Volume 9 • Issue 2 • Fall 2009
A B B EY
BANNER Magazine of Saint John’s Abbey
Abbey Stamp Collection, 4
First printed postage stamps, 1840 Vatican stamp for Benedictine sesquimillennium
Cruise Ship Chaplains, 7 Blessing of Stella Maris and Blessed Sacrament Chapels, 9 40th Anniversary of Permanent Deacons’ Program, 11 10th Anniversary of Fujimi, 13
1934 Blue Mallard Duck stamp
Profession and ordination jubilarians, 16 Summer building projects, 18 Benedictine Volunteers, 20 Obituaries: William Borgerding, OSB, James Tingerthal, OSB, 22
1847 Benjamin Franklin stamp
1847 George Washington stamp Mt. Rainier stamp
Abbey Chronicle, 24 Monks in the Kitchen, 27 AND MORE Grand Canyon stamp
Abbey Stamp Collection
Contents Aelred Senna, OSB
Pages 4, 5, 6 Cover Story
Aelred Senna, OSB
This 1980 Vatican stamp commemorates the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Benedict (480 A.D.), the Patron Saint of Europe.
The Abbey Stamp Collection by Daniel Durken, OSB
Features 7 Ship chaplains go “sailing, sailing...” by Daniel Durken, OSB
11 40th anniversary of first program for permanent deacons
9 Blessing of Stella Maris and Blessed Sacrament chapels by Michael Mullin
18 Summer construction and renovation projects
Articles Editorials 3 From editor and abbot Mission 13 Fujimi, Japan, monastery celebrates tenth anniversary Jubilees 16 Profession and ordination jubilarians Benedictine Volunteers 20 Seventeen volunteers begin new year at eight sites
Obituaries 22 William Borgerding, OSB, James Tingerthal, OSB The Abbey Chronicle 24 Highlights of April, May, June and July, 2009 Banner Bits 14 New leadership appointments 28 Monastic formation directors meet 28 A new abbey associate 29 Eileen Haeg, PAC, retires from Health Center
30 Mary Reischel and Judy Ruprecht retire Monks in the Kitchen 27 Mark Thamert’s grilled Thanksgiving turkey Spiritual Life 31 Retreats and Sundays at the Abbey lectures Back Cover Celebrating a Year for Priests
NOTE: Please send your change of address to: Ruth Athmann at rathmann@csbsju.edu or P.O. Box 7222, Collegeville, Minnesota 56321-7222 or call 800-635-7303. Editor: D aniel Durken, OSB ddurken@csbsju.edu Copy Editor and Proofreader: Dolores Schuh, CHM
Abbey Banner Magazine of Saint John’s Abbey Volume 9, Issue 2 Fall 2009
Designer: Pam Rolfes Circulation: Ruth Athmann, Cathy Wieme, Mary Gouge Printer: Palmer Printing, Waite Park, Minnesota
Abbey Banner is published three times annually (spring, fall, winter) by the Benedictine monks of Saint John’s Abbey for our relatives, friends and Oblates. Abbey Banner is online at www.saintjohnsabbey.org/banner/index.html Saint John’s Abbey, Box 2015, Collegeville, Minnesota 56321-2015
FROM EDITOR AND ABBOT
Water Worries by Daniel Durken, OSB
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etween the biblical creation story’s opening mention of a mighty wind sweeping over the waters of the primordial ocean to the concluding account of “the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:1), there are more than 700 references to water in the Bible. A people whose ancestors spent forty years in the desert of Sinai could not forget the precious gift of water. As news of droughts increase, there is cause for us to worry about water. Recently I viewed a distressing message on the issue of bottled water. I learned these startling facts: • Bottled water costs about 1900 times more than tap water. • The average U.S. citizen spends over $400 annually for bottled water. • Every year consumers spend $100 billion on bottled water. • Our health is damaged by toxic chemicals leached from bottled water. • In 2004 bottled water usage numbered 26 billion liters and 28 billion plastic bottles. • 1500 water bottles end up as garbage every second. I invite our readers to stop using bottled water and join the Benedictine women of Saint Benedict’s Monastery of St. Joseph, Minnesota, and the Franciscan Sisters and Associates of Little Falls, Minnesota, who oppose the privatization of water and the use of bottled water unless absolutely necessary. During the United Nation’s Decade of Water (20052015), the following beliefs and principles are worthy of consideration and acceptance: 1. Water is sacred. It belongs to all life on earth. 2. Earth’s fresh water must be protected and conserved. (The amount of fresh water on the earth is only 2.6% of the total.) 3. Every person must have access to enough safe water to meet essential needs. 4. It is everyone’s responsibility to use water sparingly and with care. Our commitment to resolve the water crisis is the overflow of the baptismal water that initiated our commitment by and to Jesus Christ. +
Vocation: Where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet by Abbot John Klassen, OSB
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n his book Wishful Thinking, theologian Frederick Buechner defines vocation in a fresh way. “The kind of work God usually calls you to is the kind of work that you need most to do and that the world most needs to have done . . . The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Buechner intends this to be a broad definition, to include all kinds of human activity for the good of the world, including religious and priestly life. One of the things that makes John the Baptist so attractive is his clear sense of vocation. “The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name” (Isaiah 49:1). John the Baptist proclaims the reign of God through a baptism of repentance. His message is direct and often harsh. To the crowds: “Share your extra cloak or food with the person who has none.” To soldiers: “Stop bullying.” To tax collectors: “Collect only what is owed.” Sharp and direct, no one would ever accuse John of being mushy or having a light touch. Yet the message is never about John. It is about the mysterious One who is to come, the mightier One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, whose sandals he is not worthy to fasten. It is this built-in self deprecation and clear sense of vocation that connect directly to Christ and his ministry, that has endeared John the Baptist to monastics through the ages. Saint Benedict dedicated his first chapel on Monte Cassino to John the Baptist. If this is where the vision and learning of John ended, it would be a great learning. But there is another piece. He points us to Christ: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” This is where our deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet—in the person of Christ. +
Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 3
FEATURE Brother Isaac Connolly, OSB, custodian of the abbey stamp collection
The Abbey Stamp Collection
“An estimated 25 million people collect stamps in the United States alone. Worldwide, there are more than 200 million collectors” (essortment.com).
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here is only one vault in the Breuer wing of Saint John’s Abbey. Entry to the vault is made through a steel door with a special combination lock. Behind that locked steel door is the abbey’s prestigious stamp collection. One of the few monks who know the combination of that lock is Isaac Connolly, OSB, the current custodian of the collection. Brother Isaac got stuck on stamps as a five-year-old when his uncle went to India and sent letters home
bearing that faraway country’s stamps. Since Isaac has the same birth date, May 24, as Queen Victoria whose image appears on the world’s first postage stamp (the so-called “Penny Black,” issued by Britain in 1840), such a coincidence confirmed his choice of a hobby. Even before his first profession of vows as a Benedictine monk in 1975, Isaac began helping with the collection that got its start as early as 1860, four years after the arrival of the pio-
Vatican stamps commemorating the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Benedict
page 4 Abbey Banner Fall 2009
Daniel Durken, OSB
by Daniel Durken, OSB
neer monks in Collegeville. Given the foreign background of many of the early members of the community, the stamps on letters from their European families and friends provided a good source for the incipient collection. Missionary monks in the Bahamas, Mexico and Japan, young monks studying in European schools, and traveling monks who put into practice the motto “Join the Benedictines and see the world” added more stamps.
FEATURE Liturgical Press, which in 1926 became a mail-order operation with international customers, provided a daily source of stamped envelopes. The U.S. Post Office in Collegeville was another regular source of new stamps. The abbey’s association with world-wide Benedictine and other monastic and religious communities, plus the far flung alumni of the prep school, university and seminary provided still more stamps.
every member of the United Nations. He has also collected First Day Issue stamps, duck stamps, and Canadian stamps.
Monks involved in the collection of stamps over the years include Richard Eckroth, Urban Steiner (deceased), Shawn Sullivan (deceased), Martin Rath, Elmer Cichy (deceased), George Primus and Gregory Eibensteiner. Brother Gregory is responsible for the complete set of United Nations Stamps, a colorful assortment of stamps from
One of the most interesting stamps in the abbey’s collection is the one attached to an envelope addressed to Demetrius Hagman, OSB, stationed in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, mailed on December 20, 1933, and postmarked “Little America, Antarctica.”
Daniel Durken, OSB
The Collegeville collection was nearly doubled in size in 1948 when the widow of Albert M. Leitschuh,
a 1902 SJU alumnus and prominent Minneapolis insurance agent, presented his extensive collection to the abbey.
Brother Gregory holds a book of United Nations stamps.
Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 5
FEATURE The letter reads as follows:
emetrius,
Father D . v e R r a e D
m the Byrd o fr r e tt le is s ing th s of the Ros e r We are writ o h s e th n amp o to Dunedin, e r e h Expedition C m o fr o tter will g o or Sea. This le an Francisc S to n e th d d an New Zealan each you. r l il w it n e th New York; ’s day, the r e m m u s id arm m As it is a w below zero. ˚ 6 t u o b a is temperature pedition is to x e r u o r fo dly son c, and secon ti The first rea c r ta n A e map th ice. explore and kness of the ic th e th r e v to disco r, s you, Fathe e h c a e r r e tt this le ited States. n U By the time e th in r -summe it will be mid yours, Respectfully ayne Kelly W d n a e tt e c u Clarence Do
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Postage stamps originated in Great Britain where the first adhesive stamp (the idea of a certain Sir Rowland Hill) to prepay the delivery of mail was issued May 6, 1840. The idea of prepaying for the delivery of mail was so successful that by 1860 more than seventy countries were using postage stamps. The United States issued its first two stamps in 1847 that carried the images of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. Both are in the Collegeville collection. The future of stamp collecting may appear bleak due to the popularity of e-mail and other electronic modes of communication. However, both the telegraph and telephone were revolutionary alternatives to physical mail when introduced in the 19th century, yet they did not spell the end of snail-mail and stamps. Many collectors complain today that there are too many new types of stamps to keep up with each year, and that the flood seems to be increasing rather than decreasing. The day may come when a larger vault will be needed in the Breuer wing. +
FEATURE Father Wilfred ready to board his cruise liner
John Theisen
The logo of the World Council of Churches is a ship. Oikoumene is the Greek word for ecumenical.
Ship chaplains go “sailing, sailing, over the bounding main.” by Daniel Durken, OSB
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“Land is created to provide a place for steamers to visit” (Brooks Atkinson).
rom the ark that Noah built to save his family and numerous beasts and birds to the boat Jesus used as his floating pulpit on the Sea of Galilee, and from St. Paul’s sailing the Mediterranean and experiencing three shipwrecks to the ship as an early symbol of the Church, it is not surprising that Benedictine priests of Saint John’s have responded positively to requests to serve as ship chaplains. The lavishness of luxury liners may make it inappropriate for a monk-priest to accept an assignment famous for the quantity and
quality of its cuisine and entertainment. Yet passengers consistently express their appreciation to the chaplain and are grateful for the opportunity to participate at shipboard Masses on Sundays, feast days and weekdays. The chaplain serves not just passengers but the parishioners of his floating parish. Here are the short reports of six Collegeville ship chaplains.
bean cruises; routes off the coasts of South America and Mexico; several trips to New Zealand and Australia; three successive tours that kept him on board for five weeks while visiting Barcelona, Rome, Venice and Istanbul. Father Barnabas’ tours have mostly been on ships of the Holland-America Line that by policy has a Catholic chaplain aboard every cruise.
Barnabas Laubach, OSB, holds the record for some fifteen cruises including: a final seasonal tour to Alaska during which there was only a half-hour of sunshine the whole week; several Carib-
Roman Paur, OSB, Cletus Connors, OSB, and Jonathan Fischer, OSB, were chaplains on separate six-day Christmas cruises of the Royal Caribbean Line. Chaplain duties included Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 7
FEATURE
Father Jonathan composed a five-page summary of his cruise on the 2,052-passenger “Paradise” that sailed from Miami to Nassau, San Juan and St. Thomas Island. He presided at Christmas Midnight Mass, the Mass on Christmas morning and each of the following days, and an interdenominational service. He took the “Historical Highlight Tour” of Nassau and visited the Cathedral of San Juan. He writes glowingly of the ship’s smoke-free policy, the several large dining areas serving “simply fabuliscious” meals, and the smooth sailing due to large winglike stabilizers folding out from the sides of the ship’s hull to improve the stability of the vessel by 7080% during rough weather. Corwin Collins, OSB, began his cruise from Barcelona, Spain, with 3,200 passengers and a crew of 2,000 on the “Navigator of the Sea” of the Royal Caribbean Line. The first stop was southeastern Spain’s major seaport of Cartagepage 8 Abbey Banner Fall 2009
Three liners in the harbor of St. Thomas Island
na, a walled city founded in 227 B.C. and settled as part of the Roman Empire. Then on to the Azores, the Portuguese islands about 950 miles from Lisbon and composed of some of the tallest mountains on earth as measured from their base at the ocean bottom. After a stop at Nassau, the ship disembarked at Fort Lauderdale. Father Corwin offered daily and Sunday Masses and conducted an interdenominational service. The outstanding feature of the cruise was the plentiful and varied food. Wilfred Theisen, OSB, made his maiden voyage in mid-May, 2009, on the “Radiance of the Sea” of the Royal Caribbean Line with 2,400 passengers and a crew of 600. From San Diego the liner sailed up the west coast to the inner passage north of Juneau, Alaska. Father
Jonathan Fischer, OSB
Father Cletus was very busy during his Christmas week cruise from Los Angeles down the coast of Mexico and back. Passengers taking the cruise to recover from the grief of divorce or the death of a loved one asked him for spiritual consolation and counseling.
Jonathan Fischer, OSB
the celebration of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in a ballroom crammed with people of various faith traditions, as well as daily Mass. Father Roman was asked to bless several Jewish wedding anniversaries, do pastoral counseling, and anoint an ill guest who was airlifted off the ship by helicopter.
Jonathan’s room on board ship
Wilfred noted that extra items such as on-shore tours and merchandise in the ship’s shops were pricey. He visited the Gold Rush Cemetery of Skagway, Alaska, that bills itself as the “Gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898.” He especially enjoyed watching the breaking up of shoreline glaciers and the memorable menus. He is planning a Caribbean cruise during Christmas week. These chaplains learned quickly that “sailing over the bounding main” is a genuine pastoral and spiritual experience. +
FEATURE The renovated chapel
Stella Maris Chapel renovated and blessed
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ditor’s Note: Sunny skies, a welcome warm temperature and no mosquitoes on June 13 provided the perfect setting for the blessing of the renovated Stella Maris Chapel.
Stella Maris and Chapel Island
eventually eliminated the island aspect. In April, 1903, the chapel was destroyed by lightning.
by Michael Mullin
About forty folks hiked or drove to the site, gathered in the chapel and were welcomed by Michael Mullin, Director of Development for Saint John’s Preparatory School, who oversaw the renovation project. Michael gave a brief history (excerpted below).
his picturesque chapel nestled among the trees of Lake Sagatagan’s southeastern shore has fascinated generations of students and visitors.
In June, 1915, a new chapel was built of red cement blocks with white stones for the spire, arches, windows and doors. An altar with a statue of Mary was installed. This structure remains the frame of the present chapel.
Abbot John Klassen, OSB, presided at the blessing. After scripture readings and general intercessions, water brought from the lake was blessed, the chapel was sprinkled inside and out and the blessing invoked. Cyril Paul, ’59 SJU alumnus, sang the “Ave Maria” and the group prayed the Litany of the Blessed Virgin.
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Since 1872 the chapel has stood on Doctor’s Island, named after English professor Alyward who lost his goldrimmed glasses in the water at the site. Junior monks planned a chapel to commemorate the loss. On July 11 (the Feast of Saint Benedict) that year the cornerstone was laid of a small Gothic chapel, sixteen feet long and twelve feet wide. The interior was never finished so no services were held there. The chapel, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, was eventually named Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) and the area was renamed Chapel Island. Droughts
Subsequent neglect, vandalism, and use of the building as a shelter by some of the abbey’s dairy herd contributed to the chapel’s slow decay. In 1943 a substantial renovation included the addition of fieldstone buttresses, a new cornerstone, altar and locked gate. In 1989 a new roof and general repairs were made. When Prep alumnus Don Hall hiked to the chapel during the Collegeville Colors Celebration in October, 2004, he discovered that this quaint, historic, romantic structure looked quite different from a distance than it did close up. He expected a spiritual place of pilgrimage and found a shell of a Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 99
FEATURE building whose barren interior fell short of inspirational.
Star of the Sea window by Dietrich Spahn
Don and his wife Marion offered to support the renovation of the chapel as the Prep School’s sesquicentennial birthday gift to the greater Saint John’s community. He invited his friend Ed Sovik, a renowned architect from Northfield, Minnesota, to join him in the effort. Dietrich Spahn created the beautiful stained glass windows. Alexander Tylevich produced the stunning bronze sculpture of the pregnant Mary. Janey Westin’s calligraphy scripted the Magnificat, the pregnant Mary’s prayer when she visited her cousin Elizabeth pregnant with John the Baptist. With enormous gratitude to Don and Marion Hall and all who helped to make it happen, we gather to dedicate and to bless this most recent rendition of Stella Maris. +
Don and Marion Hall at the sculpture of the pregnant Mary
Photos by Daniel Durken, OSB
The bronze statue of Mary by Alexander Tylevich
Blessed Sacrament Chapel dedicated
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Daniel Durken, OSB
he Ascension of Jesus was celebrated on Sunday, May 24, but the Lord’s promise of “I will be with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) was confirmed by the long-awaited dedication of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the abbey church by Abbot John immediately following the community Eucharist that morning. The new chapel is now open and accessible directly from the church at the northeast corner of the building. Abbot John incenses the tabernacle of the chapel.
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The place and space of the chapel is an architectural jewel, designed by Vincent James Associates Architects of Minneapolis, who also designed the Abbey Guesthouse. The main contractor was Saint Paul Fabricating. The chapel’s contemplative atmosphere invites visitors to spend prayerful time with Emmanuel, God With Us. +
FEATURE Father Kieran, diaconate program director
Daniel Durken, OSB
40th anniversary of Saint John’s first program for permanent deacons
“Deacons are dedicated to the People of God in the service of the liturgy, of the Gospel and of works of charity.” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, #29)
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he deacon’s role may have evolved from the appointment of “seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom,” who assisted the apostles in service to the early Christian community (Acts 6:3-6). While the permanent diaconate flourished during the church’s first three centuries, its permanent aspect disappeared and was replaced by the transitional diaconate, a temporary stage on the way to priestly ordination. Renewed interest in the permanent diaconate began when a group of Catholic men, imprisoned in the Dachau concentration camp during
World War II, expressed concern about the church’s response to the needs of the post-war world. To this end, the International Diaconate Circle was formed in 1959 with a goal of restoring the permanent diaconate. The Second Vatican Council mandated this restoration in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (#29) and the Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity (#16). In 1967, Pope Paul VI issued General Norms for Restoring the Permanent Diaconate and in 1968, the Holy See permitted Catholic bishops of the United States to establish the permanent diaconate.
Saint John’s Seminary was one of four schools chosen to develop a formation program for permanent diaconate candidates. Kieran Nolan, OSB, was appointed the director. During his theological studies in Munich in the early 1960s Father Kieran served as weekend chaplain at an American installation occupying part of the former Dachau camp. So it was that forty years ago, in August 1969, the pioneer program for ten permanent diaconate candidates and their wives was inaugurated at Saint John’s. Five successive summer workshops at Saint John’s included
Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 11
FEATURE
Two of the first diaconate candidates returned to Saint John’s this past summer to reminisce with Kieran who came from Fujimi, Japan, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination. Deacon Tom Kasbohm of Bloomington, Minnesota, commented on his experience: “I have learned that deacons are not ‘lone rangers.’ Because of our diversity we need to pool the resources of a larger number of senior deacons to provide validity and reliability to what we have learned over these forty years. “We were told to be ‘trail blazers’ and ‘bridges’ to connect laity and clergy in God’s Kingdom. The flame for our trail blazing and the bridge to others is the Holy Spirit. I am grateful to the Lord for the fruits of the restored diaconate.” Deacon Ray Shaw of Philippi, West Virginia, stated: “Most important have been Father Kieran’s friendship, the abbey’s commitment to his dream and the ecumenical spirit so alive at Saint John’s. My late wife Anne, a lifelong Episcopalian, and I served with the West Virginia Council of Churches for many years, she representing her church, and I representing mine. “At my ordination Father Kieran emphasized the need for an active prayer life. I have tried to join my prayers to the daily rhythm of prayer at Saint John’s. Having visited Saint John’s only three times since my ordination in 1974, now in retirement I plan to return more often.” page 12 Abbey Banner Fall 2009
Saint John’s School of Theology• Seminary currently enrolls nine permanent deacon candidates for the Diocese of Saint Cloud. The diocese requires that all candidates earn a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies. Kieran and Victor Klimoski, the School of Theology’s director of Lifelong Learning, are surveying twenty of the first candidates of the Saint John’s program to learn the candidates’ reason for becoming deacons, the most memorable features of their Permanent deacons Ray Shaw and Tom Kasbohm formation and their greatest challenges as deacons. According to the 2009 Official States. Worldwide there are 31,000 Catholic Directory there are 16,935 permanent deacons. + permanent deacons in the United
Is the purpose of the permanent diaconate to alleviate the shortage of priests? Among the reasons for restoring the diaconate was that this would help alleviate the shortage of priests. Deacons would be able to perform many of the functions of priest and help create and sustain a sense of Christian community among people who rarely saw a priest. This consideration is still valid and compelling in particular situations. But it is not a satisfactory rationale if it is taken to imply that the diaconate is merely an expedient, a temporary solution to a problem for which there would be no particular need if there were enough priests. On the contrary, the central fact about the diaconate is that it is an integral part of the three-fold hierarchy of orders [deacon, priest, bishop] with its own intrinsic reason and right to exist quite apart from the circumstances of a particular era and place which may give it special timeliness. --“A Brief History of the Permanent Diaconate,” author unknown
Daniel Durken, OSB
courses in scripture, pastoral counseling, theology of the church, moral theology and preaching. Each candidate was supervised by a local priest mentor.
MISSION
Trinity Benedictine Monastery, Fujimi, Japan, celebrates tenth anniversary The Japanese word for welcome is jokoso.
Paul Richards, OSB
by Roman Paur, OSB
Front row, l. to r.: Novices Maximilian Oka, Francisco Shimose, Candidates Dominic Takahashi, Conrad Ozawa, Andrew Lam, John Long Back row, l. to r.: Fathers Edward Vebelun, Thomas Wahl, Novice Gabriel Oku, Father Kieran Nolan, Brother Paul Tada, Fathers Roman Paur, Peter Kawamura Not pictured: Brother Nicholas Thelen, Father Anthony Gorman
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ixty guests passed by our new welcome sign amid other festive banners on June 20, 2009, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the dedication of Trinity Benedictine Monastery, Fujimi, Japan. This community continues the presence of monks of Saint John’s Abbey who in 1947 established Saint Anselm’s Priory and Parish in the Tokyo suburb of Meguro. Invitations went out, the liturgy committee taped a musical CD as a souvenir for our guests, and the schola practiced to perfection polyphonic hymns. Many hands spruced up the place by manicuring gardens and lawns, trimming trees, cleaning the buildings and preparing lunch. A major focus of the celebration was on our three novices who just began
the second half of their novitiate year, and on our four candidates who were formally accepted while the monastic community and our guests extended their hands in a blessing. Thus the candidates embarked on their six months of discernment before beginning the novitiate year. Subprior Edward Vebelun, OSB, presided at the noon Mass and I highlighted some of our extraordinary blessings in a message printed in translation. We were fortunate to have Paul Richards, OSB, subprior and formation director of Saint John’s Abbey, with us for a visit. This former director of the Saint John’s Boys’ Choir teased out the hidden singing talent in our midst with surprising and edifying music.
Following the Eucharist, a pasta and meatballs lunch was served. Guests were then treated to a twenty-three minute video produced by SimonHoa Phan, OSB, assistant professor in art at Saint John’s University. The video, with speaking parts both in Japanese and English, features reflections by some of the monks and scenes of the community at prayer and work. Still more Japanese vocations may be coming to Fujimi. But where to put them? With fifteen monks and only twelve rooms, we urgently need to build more rooms to accommodate newcomers to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in a land where less than one-half of one percent are Catholic. Your prayers and support are much appreciated. + Father Roman is the prior of the Fujimi community. Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 13
BANNER BITS
Recent leadership appointments at Saint John’s Hilary Thimmesh, OSB, director of Benedictine Institute
William Schipper, OSB, director of SJU Campus Ministry
he eighty-eight keys on the piano that is the centerpiece of Bob Koopmann’s office may symbolize the number of responsibilities, appointments and meetings he has assumed as the newly appointed twelfth president of Saint John’s University.
resident emeritus and professor emeritus of English, a faculty resident for more than a half century and editor of Saint John’s at 150: A Portrait of This Place Called Collegeville, Father Hilary is the director of the newly founded Benedictine Institute at Saint John’s.
ather William intends to maintain campus ministry as the heart and center of the Catholic, Benedictine identity of the university. He has done considerable work with men’s spirituality groups and retreats, successfully engaging college men in reflection and mentorship for their own development. He ably renews and strengthens the monastic presence on campus.
Simon-Hoa Phan, OSB
Robert Koopmann, OSB, president of Saint John’s University
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Father Bob has chaired the CSB/ SJU music department and fine arts division, served as faculty resident in student housing, led a men’s spirituality group, worked with the Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps, and directed international studies programs in Salzburg, Austria, and South Africa. He has been the abbey’s music director and organist, given numerous concerts and recorded several CDs of piano improvisations. His inauguration will be in the abbey church at 2:30 p.m., October 1, 2009.
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The university’s Board of Regents established the Benedictine Institute in 2008 to honor the late Dietrich Reinhart, OSB, eleventh president of the school. The institute’s purpose is to strengthen the Catholic, Benedictine character of the university by fostering understanding of its tradition, spirit and values among students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends. Institute programs will include lectures, conferences, faculty research grants and study trips to Catholic and Benedictine sites.
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Having recently received the doctorate in interdisciplinary studies with specialization in men’s studies, William has served as an adjunct faculty member in that area as well as a faculty resident in student housing.
BANNER BITS
Richard Oliver, OSB, Information and Records Coordinator of the CMSM
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ringing his experience as Saint John’s first monastic webmaster to this new assignment with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, Brother Richard will be responsible for the document retention, maintenance, archival processes and upgrades and the proper storage of sensitive/historical material of this national conference based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Richard’s service in Saint John’s Alcuin Library was followed by work as Rare Books Librarian and Field Director for Hill Museum & Manuscript Library in England, Portugal and Germany. For the past year he served as administrative assistant for Abbot John Klassen, OSB.
Aaron Raverty, OSB, Coordinator of Communications and Development
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rother Aaron is appointed the abbey’s coordinator of communications and development. He will work with the abbot and abbey departments to ensure a unified communication message and assist with development projects. During his eighteen years as an editor of Liturgical Press, Aaron supervised the publication of such major reference works as An Introductory Dictionary of Theology and Religious Studies and Sacraments: Revelation of the Humanity of God. Engaging the Fundamental Theology of Louis-Marie Chauvet. He also edited the journal New Theology Review.
Miguel Diaz, United States Ambassador to the Vatican
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resident Barack Obama nominated and the U.S.Senate confirmed Dr. Miguel Diaz, one of this country’s leading Hispanic theologians, as the United States ambassador to the Vatican. Professor of theology at SJU/CSB and the School of Theology•Seminary, Miguel serves on the Catholic Theological Society of America’s board and is past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians. On June 23 the monastic community hosted a dinner for Miguel and his wife, Dr. Marion Diaz. Marion, director of two vocation discernment programs at our colleges, later spoke to the community on “College Men Today: Are We Listening? How Are We Responding?”
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JUBILARIANS
Fourteen monastic profession and ordination jubilarians celebrate 630 years of service to abbey and church by Joseph Young and Daniel Durken, OSB
MONASTIC PROFESSION 60 YEARS Raphael Olson,
OSB, served a variety of assignments including sacristan, monastic dining room supervisor, gardener with special interest in gladiolas, night watchman, carpenter and baker at Saint John’s, cook and baker at St. Maur’s Priory in Kentucky, and cook and custodian at Benilde High School in St. Louis Park. A future “Monks in the Kitchen” feature will pay tribute to Brother Raphael’s scrumptious apple, mince meat and pecan pies.
Hugh Witzmann, OSB, first taught mathematics at the prep school and university before settling into a productive career as university professor of art history, sculpture and photography. He received numerous grants to study art in Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Austria, England, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and the United States. Father Hugh specialized in the production of creative bronze sculptures and donated his substantial collection of photographs to Liturgical Press.
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Allen Tarlton, OSB, taught English at the prep school, the university and St. Augustine’s College, Nassau, Bahamas. He returned to his native state of Ohio to serve for four years as the associate pastor of a Cincinnati parish. He rejoined the prep school faculty to teach English and direct plays. Father Allen served as secretary of the monastic chapter for eighteen years and has leadership and supportive roles in the abbey’s Oblate program.
50 YEARS Nicholas Thelen, OSB, spent a dozen years in Saint John’s woodworking and plumbing shops, porter’s office and information center and in the kitchen at St. Maur’s Priory in Kentucky. In 1970 he began almost four decades of creative and quiet service as maintenance supervisor of St. Anselm’s Priory, Tokyo, and Trinity Benedictine Monastery, Fujimi, Japan. As the “Brother Fix-It” of the community, he repaired the broken, crafted the new and prepared community meals. Donald Tauscher, OSB, served as teacher and principal of Colegio San Antonio Abad in Humacao, Puerto Rico, and the adjunct Spanish
pastoral associate of the Cold Spring parish. Other pastoral assignments include two parishes in his native state of Wisconsin, one in Wayzata, Minnesota, and the chaplaincy of two Minnesota hospitals. Father Don was a Liturgical Press editor, directed the abbey’s spiritual life program and is presently involved in spiritual direction. William Skudlarek, OSB, taught preaching and theology, served as the abbey’s director of music and liturgy, chair of the university’s department of theology and dean/rector of the School of Theology, administrative assistant to the abbot, and chair of the abbey’s media response team. He was a missionary in Brazil and Japan. Father William is stationed in Rome as executive director and secretary general for the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue with special interest in Zen Buddhism.
25 YEARS Michael Patella, OSB, began his monastic life in 1983 at St. Mary’s Abbey, Morristown, New Jersey, and transferred to Saint John’s in 1988. He is professor of scripture in the university and School of Theology, director of the Holy Land Studies Program and rector of Saint John’s Seminary. Father Michael chairs the Committee on Illuminations and Texts for The Saint John’s Bible and is the acting director of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library.
JUBILARIANS Anthony Gorman, OSB, was associate pastor of two parishes in the Crookston Diocese before completing the Master’s degree in library science and the doctorate in patristic and medieval theology. He was a librarian at Alcuin Library and pastoral editor for Liturgical Press. Father Anthony is stationed in Japan as a member of Trinity Benedictine Monastery, Fujimi, and is making good progress in the study of Japanese at a language school. John Hanson, OSB, taught theology at the prep school and at St. Augustine’s College, Nassau, Bahamas. He assisted in the pastoral ministry of parishes in Freeport and New Munich and was liturgical music director for Newark Abbey, Newark, New Jersey, and Holy Trinity Monastery, Saint David, Arizona. Brother John works on paint shop assignments, gives tours of the abbey church and is an accomplished classical guitarist.
PRIESTHOOD ORDINATIONS 50 YEARS James Reichert, OSB, taught Latin at the prep school, was the university’s director of financial aid, managed the bookstore, taught at Colegio San Antonio Abad, Humacao, Puerto Rico, and was assistant treasurer in the abbey’s business office. He moved to the abbey’s parish apostolate as assistant pastor of churches in St. Paul and Albany
and pastor of churches in New Munich and Avon. Father James is chaplain of St. Therese Home in New Hope. Kieran Nolan, OSB, taught theology in the university and the School of Theology• Seminary, was director of campus ministry, rector/dean of the seminary and the director of the original program for the education of candidates for the permanent diaconate (see article, p. 11). He was the Collegeville parish pastor, the abbey’s subprior and prior of St. Anselm’s Priory, Tokyo. Father Kieran is a member of Trinity Benedictine Monastery, Fujimi, Japan. Jerome Coller, OSB, taught theology at Saint John’s and Colegio San Antonio Abad, Humacao, Puerto Rico. He served as associate pastor and chaplain of St. Joseph’s Church and the Newman Center in Moorhead. After receiving the doctorate in musical arts from Cornell University, he was professor of music at Saint John’s. Father Jerome has composed numerous musical selections for the liturgy, is an abbey organist, records and assigns Mass intentions and is a weekend parish assistant.
25 YEARS Robert Pierson, OSB, was pastor of Holy Rosary Church, Detroit Lakes, and the Collegeville parish. He served as rector of Saint John’s Seminary, director of field education for the School of Theology, the university’s chaplain and director of campus ministry and coordinator of the weekly Mass at the Minnesota Correctional Institution in St. Cloud. Father Robert is the abbey’s guestmaster and director of the abbey’s Spiritual Life Program.
Monastic jubilarians renewed their vows and were recognized and honored during the community Eucharist on July 11, the feast of Saint Benedict. Ordination jubilarians were recognized and honored on June 3 at the celebration of the Eucharist during the community retreat. + Joseph Young served this past year as the abbey’s coordinator of communications and marketing.
Roger Kasprick, OSB, taught art and theology at Saint John’s and the College of Saint Benedict and served as director of monastic formation, faculty resident of student housing and editor of Sisters Today, a Liturgical Press publication. His pastoral ministry included weekend parish assistance, the chaplaincy of a convent, nursing home and hospital, and abbey guestmaster. Father Roger spent a year as a visiting scholar at Stanford University’s Center for Biomedical Ethics. Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 17
FEATURE
Summer construction and renovation projects
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ith repeated expressions of gratitude and praise for the work of staff, designers, Saint John’s committees and the small army of contractors and construction workers, Bill Boom, Saint John’s physical plant director, reviewed five summer construction and renovation projects.
Flynntown Apartments: This three-story, 24,000-square-foot structure will house 58 students in thirteen units of four single bedrooms and two units of three single, handicapped accessible bedrooms. The Donlar Construction Company of St. Cloud managed this addition at the southwest end of the Flynntown student residential area.
McKeown Center: Named in honor of Thomas McKeown,’52 alumnus and former chair of Saint John’s University Board of Regents, this three-level, 10,000-square-foot building is the community center for the Flynntown complex. It provides kitchen and dining area, laundry facilities for Metten Court and Seton Apartments residents, computer lab, lounge and recreation areas, faculty resident’s apartment and an exterior patio. Donlar Construction was the contractor.
Steven B. Humphrey Auditorium: This first of two, possibly three phases of construction concentrated on the removal of old roofing material and its replacement with copper by Sentra-Sota Sheet Metal of Waite Park and tuckpointing by Avon Restoration of Avon, Minnesota.
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FEATURE
Press Box of the Clemens Stadium: A third tier for a president’s suite and four additional suites is added to the press box overlooking the football field. The ground level area is reserved for concessions, the second level for the media and visiting coaches. An elevator has been added to give handicapped accessibility. A “crow’s nest” for filming games tops the structure. The contractor was K. Johnson Construction of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. +
Student Dining Facility: Complete renovation of Saint John’s main dining facility was done by Breitbach Construction of Elrosa, Minnesota. The area was first gutted except for the brick walls and the pillars. A new ceiling level allows for more openness, the floor has been leveled and covered with tile and carpet, new kitchen equipment and an exhaust system installed. New food serving stations and restrooms have been installed. Saint John’s Bread will be available at all meals. +
Photos by Daniel Durken, OSB Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 19
BENEDICTINE VOLUNTEERS
Seventeen Benedictine Volunteers begin new year of service at eight sites
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ike Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed that began so small and grew so large, the Benedictine Volunteer program has grown from the original two volunteers to this year’s seventeen graduates of Saint John’s University who will be spending a year of service at eight Benedictine communities—two of them at new sites—in six countries.
Jerver Eli de Leon
Jerver Eli de Leon, a political science and economics major from Coban, Guatemala, and Andrew Julo, a studio art major from Kansas City, Missouri, are assigned to the new site of the Saint Scholastica and Sacro Speco (Sacred Cave) monasteries in Subiaco, Italy. Located 50 miles east of Rome, Subiaco is where Saint Benedict lived in a cave as a hermit for three years after fleeing the decadence of Rome and before he began establishing monastic communities. Dan Plaisance, a psychology major from Little Falls, Minnesota, and James Slagle, a communication major from River Forest, Illinois, will serve at the new site of Holy Spirit’s Abbey, Mvimwa, in western Tanzania. The
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monastic community operates primary and secondary schools plus a small dispensary with a maternity ward where some 150 babies are delivered each year. Andrew Braith, a history and premed major from St. Cloud, Minnesota, and J. Anthony Jastrzembski, a history major from Minot, North Dakota, will continue the Johnnie presence at St. Maurus’ Benedictine Abbey at Hanga, Tanzania. Primary, secondary, seminary education and vocational training are the main ministries of the monastic community. Patrick Deering, a management and peace studies major from Waconia, Minnesota, Sean Fahnhorst, a 2006 economics major from Bloomington, Minnesota, and Matthew Ott, an environmental studies and theology major from Mancos, Colorado, will continue the spirit of Saint John’s at the Benedictine Monastery of the Resurrection in Coban, Guatemala, a foundation of Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, South Dakota. The community is involved in educational programs. Luke Ekelund, a 2005 environmental studies major from Washburn, Wisconsin, and Adam Sheldon, a communication and Spanish major from Huntington Beach, California, continue the presence of Benedictine Volunteers at the Abbey of Jesus Christ Crucified, Esquipulas, Guatemala, famous as a place of pilgrimage to honor the Black Christ crucifix.
James Albrecht, a Spanish and psychology major from Mound, Minnesota, and David Allen, a theology major from Rosemount, Minnesota, carry on the Johnnie spirit with the Manquehue Community in Santiago, Chile. This community of celibate lay men and women follows the Rule of Saint Benedict and teaches in schools for the poor and the wealthy.
Jacob Barnes
Jacob Barnes, a political science major from Corcoran, Minnesota, Pat Hayes, a music composition and vocal performance major from Plymouth, Minnesota, and Thomas “Will” Gilbert, an economics and music major from Minnetonka, Minnesota, resume the presence of Saint John’s volunteers at Saint Benedict Prep School, Newark, New Jersey. This inner city school educates 7th through 12th grade students in a rigorous elevenmonth program. Benjamin Briese, an international studies major from Rochester, Minnesota, will pick up where Johnnie predecessors left off at Tabgha Monastery on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. This small Benedictine community extends hospitality to Holy Land pilgrims visiting the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish. +
BENEDICTINE VOLUNTEERS
Front row, l. to r.: Dan Plaisance, Matt Ott, David Allen; back row, l. to r.: Pat Hayes, Sean Fahnhorst, Will Gilbert, James Albrecht.
Front row, l. to r.: Luke Ekelund, Patrick Deering, Andrew Braith, Andrew Julo; back row, l. to r.: Anthony Jastrzembski, James Slagle, Adam Sheldon, Ben Briese.
Nineteen former Benedictine Volunteers were reunited at the abbey on July 2. When asked, “What is important regarding the programming for this event?” most replied, “Seeing the Saint John’s monks again.” So, during a finger-food supper in the Great Hall, the monks met the volunteers who are carrying the Collegeville charism to different countries, climates and cultures.
Photos by Daniel Durken, OSB Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 21
OBITUARIES
William Jerome Borgerding, OSB 1916 - 2009
William, worked as the dairy herdsman and made his first profession in 1937. William developed a splendid herd of Holsteins at Saint John’s and a prize herd of Jersey cows at the abbey’s Native American mission of Saint Mary’s, Red Lake, Minnesota. He returned to the abbey in 1966 and became night watchman. A tin sheriff’s badge was sufficient uniform for this unpretentious guardian angel of the campus. He quipped, “When you work in the dark of night you don’t have to get dressed up much.” Bib overalls, flannel shirt, baseball cap and high-topped shoes completed his gear.
Retired in 2000, Willie took up puttering in abbey woodworking and produced children’s wagons, tables and chairs plus coat racks and refinished furniture. The pub of Sexton Commons was named “Brother Willie’s Pub” in his honor. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Brother William on April 16, 2009. May he rest in peace. +
James Tingerthal, OSB 1934 - 2009
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rother William, who spent thirty-four years as nighttime security officer and was beloved by students as the “Night Abbot,” showed perfect timing when he died a few hours before the beginning of the church’s most important night—the Easter Vigil on April 11, 2009.
The Easter Proclamation has this refrain: “This is the night when first you freed the people of Israel from their slavery . . . This is the night when Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave.” “Brother Willie” picked the best time to complete his final night shift and join the risen Jesus, “who came back from the dead, and shed his peaceful light on all.” The sixth of the ten children of John and Elizabeth (Kerfeld) Borgerding, Jerome grew up on the family farm at nearby Freeport and graduated from Saint John’s Preparatory School. He entered the abbey, received the name page 22 Abbey Banner Fall 2009
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At his retirement, Brother Willie received a citation from the Life Safety Office.
Willie’s homespun advice and comments are legendary: “You have to have faith in your faith, put your faith into practice.” “On my birthday, pray for my mother. She did all the work that day.”
he eldest of William and Anne (Deutsch) Tingerthal’s six children, James (or Jim, as he preferred) began life in St. Paul with strong Benedictine ties. He was the grand nephew of Abbot Alcuin Deutsch, OSB, fifth abbot of Saint John’s Abbey, and the nephew of Alfred Deutsch, OSB, beloved university professor of English. Jim attended grade school in St. Bernard’s, the Benedictine parish in St. Paul, and was a graduate of Saint John’s prep school and university.
OBITUARIES He early demonstrated his leadership charisma when he and his classmate, Patrick Mingo, rented a bus to take students to the Twin Cities at the start of the Christmas and Easter holidays. The project was named “The Ming and Ting Charter.”
Later Jim became director of events and conferences. He and his capable assistant, Ginger Delles, coordinated summer programs for as many as 10,000 guests. During a working sabbatical he assembled, shipped and reassembled furniture made by Abbey Woodworking for Trinity Benedictine
Remember our deceased loved ones: Ellamae Bonkowski Deacon Dick Broick John Dominik Patricia Griffith Marion Jeide Karla Johnson William Jones Irene Studer Kuffel Josephine Kwatera Bernard Lambert Jean Matzke Celestine Pierskalla Sylvester Thielman
Father Jim on his dead-branch-pruning mission Reprinted with permission of St. Cloud Times/Times Media. Photo by Jason Wachter, St. Cloud Times.
After profession of vows in 1951 and ordination to the priesthood in 1961, Jim taught mathematics in the prep school, directed its Study Abroad Program for a year at the Benedictine abbey in Melk, Austria, and served for two years as headmaster at which time the school became co-educational. As director of corporate enterprises, he supervised construction projects from the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library to a modern water tower. He juggled two handfuls of responsibilities including the fire department, duplication services and the abbey garden and orchard.
Monastery in Fujimi, Japan. He also served a three-year term as administrator of St. Leo’s Abbey in Florida. One of his most satisfying projects was pruning dead branches from over 800 pine trees in our forest.
Edward Vessel Eleutherius Winance, OSB Mary Woychick Thomas Woychick Louis Zilka
May they rest in peace.
Jim suffered a massive aneurism on July 1. Early on Independence Day Jim made his final Declaration of Dependence on God’s mercy and died. Notes of condolence to the abbey described Jim as “sensible and generous, hard-working, deeply spiritual, a truly multi-talented, altruistic, wonderful friend and monk.” The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Father Jim on July 7, 2009. May he rest in peace. + Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 23
THE ABBEY CHRONICLE
Daniel Durken, OSB
What’s Up? The Abbey Chronicle by Daniel Durken, OSB
“Autumn, nodding o’er the yellow plain, Comes jovial on.” (James Thomson)
With less than a handful of 90degree temperatures, late spring and summer weather fluctuated between cold, chilly and cool. Lake Wobegon native Garrison Keillor wrote that it was the driest May in Minnesota since the Dust Bowl. Much needed rain was welcomed in July and early August to satisfy thirsty trees, lawns and fields.
April 2009
Holy Week retreat participants
■ Paul-Vincent Niebauer, OSB, vocation director, led the annual Triduum retreat, April 9-12, for seven vocation visitors. In the accompanying photo they are: front row, l. to r.: Matthew Ott, Andre Heywood, Ben Hansbury, Nick Kleespie; back row, l. to r.: Michael Hahn, Lew Grobe, David Allen. ■ In his Easter Tuesday conference to the community, Abbot John stated, “Our faith in the Risen Christ gives us reason for hope. As Saint Paul notes
page 24 Abbey Banner Fall 2009
in his Letter to the Romans, our lives are not our own. Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. So we live each day out of our best energies and in gratitude, confident of the Spirit’s guidance and God’s saving care in Jesus Christ.” ■ The legacy of deceased Dietrich Reinhart, OSB, SJU’s eleventh president, was honored by colleagues, alumni and friends at a dinner and program on April 17. Video clips of Brother Dietrich, taken during his final days and edited by Simon-Hoa Phan, OSB, were shown. Dietrich
John Biasi
F
our new benches overlooking Lake Satagatan owe their origin to Bruce Wollmering, OSB, who promoted the project before his sudden death last February. Novice John Meoska, OSB, did the woodwork and assembly; Rob Stoeckel did the painting and varnishing. Here now is a site for sore eyes and tired bodies to sit a while and be wrapped in the wonder of God’s fresh air, sunshine, chirping birds and dancing diamonds on the water.
Portrait of Brother Dietrich by Bela Petheo
THE ABBEY CHRONICLE
May 2009 ■ At the May 2 Golden Anniversary Commencement of the University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota, founded by Benedictine women of Annunciation Priory and the only private, Catholic university in that state, the degree of Doctor of Leadership, honoris causa, was conferred on Abbot John and Prioress Nancy Bauer, OSB, of Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Together they delivered the commencement address: “Never Turn Away When Someone Needs Your Love: A Benedictine Outlook on the World.” ■ The abbey’s mid-May rummage sale netted $1,300 for our peace and justice committee to distribute to needy groups. Through an arrangement made by Eli de Leon, a native of Guatemala and a new Benedictine
More stuff at the rummage sale
Volunteer, items not sold were given to The Message Program of St. Cloud that provides support for rural communities in Central America countries. Leftover goods were sent to the Benedictine monasteries in Coban and Esquipulas, Guatemala, where our volunteers serve. ■ This year’s graduating class included 419 undergraduate Johnnies and 29 School of Theology•Seminary graduates. Combined with the 511 undergraduates of the College of Saint Benedict, this year’s total of 930 is tied for the second-largest class. Saint John’s Prep School’s graduation on May 23 witnessed 64 students receive diplomas. The SJU commencement speaker, Dr. Sharon Daloz Parks, director of Leadership for the New Commons at the Whidbey Institute in Clinton, Washington, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Dr. Sharon Daloz Parks receives honorary degree.
Michael Becker
Daniel Durken, OSB
■ Deacon Walter Kieffer, OSB, director of the annual production of syrup from our sugar maple trees, the staff of Saint John’s Arboretum, together with sap tappers, collectors and Deacon Walter holds boilers, completed the prothe key to the maple syrup supply room. duction process for a yield of 280 gallons of maple syrup. So bring on the pancakes.
Michael Becker
Daniel Durken, OSB
posthumously received the Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus award and honorary doctorates from Saint John’s University and the University of Saint Thomas. His portrait by Bela Petheo, professor emeritus of art, was unveiled.
Rev. John P. Foley receives Pax Christi Award.
Rev. John P. Foley, S.J., chair of the Cristo Rey Network of schools for under-served yet highly deserving urban youth, received the Pax Christi Award. ■ The National Association of Lay Ministers presented the 2009 Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope) Award to the monks of Saint John’s Abbey at a banquet on May 29. The citation stated in part, “For more than 150 years St. John’s School of Theology•Seminary has prepared students, enriched by St. John’s theological, liturgical, and ecumenical history, for pastoral service. The school serves both lay and ordained students, and its tradition of theological education includes being the first Roman Catholic theologate to offer graduate degrees to women.” ■ Led by Saint John’s School of Theology•Seminary Scripture professor Michael Patella, OSB, three
At the Cairo pyramids: front row, l. to r.: Robert Schneider, Sebastian Gomes, Dan Morgan, OSB, Aelred Senna, OSB; back row, l. to r.: tour guide, Finian McDonald, OSB, David Morman, Michael Patella, OSB, Erin Walters, Nickolas Becker, OSB
Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 25
THE ABBEY CHRONICLE
■ Abbot John, Julius Beckermann, OSB, and David Manahan, OSB, participated in the celebration that brought to a close 121 years of service by 200 Benedictine women of Saint Benedict’s Monastery to Native Americans of Saint Mary’s Mission in Red Lake, Minnesota.
■ The names of 38 deceased Saint John’s monks who were veterans of the military were read aloud at Here lies Civil War vet- the Memorial eran, Brother Bernard Day cemetery Knaus, OSB. service led by Eugene McGlothlin, OSB, Collegeville pastor. Included in the list were three Civil War veterans: Brothers Peter John Bossler, OSB, Philip Killian, OSB, and Bernard Knaus, OSB. May they rest in peace.
■ The Poet Laureate of Collegeville, Kilian McDonnell, OSB, was the first runner-up in this year’s Foley Poetry Contest sponsored by America, the Jesuit’s national Catholic weekly magazine. His poem, “Sarah’s List,” articulates the complaints of the aged wife of Abraham against the Lord who had no contact with her before and during her pregnancy. The poem is on page 28 of the June 22-29 issue.
June 2009
retreat director
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July 2009
Daniel Durken, OSB
■ Rev. Ronald Witherup, p.s.s., Superior General of the Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice, Scripture scholar and author, directed the monastic community retreat, June 1-5, on the theme of “Paul and Benedict: The Christ-Centered Life.” The retreat was a graced opportunity to reflect on the enduring contribution Paul has made to the faith and can make to Benedictine life. Conference topics included obedience and humility, prayer and life of the Spirit, work, stewardship Rev. Ronald Witherup, and life in community. Sulpician, community
■ The July 10-12 retreat for Saint John’s Oblates was directed by Dr. Dewey W. Kramer, OblOSB, on “Hildegard of Bingen as Guide for Benedictine Living.” A resident of Decatur, Georgia, Dr. Kremer teaches at Marquette University and Agnes Scott College. She and her husband Victor are the co-founding editors of The Merton Annual. About eighty Oblates renewed their oblation during the Community Eucharist on July 12. Three men and three women made their final oblation during Evening Prayer on July 11.
Luigi Bertocchi, OSB
Community reaction to the director’s inspiring presentations was decidedly positive. Liturgical Press published Father Witherup’s highly recommended Biblical Fundamentalism: What Every Catholic Should Know in English and Spanish (104 pages, $10.95).
Oblate participants in the July retreat
■ The renovated retirement center, was blessed by Abbot John on the afternoon on July 22. Composed and arranged by abbey liturgy director Michael Kwatera, OSB, the service invoked God’s blessing on all the refurbished and renovated areas and furnishings. +
■ In mid-July, Jerome Coller, OSB, abbey organist, piano teacher and composer, gave a piano recital during the Benedictine Musicians and Monastic Liturgy Forum Conference. His program included works by Mozart, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Cesar Franck, Alexander Borodin, Maurice Ravel and Bill Evans.
Aelred Senna, OSB
Daniel Durken, OSB
junior monks, Dan Morgan, OSB, Nicholas Becker, OSB, and Aelred Senna, OSB, and Finian McDonald, OSB, joined a Holy Land study-tour pilgrimage, May 16-July 7. Their itinerary included numerous sacred sites in Jerusalem, Jericho, Mount Sinai, Cairo, Bethlehem, Capernaum, Nazareth, and more.
Carol Loch, RN, Director of Saint Raphael hall, assisted blessing the renovated area.
MONKS IN THE KITCHEN Mark grills the beef at the Fourth of July community cookout.
Food prepared with love, shared with a purpose by Aelred Senna, OSB
ideas and experiences of God in each other’s lives, discussing personal spirituality and prayer with energy and depth.
Daniel Durken, OSB
W
hile directing the Salzburg Study Abroad program for CSB/SJU in 1987, Mark Thamert, OSB, set a goal to become a great chef. Surrounded by the markets of Salzburg, Mark acquired the freshest ingredients and began to experiment with flavors and preparation methods. His students were always honest, sometimes brutally so, about what they thought of the food.
Mark also shares his culinary talent with fellow monks, particularly on the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. Here are the secrets for his spectacular Thanksgiving turkey, slow-roasted and smoked over indirect heat on the grill. +
As a SJU faculty resident, Father Mark continues to love the kitchen and share his creations and values with students. ksgiving turkey n His dinner discussions a h T d e ll ri g ’s Mark offer a casual setting in Ya Mama! Cajun c with butter, Slap rli ga of ty en pl ne e turkey’s which to explore matters Combi r the skin and in th de un The Day Ahead -ub R s. rb he r s. Inject the of faith and doubt, to ge and othe d toss in the orange an ty vi asoning, bacon, sa ca Se e th in s rlic speak openly about of two orange r, Tabasco sauce, ga tte bu d te el vity. Squeeze juice m ca of re anxieties, failures and places with a mixtu rkey in numerous tu in the cavity. difficult emotions and to rup. Pour leftovers sy le ap m d an r de pow ing and become adept at salt, poultry season ’s ry w La ith w er expressing positive ing – Rub all ov Just Before Roast emotions in a supportive charcoal grill spice. ve bacon male environment. 300˚ - 320˚ F. Wea to ill gr e th of re tu pan with a little internal tempera To Roast -- Bring aluminum roasting k ic -th le ub do a ep the enviin Diners ponder how . Roast inside the grill to ke er at w strips across turkey of n pa te ra urs, dependlife experiences of men r place a sepa st is 160˚F (2-4 ho ea br e th water in the pan (o of re tu ra hot coals and women differ. They til internal tempe and throw a few on er at w in s ronment moist) un ip ch d rature. work together to overcome ey). Soak apple woo ntain steady tempe ai m to ed ed ne ing on size of turk as als gender bias, stereotyping eate smoke. Add co every so often to cr and charcoal spice. ’s ry w and discrimination based syrup, La le ap m ith w ze la Baste/g on gender or sexual orientation. They share Aelred Senna, OSB, is administrative assistant to Abbot John.
Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 27
BANNER BITS
Conference participants: Front row, l. to r.: John Mark Falkenhain, St. Meinrad, IN; Guerric deBona, St. Meinrad; Adam McCoy, Holy Cross, West Park, NY. Middle row, l. to r.: Michael Peterson, Blue Cloud, Marvin, SD; Joel Rippinger, Marmion, Aurora, IL; Aelred Glidden, St. Gregory’s,Three Rivers, MI. Back row, l. to r. Louis Vanderley, St. Gregory’s, Shawnee, OK; Thomas Leitner, Christ the King, Schuyler, NE; Jacob Grisley, St. Meinrad, IN; Paul Richards, St. John’s, Collegeville, MN. Not pictured: Benedict Lemeki, Holy Trinity, St. David, AZ; Damian Gjonoj, St. Benedict’s, Oxford, MI; Richard Walz, New Subiaco, AK.
A
small and spirited group of monastic formation directors from various U.S. communities held their annual meeting at Saint John’s in mid-April. Paul Richards, OSB, Saint John’s formation director, was host coordinator. Joel Rippinger, OSB, formation director at Marmion Abbey, Aurora, Illinois, was the major presenter. Father Joel’s presentations focused on effectively communicating the Benedictine charism to monastic formation classes. He spoke of the importance of teaching the Rule of Benedict and early monastic sources and emphasized the need to draw from a variety of texts, both ancient and contemporary. The speaker underscored the importance of working with the original text of the Rule and held up page 28 Abbey Banner Fall 2009
“A senior chosen for his skill in winning souls should be appointed to look after newcomers with careful attention” (Rule, ch. 58).
as an indispensable tool RB 1980, the tome published by Liturgical Press to mark the 1500th anniversary of Saint Benedict’s birth date (480 A.D.). The book gives the Latin text and English translation of the Rule plus a history of monasticism and other significant topics. Later Joel incorporated suggestions for teaching monastic history and spirituality. He emphasized the importance of using local history, developing timelines, including the rough sketches and scandals of community history, and establishing a facility for using primary sources. A highlight of the meeting was the dinner prepared and served by the Saint John’s novice and junior monks. The lectures and social events led to helpful discussions on how to enhance programs of monastic formation in Benedictine communities. +
A new abbey associate
Daniel Durken, OSB
Daniel Durken, OSB
Monastic formation directors meet at Saint John’s
Abbey Associate Daryl Jackson
D
aryl Jackson, 31, of New Orleans, Louisiana, began the abbey’s program for associates on July 1. He has taken courses in mechanical engineering and English at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA, served fifteen months in the U.S. Navy and worked at a restaurant and bar. Daryl is serving as a reception assistant in the Abbey Guesthouse and taking a college history class. +
BANNER BITS Eileen Haeg, Physician Assistant-Certified and director of Saint John’s Health Center
Eileen Haeg retires after 34 years in Health Center “The best part of my job is the people.”
C
arl and Mary Leidenfrost are proud of their three daughters: physician assistant Eileen, art teacher Janet, and social services department employee Lucille. Eileen says she and her sisters comprise a miniature Health, Education & Welfare Department. The star of this story is Eileen, the certified physician assistant, who was honored by family, colleagues and friends at a gala ice cream social on June 30. Eileen grew up on a farm and went to grade and high school in Pierz, Minnesota. She admits to running away from home when she was four and going to the country school to join her older sister. While attending St. Cloud Hospital School of Nursing, then owned and operated by the Sisters of Saint Benedict, Eileen met SJU’s Johnnie, Dick Haeg. They were married a couple years later and raised six children (Marietta, Gregory, Daniel, Benedict, Christopher and Timothy) on their property adjacent to Saint John’s in Collegeville.
Eileen started her career at Saint John’s in 1975 when the infirmary was still in what is today Greg House. One year later the present Health Center was moved to the Quadrangle.
(Eileen Haeg)
Eileen earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Benedict in 1980. In 1991 she was appointed manager of the Health Center. Wanting yet more education she enrolled at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Grand Forks in 1996 and became a certified physician assistant in 1997. This program involved three six-week sessions. Eileen lived with the Crookston Benedictine Sisters during each session and returned the 230 miles to Collegeville many weekends to “get caught up with work at the Health Center, and at home.” This is known as dedication. This efficient PA-C has observed numerous changes in the health field. She sees more paperwork, increased anxiety level of patients, expansion of Medicare, and improved standards of care. Because of the current economic situation, fewer people are opting for elective procedures. Eileen, who always seems to sport a cheerful smile, says the best part of her job is “the people,” and she has helped hundreds, especially students, faculty, staff, and the monastic community. One of her claims to fame is that she knows every one of the monks, both inside and out, better than anyone else.
Eileen and Dick have always been active in the Saint John the Baptist Parish, each having served as parish council president and on various parish committees.
Daniel Durken, OSB
Daniel Durken, OSB
by Dolores Schuh, CHM
Eileen examines a Health Center patient.
In her retirement, Eileen looks forward to traveling and to hosting a summer kid-camp for the Haeg’s nine grandchildren. The monastic community expressed appreciation for Eileen’s dedicated service at a dinner on August 18 in the abbey dining room for her and Dick. She was presented the Saint John’s Cross. + Sister Dolores is the proofreader/copy editor of ABBEY BANNER and volunteers at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, a ministry of her community in Davenport, Iowa. Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 29
BANNER BITS
Two long-time employees retire
H
er life as “the luckiest person” began October 18, 1962, when Mary Reischl, who had completed only one high school typing class, was hired by Liturgical Press. For the next 46 years, 7 months and 2 weeks, Mary served as accounts receivable/customer service representative.
Daniel Durken, OSB
Working first in the old Army barracks that once housed the print shop and is now part of the Admissions Operation Center, Mary’s chief office supplies were a paper knife for opening stacks of mail orders and a ballpoint pen for adding the price of postage to invoices. She eventually became acquainted with an adding machine. Her biggest challenge was mastering the computer that was put on her desk one day.
C
utting and serving cake for 1600 students and monks was Judy Ruprecht’s first job at Saint John’s. Beginning September 11, 1962, five weeks before Mary Reischl started, Judy worked in food service until 1972.
From 1980 to 2005 she was employed as the magazine subscription /customer service representative of Liturgical Press, giving special attention to customers’ change of address and subscription renewals. The tasty staff lunches she helped prepare each month prompted a former director to suggest that the Press open a café since most customers eat three meals a day but probably buy and read less than a dozen books a year. Judy spent several years as the supervisor of the dining service for the College of Saint Benedict. The past page 30 Abbey Banner Fall 2009
two years she worked in the abbey’s laundry facility until her retirement in late May, 2009.
Aware that all work and no play make for a dull job, Mary recalls the time a co-worker asked her to return a complaint call from Mr. G. Raff of a Como Park company. Mary called and after a secretary assured her three times that there was no Mr. G. Raff there, she realized that she was calling the Como Park Zoo that did have a giraffe. Travel now tops the list on Mary’s retirement agenda with Austria, Germany, Switzerland and both coasts of the United States taking preference. She plans to spend more time with friends and family, especially her eight-year-old grandson, Levi. She is happy and grateful for the time spent at her “ideal job.” +
Judy Ruprecht, 37 years
In 1983 Judy and pastor Roger Klassen, OSB, launched the monthly Sunday brunch program at Saint John the Baptist Parish Center. Over the next dozen years, under Judy’s supervision nearly 100,000 welcome guests were served at these brunches. Judy was the Parish Center’s overall supervisor for 24 years. A favorite program was the special Christmas dinner served to 65-70 senior citizens with the help of the young people of the parish and volunteers. Judy’s hobbies of gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, crafts, writing poetry and enjoying her six grandchildren, the light of her life, will keep her busy. +
Daniel Durken, OSB
Mary Reischl, 46 years
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Spiritual Life Program announces 2009-2010 dates BENEDICTINE DAYS OF PRAYER October 23, 2009 – Praying the Psalms with the Church Join the monks as they pray the psalms and learn to include them in your own prayer life. December 4, 2009 – Praying in Advent We pray with longing for Christ to come, for a new heaven and a new earth. January 8, 2010 – Praying the Epiphany Mystery We pray about the newborn Christ, his presence to the shepherds and the wise men, and his anointing with the Holy Spirit. February 5, 2010 – Praying in Ordinary Time The Church helps us offer our ordinary life to God by presenting Jesus as teacher and healer. March 5, 2010 – Praying in Lent We pray, fast and give alms during Lent as we share Jesus’ conflict, becoming faithful to him in his struggle, suffering and death. April 9, 2010 – Praying with the Risen Christ Jesus is risen and lives bodily in the presence of God. Our spirituality now includes our body, which Jesus has also redeemed. May 7, 2010 – Praying with the Risen Christ as he returns to the Father We pray to accept Christ’s new life, his Spirit and his mission into our lives. NOTE: Benedictine Days of Prayer begin at 7:00 with Morning Prayer in the abbey church and conclude around 3:30. The cost is $50, including breakfast and lunch.
SMALL GROUP WEEKEND RETREATS February 26-28, 2010: Father Luigi Bertocchi, OSB, will lead this retreat on the theme of “Contemplation—Communion—Mission.” May 28-30, 2010: Father Michael Kwatera, OSB, will lead this retreat on the theme of “The Saints: Living Witnesses of God’s Love.” NOTE: Retreats start with Friday night dinner at 6:00 and conclude after Sunday lunch at 1:00. Cost is $180 for private room and $145 per person for double occupancy. To register please contact Abbey Spiritual Life Office at 320-363-3929 or register online at: http://www.saintjohnsabbey.org/ and click on “Prayers and Worship.” Please save this schedule. It will not be reprinted.
FALL 2009 SUNDAY AT THE ABBEY LECTURE SERIES September 13 – Jeffrey Kaster, adjunct professor of theology at Saint John’s, explores “Lay Ecclesial Ministry: A Problem or a Blessing in the Catholic Church?” October 18 – Richard Bresnahan, director of Saint John’s Pottery Program, discusses “Making Pottery and Practicing Environmental Sustainability.” November 15 – Elaine Davis, professor of management at St. Cloud State University, speaks on “Monks and Moonshine: The History and Legends of Minnesota 13.” December 6 – William Doherty, director of the Citizen Professional Center at the University of Minnesota, considers “Reclaiming Time for Family and Community.” These free lectures begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapter House of the Pavilion adjoining the Abbey Church. Complete details at http://www.saintjohnsabbey.org/sunday/ + Abbey Banner Fall 2009 page 31
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