Kansas Monks Fall 2012

k ansas

monk s

Fall 2012

A publication for the Society of St. Benedict.

Commitment Brother Simon Baker Professes Solemn Vows

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Kansas Monks

Ora

Labora

4 - Gone to Eternal Rest

6 - Mustangs and Monks

Monk, Pastor and friend; we reflect on the life of Father Jude Burbach.

10 - Not Afraid

Brother Simon Baker makes a lifetime commitment to Christ.

20 - The Sign of Faith

Remembering the life of Father Benedict La Rocque.

The monks are prepared for the future.

Benedictine College students Therese Aaker and Ian O’Hagan explain.

8 - A Committed Life

Why is commitment important? Father Matthew Habiger answers.

12 - A Strong Marriage

Father Justin Dean explains how prayer and work can enhance marriage.

in the next Kansas Monks • Inside the Abbatial Election • Father Kieran McInerney: 60 Years as a Priest • Balancing Wisdom and Vision

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15 - What the monks Mean to me

16 - Pastor & Professor Father Bertrand LaNoue’s journey.

From the Abbot

Fall 2012

Commitment — an inner strength

Father Benedict La Rocque ‘s niece and nephew requested that a Mass be offered for their uncle on his birthday, August 14. His anniversary of death is November 19, 2004. He was 88. Father Benedict had lived a life of commitment: commitment to Christ, to St. Benedict, and to the Church.

His life was unusual and quite remarkable. Many loved him and appreciated the natural way in which he lived out commitment to virtue, to friendship, to common and private prayer. In his funeral homily I tried to “put my arms around his story.” That homily is reprinted here.

Father Benedict modeled commitment even as he moved within three different memberships: as a monk of our Abbey, a monk in a Trappist community and as a priest incardinated into a diocese. A core of commitment made his life fruitful.

He was himself in each setting. One great nephew summarized Father Benedict’s character in these words: “Father Benedict modeled kindness, good heart, good intention and holiness. It was easy to appreciate his gentle sense of humor, his love of music and family, ethic of hard work, his spiritual aura.”

Benedictine monks often serve in a variety of assignments and bring to each a core identity and a basic commitment.

May this be the life experience of Brother Simon Baker as he has now made a public commitment to a life of prayer and service in our community.

Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB

On Our Journey An ex hi bi t o f pho to s by

Abbot B a rna ba s S e nec al Openi ng

O c tobe r 19, 2012 7: 30 p. m.

St. B e n e d i c t ’s Abbey Ar t G a l l e r y A fo llow up to the ex hi bit ‘ B eaut y i n Faces & Place s’ 3

Kansas Monks

we remember...

Father Jude Burbach • 1927-2012 Father Jude Burbach, a monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, Kansas, died on Wednesday afternoon, August 22, 2012, the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Elwin John Burbach was born on February 9, 1927, in Hartington, Nebraska, the son of Henry and Anna McFadden Burbach. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic Grade and High School there, graduating from high school in 1945.

After one year of college studies he entered the novitiate at St. Benedict’s Abbey in July 1946, receiving the name Jude, and professing vows on July 11, 1947. He graduated from St. Benedict’s College in 1950 with a BA in Philosophy.

After theology studies at the Abbey School of Theology, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1953, by Archbishop Edward Hunkeler at St. Benedict’s Church in Atchison, Kansas.

For the first five years of his ordained life, Father Jude served as a dorm prefect and Latin instructor at St. Benedict’s College.

Then for 10 years he served in parishes as Father Jude served as pastor of several assistant pastor at St. parishes, a job he says, “was a challenge Benedict’s in Atchibut...an opportunity for growth.” son from 1958 until 1961, and then St. Mary’s, Purcell, Kansas, St. Patrick’s (south of Atchison), and Burlington, Iowa. From 1968 to 1970 he was chaplain for the Benedictine Sisters at St. Scholastica Monastery in Chicago, Illinois, while pursuing graduate studies at Rosary College in River Forest,

Illinois. After completing his MA in Library Science in 1970, he worked in the college library for 5 years. From 1975 until 1983 he responded to an invitation from Abbot Brendan Downy to serve at our Priory in Brazil. Upon his return from Brazil Father Jude worked at the Benedictine College Library again, serving as Head Librarian from 1984-1986.

From 1990-1995 he served as the last weekend celebrant at St. John’s, Doniphan, Kansas, and later was Pastor at St. Joseph’s, Wathena, Kansas, and St. Charles, Troy, Kansas.

From 1995 until his retirement in 2003 Father Jude served faithfully in the parishes at Onaga, Lillis, and Blaine, Kansas. One of his crowning accomplishments was improvements to the church at Onaga.

Father Jude in his quiet way was a witness to the transformative power of Christ in Father Jude earned a masters degree the Benedictine way of in Library Science. In his later years life. Always faithful to he frequently made visits to the college library. prayer, lectio divina, and community, he had an interest in the new and the old. He was curious about the world around him and the people whom he met. He was always supportive of monks in their projects and expressed an interest in how things were going.

Father Jude was preceded in death by his loving parents, four brothers, and four sisters. He is survived by his brother monks at St. Benedict’s Abbey, by a sister, Ann Janssen, Bellevue, Nebraska, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

The monks of the Abbey prayed Vigils for the Dead for Father Jude in the Abbey Church at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 26. The Mass of Christian Burial was offered there on Monday, August 27.

P r o f e s s e d • J u ly 1 1 , 1 9 4 7 O r d a i n e d • M ay 3 0 , 1 9 5 3 4

Word

a farewell

This homily was delivered by Abbot Barnabas Senecal at the Mass of Christian burial for Father Jude Burbach.

We know the story from 1 Kings, how the prophet Elijah fled to a cave, protecting himself from the anger of the people. He heard a voice ask why he had come to the cave: “Out of fear, for I have been zealous for the Lord.” He remained in the cave, seeking the Lord. There was an earthquake and then a strong wind, and then a fire. The Lord was not in any of these forces. Finally a small breeze passed by. He wrapped his face in his mantle, perhaps fearful that this was the presence of the Lord. And it was. And he listened.

My uncle, Father Lucien Senecal, a monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey, gave a senior high school retreat in Hartington, Nebraska, in 1945, and made a summer recruitment trip to this community. Father Jude said these contacts influenced him to make the choice to go to our college in the fall of 1945 rather than to Creighton where he thought he was going. Father Jude Father Jude made a pilgrimage to the said he remembered Holy Land with his friend and confrere Father Henry Deters. Father Jude wrote Father Lucien driving about his friend in the Summer 2012 up to their home in a black Buick coupe, all issue of Kansas Monks. shined up. That must have seemed promising to a young man.

However, Father Jude came to our monastery, eager to learn and to serve, to recognize Benedictine life as a way of retiring to a cave yet remaining very much in contact with others, standing humbly near the Lord. Being the gentle breeze and quiet voice.

Seeking to be the loving shepherd Christ had modeled.

Father Jude was a community-minded man. He did not seek the grand things but enjoyed and shared in the simpler things of life. He could master the difficult tasks, such as gaining a Master’s degree in Library Science and learning Portuguese in order to spend eight significant years with the people of Brazil. He paid attention to needs of individuals and of the group, be that the monastery, a parish or a school. He was particularly pleased to help the Onaga parishioners build an addition to their church.

I have many handwritten notes that Father Jude wrote to me in my years as abbot. Almost every note had these two words, “Thank you.”

“Thank you for the homily you gave for Father Bernard Gervais.

I miss him as I was next to him in choir for a year or two.”

“You assigned me to Onaga along with Lillis and Blaine. It was a challenge but I found it an opportunity for growth. The addi-

Fall 2012 tion to St. Vincent church in Onaga will be ten years old in December.”

“My vacation trip to Blue Cloud Abbey in Marvin South Dakota was educational and enjoyable. I stayed two nights. Eastern South Dakota is beautiful with many glaciated lakes. I visited relatives, some of whom are

in care homes or assisted living.”

“Thank you for the Home Pages. With my diminished hearing the Home Pages help me know things I would not be aware of.

Happy Feast Day.” “I was assistant of Father Anthony at 2nd and Division before my promotion to be pastor of Purcell so that Father Otho could be a missionary to Brazil.”

Father Jude was one whose life reflected the discovery that Elijah had, that God is present in the gentle breeze, the small wind of every day life, appreciated and valued.

He took pride in his various apostolic assignments, and people came to know God through Father Jude’s gentle voice and gentle manner. They didn’t sense him as a powerful preacher, but a man of wisdom and advice. They didn’t sense him to be a man who sought to correct them, but one who would love them in their strength and in their weakness. He wasn’t one who had all the answers, but he would help them find those answers.

A man of books he was. Not six weeks ago he came to my office with a paperback book entitled, “Light on Aging and Dying,” By Helen Nearing. He had picked it up at a book sale and thought I might like to look it over, or have others look at it.

These were three of the items marked in pencil, perhaps by Father Jude: “A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough.” Benjamin Franklin “No man need fear death, because the ultimate tragedy of life is not death. The ultimate tragedy of life is not having lived fully when one is alive.” Norman Cousins.

“I have no intention of dying as long as I can do things. And if I do things there is no need to die. So I will live a long time.” Albert Schweitzer St. Benedict wanted monks to be humble.

Father Jude was humble. He served where he was asked to serve. He shared his need for community by living well and honestly. He chose to be concerned about others more than about himself. He was a celebrant of Sacrament, a celebrant of life and a celebrant of contentment. May each of us join him in such celebration!

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Kansas Monks

Of Mustangs and Monks

I don’t know if there is a car that you associate with a loved one, but the car I associate with my maternal grandfather, Richard Lotter, is the 1968 Ford Mustang. It was white with a dark red leather interior, and when I’d ride in it with him, it was usually because he was taking me on a trip to Sylvia’s penny candy store in Philadelphia or to a nearby park to buy a fresh, piping hot soft pretzel. I loved that car.

It turns out that a lot of other people did, too. When it was first introduced to the public, the 1968 Ford Mustang was a wildly popular car—and it remains one of the most popular cars in the history of the automotive industry. The car achieved even greater fame when, that same year, it was driven by Steve McQueen in the popular Warner Bros. movie Bullitt.

Since 1968, there have been several new models of the Mustang.

In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the designs inspired less enthusiasm and sales slumped.

In 1994, however, the Mustang underwent its first major redesign in 15 years. The new design incorporated several styling cues from earlier Mustangs, and the popularity once again began to rise.

Then came 2005. And something truly amazing happened. The fifth generation Mustang’s styling more aggressively echoed the classic fastback Mustangs of the late 1960s, while also exhibiting all curves, angles, sleekness, and sophistication that people have come to expect from modern sports cars. J. Mays, Ford’s senior vice president of design, called it “retro-futurism.” Over the next two years, sales of the Mustang increased. They increased by almost 70,000 units. Ford’s bottom line was revitalized by “retrofuturism.”

What does all this have to do with the monks?

Well, “retro-futurism” is basically the concept of combining the time-tested strengths of the past with new and innovative ideas for the future. It is honoring what happened long ago and preparing for what lies ahead—all at the same time.

‘68

‘05

That’s what’s happening at St. Benedict’s Abbey.

The history of the monks is impressive. For over 150 years these men have served God and others.

Every day they have lifted the needs of the world up to God in prayer. Every day they have worked for the glory of God and the good of all—whether as priests, pastors, professors, chaplains, or spiritual directors. So we honor Vaughn Kohler their past.

The future of the monks is exciting. In the years ahead, the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey will continue to lead lives that offer hope to others. While they will always be committed to “prayer and work,” they will also be committed to using the newest resources and latest technology to extend their influence, advance their mission, and inspire others to “prefer nothing whatever to Christ.” Whether they post insights from The Rule of St. Benedict on Facebook and Twitter or broadcast homilies and prayers on KansasMonks. org, they will meet the new challenges of our day with new faithfulness. They are prepared for the road ahead.

With this in mind, Kansas Monks has undergone some changes.

From this issue forward, we hope the magazine will be a bit like the 2005 Ford Brother Leven Harton Mustang: We hope it will help our friends draw strength from the past, but also help prepare them for the future. We’ll continue to share important and interesting stories about the history of St. Benedict’s Abbey and the lives of the monks. But now, more than ever, we’ll provide new and better resources to help our friends grow in faith and prayer.

As always, we welcome your feedback. Should you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us at 913.360.7897 or development@kansasmonks.org. We also encourage you to visit the Abbey. You are always welcome!

A message from Abbot Barnabas About Kansas Monks

To honor our Lord as good stewards, we must show fiscal discipline. Kansas Monks costs the Abbey approximately $140,000 a year— an expense we are no longer able to absorb. Therefore, starting in December, Kansas Monks magazine will become a benefit only for members of the Society of St. Benedict, which is described on page 9. If you join the Society of St. Benedict, you will continue to receive Kansas Monks magazine. If you are unable to make the necessary contribution we are happy to continue to provide Kansas Monks to you via e-mail. Just go to Kansasmonks.org/Signup and fill out the form. Thank you for your love and generosity. k ansas

monk s Winter 2011

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Join the

of

Fall 2012

Society

St. Benedict

What is the Society of St. Benedict?

The Society is a unique group of qualified men and women who embrace

the mission of St. Benedict’s Abbey and who, through their prayers and financial support, encourage the monks to continue their ministry of prayer and work.

Simply put: We serve the men who serve the Church.

How do I join the Society?

All current benefactors are included as members in the Society of St. Benedict.

Membership in the Society of St. Benedict is open to those whose

financial support meets the minimum requirements for the Porter’s Circle level. In monastic terms, the “porter” is the monk who welcomes guests to the monastery. He shows genuine hospitality and models St. Benedict’s counsel that “all who present themselves are to be treated as Christ.”

The Porter’s Circle includes friends of the Abbey who give between $35 and $500 each year.

Prior James Albers

Serv ing the men w ho serv e the Church

What is included in membership?

When you join the Society of St. Benedict, you serve the men who

serve the Church. As they pray and work on behalf of Christ, you share their mission and joy. In addition to this you will participate in the mission and ministry of the monks in the following ways: • You will be included in the daily prayers and Masses of the Abbey.

• You will receive a yearly subscription to Kansas Monks magazine, which has recently been revamped to provide more information and resources for spiritual growth.

• You will receive invitations to Abbey events, including special Masses, Vespers, lectures, and art exhibits.

Will you serve the men who serve the Church?

To join the Society of St. Benedict, please visit our website and fill out

the membership form and give at: kansasmonks.org/joinsociety. Or, if you would like to speak directly to a member of our development team, feel free to contact us at 913.360.7897.

“

“

It is true that there are countless organizations in the world that need funding, but I think we would do well to support those organizations who have clearly had an affect on our lives. For me, and I suspect for every graduate of Benedictine College, that means, at least in part, St. Benedict’s Abbey.

- Brandon Boesch, Benedictine College Class of 2011

Father Blaine Schultz

KansasMonks.org/JoinSociety 7

Kansas Monks

Benefit of a Committed Life

We can urge a person to pursue a life of commitment, but he or she might well ask, “why is it worth it?” Certainly, there are times when it would seem to be easier, for instance, to give up on a marriage. Also, the vocation to the priesthood or religious life often requires significant self-denial. Why would someone choose that life over one that involved little sacrifice? Those are good questions. In order to answer them, we have to ask another good question: What is the benefit of a committed life?

Commitment liberates us to more fully live out our humanity. It helps us become the person we were truly meant to be.

When God made humans, he granted them the freedom to make choices. Making a commitment forces us to exercise that freedom at its deepest level. Small choices operate at the surface level of one’s consciousness. Commitments operate in the depth of one’s consciousness and permeate the entire personality.

Our choices and actions determine our character. In this way we are self-determining. By my many and repeated choices I become the person I am. If we do not make far-reaching and profound choices, then we remain a shallow person.

On the other hand, if we commit ourselves to something good, the effects on us are great.

For instance: Being a husband, father and family man forces a man to enter into many relationships and to deal with a wide variety of problems.

These demand adjustments, patience and a spirit of generosity. All this is character building. As a relationship grows, so also do the friendship and the joys that follow. If a person refuses to make a commitment, then he refuses to enter into the great mystery of life, which is full of unforeseen challenges, but also full of unexpected joys.

When we face new problems, then we are forced to step out of our comfort zones and develop new dimensions of our personality. We become richer, more mature, more fully developed human persons.

Some people refuse to make commitments because they do not want to close off all their options. “What if someone/thing better comes along?” This means, in effect, that you refuse to make the total personal gift of self here and now.

You refuse to respond to the real good that is present to you, waiting for your response.

It is good for parents to commit themselves to their sons and daughters. A child needs unconditional love. A child discovers his/her personal worth and dignity by this sacrifice. He feels loved, cherished just for being the unique person he is; that is the basis of his security, his self-esteem.

A growing boy or girl will make mistakes, will embarrass his parents, or simply will try their patience. This is par for the course of human 8

relations in a family. But the young person learns from his/ her mistakes and corrections. The parents learn how to parent and also something about Father Matthew Habiger patience. Real love is often self-sacrificial. You suffer something when you do what is best for another.

Raising a young person to adulthood is a great achievement, both for the parents and for the young adult. This takes at least eighteen years and demands consistency and reliability.

We commit ourselves to long-term goals. The commitment carries us through the many obstacles along the way.

It is good for spouses to commit themselves to each other. The only proper response to a person is love. Love is seen in one’s willingness (choice) to be totally devoted to another person. To love means to regard the good (well-being) of the other as one’s own personal good. In marriage, a man and a woman become spouses who are totally devoted to each other. There is no greater form of friendship than true marriage.

When a couple “falls in love” and wants to share their lives together into the unknown future, then they make a choice to marry. This is a lifetime commitment. There is an emotional component to this, but the dominant components are full knowledge and full consent. Love is a choice. Marriage is a decision, and this decision is renewed day after day. The original glow of emotions will fade away, but the core of the marriage, that is their relationship based upon a choice, endures. As God designed marriage, the relationship is meant to grow, deepen and ripen throughout the entire lifespan of the couple. The relationship is to get better as the years progress.

When a man and a woman are committed to their relationship, then remarkable things happen. They can sustain jolts and unforeseen crises because they are confident that each one is dedicated to their relationship and to doing whatever it takes to sustain it. They confidently rely upon God and the support He promised them at their wedding vows. It takes a lifetime to fully complete the potential of a marriage.

What sustains the marriage is the commitment they make during the wedding vows, and the renewal of those vows every day with little acts of tenderness and caring.

So, what is the benefit of a committed life? We were designed by God to make good choices and to commit to them. They assist us in becoming fully developed, rich persons.

Commitment helps us become who we were meant to be.

Saint Benedict

on commitment

When he is to be received, he comes before the whole community in the oratory and promises stability, fidelity to monastic life, and obedience.

This is done in the presence of God and his saints...He states his promise in a document drawn up in the name of the saints whose relics are there and to the Abbot...[He] then begins the verse: Receive me Lord and I shall live; do not disappoint me in my hope.

(Ps 118[119]:116).

If he has any possessions, he should either give them to the monastery or to the poor...

-RB 58: 17,19,24

Join the Monks for a Sunday at the Abbey

Fall 2012

10:00 a.m. Mass

Immediately followed by a tour and lunch with the community. † The Following Dates are available September 16 and 23 October 7, 21 and 28; November 11 and 18, December 2 and 9 † Go to:

KansasMonks.org/AbbeySunday to sign up.

Father Maurice Haefling

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Kansas Monks

The Solemn Profession of Brother Simon Baker

August 4, 2012 The Feast of St. John Vianney

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By Vaughn Kohler | Photos by J.D. Benning

Not Afraid of commitment

Fall 2012

It is 10:30 a.m.

Saturday August 4. Outside, the weather in Atchison, Kansas is unusually calm, an 88-degree break from the scorching heat that has ravaged the Heartland and been the trademark of the worst drought in America in the last half-century. Inside St. Benedict’s Abbey Church, there is a similar calmness in the face of what could otherwise Brother Simon, whose be a temperature-raising baptismal name was Carl experience.

Simon Baker, was born A young man dressed on November 7, 1984, in in a black habit stands by an altar in front of a congregation of friends and family. He is Independence, Missouri. He is about to make a solemn vow: A promise to commit his life wholly and without reservathe son of Rick and Terri Baker of tion, not to a young bride, but to Jesus Christ and the community of Benedictine monks.

Kansas City, Missouri; his siblings It is a narrow path, a road not taken by many. It is meant to be irrevocable. are Ruth (33), Luke (31), Anna (29), On this year’s Feast Day of Saint John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, Brother and Katie (25). He grew up in St. Simon Baker professed solemn vows to the monastic community. By taking solemn Mark’s and St. Regis parishes and vows of stability, conversion to a monastic manner of life and obedience, Brother Simon graduated from Bishop O’Hara High has committed to live the rest of his life in the monastic community at St. Benedict’s School.

Abbey. The community, in return, promises to support him in his commitment.

“We are blessed to have Brother Simon become a permanent part of our commuBefore coming nity,” said Abbot Barnabas Senecal, “Today is a great day for the monks at St. Beneto St. Benedict’s dict’s Abbey.”

Abbey, Brother The ceremony of solemn profession, and the whole monastic life of prayer and Simon earned a service, provides a good expample for us to follow. Hopefully each of us can also bachelor’s degree show commitment in all the facets of our lives. Professing voes, whether as a monk in mathematics or a spouse, can be very intimidating. and physics, and But Brother Simon is not afraid of commitment. Although his solemn profesa master’s degree sion is an immensely serious and life-changing decision, he is at peace. He enjoys in education from the calm resolve of a man who has responded to Saint Benedict’s exhortation to Rockhurst University. “prefer nothing whatever to Christ.”

He also played soccer “I first realized in college that faith is not just some commitment to an abstract for the University. code of morality,” Brother Simon said. “It is about a person: Jesus Christ. Once I learned about him, I wanted to do everything I could to be close to this man who In 2008, Brother Simon decided to enter the claimed to be God, was put to death and then rose from the dead.” monastery at St. Benedict’s Abbey. On August “Since my commitment is to a person I can trust, I have peace,” Brother 15, 2009, he professed first vows.

Simon said. “My life is in his hands. I know he’ll take care of me.”

Solemn Profession is the final step in what is typically a four-to-five year Brother Simon is currently studying for the formation period. To become a fully-professed Benedictine monk, a man must priesthood at Saint Meinrad Seminary in first enter the order as a postulant. After several months, he may then request Indiana. After two years of philosophical study initiation into the novitiate. During the novitiate, which is a year in length, the at Benedictine College, he is on pace to be monk takes classes on subjects such as monastic practices, Church teachings, ordained a priest in 2015. the Rule of Saint Benedict (which has guided the Order for 1500 years), Benedictine history, Scripture, and more. During this year, he works closely with the Brother Simon’s education is funded, in part, novice master, who is the mentor for the novice monk in the monastic way of by generous gifts from the supporters of St. life. The novice moves to the next period of formation when he professes trienBenedict’s Abbey. If you would like to join those nial or “first,” vows. During the next three years he moves more fully into the who are sponsoring his education please contact life and work of the monastic community. the Abbey Development office at 913.360.7897.

It is a process—a journey—that, from beginning to end, is rooted in Thank you for helping facilitate his commitment commitment. Brother Simon has embraced that commitment, not with fear, to the monastic life. If you would like to but with joy. correspond with Brother Simon, contact him at BroSimon.osb@gmail.com.

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Kansas Monks

Strengthening Your Marital Commitment through Prayer and Work An Interview with Father Justin D. Dean Father Justin Dean is from Montgomery, Alabama. For eighteen years, he was a priest of the Archdiocese of Mobile. During that time, he served as a high school teacher, campus minister, pastor and prison chaplain. In August of 2009 he joined St. Benedict’s Abbey and professed first vows on December 8, 2010. Father Justin enjoys speaking about marriage and family life. He has hosted three series on marriage for EWTN and has spoken to various groups around the country.

The editors of Kansas Monks Magazine sat down with him to discuss how couples could strengthen their commitment to marriage through prayer and work, the two foundations of Benedictine monasticism.

First off: Some of our readers may wonder whether a single, celibate man should be sharing advice about marriage. What would you say to them?

Well, I’m not a chicken and I’ve never laid an egg, but I know more about an omelet than a chicken ever will. Not all of our knowledge comes from experience—although I have lived with a family and have witnessed good family life firsthand. I’ve worked with Catholic Engaged Encounter and helped over 400 couples prepare for marriage. Couples have come to see me and shared their marital problems and challenges. I’ve shared their joys and struggles. And, as an unmarried priest, I feel I can be more objective: I’m not necessarily going to take the husband’s side just because I’m a man.

In seminary, I received great teaching in marriage, the family, and human sexuality. My professor was Dr. John Haas, who is the president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center and regularly addresses the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on sexual and biomedical issues.

The Benedictine motto is Ora et Labora, prayer and work. In what way does praying together enhance marital commitment?

The monk’s life is rooted in a constant rhythm of work and prayer. Married couples can use this motto to strengthen their marital bond by learning how prayer and work compliment one another.

What are some practical suggestions for praying together?

I think couples should take some time each day, morning or evening, to prayer together They should take a few moments in quiet prayer, then voice some of their prayer requests aloud. The husband could begin the time of vocal prayer. The wife would follow suit. They should share anything going on in life, pray for each other, praise and thank God, bring their needs or the important decisions to God together.

To end things, the husband could lead in praying the Our Father and the wife could lead in praying the Hail Mary. Spending that time in prayer, as they go about building their relationship and living life, will help immensely.

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The Catholic Church teaches that, as human beings, we are “a unity of body and soul.” Our souls are the deepest part of who we are. And there is an intimate connection between our souls and our bodies. When a husband and wife connect to God and each other through prayer, they strengthen the connection between their souls. And this, in turn, enhances their physical relationship. So, prayer helps us bond at the deepest level. The spiritual enhances the physical.

Fall 2012

What kind of “work” will help couples strengthen their marital commitment?

I know one pro-life organization that distinguishes between “seat work” and “feet work.” “Seat work” is learning. “Feet work” is putting what you learned into action. They should be learning about marriage together. But they should also be seeking to “do” things for one another within the marriage.

When men are courting their girlfriends, there’s nothing that they won’t do to win their hearts. That shouldn’t change when a man gets married. When women are dating their boyfriends, they always want to look their best. That shouldn’t change when they get married.

Throughout his or her married life, each spouse should continue to work for the benefit of the other. They should persist in finding out what blesses their spouse— and do those things.

Father Justin encourages us to constantly strive to attract and serve our spouses after we are married. Doing the little extra things can benefit the strength of a marriage.

Benedictine monks take a vow of stability. How does that apply to marriage?

It applies very much: When a Benedictine monk professes solemn vows, he commits to the community at that particular house—for better or for worse.

In the same way, marriage is a relationship that is meant to be permanent. It is meant to be characterized by commitment.

This sounds very difficult, but the truth is, commitment brings great freedom and peace. On the one hand, you can’t have peace and freedom in a relationship in which everything is tentative. Spouses will worry, “will he leave? Will she quit? Are we going to make it?” That just produces fear and anxiety.

But if spouses are committed to stability in marriage, if they recognize its permanence, then the issue isn’t if they are going to make it through marital problems, but how are they going to respond to its challenges?

That’s the mind-set that not only enables marriages to survive, but thrive!

Father Justin’s third series on EWTN, Marriage Works in Christ: Marriage Enrichment, airs Tuesday at 3:30 AM and Saturday at 6:30 PM (EST). If you have questions or comments Father Justin can be reached at Father.JDD@kansasmonks.org

A Prayer for a Blessed Marriage Lord, send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon all those who are married or preparing for marriage.

Help them live sacrificial lives like your Son lived on earth.

Help them give themselves to each other in your plan.

Help them seek to build each other up in love.

Help them see their primary mission in marriage as glorifying God and helping get their spouses to heaven.

And if you bless them with children, Lord, may you help them raise sons and daughters who love and fear the Lord.

Amen.

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Kansas Monks

The Abbey and the College will never separate.

But we are separate.

“We embrace the college as a father embraces his child.

Yet we operate independently and count on the financial generosity of our friends to do God’s work.”

-Prior James Albers C l a s s o f ‘9 4

A Common Heritage The monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey are proud of their heritage as co-founders of Benedictine College. The Abbey’s commitment to education and learning is as strong today as it was in 1858 when the monks established a “school for the Lord’s service.”

A Separate Mission St. Benedict’s Abbey is, however, a separate corporation from Benedictine College. This is often a surprise to many people. The Abbey must raise its own support and maintain its own facilities without assistance from the College. The good works of the monks are supported mostly by the contributions from friends and benefactors and salaries for academic services and pastoral assignments.

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Fall 2012

What the Monks Mean to Me

An Interview with Therese Aaker, Benedictine College, ’14

Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Therese Aaker. I’m a junior at Benedictine College and a Mass Communications major with an Art minor. I’m from Apple Valley, California. My home parish is San Secundo D’Asti. I want to be a writer for a women’s magazine, movie critic and mom.

Tell us why you personally appreciate the monks: The monks remind us, by their religious life, of what we were put on this earth to do: find union with God. They also provide the spiritual fatherhood students of this campus need and enrich our sacramental life. I also really appreciate their spiritual direction!

In your opinion, what is the benefit of having the Abbey on the campus of Benedictine College?

They hold the spiritual sphere together here on campus and simply by being present with us, keep us accountable and remind us of what kind of lifestyle we should be striving for. Any time they interact with me, I feel God’s joyful spirit in them!

What would your experience at Benedictine College be like if the Abbey and the monks weren’t on campus?

It would be so much harder to deepen my faith; the sacraments wouldn’t be so readily available to us, and we would have no spiritual directors!

Are there any monks in particular that have been a blessing to you?

Father Justin Dean was my spiritual director last year, and he really helped guide me through some difficult times. I also love Father Jeremy Heppler’s homilies! They always seem to come at the perfect time.

Do you have any specific stories or anecdotes you could share about how the monks have impacted you or someone you know?

When I was still on the softball team here, I pitched some balls to Father Justin. He hit a few! It was cool to see a monk in every day clothes.

I also loved making peanut brittle with the monks! It was great seeing them doing their everyday work, in normal clothes, living a normal life.

It was great getting to know them in that way!

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Kansas Monks

A Happy Accident

Still, Father Bertrand wanted to be both.

In

by Vaughn Kohler pursuing his vocation to You might say that Father Bertrand LaNoue’s storied career the religious life, he joined as a professor of economics began with a car accident and some the monks at St. Benedict’s Abbey. And, since teaching spoiled food.

On a hot day in 1957, a truck from a catering company in St. (at Maur-Hill and BenedicJoseph, Missouri was en route to Atchison when it turned off of tine College) was—and is— Highway 59. It hit a rough patch of road, swerved abruptly, and one of the monk’s main aposthe food in the back of the truck tolates, it was the perfect fit.

Father Bertrand could be a spilled onto the ground.

The food was meant to be lunch priest and a professor.

“In some ways, my plans for a group of nuns who were in to become a priest went town visiting St. Benedict’s Abbey. smoother than my plans to They were there to participate in the become a professor,” said first of three celebrations commemFather Bertrand.

“During my orating the completion of the new graduate studies, I ran into Abbey Church. But the food never some challenges. ” got to the Abbey—and the nuns The first of those chal- A treasured gift, this chalice was went hungry. lenges was serving a parish an ordination gift from Father In order to ensure that nothin Philadelphia that was not Bertrand’s mother and father. ing went wrong for the second and third celebrations, Abbot Cuth- very sympathetic to Father Betrand’s responsibilities as a graduate bert McDonald enlisted Father student. In addition to the hours he spent studying for his classes, Bertrand’s help. In addition to Father Bertrand was asked to celebrate Mass and perform numerteaching math and physics to the students at St. Benedict’s College ous pastoral duties—including hearing confessions at a church and Maur Hill Prep School, the thirty-year-old Father Bertrand that was less than four blocks from a busy train station.

“There was always a steady stream of people from the train also oversaw dining services. So, in Abbot Cuthbert’s eyes, that station wanting to confess,” said Father Bertrand. “When people made Father Bertrand the ideal candidate for the job. had really serious problems, I would encourage them to come see He was right: under Father Bertrand’s supervision, more than the priest.

And then I remembered: I’m the priest! My workload 1,000 people ate at the second and third celebrations—and there was very overwhelming at times.” were no problems. Everything went smoothly.

If that wasn’t challenging enough, Father Bertrand’s health also The Abbot was so pleased that he told Father Bertrand he suffered during his graduate studies.

A doctor prescribed a special would grant him any request. pain killer and this led to Father “I told him I wanted to go Bertrand, in his words, “acting to graduate school,” said Father bizarrely” in front of his profesBertrand. “I told him I wanted to sors. get my Ph.D.” “I was participating in an oral Abbot Cuthbert granted Father examination, ” he said. “And my Bertand’s request and shortly professors noticed that somethereafter he traveled to Philathing wasn’t right: I was acting delphia to complete his MA and very casual.

I put my feet up on MBA in Economics at Wharton the chair.

I was distracted and Graduate School of Finance and couldn’t answer otherwise easy Commerce at the University of questions.”

Pennsylvania. From there he went Thankfully, one of Father on to finish his Ph.D. at Saint Louis Bertrand’s professors ran into the University in 1968. Until 1997, young priest’s doctor—and they when he was reassigned to serve St. put two-and-two together.

Joseph’s Parish in Atchison, Father “The doctor told my professor Bertrand pursued a long and that he had given me a prescripdistinguished career as a muchtion for a pain-killing medicine,” loved and respected professor of Father Bertrand said.

“It was economics at St. Benedict’s College called Darvocet.

I had taken too and Benedictine College. much of it.

And I had what was “When I was very young, I told called a ‘Darvocet hangover.’” people I wanted to be a teacher,” “It made me look like I was said Father Bertrand. “But mostly, drunk, ” he said with a chuckle.

I was afraid to tell them I wanted Not just a man of faith Father Bertrand also was a family “But my professors understood to be a monk. I was worried they’d man. He enjoyed spending time with his parents and and I didn’t get in trouble. That call me a ‘Holier Than Thou.’” siblings.

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60 anos de serviço

60Years Fall 2012

After retiring from teaching Father Bertrand served as a pastor for St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parishes in Atchison and chaplain for Atchison Catholic Elementary School. He celebrated his final mass at A.C.E.S. on October 13, 2011

was a good thing.”

It was definitely a good thing. Since Father Bertrand’s academic career wasn’t derailed by a Darvocet hangover, the students at St. Benedict’s College and Benedictine College were blessed by his classes and his life. The students loved and respected him, and he enjoyed his career immensely.

“Not all of my students were extremely bright,” Father Bertrand said. “But I always tried to provoke serious thought in all of them. And I told them that I believed in them. I thought they had what it took to respond to the chal-

lenges of life with reason and competence.”

Father Bertrand said that many of his former students had contacted him later in their lives and thanked him for pointing them in the right direction.

“One of the things I often told my students is that we don’t have all the answers,” Father Bertrand said. “But that’s okay because we do know the right questions to ask.”

According to Father Bertrand, knowing the right questions to ask in life is invaluable.

“If you know the questions to ask in life, you might not get all the answers you hope for, but it at least gives you a frame of reference,” he said. “It gives some direction to your life and efforts.”

Father Bertrand shared an analogy from his field of economics.

“The derivation of the demand curve seems very simple, but it is actually very elusive,” he said. “It is good to know that—and to know what things you can accomplish economically in those conditions. That’s better than not knowing anything about it at all.”

“In many areas of life, the first step is knowing what you are looking for,” he said. “You might not get a complete answer. But asking the right questions should provide a good start to finding your way in life.”

Through his calling as a professor and priest, Father Bertrand LeNoue has helped more than a few people ask the right questions, seek better answers, and find their way in life.

So, when that truck swerved on Highway 59, the food was lost, and the nuns went hungry?

That was a very good thing for countless students over the years—and for anyone ever blessed by the life and teaching of Father Bertrand.

of service

Father Bertand LaNoue (above) and Father Kieran McInerney (below) celebrated the 60th anniversary of their Priestly Ordinations in 2012. Father Bertrand served as a Parish Priest and college professor for the majority of that time. Father Kieran dedicated most of his time to serving the poor and disadvantaged in Brazil.

Father Bertrand gathered with his family to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination May 22, 2012.

17

Kansas Monks

What the Monks Mean to Me

An Interview with Ian O’Hagan, Benedictine College ‘14

Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Ian O’Hagan. I’m a junior History and Theology/Classical Languages major from Des Moines, Iowa. My home parish is Basilica of St. John. I want to be a history professor.

Tell us why you personally appreciate the monks: For several years, my home parish had a Benedictine priory of the Swiss-American Congregation. It was from the monks there that I was introduced to the Divine Office, Lectio Divina, and the Benedictine spirituality of prayer and work. Knowing that there was an active community of monks who offered those same opportunities was a large factor in my coming to Benedictine.

In your opinion, what is the benefit of having the Abbey on the campus of Benedictine College?

The goal of any abbey or monastery is to create a community of believers who assist one another in growing in holiness through prayer and good works. When students see the monks setting that example, it encourages them to do the same in their lives, and in their relationships with others. By inviting students to join them in their daily liturgies, the monks also encourage them to pursue an active faith life beyond Sunday.

What would your experience at Benedictine College be like if the Abbey and the monks weren’t on campus?

I don’t think I would have as much of a faith life as I do now. I also don’t think Benedictine College would be the great Catholic college it is today if the Abbey weren’t actively present on campus. The aspects of Benedictine College that make it stand out, hospitality, community and stability, are essential hallmarks of Benedictine monasticism. Without those aspects, and without the witness given by the monks, Benedictine College would probably have a hard time maintaining its Catholic identity.

Are there any monks in particular that have been a blessing to you?

I think I speak for a lot of students here when I say that Father Meinrad has been a great blessing. His active participation, coupled with his sense of humor, make him an accessible person for everyone.

Do you have any specific stories or anecdotes you could share about how the monks have impacted you or someone you know?

I have yet to fall victim to one of Brother Joe’s practical jokes, but I know many who have! I recall a story of some young ladies who went to the abbey graveyard at midnight on a dare.

Brother Joe, having gotten wind of their plan, got there ahead of them and lay down among the tombstones. As they got closer, he called out in a high squeaky voice, “Don’t step on me, please!”

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Fall 2012

St. Benedict’s Abbey Men’s Retreat The Path of life Benedictine values for every day life

November 9-11, 2011 Join the monks in their daily lives.

For more information or to register please call: 913.360.7867 -or - email: mmiller@benedictine.edu Space is limited

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f

Marked with the sign of Faith

c

Kansas Monks

Father Benedict La Rocque • 1916-2004

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

-Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, 4:8

Father Benedict’s life was focused

on these noble things. He devoted roughly twenty years to the quiet life of the Trappist, twenty years to the active life of a parish priest, and twenty years to community life with us. He made his mark in each way of life as a man of prayer, a man of reflection and contemplation, a man of music, a man given to the guidance of others through confession and counsel, a man of lasting friendship, a man of strength and of grace.

He valued family. He loved his brothers and sisters and their sons and daughters, their spouses. He helped young families get their start in preparing them for marriage. He helped young families in their development of faith practice. He was available for confessions on call, marriages and baptisms in distant cities. He received many calls and letters, and returned the same. He was often in later years making copies of writings of the Little Flower or of Pope John Paul II, and mailing these to friends. He loved the writings of Dom Columba Marmion.

Father Benedict’s soul was musical. He studied and played the violin as a youth.

He taught Gregorian chant to the Trappists of Georgia and was their choir master.

He sang with his body. He would comment to me that he thought choir was going pretty well, even when he became more hard of hearing. He would ask what I thought of his participation. I told him that he was doing well, that he shouldn’t try to lead from his wheelchair on the outside of choir, and that “no one entered into our singing with more artistry that he.” He moved the book in his hands to the rhythm of the music, rising and falling from the waist up! He loved the fact that we completed the pipe organ in this church, a project supported by members of his family.

He loved to work with his hands and one of his greatest trials came when he began to lose his mobility and his agility. He moved about the hallways of the monastery in his wheelchair with a quickness that reminded us of his truck driving habits. He moved quickly, sometimes unaware of what all was in his path. He planted and cared for the marvelous flowerbeds we used to have along the walk into the guest house. He started seeds in boxes of dirt in the abbey basement, nurturing these seeds into plants. He diagramed on paper where each flower would be planted. He used a great number of varieties to create those outstanding beds.

Brother Dominic worked with him in the early 90’s, and asked him why he worked so hard. Father Benedict responded, “My mother had taught me to work hard.” He did hard labor, worked several years at building the monastery of the Trappists in Conyers, Georgia. He scrubbed and waxed the entire floor of the Abbey church, with machines and on his knees.

Father Benedict was available to many in the abbey community as their confessor or spiritual director. That one-on-one direction was generously given, and led the young to an appreciation of the older, the wiser, the gentler side of Benedictine life. “Brother, that’s the stuff of monastic life. Accept this struggle, continue to move forward, and you will find happiness.” His wisdom helped others build an interior appreciation of the daily flow of monastic life. Religious sisters, college students, seminarians and priests, parish members, and prisoners also gained confidence in their spiritual lives through Father Benedict’s encouragement.

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Fall 2012 Others appreciated his leading them into centering prayer, a kind of prayer of quiet which some Trappists have written about and practiced. A former professor of Benedictine College and Abbey Oblate, Bill Hyland, sent an e-mail telling how Father Benedict had helped him in his prayer life. “Father Denis introduced me to Father Benedict. In one meeting he discerned the problems I had been having with discursive meditative prayer for years, and introduced me to contemplative prayer.

For that and his subsequent spiritual friendship, a bond I cannot put into words, I will be eternally grateful.”

“There are endless anecdotes one can relate about him,” wrote Bill.

“His pastoral abilities as a confessor are legendary. I remember at a baptism party for one of my daughters, Father Brendan looked around the room and said, that for over ninety percent of the people in that house at that moment, Benedict was their confessor.” Bill also wrote, “Another time Father Benedict was to come over to our house. He got there a while later than expected, and we asked what had happened to him. It turns out, he had gone to the wrong address, but the people asked him in, and he sat with them a while, watched a ball game, as they wanted him to stay! People loved him. He was such a treasure.”

Father Benedict remained alert to many things in his final days, including national politics. He loved life. In the midst of his failing health, his acceptance and his appreciation of care given him was noted by the doctors and nurses at Heartland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

This was his final ministry to others. It came from the confidence his faith engendered in him.

When Father Benedict needed his powered chair for movement out of his room, he tied a shoe string on the outside door handle, so he could shut it “on the run.” This inventiveness is not needed where he is now. He doesn’t need hearing aids, he will not suffer diabetic lapses. He is fully alive, fully at peace, smiling into the face of Christ.

Alumni Since 2000: 98 Vocations • 13 Bank CEOs 7 University Presidents • 4 Bishops 1 Nobel Laureate

TOM HOENIG, Class of 1968, Vice Chairman of the FDIC

Atchison, Kansas • www.benedictine.edu

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Kansas Monks

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Fall 2012

abbey notes Father Louis Kirby is using a specially made stand at his place of prayer in the Abbey choir, along the stone half-wall that marks a division between the sanctuary and the choir stalls. Brother Peter Karasz made a wooden stand that is easily accessed by a person in a wheelchair. It provides a slanted top on which rests the books for the day. It is tall enough (or short enough) that the praying person may remain seated.

Father Meinrad Miller went to Calcutta, India, to offer conferences to Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity. He returned on August 12.

Father Justin Dean made visits to Abbey friends in Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Colorado, July 16 to 28. He traveled 3,800 miles.

Abbot Barnabas Senecal wrote this biography for a list of contributors to Celebration magazine: “I began writing monthly for Celebration in August, 2003. To write, I pay attention to psalms and readings of the Liturgy of the Hours, and to events of life. I love to shoot photographs and only later see them as speaking a theme for publication. Twenty-four years of high school work, eighteen years as abbot, and six years in parish ministry are perspectives from which I write. A sabbatical in 1990-91 opened my eyes and I began capturing what I saw, in photos.”

Father Maurice Haefling drove to Cañon City, Colorado, to work on the sale of Trinity Ranch, a property of Holy Cross Abbey that had remained unsold.

During Vespers on August 14, three men began a period of postulancy for our monastic community. They are Vincent Henningsgaard, Joey Orrino, and Jim Mangimelli. The Postulant Director is Father Denis Meade. During these four months, the postulants live in the cottage, wear secular clothing, attend all community exercises and have classes with the Director and others.

Brother Anthony Vorwerk is amazed that our monk work force is picking nine boxes of tomatoes a day from our two long rows of vines. The Mexican Benedictine Sisters in Leavenworth are making salsa from some of the tomatoes and our peppers. The monks have tomato slices available at all three meals, each day.

Judith Valente’s article, A Good Death: Witnessing the final days of a Kansas Nun, appeared in the Kansas City Star Magazine, over the weekend of July 28. It may be found on the internet, searching for her name and the topic death. The published comments are filled with compliments to the author. The article is adapted from her forthcoming book “Atchison Blue.” +++ Kansas Monks: a publication for the Society of St. Benedict.

Publisher: Abbot Barnabas Senecal Editor: Vaughn Kohler Managing Editor: J.D. Benning For more questions or subscription information call 913.360.7897 or e-mail development@kansasmonks.org

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Go to Kansasmonks.org/signup to register for Kansas Monks Online, our e-mail newsletter. You will receive regular columns, videos, music and much more straight to your inbox. You will also receive a digital copy of Kansas Monks magazine.

Father Jeremy Heppler

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Fall 2012 | Volume 7 | Number 3

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