More than
$500,000 r a i s e d
“We’ve all said: Give us a man who makes us proud to be Catholic, to live our faith fully, to celebrate the love we share in Christ. And God gave us Barnabas.” story by Joe Akers | photos by Dennis Dunleavy With these words, longtime friend Karen Wuenstel introduced Abbot Barnabas Senecal at the retirement banquet in his honor. On April 27, 2013, the Society of St. Benedict, the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey and many, many family and friends celebrated together the life of Abbot Barnabas (below with Ceil Patton.) The event raised $519,740 for the benefit of St. Benedict’s Abbey. Almost 550 people joined us at the DoubleTree Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas, to pay tribute to the eighth Abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey. We gathered to honor a former student, scholar and athlete; a teacher, administrator and pastor. We came to honor a monk-priest and a humble servant. And led by Karen Wuenstel, we sang to the “Singing Abbot.” Will you le t me b e your s er v ant L e t me b e a s C hr i st to you Pray that I mig ht have the g race To le t me b e your s er v ant to o - The Servant Song With a masterful blend of well-wishers on video and appearances by Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Karen Wuenstel and Abbots Barnabas and James, the evening captured the life of Abbot Barnabas in remarkable style. The night highlighted various parts of the Abbot’s life from centerpieces created from the Abbot’s photography to dessert with each serving of cake emblazoned with the Abbot’s coat of arms. Karen Wuenstel led the program with her poem, “And God gave us Barnabas.” (Excerpt on back cover) She shared the Abbot’s story; from birth as a twin in Atwood, Kansas, to his schooling at Maur Hill Prep; from entering the novitiate at the Abbey to serving at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park; from being elected Abbot to his role as confidant and friend, Karen’s poem captured the spirited life of this humble monk. When Karen finished leading us in The Servant Song, she gave him a hug and introduced Abbot Barnabas. And he didn’t disappoint: With ease of spirit Abbot Barnabas drew laughter and applause with stories of his induction into the “Running Revs” hall of fame,
20
Kansas Monks
his years as a teacher, administrator and pastor, and of his service as Abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey. He made us laugh. He made us cry. And as expected, he wanted to sing: Abb a , abb a Father, you are the p otter, We are the cl ay, the work of your hand s … Mold us… mold us and fashion us, into the image of Je su s your s on… of Je su s your s on - Abb a Father Then he shared these words, “We are molded by God, and by those who love us and by those whom we love. We are God’s instruments in molding one another. Thanks to all who have loved me and those who have allowed me to love them.” Abbot Barnabas closed with a tribute to his mother and to all women by asking everyone to join him in singing: Gentle woman, quiet light Morning star so strong and bright Gentle mother, peaceful dove Teach us wisdom, teach us love -Hail Mary, Gentle Woman While honoring Abbot Barnabas, the event also offered the opportunity to support the Abbot Barnabas, Maur & Placid Fund. At St. Benedict’s Abbey this fund addresses a problem that prevents many college graduates from considering a religious calling: educational debt. As Abbot James (at left with Abbot’s Table underwriter John Gillcrist) explained, “this fund provides men the freedom to discern a calling to the monastic life at St. Benedict’s Abbey.” He announced a challenge issued by friends of Abbot Barnabas. “This couple, in honor of Abbot Barnabas, will contribute $100,000 to the Abbot Barnabas, Maur & Placid Fund, if we can raise another $100,000 tonight”. The response was overwhelming, with the event raising $519,740. After banquet expenses, the Abbey development office estimates that your gifts will net approximately $450,000. After humbly sharing the benefit total, Abbot James invited everyone back: “In the Rule of St. Benedict, one of the highest honors is to be invited to the Abbot’s Table. It’s an honor reserved for closest friends and family. That’s the way Abbot Barnabas and I and all the monks think of you, as close friends and family. And so beginning next year, this banquet will be referred to as The Abbot’s Table, to which you all are invited.”
