k ansas
monks
F r om the A bb ot
A call to communion
“ The brother s should e ach tr y to be the f ir st to show re spect to the other, suppor ting w ith the g re ate st patience one another ’s we akne sse s of body or behav ior, and e ar ne stly competing in obedience to one another. No one i s to pur sue what he judge s better for himself, but inste ad , what he judge s better for someone el se . To their fellow monk s the y show the pure love of brother s ; to God , lov ing fe ar ; to their abbot , unfeig ned and humble love . Let them prefer nothing whate ver to Chr i st , and may he br ing u s all together to e verl a sting life .” – rule of st. benedict 72:4-11 A question that we monks are asked many times is, “Why did you come to the monastery?” It is a question that St. Benedict asked us in our very first reading of the Rule. I’ve heard much wiser monks than me state that as we continue our journey in the monastery, this is a question we should ask ourselves each day; the answer being clearer on some days than others. However, I’ve heard it said again by a confrere, “The day you stop asking yourself that question – ‘Why did I come to the monastery?’ – is the day your vocation is in danger.” Isn’t this true for each of our vocations? For those who have entered into the married vocation, you could say, “The day I stop asking myself why I love my wife/husband is the day my marriage is in danger.” Chapter 72 from St. Benedict’s Rule challenges the monk to “compete” with his brothers in obedience. For St. Benedict, we are faithful to our vocation through the labor of obedience, through growth in faith and good works, through scaling the ladder of humility, through acceptance of and perseverance in the difficult task; through love of God and our brother. It is the journey, in any vocation, from separation into intimacy, from being far off to becoming near. For the monk in a particular way, and for all the faithful, it is opening oneself up to an intimate relationship with Christ who leads us to the Father. It is a relationship that is fed in personal prayer, fed
When he is to be received he comes before the whole community...and promises stability, fidelity to the monastic life, and obedience. - rule of st. benedict 58:17
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in our partaking of the Word, and fed by opening ourselves to the grace of God in Sacrament. St. Benedict reminds us that the difference between separation or alienation and intimacy, between that of being far off and becoming near, is “a good zeal which separates from evil and leads to God and everlasting life” (RB 72:2). Ultimately it is a call to communion – the monk with his brothers into relationship with God, the husband and wife with each other leading them toward God – a call that is to bring us all to everlasting life. The monk lives the monastic life in communion with his brothers, a communion that is both the goal as well as the way in which we journey there together. The monastery for the monk is meant to become both family and community, our first point of reference, our most important human interaction, the place that is unquestionably home, the gathering of people who are most dear to us. Similar, yet with a different reference point is the life of the husband and wife, with their family. Yet while family life begins from a different point of reference, and the journey will look vastly different, living their lives together brings them to understand how they help each other in their own journey toward eternal life. Communion in our vocation is the path to intimacy with Christ; in the communion we share we assume a deep responsibility for those with whom we share that communion.
“The day you stop asking yourself that question, ‘Why did I come to the monastery?’ – is the day your vocation is in danger.” If there is a sloth that directs us away from God, there is likewise a sloth that hinders us from providing support for each other. We enter into this communion not solely for ourselves, but also for the well-being of the other – my fellow monks, or a married person’s spouse – ultimately for our membership in Christ’s Body. Beautiful in all of this is how the varied vocations feed upon, as well as nourish that communion. It is a collection of attitudes, habits, behaviors, beliefs, fidelities, self-disciplines, all that provide for a promise of health in our individual vocations and the overall health of the Body. If we can detach ourselves from all those things that cut away at this communion, and form in ourselves those attitudes, habits, behaviors, etc., that build up the Body, our communion will be nourished, and we will be built up individually, as well as corporally, with sure hope becoming ever more evident and clear. It is a sacrifice of self at times, but certainly in our fidelity to that communion in Christ, the Body will prosper in the most important way we are called, by gradually becoming the kingdom to which we are advancing (see RB Prol. 21), bringing us all together to that hope of eternal life. “The brothers should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with the greatest patience one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another.”
ARE YOU GOING? T H E
Abbot ’s Table A p r i l 2 7, 2 0 1 9
for Tickets and Table Sponsorship options see:
kansasmonks.org/abbotstable
Why I support the monks through the
A bb o t ’s Ta bl e P a m K r a m e r, B C ‘ 8 8
“Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ.” - ru l e of st. b e n e d ic t 5 3 : 1 “Let the Abbot’s table always be with the guests and travelers.” - ru l e of st. b e n e d ic t 5 6 : 1 From the bluffs of the Missouri River to the Aventine Hill in Rome, my family and I have been repeatedly welcomed by the Monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey. There is a beautiful simplicity to these welcomes – the gentle embrace “of the household of faith.” When I reflect on these embraces – whether they were literal or spiritual, I am deeply grateful and humbled. As a high school student visiting my older brother, I breathed in the sense of contentment that came with attending Mass at the Abbey – the cornerstone of Benedictine’s campus. And the smile on my father’s face when we would step out into the September sunshine after and he would exclaim, “Now, THAT was a Mass!”– reflecting of the joy with which the mystery was celebrated. And I remember processing into the Abbey Church years later for my own baccalaureate mass and smiling at the now-familiar faces of those monks who had helped to form me in community. They had not only taught me so much about economics and philosophy and scripture; they’d also modeled the intersection of all of those things – the ora et labora – the marriage of prayer and work in our daily lives, and the importance of learning. Always learning. Always reading. Always forward. Their presence persisted later as I married and started a family. They were assigned to our parishes and even confirmed our children. They hosted us and guided us at Sant’Anselmo on our trips to Rome, celebrating Mass with us at the tomb of St. Peter. And always, they evangelized by extending the gentle embrace of the Living God. This steady thread woven through my adult life has stitched together our family framework. Kevin and I try to hold our family as a community, centered on Christ, practicing the dailiness of prayer and work and learning together, while extending a welcoming embrace to others. And so it is not only our privilege, but our joy to support the monks, particularly as we are welcomed again to The Abbot’s Table. We do so in gratitude and in a desire to preserve their embraces of hospitality and God’s love for generations to come.
Winter/Spring 2019
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The Novitiate Entry of Br . Maximilian & Br . Angelus
There
i s a b u z z in the vesting area just behind the Abbey Church – a palpable anticipation permeates the room as the monks line up to process into the Church to pray Vespers. Monks vest in the attire appropriate to their role or status in the community. It is their custom to line up in statio, or community rank, with the newest members at the head of the line. But, at the head of this line are two men in button down shirts: Charles and Marty (at right, L to R). At least, those are their names for the moment. When they push the doors open their lives will be forever changed. Vespers begin as normal and the Abbot intones the prayer: “Let my prayer rise like incense before you, O Lord!” As they pray, the monastic community and all those gathered seek to lift the soon-to-be novices up, that the Lord will strengthen them in their pursuit of holiness and reveal his will to them. The Psalms have a calming effect – as the words of praise are offered to God, His presence can be felt in the Church. Charles and Marty have spent the last four months as postulants, praying and working alongside the monks, and these prayers offer a comfort and familiarity that is all its own. But just as that comfort came, the Psalms come to an end, and the Abbot rises and processes to the Altar, where Charles and Marty will leave their old selves behind. The Abbot is flanked by his brother monks, the server, Br. Jerome, and master of ceremonies, Br. Placidus, on his left; the Novice Master Fr. Jay and Fr. Simon on his right. He calls the candidates forward and asks, “What do you seek?” They respond in unison, “The mercy of God and the fellowship of your community.” Monastic life is encapsulated in this one statement, that they seek God and wish to so with a group of brothers, banded together by a common purpose. As they sit before the Abbot he instructs them as to what they are about to undertake: “You desire to allow the Lord to know you in an intimate way and to witness to this reality as played out also in the lives of your brothers… to trust the reality of truth so as to answer this question: Do you believe that I can do this? “Enter into this time of novitiate with abundant hope, for it is Christ to whom you begin to offer yourself, and it is Christ in whom you must place your trust… No matter what transpires in the coming 366 days, understand as you begin each new day – whether that is day one, or day 257 – Christ will not be outdone in generosity. “Despite what we might perceive in difficult moments, Christ never fails us.” After the homily the critical moment for these men has come, when they receive their habit –
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Kans a s M onk s
the garment that will identify them as monks. As novices, they’re free to leave anytime – no vow binds them to the Abbey during this year of study, prayer, and discernment; but, should they persevere, these are the clothes they’ll be buried in, the last thing they’ll ever wear (Lord willing, they’ll wear it for a long time). They also receive their monastic name; consider the gravity of this. Our name is the first thing we receive from our parents, the first marker of our identity. Taking on a new name, these men will be re-born in Christ in the monastery. As Charles kneels before the Abbot, the habit is placed on his shoulders and total silence falls over the Church as if everyone is holding their breath waiting for the Abbot to reveal his name: “Hence forth, you will be known as Br. Angelus.” The Abbot presents him with the Rule of St. Benedict, the guide for Br. Angelus’ new life within the monastery. With a smile he returns to his place as Marty comes forward. Kneeling, just as Br. Angelus and the hundreds of monks who have gone before him, he receives his habit and the total silence again falls over the crowd. A smile comes over his face as the Abbot announces, “You will be known as Br. Maximilian Mary” (at left).
The monks come forth to solemnly welcome the novices into their community, a customary sign of peace to let them know that they have been welcomed as brothers in Christ. And they return to their seats to conclude the evening’s prayer. Again the calm returns, a reassurance from God, that He is always present. As Vespers comes to a close, the community processes out of the Abbey Church – as the doors close the community breaks into applause to joyously welcome the novices. Smiles, excited handshakes, and hugs conclude what is one of the most joyous occasions in the Abbey. Pictured at right, Br. Maximilian Anderson and Br. Angelus Atkinson (L to R).
Winter/Spring 2019
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Running on the path
THE DIACONAL ORDINATION OF BR. LUKE TURNER & BR. THIAGO SILVA
9:55 A.M.
As the procession enters the sanctuary, Br. Luke and Br. Thiago take their places in the front row, they will spend the Liturgy of the Word with their families and friends...
10:07 A.M.
9:59 A.M.
Fr. Jay, the Master of Ceremonies, addresses the assembled clerics, then gives final instructions to Br. Luke and Br. Thiago.
10:02 A.M.
10:31 A.M.
Br. Thiago has traveled nearly 5,000 miles to be ordained in his monastic mother house, but perhaps more importantly has crossed a language barrier. His uncle proclaims the first reading in Portuguese, recognizing the universality of the Christian call.
The candidates are called forward and Archbishop Naumann instructs them as to what they’re about to undertake: “At its heart, the Diaconate is a ministry of service. The Priest and Bishop never cease being a deacon first, being one who comes not to be served but to serve those entrusted into his pastoral care.”
10:35 A.M. 12
As Mass approaches, the priests, deacons, and monks gather in the Abbey Narthex – a momentous occasion is imminent: the next step on the path to priesthood for Br. Luke & Br. Thiago.
Kans a s M onk s
10:20 A.M.
For Br. Luke Turner, his journey to this moment has been unique, from high school seminary, entering the Abbey as a novice in 1981, to leaving the monastery to pursue a career, finding success as a Senior Vice President with MasterCard, back to the monastery in 2012, to conquering colon cancer, the diaconate is the penultimate step on the journey he started as a teenager.
After the homily the candidates lie prostrate before the altar and the assembled pray the Litany of the Saints, calling for the intercession of all those holy men and women who have served Christ before us. “This act symbolizes his unworthiness for the office to be assumed and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community.”
10:41 A.M.
Coming Home
BR. THIAGO REFLECTS
ON HIS VISIT TO THE ABBEY
One at a time, each man is called to kneel before the Archbishop; this is the height of the ordination. The Archbishop calls down the Holy Spirit and lays hands on each candidate, just as the Apostles passed on the authority of the priesthood (Acts 6:6). In this moment each man is being singled out; in this moment he is entrusted with the care of the faithful in his ministry, as he goes forth from this moment he will always be an ordained man.
Each Deacon is presented with the book of Gospels, a reminder that his first duty is to proclaim the Good News and follow Christ’s final directive, to “go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations”
11:36 A.M.
10:51 A.M.
The joyous occasion has come to a close, but the journey for these monks continues as they each look forward to being ordained to the priesthood. Please join our community in praying for them during their diaconal ministry.
In December and January 2018-19, I was blessed to visit our mother house, St. Benedict’s Abbey, studying English and getting to know my confreres. As I prepare to return to Brazil, I wanted to reflect on this all-too-brief stay: I entered St. Joseph Priory in 2014, the Abbey’s dependent priory in Mineiros, state of Goiás, located in the Center West region of Brazil. Coming this far, I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I first arrived I was struck by our neighborhood – the pleasant town of Atchison; I wish I had more time to learn about it. The abbey itself is an architectural jewel. I enjoyed joining my brothers in prayer and I am grateful for the hospitality of the monks and of the lay people I have come to know. It’s also wonderful to see the witness of the families who come and share in our monastery’s prayer. My diaconal ordination was beautiful; while it happened far away from my biological family, my Brazilian fellow monks and my friends, I experienced the warmth and attention of my fellow American monks that day. Since then I have enjoyed my first experiences as a deacon at the altar and have gradually taken on the proclamation of the Gospel. Abbot James and some of the younger monks took me on a tour to several parishes in the area that were founded by our community; it helped me gain a better sense of our abbey’s history of service. After seeing these beautiful churches that those parishioners built, I want to congratulate the Catholics of this region for erecting these lovely architectural witnesses to their faith. Between January 3 and 6, I was able to share with 17,000 other young people at FOCUS’s SEEK in Indianapolis, Indiana, a fantastic event! I had the opportunity to force myself to speak in English. It was marvelous to see how the young Catholics of this country were practicing their faith with such fervor and maturity. To participate in a great gathering like this one by spreading the news and mission of our community, the “Kansas Monks,” among those thousands of youth is something that I shall always remember. I thank God and my monastic community for welcoming me. I want to thank everybody for their patience in trying to understand my beginner’s English. I thank Fr. Denis for his translations and for teaching me the history of our abbey and our group of Benedictines. Good readers, you welcome me to your neighborhood by reading these words. Thank you. Obrigado!
Winter/Spring 2019
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m o nks o n a miss ion
When the monks arrived in the Kansas Territory in 1855, they sought to provide the sacraments as missionaries. Though the monks vow stability to the abbey in Atchison, occasionally they must venture beyond the monastery to serve the faithful. These are just some of the ways the monks work to spread the Gospel:
kansas monks abroad
mosteiro são josé st. joseph priory mineiros, goiás, brazil a brief history
selected works: abbot james albers
In 1961 Pope John XXIII asked the “priest rich” countries to send priests to the “priest poor” countries. Responding, Abbot Cuthbert chose to make a foundation in Brazil. In 1962 three men were chosen to begin this venture. They established themselves in central west Brazil at the small city of Mineiros. Along with founding a monastic community they assumed the parochial apostolate for the city and surrounding area, a ministry that continues today.
travels to brazil twice annually to serve as superior of community
prior joaquim carvalho serves as local superior of priory university of mineiros - board chairman
fr . vinicius queiroz rezende
pastor - são bento parish diocesan youth ministry leader
fr . josias da costa
teacher at colegio agapé active in pastoral ministry
br . thiago silva
solemn profession , ordained deacon in 2018 co - authored book on lent , published 2018
9,090
Families served by monks at Mineiros parish.
Monks provide the sacraments for 30,000 Catholics in Mineiros, Goiás, Brazil
Monks serve as spiritual advisors and chaplains to a variety of lay ministries in Brazil.
pignon , haiti
br . leven and bc students served the people of haiti and provided assistance with a new parish school .
kolkata , india fr . jay and bc students served the poorest of the poor with the missionaries of charities
lima , peru
fr. brendan was chaplain to focus missionaries, west point cadets, and us naval academy midshipmen on mission trip to peru.
san salvador, el salvador fr . simon traveled with bc students to serve those in need and visit sites dedicated to st . oscar romero
new orleans , la
br . karel and a group of bc men traveled to new orleans to assist with flood recovery efforts .
serving in europe fr . brendan rolling Fr. Brendan Rolling serves as an International Chaplain for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), serving students at colleges and universities in the USA, Austria, and England. fr . daniel m c carthy Fr. Daniel serves on the faculty at the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy in Rome, Italy. He serves on the faculty at the University of Leuven in Belgium and teaches summer courses at Ealing Abbey in London.
pilgrimages to the holy land Fr. Gabriel served as chaplain for a Holy Family School of Faith pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2018. Fr. Simon led a group of Benedictine College students on a pilgrimage through the Holy Land in 2018. 14
service trips
Kans a s M onk s
publishing
Fr. Daniel’s sixth book is his expanded doctoral dissertation on church architecture, and his seventh is a study of the personal letters of Cicero. These are both now with their publishers and total over 1,000 pages each. You may join Fr. Daniel’s course on church architecture offered by the Archdiocese of Denver 20-24 January 2020. Br. Thiago Silva co-authored a book on Lent, 40 Days with Jesus, released in Portuguese in Brazil in 2018.
serving in
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s tat e s a n d d . c .
highlights • Confirmations throughout Kansas • Leading and providing sacramental support for pilgrimages and mission trips • Giving talks to youth and church groups • Witnessing marriages for alumni and friends • Monks forming FOCUS and SPO missionaries • March for Life in Washington D.C. • Hosting Brews with Benedictines evangelization events
states with oblates states where monks ser ved
• Providing support for parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
service by the numbers
selected works: abbot james albers
monastic visitations - ok & pa evangelization - ca & mo
Monks serve more than 2,300 students from grade school to graduate programs in Kansas, Rome, Belgium, & England.
The Abbey hosts formal and private retreats; over 500 people made a retreat in 2018.
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500+
Retreatants to St. Benedict’s Abbey.
Hours of confessions heard each week by monks.
The monks provide the sacrament of Reconciliation at 25 scheduled hours to all those they serve in chaplaincies, parishes, and prisons. Also available upon request.
fr . meinrad miller leading retreats - nj monastic visitation - al
fr . gabriel landis
serves as prior of community - ks evangelization - co , ia , ma , & mn
fr . jay kythe
witnessing marriages - mo & mn serving students - tx & mn
br . leven harton
evangelization - tx vocations work - il , in , ks , mo , & nj
br . karel soukup
serving with bc students - la vocations evangelization - ia , ks , & il
br . placidus lee
leading high school retreats - ks blessed emil kapaun pilgrimage - ks
fr . simon baker
Oblates live according to the Rule of St. Benedict, joining the monastic community in its life of common prayer from afar.
leading pilgrimages & retreats - co, fl, ks, & tx witnessing marriages mo & tx
fr . maurice haefling
serves as superior and financial administrator for holy cross abbey
Winter/Spring 2019
- co
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St. Benedict’s Abbey Atchison, Kansas
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Winter/Spring 2019 | Volume 12 | Number 4
ABBOT ’S T A B L E VII Lumen Vitae Honorees:
Holy Family School of Faith -and-
Edward Sri, s.t.d. kansasmonks.org
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