College graduate Carol Burke (’59) of Leawood, wife of alumnus Tom Burke (’58), exhibited a humeral veil from the Abbey’s collection at a needlepoint seminar in Baltimore in September. Father Louis Kirby participated in the dedication of the new Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Westcliffe, Colo., Aug. 15. Father Louis had served as pastor of this parish from 1997 to 2004, and was invited to be pres-
ent for the completion of this building program whose plans were begun during his administration. Father Meinrad Miller and Prior James Albers took part in the induction ceremonies for former National Football League star Steve Tasker as he entered the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame, the weekend of Sept. 8-9. Steve and Father Meinrad attended Leoti High School together in western Kansas. They have maintained contact. Steve played wide receiver and was a special team’s ace for the Buffalo Bills from 1986 to 1997. Abbot Barnabas Senecal and Father Albert Hauser concelebrated the Kelly Youth Rally Mass Aug. 18. Brother Anthony Vorwerk has been diagnosed with acute diabetes and will be making adjustments in his daily schedule. Brother Anthony is 76.
his education at St. John’s University, Collegeville, and St. Benedict’s College, Atchison, Kan. before earning his bachelor of arts degree from Holy Cross College, Cañon City, in 1941. Father Bernard completed his theology studies in the School of Theology at Holy Cross Abbey in 1944. He did additional studies at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Colorado. Entering the novitiate of Holy Cross Abbey in 1938, Father Bernard professed vows Aug. 31, 1939. He was ordained to the priesthood May 17, 1944, at Holy Cross Abbey, by Bishop Joseph Willging. With the closing of Holy Cross Abbey, Father Bernard transferred to St. Benedict’s Abbey in March 2006. Father Bernard spent more
than 16 years of his monastic life as a teacher. He was prefect, teacher and coached football at Holy Cross Abbey School, 1941-1957. He was procurator at the abbey for 10 years and served in parishes in Boulder and Pueblo, Colo., for 13 years. Father Bernard also served as a hospital chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital, Denver; Fitzsimon Army Hospital, Denver; St. Thomas More Hospital, Cañon City, and Florence Hospital, Florence, Colo. Father Bernard is survived by his sister-in-law, Jean Gervais, San Dimas, Calif.; two nephews, William Gervais and his wife Rosemary, Northridge, Calif., and Jerry Gervais and his wife Betty, Glendora, Calif.; three nieces, numerous grand nieces and nephews; and the monastic
community of St. Benedict’s Abbey. Father Bernard’s father joined Holy Cross Abbey as an oblate brother and took the name Benedict after the death of his second wife. He is since deceased. Also preceding Father Bernard in death were his mother, his step-mother, Louise, and his brothers, William, Ernest and Leo Gervais. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Benedict’s Abbey Church and Guest House accessibility project and may be directed to: St. Benedict’s Abbey 1020 N. 2nd Street Atchison, KS 66002 Abbot Barnabas Senecal celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for Father Bernard at St. Benedict’s Abbey Church July 21.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Father Bertrand LaNoue had back surgery on Sept. 10 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Mo., to remove a bone splinter that was causing considerable pain.
Continued on page 12
Father Bernard Gervais 1918-2007
Photo by Prior James Albers
Bishop Herbert Hermes is a monk of our Abbey and bishop of Cristalândia, Brazil. He and Father Meinrad Miller spent the last two weeks of the Bishop’s recent trip to the U.S. visiting family and friends in Colorado and Kansas. They visited with Archbishop Charles Chaput in Denver and Bishop Michael Sheridan in Colorado Springs.
the campus of the University of St. Martin in Lacey, Wash. The theme of the meeting was “The Charism of Benedictine Leadership.”
Father Bernard Gervais, 89, professed member of Holy Cross Abbey, Cañon City, Colo., for 67 years, and member of St. Benedict’s Abbey for two and a half years, died Saturday, July 14, at 11:05 p.m., at Heartland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, Mo. Having received the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the Apostolic Pardon in the presence of confreres, Father Bernard passed away following the prayers of commendation, while the Ultima was being sung. Father Bernard was born Feb. 1, 1918, in Compton, Calif., to Leo Gervais and Mathilda Duquette Gervais. He attended Catholic schools in California, graduating in 1931, and from St. John’s Preparatory School, Collegeville, Minn., in 1936. He continued
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Fall 2007
Kansas Monks
Monk borrows time back in beloved Brazil By Dan Madden
T
he first time Father Kieran McInerney embarked for missionary work in Brazil a flame of social consciousness burned in his hearty chest. The tall, lean monk with chiseled features and sparkling eyes had been transformed by his work in the African-American neighborhoods of Atchison in the late 1960s. So when his community in 1975 called for volunteers to move to its monastic foundation in Mineiros and work with the poor there he didn’t flinch. He knew important work awaited him.
This second time, Father Kieran is embarking for Brazil with the flame of social consciousness still burning, although in a chest that is not so hearty. The chiseled features have softened to wrinkles yet the eyes still sparkle behind an intense squint. At age 81, he is not responding to a call for volunteers. Rather, he has asked his abbot to send him back to the land where he toiled for three decades. He knows important work still awaits him. In March 2006 Father Kieran lay in what doctors, family and his fellow monks assumed was his death bed. A staph infection had attacked his blood stream and doctors had exhausted all their options. Father Kieran’s next of kin and his abbot had been called to the hospital. The decision was 6
Kansas Monks
Being Abbot to Brazilian confreres a humbling experience Editor’s Note: The following homily was delivered the weekend of Sept. 1-2 by Abbot Barnabas to the parishioners at Most Pure Heart of Mary parish in Topeka, Kan.
During a previous time in Brazil, Father Kieran McInerney, Center, was all smiles as he posed for a photograph with the prior of St. Joseph Priory, Father Josias da Costa, left, and Father Joaquim Carlos Carvalho.
made to remove Father Kieran from the ventilator that was sustaining his vital body functions. The family prepared to say their goodbyes. But instead, the monk’s pulse ac-
“
and asked to return to Brazil to assist with the celebration of Masses and in the monastic formation of postulants and novices. He embarked July 30 with the blessings of Ab-
I had been given my health for a reason and I knew I could be of more use. -Father Kieran McInerney
celerated. His blood pressure rose. A deathwatch became a celebration of renewed life. By the following October he was celebrating a Mass of thanksgiving for his recovered health. This spring he walked into Abbot Barnabas’s office
”
bot Barnabas Senecal and his confreres. “I began to question why I was living,” Father Kieran said of the time following his recovery. “I had been given my health for a reason and I knew I could be of more
use.” After volunteering for a five-year stint in 1975, Father Kieran fell in love with the people and the culture of Brazil and stayed for 30 years. He lived and worked for 20 years in Mineiros, serving as prior and business manger of the monastery founded by St. Benedict´s Abbey, while continuing his work among the poor in the parish. His most memorable service, however, was the 10 years he worked at the side of his confrere, the beloved Bishop Matthias Schmidt, among some of the poorest of the poor in the diocese of Ruy Barbosa, Bahia, in northeast Brazil, during a time when peace and social justice were in a precarious state because of an oppresContinued on page 22
When I was elected abbot in 1994, I knew that I would take on new duties. One of these was to visit annually our Priory in Central West Brazil. It was an exercise in humility. I had to learn their names on the airplane as I flew to Brazil; I had been busy with my own school and parish work. I knew the Americans, but not the Brazilians. I was, technically, their superior. Since the start of this foundation in 1962, it has been a dependent foundation. They are responsible for many day-to-day decisions, the training of new members, decisions about work, management of finances, and their relationship with the community of Mineiros. When I visit, I meet with them as a community and individually. I listen to their discussion and decide if there are matters for which our Atchison community must grant permission. I have come to admire their determination to serve the people as a faith community. This town of 50,000 inhabitants has one parish but 14 chapels for prayer and worship. Our men have developed strong interest in Bible study, retreats, Serra Club activity and Marriage Encounter. They
Photo by Br. Jeremy Heppler
As far as Father Keiran is concerned, he is living on borrowed time. “I should be dead,” he says bluntly.
Fall 2007
The Brazilian monks in front of the of the Guest House during a recent visit. Pictured from left to right: Br. Kaio Maluf-Franco, Fr. Duane Roy, Br. Diego Neves Oliviera, Br. Vinícius de Queiroz Rezende, Fr. Rodrigo Perissinotto, Br. Lenilson Mories Rezende, Br. Haroldo Carvalho Ferreira, and Novice Br. João Malta. Not pictured, Prior Josias Dias de Costa.
involve the people in the liturgies. They teach religion in the public schools, a mandate of the Brazilian government. I am humbled by the fact that I’ve not learned Portuguese to talk with them yet some of them have learned English. I am humbled by the good work the men have done over these 45 years. The city of Mineiros erected a statue in honor of Father Eric Deitchman who died at age 62 in 1997. He was active in the agricultural activities of the area, and in his enthusiasm for conserving the soil and improving crops. Two of our Atchison monks were chosen to be Bishops in Brazil; one has died, Father Matthias Schmidt, the other still serves, Bishop Herbert Hermes. We have three Brazilian priests. One has done graduate study in psychology, another in anthropology. The third is a young man who has served two years in parish work in Mineiros. All three of these men are native to the city of
Mineiros and have family living in the city. It is humbling to see the enthusiasm of some young men for Benedictine life in Brazil. We had eight of them with us for three weeks in July to celebrate our 150 years of Benedictine life in Atchison. It was like introducing them to their grandparents in monastic life. Some of the Atchison monks who have served in Brazil were able to welcome them to our city. It is humbling to witness the desire of Father Kieran McInerney to return to Brazil where he served for 30 years. He has been here with you on occasion in past months, as he came to care for his brother Pat and to be here for Pat’s funeral. Father Kieran himself had been near death, in St. Francis Hospital a year and a half ago. His heart is with the people of Brazil, and he has joined our young student monks in the capital city, Goiânia. The people of Mineiros are very grateful for the presence
of the Benedictines -- their own sons, other Brazilians, and North Americans. They have named streets in honor of our monks, and give sectors of a new residential development Benedictine names. This is humbling. They have also supported efforts to improve facilities of the parish and the monastery. They have an active Oblate group and Serra Club. They often bring food from Mineiros to Goiania, 250 miles distance, to support the young monks. It is humbling for me to ask you to support the efforts of the Atchison Benedictines and many other religious make to improve the lives of people in other countries. To support vocations at St. Benedict’s Abbey or at St. Joseph’s Priory in Brazil, send gifts to the St. Benedict’s Abbey Office of Development,1020 North 2nd Street, Atchison, KS 66002.
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Fall 2007
Photo by Fr. Gerard Senecal
Kansas Monks
The family of Abbot Barnabas Senecal used Family Day as a reunion opportunity. Standing, left to right, Dick Senecal, Nicholas Senecal (twin of Abbot Barnabas), Katy Senecal (wife of Nicholas), Clare Senecal Kearney (wife of Peter), Peter Kearney, Marc Hansen (son of Mary Senecal Hansen), Mary Senecal Hansen, Abbot Barnabas. Kneeling, left to right, Carl Joseph “CJ” Senecal (son of Nicholas and Katy), Nichole (daughter of Nicholas and Katy), Father Gerard Senecal, Jennifer Hansen (wife of Marc and mother of Andrew, whom she’s holding).
Family – monastic and blood – joins Atchison monks for Special Celebration By Dan Madden
J
8
“
monks of Brazil to come here was a marvelous idea,” Brother Lenilson Moraes Rezende of Brazil said through a translator. “I began to realize more
This was an opportunity for us to become… a community of brothers as well as brother communities. -Father Denis Meade
ebrate St. Benedict’s Abbey’s sesquicentennial. For most of the eight young men it was the first visit to their motherhouse. “The idea of inviting all the
”
the importance of this anniversary of the Abbey. What could have been just a commemoration for the American monks turned into a celebration for the Brazilians as well.
Continued on page 10
Kansas Monks
Photo by Br. Jeremy Heppler
uly 7 was a day for family at St. Benedict’s Abbey. As many as 20 monks welcomed mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters for a grand family reunion, while at the same time the community celebrated the presence of their monastic family from afar, the monks of St. Joseph Priory, St. Benedict’s foundation house in Brazil. The day served as a reunion of the Senecals, family of Abbot Barnabas Senecal and Father Gerard Senecal, and more than 30 family members visited Father Kieran McInerney, who within a month would be leaving to rejoin the Brazilian community where he had served for three decades (see story on page 6).
The joint reunion, which took on a particularly Brazilian flair, capped a month-long visit by the Brazilian monks, who made the journey to cel-
In the welcome given to us by the monks here in Atchison I see a witness by persons who include in their vocation the welcoming of Christ in other persons.” Inviting almost the entire Brazilian community (one monk, Father Joaquim Carlos Carvalho, stayed behind because he is pastor of a parish in Minieros) to Atchison was first suggested by Father Denis Meade, who called it a “crossing of frontiers.” “We couldn’t help but just be names to one another before,” he said of the two communities, most of whose members had never met face to face. “This was an opportunity for us to become friends with our brothers in Christ, a community of brothers as well as brother communities.” The family day was highlighted by a Mass, which featured music by the Brazilian monks and some local Brazilian natives. In a homily in which he skillfully mentioned the name of every Atchison monk who has served in St. Benedict’s Brazilian Apostolate, Father Josias Dias da Costa, superior of St. Joseph Priory, paid tribute to his community’s mother house and treated listeners to an oral history of its venture in Brazil. Standing at his side to translate the homily from Portuguese to English was Father Kieran. Declaring that each step of St. Benedict Abbey’s history was taken “by the authority of Jesus…” Prior Josias moved quickly in his narrative from the founding of St. Benedict’s Abbey through the years when it “grew, bloomed, prospered, and produced fruits which radiated Benedictine spirituality throughout the region… “It was by the authority of
Fall 2007
Clockwise from top left corner: The scoreboard at Kaufmann Stadium in Kansas City welcomed the contingent from St. Benedict’s to a Royals game.The Brazilian monks pose with an icon of St. Benedict in the St. Benedict’s Abbey dining room; A discussion about the exchange rate between the dollar and the Brazilian real, before one of many field trips; Brother Joe (second from right) prepares for a day as tour guide; a sign stretched across the dining room said “Welcome Brothers” in the Brazilians’ native Portuguese; the Atchison/ Brazil Royals fans pose above the visitors dugout at Kaufmann Stadium; Brother Kaio takes in the spacious vista of a major league ball park.
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Kansas Monks
Family
Continued from page 8
By Fr. Denis Meade
F
Father Duane Roy, visiting from his assignment in Brazil, converses with members of the Mexican Benedictine Sisters of Christ the King, a community that served for many years at the Abbey.
Photo by Dan Madden
We welcome your comments: development@kansasmonks.org
A quintet of musicians provides Brazilian music during the Mass for the Brazilian/Family day.
Photo by Dan Madden
Photo by Fr. Gereard Senecal
Father Kieran McInerney translates the homily as it is delivered by Prior Josias Dias da Costa.
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Kansas Monks
Senior Brazilian monk celebrates silver jubilee
Photo by Dan Madden
Jesus,” he continued, “that St. Benedict’s Abbey knew how to share its abundant gifts, sending to Brazil courageous monks, who were holy men with exceptional talents.” He told of monks sent from Atchison to Brazil, “walking forth, sowing peace, taking the good news of salvation to the people.” And he told of the intended and inevitable transition at St. Joseph’s Priory to a fully Brazilian-born community. “My dear brothers and sisters in the United States, it is by the authority of Jesus that we – Brazilians – were formed and continue our formation in a ‘school of the Lord’s service’ by monks so special, sent to us from this land,” he said. “We are here today to say to everyone: Thank you!’” The visiting Brazilians spent half their visit in celebrations at the Abbey and half traveling the region visiting historical sites, other Benedictine monasteries in Missouri and Nebraska, and even attending a Kansas City Royals baseball game. But throughout the com-
ments of all of the Brazilians a consistent highlight of the trip was the experience of the friendship that grew between them and their American confreres. “One of the most significant aspects of our visit is the strengthening of bonds between us Brazilians and the Americans,” one Brazilian monk wrote in an unsigned note left behind for his new American friends. “This visit broadens our horizons; we are not simply a little priory in the middle of Brazil. We can see ourselves as part of a bigger community with a history of which we ourselves are a part…Personally, I will take with me the feeling that we can trust in the future, because we are not going it alone.”
Fall 2007
Bruce Roeder watches as his children scramble up a tree during the festivities on Brazil/Family day at the Abbey.
ather Joaquim Carlos Carvalho, the senior member of Saint Joseph Priory of Mineiros, Goiás, Brazil, St. Benedict’s Abbey’s foundation house, celebrates the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination this year. Father Joaquim is a native son of the Mineiros municipality. He was born July 20, 1954, the third of five children of Joaquim and Cecilia Carvalho and had his earliest education in the public schools of that city. Through friendship with the monks of the Priory and with the encouragement of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor who had a community in Mineiros, young Joaquim’s interest in the Benedictines and a priestly vocation grew, and he entered the Priory as a novice in 1975. After his novitiate year at São Bento Abbey in São Paulo, Brazil, he made first vows on March 7, 1976, and professed solemn vows three years later on Feb. 12, 1979. While residing with the community of Mosteiro São Bento in São Paulo he completed his philosophical and theological studies at the Assumption Theological Institute. On Feb. 2, 1982, he was ordained by Bishop Matthias Schmidt, O.S.B., of the diocese of Ruy Barbosa, Bahia, the founding prior of St. Joseph Priory. Father Joaquim’s sister Maria Helena made her first vows as a religious of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor that same day in Mineiros. After priestly ordination Father Joaquim was occupied with monastery responsibilities and pastoral activity in the Mineiros parish until 1986
Fr. Joaquim Carlos Carvalho, second from the right, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this year. He is the senior monk at St. Benedict’s Abbey’s Brazilian foundation, St. Joseph Priory.
when he began the study of Psychology at the Catholic University of Goiânia. Upon receiving his degree in Psychology from that university in 1991, he returned to Mineiros where he became on two occasions director of the municipal secondary school and participated in the community and parochial activities of the Priory. On Feb. 12, 1993, Father Joaquim became the fourth Benedictine pastor of the Mineiros parish. He also joined the teaching staff of a new college-level educational institution. Since this time Father Joaquim has given numerous courses and workshops integrating psychology and spirituality, especially
in the formation programs for both male and female religious throughout the large central west state of Goiás. On March 3, 1997, Father Joaquim succeeded Father Kieran McInerney as Prior of Saint Joseph Priory, a position which he held until 2004. Through his initiative the community established a house of formation and studies in the capital city of Goiânia and he oversaw the building of the large new monastery. While serving as prior Father Joaquim was elected to the board of directors and the vice presidency of CIMBA, an association linking the various Benedictine and Cistercian Monasteries of Brazil,
and to the board of directors of the Goiânia Region of the National Conference of Religious of Brazil. In 2004 Father Joaquim was succeeded as prior of the community by Father Josias Dias da Costa, and assumed the post of business manager, a position which he continues to hold simultaneously with the position of pastor of the rapidly growing parish of Mineiros.
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Kansas Monks
Abbey Notes
Father Blaine Schultz has completed his schedule of chemotherapy treatments for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a series of six treatments, once every three weeks. A Sepember PET scan revealed that the cancerous lesions had disappeared.
Dr. Betsy Brothers closed her medical office in Kansas City and offered the furniture from the office to the abbey. Betsy is continuing in medical practice, in the Kansas City Occupational Health Care offices.
Pray With Us Sgt. Matt Lammers, son of Gary Lammers, principal of Holy Trinity grade school in Lenexa, Kan., is in rehab at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He was one of a four-man crew in a 12
By Prior James Albers Director of Vocations
George Saab has been diagnosed with cancer. George is a friend of John Klebba, MHMA parent, alumnus and former board member.
Hum-Vee that was hit by an EFP (explosive formed penetrator) in Iraq on June 9. He lost both legs above the knee and his left arm above the elbow. Matt is 25, married and father of two small daughters. His sister Jessica developed a web site: w w w. m a t t l a m m e r s . c o m which tells the story of his rescue and rehab. Please keep Kathryn Eastburn and her family in your prayers. Her 22-year-old son Teddy Eastburn died recently. Linda Matthews Rivers, sister of Donna Willming, is suffering from cancer. Olive Burns requests prayers for Dorothy Benedict, Jacque Jacobson and Nancy Allen. All have serious cancer. Prayers are requested for Kay Carney, mother of Melanie Briend, a Benedictine College student. Father James Downey requests prayers for George and Joyce Penz. Father Roger Schmidt, a monk of Conception Abbey serving as Chaplain at Providence Medical Center in
Kansas City, Kan., underwent stomach surgery Aug. 1, at Providence. Brother Leven Harton requests prayers for a friend of his family, Tom Sadler, who has been diagnosed with brain tumors. JoAnn Trotter, wife of Donald, a cousin of Father Aaron Peters, has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Alane, co-worker with Cindy Dooley, at the 9-1-1 Center in Atchison, had neck surgery on Sept. 6. Cindy is an employee in health services at our Abbey. Pat Falk was injured at work in March and is experiencing increased pain. Jim Carter, who works parttime on the Abbey grounds, had his gall bladder removed Aug. 22. Fred Kautz, brother of Rosie Carter, Jim’s wife, has nonHodgkins lymphoma. Rosie and Jim Carter ask prayers for their granddaughter Betsy and her infant daughter, Meredith Elizabeth. Makenna, a 3-year old in
To the monk there is probably a story of that moment of decision when he realized that God was calling him to the monastic life. Within each story there is most likely a sense of sacrifice that came along with the final discernment to enter the monastery. For me it was walking out of the abbey after having shared with Father Meinrad my desire to join St. Benedict’s Abbey, sitting in my vehicle and feeling like I was going to get sick. I was turning away from everything I thought would make me happy; the job, my own place, the new vehicle, the possibility of marriage and family. Within each vocation from God, whether the individual is called to the religious life or to married life, we will be asked by God to sacrifice something of ourselves for the good of the one to whom we
Isidor Sittenauer underwent open-heart surgery, Aug. 10. He is at home and doing well, going to church each day. Sister Rose Marie Stallbaumer has returned to the Mount after an episode of arrythmia, Aug. 18; she is doing well. Sister Angelica Heiney is recovering from surgery to remedy a brain aneurysm. Brother Peter Karasz, claustral oblate in our community, requests prayers as he resolves to quit smoking after 50 years. Patty Wolvington has been told by her doctors that the tumor in her arm is most likely benign; they will check this again in three months. She appreciates continued prayer as she deals with pain.
are committing our lives; i.e. a spouse, the church, a monastic community, God himself. This past August 14th—the Memorial of St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, one who sacrificed his life at the concentration camp at Auschwitz for the life of another, and the eve of the Assumption of Mary— three young men began their journey in the monastic life here at St. Benedict’s Abbey as postulants. Each one in his own unique way was asked to sacrifice something to begin his journey. At this stage of their journey it is too early to understand where God will ask these three men to go, but at this moment he asks them to sacrifice by being here to further discern their vocations as monks of this abbey. In looking at the gospels for Mass during that week when these young men arrived—the 20th Week in Ordinary Time—two passages are poignant to our sense of sacrifice. In both gospel read-
Carl Forge, a 1982 Maur Hill graduate, has taken a turn for the worse in his battle against brain cancer. Johan Berry, son of Maur Hill-Mount Academy teachers Jeff and Christina, has a cyst on his neck, which has been determined to be benign; it was to be removed surgically in September.
Photo by Sophia Harrison
Fathers Blaine Schultz and Matthew Habiger have volunteered to manage the abbey gift shop, a space created by the renovation of the guesthouse.
The search for the joy of Christ
Father Matthew Habiger, right, visits with (left to right) Adam Wilczak, Stephen Watson, and Nick Padley just before the ceremony in which they became postulants of St. Benedict’s Abbey.
Photo by Sophia Harrison
A statue of Mary carved by Brother Emmanuel Perez has been moved to the campus of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, where it is displayed in front of St. Leo dormitory. Brother Emmanuel was a member of the abbey from 1932 until his death in 1971. He carved many statues from stone left over from the construction of the abbey. He also did notable work in wood and wrought iron.
Kansas Monks
A sense of sacrifice
Great Falls, Mont., was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Cindy Dooley requests prayers for her and her family.
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Brother Dominic Cason is recuperating from total knee replacement surgery.
Fall 2007
Abbot Barnabas Senecal gives his blessing to the new postulants fo St. Benedict’s Abbey..
ings, from St. Matthew, Jesus challenges, “if you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me,” and then he promises that “everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.” That is the promise we each hope for as we learn to sacrifice. And the key is understanding that we “learn to sacrifice.” Sacrifice is not something that comes to us naturally. While some days it might seem rather easy, other days it might be down right difficult. But what we find in sacrifice is the joy of knowing that we are doing it for the benefit of others, and that joy is what is natural in our lives. Some sacrifices might be for temporal goods, the material benefit of others, while other sacrifices might be for the spiritual benefit of the ones for whom we are sacrificing. As monks we must learn to sacrifice not only for the
well being of the Church and of our community, but also for each other personally. We recognize that as we lay down our lives in little ways for a brother who might be suffering from an illness, or one who might be struggling in his spiritual life, we receive back spiritual benefits to sustain us in our sacrifice for them. And through those small sacrifices something in us is nurtured and we are buoyed each day in our summons to daily conversion. Our sacrifices become building blocks for community life. Each sacrifice builds on the other until we know what it means to truly lay down our lives for Christ and our brothers in community, and our brothers and sisters beyond the walls of the monastery. In sustaining our ability to sacrifice ourselves, our lives, for Christ and for each other as monks of this abbey, each offering of ourselves will be reflected in that first sacrifice we made that almost made us sick to our stomachs.
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A banner tradition: Monks, parishioners honor history of faith By Dan Madden
Photo by Robin Ranieri
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Father Denis Meade, right, shares a story with fellow monk, Fr. Michael Zoellner during the procession into the Abbey Church.
by the monks. Members of 33 parishes traveled from central and northeast Kansas, southeast Nebraska and southern and eastern Iowa, to say thank you to the monastic community whose members had either founded or served in their parishes in the past 150 years. Likewise, the monks of St. Benedict’s invited what turned out to be more than 700 people to their Abbey to say thank you for what they deemed the privilege of being part of so many parish communities. “This is a good day,” Abbot Barnabas Senecal said. “To see so many friends and to celebrate with them our shared history is an experience that truly gives meaning to our sesquicentennial year.” The Abbot said it is difficult to put into words the bond his community shares with the parishes it has served over the past 150 years. “From our earliest days, we have been touched and humbled by the hospitality of the people in the parishes who have welcomed us into their lives,” he said. “Pastoral ministry is certainly a central, vibrant apostolate for which we are grateful.” Diane Pepper of Kansas
City, who secured a seat on the aisle and painstakingly photographed each banner as it processed toward the front of the church, said the day was a celebration of an important piece of her own family history. “I’m a fifth-generation Catholic school student,” she said with pride. “My family came to Atchison in 1858, just a year after St. Benedict’s was established, so it was kind of neat to sit there and think that my family’s been here almost from the beginning.” A genealogy enthusiast, Pepper said a monk of St. Benedict’s has been present at almost every important event in her family history. “My great great grandparents were married at St. Benedict parish in Atchision on June 20, 1870,” she said. “Generation after generation has been baptized and married at St. Benedict’s parish and buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery.” Pepper said as she watched the banners coming down the aisle, she enjoyed recognizing that her family had spread out into other parishes as well. “I went to catechism classes at St. Charles in Troy, and my grandparents belonged to
St. Benedict parish in Bendena where I was baptized and made my first communion,” she said. “My dad’s cousins belonged to St. Louis parish in Good Intent and I remember Dad taking me to picnics at St. Patrick’s.” For Pepper, who was joined by her mother, who “flew in for Barnabas’s big day,” the celebration was “a very special day, almost like coming home.” Dr. Adam Buhman-Wiggs, a member of St. Benedict parish in Atchison and a member of the Benedictine College Psychology Department, carried his parish’s banner in the procession, accompanied by his 9-year-old son Ian. “I think it was important to recognize the extent and history of the influence of the Benedictine monks in the community,” he said of the celebration. “They had such a foundational role at so many different levels. This was a testament to the breadth and endurance of their presence in the region.” Buhman-Wiggs said he enjoyed seeing all the banners as they paraded into the church, especially the banner carried by the visiting Brazilian monks, but admits he was surprised by the number of parishes in attendance. “I had no idea that that many parishes had been influenced by the Benedictines,” he said. In his homily Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, abbot of St. Vincent Abbey, welcomed each of the 33 parishes represented at the Mass, noting there were actually 57 parishes and communities served by the monks of St. Benedict’s in the past 150 years. “The banners presented here today are a wonderful tribute not only to the faith
Kansas Monks
Photo by Fr. Gerard Senecal
The Knights of Columbus Honor Guard forms rank for the final procession of the Festival of Faith Mass.
Photo by Sophia Harrison
T
he brightly colored banners were made of more than thread and felt and calico. Their fabrics were woven with memories of favorite pastors, ice cream socials and Bingo games. The bold lettering declaring the names of more than 30 parishes was stitched with fingers that had signed the cross in witness at countless baptisms, funerals and weddings. And the sturdy wood poles, which
lifted the banners high as they were paraded into the church of St. Benedict’s Abbey, were grasped in hands that on so many Sunday mornings had cradled crying babies during homilies, offered welcoming handshakes to fellow parishioners and with the effortless motion of a caress accepted the Body of Christ at the Eucharist. Delegation after delegation bore banners into the Abbey Church on a day set aside for mutual gratitude, a “Festival of Faith,” as it was declared
Fall 2007
Adam Buhman-Wiggs and his 9-year-old-son Ian carry the banner for their parish, St. Benedict’s of Atchison, during the parade of parishes.
and sacrifices of the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey who sowed the seed of faith in these parish settings, but also to the perseverance of the
original pioneer settlers – your grandparents and great grandparents – who passed on that gift of faith to you and your children,” he said.
Recalling the hardships faced by the monks – a lack of manpower and financial reContinued on page 18 15
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Festival of Faith
Photos by Robin Ranieri and Sophia Harrison
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Campaign naming opportunities The following features of Phase I of the Journey Forward capital campaign are available as naming opportunities for benefactors. The suggested gift is provided with a description of the project. Abbey Church Elevator $100,000 Part of the Abbey Church narthex expansion, this elevator provides access to the main level and crypt.
Crypt Art Gallery $150,000 The crypt level of the tower altar area is a secure exhibit for Abbey artwork and that of visiting artists. (Smaller multiple naming opportunities available.)
Festival
Continued from page 15 sources, the drought of 1860, the outbreak of the Civil War and the bitter divisions in Kansas between pro-slavery and abolition forces, the panic of 1873 and subsequent depression, a grasshopper plague of biblical proportions in 1874, and constant looming threat of bankruptcy – the Archabbot praised the community for its trust in God’s Providence. “They were able to surrender wholeheartedly to God, trusting where they could not see,” he said. “The meaning of their lives was to seek the will of God, and to be the agent for 18
Narthex Gathering Space $250,000 The main component of the Hospitality Project, this major addition to the Abbey Church provides a more spacious gathering area and more accessible restrooms in the narthex of the Abbey Church. Crypt Gathering Space $150,000 Also part of the Abbey Church addition, this area provides more gathering space and additional accessible restrooms on the Abbey Church’s crypt level, just below the Narthex addition.
accomplishment of that will in the often difficult circumstances of their history.” By only one virtue, the Archabbot stressed, has St. Benedict’s Abbey endured. “You, the spiritual descendents of Saint Benedict, Boniface Wimmer, Henry Lemke and the other founders of this community, along with men and women – past and present – and in no small measure the parishioners who join us today, along with the alumni, friends and benefactors, have loved St. Benedict’s Abbey into being,” he declared. “Instead of concentrating on the self, the base, the sensational, or blaming others for
Abbey Church Interior Side-Mounted Lift $50,000 This self-operated lift gives access to people entering the sanctuary and the monastic choir, which were previously accessed by a series of steps. Abbey Church Interior Two-Step Ramps $15,000 These ramps allow wheelchair passage from the choir to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and sacristy. Dedication Crosses (12) $1,000 each Twelve wall-mountedcandle holders in nave commemorate the dedication of the church during the 150th anniversary year of St. Benedict’s Abbey. (Robert Sharp in honor of Abbot Brendan Downey and Father James Downey: Patrick Dyer:Donald F. Aaron Sr. in honor of Father Leo Aaron: Gina Dyer Osborn: Jim King, St. Benedict’s Collife’s personal failures…you continually chose to embrace those words of Saint Benedict, that Divine Presence is everywhere.” Archabbot Douglas warned that while looking back in gratitude we should not fall victim to nostalgia and lose track of responsibility to the future. Echoing Pope John Paul II, he said, “Do not be afraid.” While celebrating the spirit of the pioneers and founders of St. Benedict’s Abbey, Archabbot Douglas suggested that the same spirit will animate their modern descendents. “It is a spirit that is not fainthearted, not afraid to take
lege Class of 1966: John and Mary House in honor of Father Gilbert Wolters) Guest House Lounges (3) $20,000 each These three rooms are used daily by monks to welcome guests and provide spiritual direction to retreatants, visitors, and college students. Guest House Porter Apartment $50,000 This is home to a monk who lives near the entrance of the guest house in order to provide a ready welcome to guests. It has been expanded, carpeted and painted. Gift Shop $25,000 A gift shop has been built in the guest house reception area to provide religious items with an emphasis on Benedictine books and gifts. Continued on page 22 risks,” he said. “It is a spirit that doesn’t give up easily in the face of opposition. It is a spirit that doesn’t dwell on self, doesn’t dwell on failure. It is a spirit that hopes and forgives when forgiveness seems foolish. It is a generous spirit. We recognize it as the Spirit of Christ.” Asking that this gift be bestowed upon the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey and, in a special way, on all of their friends, students and benefactors, he assured the more than 700 people present, “The Divine Presence is here!”
Photo by Alzbeta Voboril
Abbey Church Entrance Ramp $75,000 The stone ramp with iron rails fulfills Benedictine hospitality by providing access to all who wish to enter the Abbey’s house of prayer.
Art Gallery Endowment $250,000 The monks hope to establish a perpetual art gallery endowment to provide for the purchase of religious artwork and funding for visiting exhibits. (Smaller multiple naming opportunities available.)
St. Benedict’s Abbey, which has weathered many storms in its 150 years, needs to raise $2 million in the next year to replace its roof and 885 windows.
Committee sets deadline for raising final $2 million By Dan Madden
T
he $2 million needed to complete the first major physical changes to St. Benedict’s Abbey in 50 years will be raised by the end of 2008, a group of lay volunteers has declared. The St. Benedict’s Abbey Campaign Committee, a group made up of alumni of Benedictine College and Maur Hill-Mount Acadmy, members of parishes served by monks of the Abbey and other friends and benefactors of St. Benedict’s made the vow at its recent annual meeting. “We have set a deadline and we will complete this project on time,” Gene Hegarty, newly elected president of the Friends of St. Benedict’s Ab-
bey, said bluntly. “But we will need help.” Half the $4 million has been raised for three major projects – making the church and guest house more accessible, replacing the 78-year old slate roof of the monastery, and installing 885 energy-efficient replacement windows in the monastery and guest house. Members of the Campaign Committee are all major donors to the project. However, the second half of such a fund-raising effort is traditionally the more difficult. “We on this committee know a lot of people who can help the monks finish this important project,” Hegarty said. “It’s time we got out and started knocking on
some doors. Only 101 people have given to this campaign so far and we’re half way to our goal. Yet In the past 150 years the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey have served this region, and helped many more than 101 people. Surely there are enough people out there among the alumni of Benedictine and Maur Hill-Mount Academy, among the parishes served by Benedictines, and among the friends and relatives of the monks who are willing to give toward that final $2 million.” Abbot Barnabas Senecal stressed that the campaign, once completed, will enable the monks to be better stewards of God’s gifts and more able to share Benedictine hospitality.
“By replacing the roof and windows, our facilities will be more energy efficient and thus we will be more resourceful with the contributions we receive from so many generous people each year,” he said. “And of course by making our church and guest house more accessible we are truly able to welcome as Christ each and every person who comes to our door.” He also noted that when people give to St. Benedict’s Abbey they are becoming partners in the mission of the monks. “We ask for your prayers as well as your financial gift,” he said. “And all of our friends and benefactors are in the daily prayers of the monks Continued on page 23 19
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Kansas Monks
Kansas Monks Photos by Br. Lawrence Bradford, Dan Madden and Sophia Harrison
THE
Stations OF Cross
Fall 2007
Above, Brother Leven Harton puts the finishing touches on the 13th station. At right, the Abbot leads a procession during the blessing of the new outdoor Way of The Cross.
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‘Come, all you who pass by the way. Look and see whether there is any suffering like my suffering.’ Lamentations 1:12
Photo by Br. Lawrence Bradford
Photo by Sophia Harrison
An outdoor Way of the Cross was constructed this summer on the hill north of the Abbey cemetery for use by the monks, Benedictine College students and friends of the Abbey. The project, begun earlier this year by Brother Leven Harton and former Brother Ignatius Soukup, with carpentry assistance by Jim Carter, was finished when a small group, including the Prior, young monks, friends of the Abbey and visiting Brazilian monks dug holes and installed the stations. On Aug. 4 friends and communit members gathered for a blessing ceremony composed and led by Abbot Barnabas Senecal.
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Kieran
Continued from page 6
Naming
Continued from page 18 Guest House Ramp and Accessible Entrance $50,000 A stone ramp with iron rails and a larger, more accessible entryway welcomes guests who seek information 22
or accommodation from the monks. (Benedictine Sisters of Mount Saint Scholastica) Guest House Lobby and Information Center $100,000 An expanded lobby, with a switchboard and reception
Campaign
Continued from page 19
Given a new lease on life, Father Kieran is celebrating Masses in Brazil now.
As this issue of Kansas Monks went to press, Father Kieran was settling in, back in Brazil, where he had for so long fought for peace and justice. The government there is no longer as oppressive, but there are still poor people. Bishop Matthias is dead, and there are murmurs among some to launch his canonization effort. Father Kieran is no longer pastor to multitudes, living instead the more sedate area, better serves Abbey and Benedictine College guests. Guest House South Entrance $25,000 A more accessible doorway offers a view of the Missouri River valley beyond the Abbey overlook.
life of a chaplain. Asked before he left where home was – the Kansas plains where he grew up and first professed his monastic vows, or the Brazilian countryside where he found inspiration and passion in a people who touched his soul with their sincere hospitality – Father Kieran gave a gentle nod to St. Benedict. “Home,” he said, “is a monastery.” Monastery Bell System $5,000 A new electronic bell system has been installed to call monks to the guest house. The melodic bells are less disruptive to the cloister than a voice intercom system.
as well. For without a doubt, nothing that the monks of St. Benedict’s have accomplished in the past 150 years has been possible without the generosity of our friends.” The accessibility project cost approximately $2 million, while the roof and window projects each cost about $1 million. One challenge in reaching out to alumni of Benedictine College has been the misconception that St. Benedict’s Abbey and Benedictine College are the same entity, when in fact they are two separate entities. While the Abbey sponsors and heartily supports the College, the monks and the college have their own fundraising needs separate from one another. As a co-founder of the college St. Benedict’s Abbey obviously encourages charitable giving to both institutions. The monks have also announced naming opportuni-
From the editor Continued from page 2
evil spirits always lurk over the left shoulder. The word sinister comes from the Latin root meaning “left,” and the English word left comes from “lyft,” meaning “worthless.” And for generations lefthanded children who attended Catholic schools were forced through corporal punishment to become righties. The postcard Abbot Barnabas gave me sparked conversation and an eventual friendship. I recall thinking that I wouldn’t mind working for a man like him someday. Little
Kansas Monks ties to encourage contributions (see previous page). Another temporary impetus to give to the campaign is the current Pension Protection Act enacted by Congress, which allows people over 70½ years old to donate as much as $100,000 from their individual retirement accounts to charity. The distributions are
tax-free and count toward the minimum required distribution that IRA holders in that age group must take from their accounts each year. This rule will end Dec. 31 unless Congress extends it. Hegarty implored potential benefactors out there that now is the time to step forward. He noted that because of good
stewardship the monks have traditionally made changes to their facilities through their standard operating budget, but these new projects were simply too large for that path. “The last time the monks launched a capital campaign was 50 years ago, and that was to build the Abbey Church,” Hegarty said. “Until we finish this campaign, we can’t turn fund-raising dollars to important issues like endowments for vocation and recruitment, education of young monks, and care for retired monks.”
Photo by Sophia Harrison
sive military government and widespread corruption. Father Kieran was pastor of the cathedral there, where he ministered to an area that included two cities, seven villages and 23 rural communities. “Bishop Matthias took very seriously the pastoral program assumed by the conference of bishops in Latin America, called the ‘preferential pastoral option for the poor,’” Father Kieran recalls. “One pastoral objective, among others, was to alleviate poverty by raising the level of awareness among the poor so they could participate in meaningful change through community organizations. “Probably what we accomplished more than anything was that we gave the farm workers and the poor an opportunity to express themselves as subjects of their history rather than as objects of somebody’s charity or political manipulation.” However, for all of his work to make an impact on the people of Brazil, perhaps the more indelible imprint was being made on Father Kieran. “The Brazilian people are simple, sincere, hospitable people,” he says, eyes dancing, and emotion lilting in his voice. “They have a very profound religious faith. The expression of it is different than in the religious institution.”
By way of example, Father Kieran scoots forward in his seat and tells of the Feast of St. John the Baptist. “It is a great family feast,” he says with a flourish of the hand. “In this sense more important than Christmas.” Continuing with a smile: “Five hundred thousand people leave the city of Salvador, Bahia, and return to their family farms or rural areas for this family feast. All the farms houses and cities in the rural areas have fires lit in the fronts, roasting corn, and the people are all visiting with one another and dancing a kind of square dance. There is a myth attached to the feast that when John the Baptist was born, the people lit fires on the hillsides to spread the news.” Father Kieran’s time in Brazil came to an end two years ago when he decided to return to the States to be with his sibling, Sister of Charity Mary Helen McInerney. She had been seriously ill for several years, and he wanted to spend some time with her. But within months, he was struck down by the mysterious infection that baffled doctors, followed by the recovery that baffled them even more. Sister Mary Helen died while he was still recovering from his illness, but he managed to con-celebrate at her funeral from his wheelchair. In April of this year, Father Kieran’s last sibling, his older brother, died of cancer.
Fall 2007
Health Services staffers Marilyn Robertson (left), and Helen Skidmore and monks (left to right) Father William Thompson, Father Gilbert Wolters, and Father Basil Finken use the new Abbey Church accessibility ramp which is the result of The Journey Forward capitol campaign.
did I know at the time that a few years later that thought would become reality when Abbot Barnabas appointed me director of development for his community. Now I enjoy the honor of being touched each day by the hospitality and generous hearts of Abbot Barnabas and his entire community of Benedictine monks, all while receiving a livelihood for me and my family. And as a bonus I can go visit the left-handed Jesus any time I like. In the short time I have worked at St. Benedict’s Abbey, I have heard many tales of monks who have touched the lives of people, either
through their dedicated work at Benedictine College and Maur Hill-Mount Academy, through their hospitable stewardship of the Guest House, through their pastoral service in parishes, We would like to hear your stories. Write to us about a monk or monks who have made a positive impact on your life, whether profound, simple, humorous or spiritual. We will publish some of these stories in Kansas Monks. Don’t fall victim to writer’s anxiety. We’re not looking for articles that are the most polished or poetic. Simply write from the heart. We’ll even accept writing from left-handed people.
For more information on the Journey Forward campaign, contact the St. Benedict’s Abbey Office of Development at (913) 360-7897 or send an e-mail to development@kansasmonks.org Donations can be sent to: St. Benedict’s Abbey, Office of Development, 1020 N. 2nd Street Atchison, KS 66002
Try to keep your testimonials within 500 words, and we of course reserve the right to edit any piece that we choose to publish. However, we will try to seek your approval for any substantial editorial changes we make. Send your stories to me at dmadden@kansasmonks.org or mail them to my attention at the Office of Development, St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1020 North 2nd Street, Atchison, 66002. Now, it’s your turn.
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Photo by Dan Madden
Courage of Christ: Bearing the cross for others
This homily was delivered by Prior James Albers on Sept. 28. There will be very few among us, if any at all, who will be called to declare the words of Peter, “You are the Christ,” unto death on a cross. But each of us must carry a cross every day of our lives and be ready to die on it. What this means is that we cannot be the disciples of the crucified Christ without accepting to be like him in everyday life. When Peter tells Jesus that he is the Christ, Peter is also saying, in other words, that apart from Jesus no other Messiah is to be expected; he’s the one, nothing else in Peter’s life will matter.
The Messiah has already come, we must not expect another one, nothing else in our lives should matter. What we must understand is that Christ did not want to transform the world in a moment, letting us play the role of passive spectators. He entered completely in the sufferings of the world, bearing our sickness, our sorrows, our crimes, as well as our joys. And he invites us to actively do the same by giving our lives for each other, day after day. This is the only way by which, strengthened by the Spirit, that we will transform the world around us. We must then have the courage of repeating Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ.”
An example of this courage can be found in one of the images of our fresco here in the Abbey Church. In the upper right hand corner is depicted our founder, Father Henry Lemke, as he cares for a sick young man. This man was with a group of ruffians who had camped out in the fields surrounding the town of Doniphan one winter night during the days of “Bleeding Kansas” – the late 1850s to early 1860s. The group of ruffians were present to try and convince us “Jayhawkers” to vote pro-slavery as Kansas moved toward statehood. When the young man awoke the following cold winter morning, he had frostbite on his feet. Father
Henry garnered the assistance of a couple of locals to help carry him back to his shack in Doniphan. The young man soon developed an infection and no doctor was available to care for him. Father Henry took on the responsibility of caring for him for more than three weeks before the young man died from the infection. During these weeks and the discussions Father Henry and the young man had, Father Henry was able to bring this young man – a fallenaway Catholic – back into the Church; hearing his confession, giving him Communion on several occasions, and providing him with last rights on his death bed. Father Henry in a small way took up this young man’s cross and helped him in carrying it. Our faith in Christ and our participation in his cross mysteriously transforms our personal lives as well as the life of our community, and in ways we do not understand, it transforms the world. With our confession, the way we live, we should make those around us stop and ask with astonishment, “Where have you thus learned to live in love and to suffer in joy?” We have but one excuse, one explanation to this question, and we turn now to him in this Eucharist.
Spaces going fast for Abbot’s Historical Pilgrimage There are still spots available for the St. Benedict’s Abbey Sesquicentennial Pilgrimage to be hosted by Abbot Barnabas Senecal April 7-17, 2008, but they are going fast.. The pilgrimage, which will include a visit to St. Benedict’s Abbey’s grandmother abbey in Metten, Germany, con24
sists of a beautiful journey from Munich, Germany, through Bavaria and Austrian. Included will be stops at famous Austrian cities of Salzburg and Vienna. The trip is limited to 40 people and the cost is $2,795 per person (sharing a twin room), plus air taxes, which are presently $235.
This historical pilgrimage includes round-trip air fare from Kansas City, nine nights in first-class hotels, daily Mass at celebrated shrines, and deluxe motorcoach transportation. To reserve a spot or receive more information, contact Travel Tyme at 1-800886-2151.
Kansas Monks
Marked with the sign of Faith
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From the Abbey Altar
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c
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Sylvester Schmitz, O.S.B.(1888-1953)
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he father of the modern St. Benedict’s College, known as “the Bear” by generations of college students, died at age 65 of a heart ailment at St. Margaret’s Hospital, Kansas City, Kan. He was born at St. Benedict (Wildcat), St. Mary Parish, Nemaha Co., Kan. He did his preparatory school work in Atchison and later at St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn. He made first
Editor’s Note: Abbot
Owen Purcell is at work compiling a necrology of St. Benedict’s Abbey, a volume of brief profiles on each of the deceased members of the Abbey from its founding to
profession in 1909 and was ordained priest June 28, 1912. For a time he taught Latin, Greek, and mathematics at St. Benedict’s before doing graduate work at Columbia University. Father Sylvester and Abbot Martin Veth were the only teachers in the first Summer School started at Mount Saint Scholastica in 1919. He later earned a doctorate from the Catholic University of America in psychology
and education in 1927. Dom Thomas Verner Moore, OSB, was one of his teachers. On his return to Atchison he began the process of changing St. Benedict’s College from offering a European style curriculum to being a genuine modern liberal arts College. Accreditation from the North Central Association and the University of Kansas were attained, degrees in the liberal arts and sciences be-
the present. This document offers a thorough, poignant and often entertaining look into the history of the Abbey, one monk at a time. In order to provide our readers with some insight into the lives
of the men who have made the history of St. Benedict’s, Kansas Monks will publish one or more of these profiles in each issue. If you have an anecdote about the monks you read about in these pro-
came a reality. Intercollegiate athletics began to flourish. Father Sylvester wrote in various journals on educational matters. He decried the neglect of the teaching of spelling in the elementary schools. His dissertation was entitled, “The Adjustment of Teacher Training to Modern Educational Needs.” Though classically trained, “his influence on education in the middle west was to liberalize and modernize it,” said The Atchison Daily Globe. Classical he was and he loved to teach Latin to beginners at St. Benedict’s College. Each year he offered a 6-houra-week, no-credit course for anyone who wanted to learn, largely students for the priesthood. During their exams he often played the zither which he built while his beleaguered students were trying to concentrate. Father Sylvester built not only a zither but also a boat that he sailed on the Missouri River. He also built a storage facility for it and the oars. The building was sometimes referred to as “Father Sylvester’s ‘Oar’ house.” Of such stuff legends are made.
files or about any other deceased monks, Abbot Owen would enjoy hearing from you. You may contact him by telephone: (913) 360-7817, or more easily by e-mail: ojposb@yahoo.com.
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Fall 2007
Kansas Monks
Conversion of Life:
A daily, even hourly, pursuit
Br. John Peto Director of Oblates
T
his time I would like to share a reflection on the Benedictine vow of “Conversion of Life.” To me this vow is a major part of being a Benedictine monastic or oblate. Although oblates do not take vows they try to follow Benedictine life as closely as possible. To me a committed Catholic Christian is one who is daily growing in his or her faith commitment. We have all made vows of one kind or another, e.g. baptism, confirmation, marriage or religious life. Just how alive is that vow today? By this I ask, Am I continuing to grow in my understanding of my faith, my prayer life, my
commitment to bring about the reign of God, or has my spiritual life become rather stagnant? Am I satisfied with letting life go on as it has for the past years or do I want to renew my faith on a daily basis? To me the conversion of life is one of the best tools for continuing spiritual growth. One can commit oneself to marriage or the consecrated life and do a fairly good job at living the vows but not grow from day to day. My vow of conversion of life must daily be renewed in every one of my activities. Is my prayer life alive and growing? How do I approach the difficult people in my life? What does my commitment to celibacy or the married state mean to me today? There are many other questions that could be asked but each of us will have to make his or her own list and review it frequently. Oblates of St. Benedict have an excellent opportunity to grow in the spiritual life, especially through daily reading of the Sacred Scripture. If you have five minutes a day to sit quietly and read the
Gospel for the following Sunday and ponder it I believe you will have a deeper appreciation of the Word at Holy Mass on Sunday. It isn’t the amount of time we spend but the quality of the time we spend with the Lord each day. Conversion can’t be a once in a life time
experience if it is going to make sense in our lives. It is an ongoing daily – even hourly – call. We now experience the beautiful days of autumn so let us bring a little of that beauty into our lives so that others can say there goes someone who is trying to live a Christ-like existence.
Kansas Monks
BROTHER JOHN’S POWER SPOT by James Fleming The memorial near the top of the high bluff above the slow winding river at the edge of the orchard just beyond the cemetery should have a warning: When you sit alone On this stone bench across from the stone angel the tree holding the sign telling the story of Brother John and his dogs, now in Heaven Do not be fooled by the silence and the solitude for soon will a wind come up drawing you into whirl of Spirit finding yourself suddenly more aware than you might have wanted to be about how small your heart is
Inspired by experiences near a small memorial to Brother John Kaighin on the grounds of St. Benedict’s Abbey.
And this could be quite shocking Surprise assault on confines of tiny heart and mind Holy One showing up unannounced shattering familiar you familiar world revealing now you to you and He to you: Real You and Spirit together at last
Quiet solitude can be an important time in the search for daliy conversion of life.
Fund-raising monk CD still selling well The recording, which has drawn fans of the “Singing Abbot,” is still available at a cost of of $25. To order a CD by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard), call the Office of Development at (913) 360-7897. There is a $2 charge for postage and handling. All proceeds go to the Journey Forward capital campaign to benefit St. Benedict’s Abbey.
Ah! But what a sweet, strange mixture! pain of stain and smallness light and bliss of union both unknown to blind eyes, tiny heart ‘till now and pain more painful still with burning love so deep, so wide, so real! And now with heart purging, eyes opening questions shouting pleading demanding Spirit may leave you Alone again: stone bench, stone angel Brother John Contemplating the higher things His dogs swirling round him even more full of joy now And you: changed forever
Photo by Dan Madden
“On a Musical Journey,” a collection of sacred music recorded by Abbot Barnabas Senecal and the St. Benedict’s Abbey Schola, is still available and selling quite well. The CD features Gregorian chant in both English and Latin, contemporary sacred music, organ solos, and includes music composed by monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey. 26
Fall 2007
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Kansas Monks
Fall 2007
Photo by Sophia Harrison
Then he prayed again, and the Heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest. -James 5:18
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Kansas Monks USPS 290-760 Abbey Offices 913.367.7853 www.kansasmonks.org
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