Abbey Banner - Winter 2003

 Christmas trees a’plenty in “Saint John’s ‘Pine Curtain,’” page 4  Christmas giving at Collegeville proves “It Is More Blessed To Give Than To Receive,” page 6  Meet a Monk: David Manahan, OSB page 8  Two University alumni pledge $4.5 million for Abbey Guest House, page 18

Steve and Barbara Slaggie

Julia and Frank Ladner

Contents Pages 4-5

Cover Story

Saint Johnʼs “Pine Curtain”

by Grace Brogan —Pioneer monks were ʻpine-eers.ʼ Cover photo by Andra Van Kempen

Features 6 “It Is More Blessed To Give Than To Receive.”

by Daniel Durken, OSB —Christmas giving at Collegeville 8 David Manahan, OSB: The Odyssey of an Artist

by Aaron Raverty, OSB —from book covers to coffins

10 The Collegeville Parish of Saint John the Baptist

by William Cofell —Neighboring settlers requested a parish.

12 Casa Guadalupe: Serving Local Latino Communities

by Renee Domeier, OSB —a house of hospitality and resources

Departments 3 From Editor and Abbot

18 Strengthening Foundations

23 Banner Bits

14 The Abbey Chronicle

20 Abbey Missions

27 Spiritual Life

16 Vocation News

22 Obituary

Back Cover Two Outstanding Winter Events

Editor: Daniel Durken, OSB

The Abbey Banner is published three times annually by the Benedictine monks of Saint John’s Abbey for our relatives, friends and oblates.

Copy Editor and Proofreader: Dolores Schuh, CHM Designer: Pam Rolfes

The Abbey Banner Magazine of Saint John’s Abbey Volume 3, Issue 3 Winter 2003

Circulation: Ruth Athmann, Cathy Wieme, Mary Gouge

The Abbey Banner is online at www.sja.osb.org/AbbeyBanner

Printer: Palmer Printing, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Saint John’s Abbey, Box 2015, Collegeville, Minnesota 56321. 320-363-3875

Member Catholic Press Association

FROM EDITOR AND ABBOT

An Indescribable Gift

The Mystery of the Incarnation

by Daniel Durken, OSB

by Abbot John Klassen, OSB

I

did not expect an avalanche of answers to my request in the fall issue of The Abbey Banner that readers tell me what you like or do not like about the magazine. But I am delighted that one of the few e-mails I did receive made my asking the question eminently worthwhile.

One of our oblates took the time to write as follows: “The Abbey Banner is my favorite magazine (and I subscribe to a few). I’m surprised you didn’t win the Catholic Press Association’s First Place Award for General Excellence instead of Honorable Mention among religious order magazines. But I bet no religious order magazine conveys the feeling of an actual, living community the way The Abbey Banner does.

“I think that’s the real strength (and a characteristic Benedictine virtue) of the magazine. I especially enjoy reading about members of the community who do other things besides teach—like managing the physical plant, housekeeping, tracking the weather, military chaplaincy. The Abbey Banner is a chronicle and celebration of a unique community.”

“A unique community” indeed! Having worked and prayed at Saint John’s for 58 years, I believe there is just no place like this home. If I had any romantic ideas about what monastic life was like they were quickly dispelled.

We do not tiptoe around the cloister humming hymns. We do not have a Friday evening period of flagellation like another community I visited had. We are not pious folks in the sense of being sanctimonious. Some of us laugh too loud and too often.

But every time I begin to plan another issue of this magazine, I am amazed that there are so many possibilities for articles. The community is crowded with characters.

We are not perfect people. We are a band of brothers who generally work hard, try to worship together regularly and sensibly, and more or less love each other despite our maddening idiosyncrasies. Each day we should be able to say, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

(2 Corinthians 9:15)

T

he miracle of the incarnation is that out of all the ways God could have chosen to redeem us, he chose the most risky, the most costly.

God sent his only Son into the world, not to condemn the world but so that all who believe in Christ might have the fullness of life. This Jesus was not a tourist, coming for awhile and then leaving when it came time for the heavy lifting. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

This Jesus did not escape being a child or take a rain check on growing up, on living with parents, on learning how to be in a family, how to sweep, how to cut a board, how to play, how to obey in small things. Imagine Mary insisting that Jesus eat the edges of the pita bread. Imagine Jesus getting a piggy-back ride on Joseph’s shoulders. Or Joseph taking Jesus to the synagogue and teaching him how to pray, how to address God as Abba.

When Jesus does address God as Abba, something pretty amazing happens, for the relationship is fully there. This Jesus had to learn how to learn, had to discover himself and his mission.

When Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan there is a moment of revelation. For evangelists and later artists it is a Trinitarian scene: The Holy Spirit overshadows Jesus and a voice from heaven declares, “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

In the Christmas season we celebrate this mystery of Jesus embracing the human condition: simplicity, poverty, vulnerability, uncertainty, the thickness of family relationships, contingency. We know that this Son will ultimately give his life for us. For now it is enough to ponder God’s loving decision on our behalf. It is enough to ponder Mary’s response to God’s invitation and our own openness to grace. These moments of grace make all the difference. ________________________ In this issue we rejoice in the decision of Steve and Barbara Slaggie and Frank and Julia Ladner to make major gifts toward the construction of the Abbey Guest House, gifts to the abbey that will surely make a major difference.

See pages 18-19.

The Abbey Banner Winter 2003 page 3

FEATURE

Aerial view of the “Pine Curtain” off I-94 photo by Thomas Gillespie, OSB

Saint Johnʼs “Pine Curtain”

by Grace Brogan

The oldest known planting of pines in Minnesota was completed at Saint John’s in 1894.

S

oon after Winston Churchill used “Iron Curtain” in 1946 to describe the line of demarcation between Western Europe and the Communist zone of influence, students at Saint John’s coined the term “Pine Curtain” to describe the towering trees lining the original entrance road to the campus.

Few people know that these stately conifers are not native to the Collegeville area but were only planted in the 1930s. Other evergreens on campus, however, have a much earlier history. During the 2002 summer Dr. Gordon Brown of the CSB/SJU biology department conducted a core sampling in Lake Hilary, a small campus lake, and found ancient pollen of white, jack and Norway pine as well as black spruce. As the glaciers receded ten thousand years ago, the line of conifers retreated to northern Minnesota.

page 4 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

This part of Minnesota did not see the pines again until the pioneer (or pine-eer) monks of Saint John’s cleared the land for their first buildings and then began to recreate the flavor of their coniferous German homeland. In 1894 they planted a grove of white, Scotch and red pine and Norway spruce in the area south of Saint John’s Preparatory School.

Adrian Schmitt, OSB (1864-1940), is recognized as the leader in establishing a tradition of forestry at Adrian Schmitt Saint John’s.

His relatives were governmental foresters in the Black Forest of Baden, Germany.

Father Adrian sent them land samples

and in turn received both seeds and advice for starting a tree nursery that soon produced fifteen varieties of evergreens planted by the thousands around the campus.

The majority of the trees on the northern border of the campus were planted by Ansgar Niess, OSB (1891-1981), during the 1920s and 1930s.

The slow and laborious work of planting and raising sensitive seedlings was a labor Ansgar Niess of love for Brother Ansgar. At one time he had over 150,000 seedlings in his nursery. He was later joined by Julius Terfehr, OSB (1910-1977), and together they supervised the clearing of eighty acres that produced 1200 cords of fuel wood and lumber. The use of the cleared land for agriculture or pas-

FEATURE Early years of lumbering at Saint John’s photos from Abbey Archives

ture never materialized and the space was eventually planted with pine.

Although there are now only 146 acres of conifers on Saint John’s land, a small percentage of the total 2,500 acres, the fact that these mature trees appear in this part of Minnesota surprises many people. The trees owe their good health today to the efforts of Paul Schwietz, OSB, who served as land manager until his untimely death in 2000, current land manager and arboretum director Tom Kroll, assistant director John Geissler and forest technician, Dan Vogel.

To keep the pines healthy there is an occasional thinning through logging and harvesting. Adolescent trees can receive more sunlight, making them more vigorous and healthy to ensure a long life. Thousands of new seedlings continue to be planted annually.

A “bud cap” is often used to prevent damage from the local deer population as the saplings grow. Larger pines are harvested to supply the Woodworking Shop with lumber for furniture and coffins.

The pines are also used as Christmas trees such as the thirty-foot spruce pine that stands in the Great Hall as a statuesque reminder of the beauty of God’s earth (see front cover). They fulfill this prayer: “Let all the trees of the forest rejoice before the Lord who comes, who comes to govern the earth, to govern the earth with justice and the peoples with faithfulness” (Psalm 96:12-13).

Grace Brogan from Forest Lake, Minnesota, is a first-year art student at the College of Saint Benedict and the assistant writer/producer of the Arboretum Newsletter. Father Vincent Tegeder, OSB, abbey archivist emeritus, and Tom Kroll, land manager, contributed the historical and forestry background of this article.

Saint John’s Pine Curtain represents Benedictine faithfulness to responsible stewardship. Throughout Saint John’s history, caring for the land as God’s gift to all people has been an integral value for all who continue to grow, learn and serve in our wooded wonderland.

A towering 110-year-old pine tree south of the Prep School photo by Daniel Durken, OSB

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FEATURE Gifts collected by Institutional Advancement photos by Daniel Durken, OSB

“It Is More Blessed To Give Than To Receive”

by Daniel Durken, OSB

From a used yo-yo and recycled cards to cookies and clothes, giving is the key to Christmas.

S

aint Paul, the apostle-comelately, concludes his memorable farewell speech at Miletus with these words: “In every way I have shown you that by hard work we must help the weak and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts of Apostles 20:35).

The faculty, staff, students and monks of the Saint John’s community definitely keep in mind these “words of the Lord Jesus” when Christmas approaches. This harried and hurried time of the year is never so hectic as to forget that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Saint John’s Preparatory Middle School sponsors an Advent Auction.

Students bring a gift-wrapped “white elephant” item, something they like but no longer need or want, such as a yo-yo or a toy car. Frank Imholte, a page 6 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

professional auctioneer and president of the Minnesota Auctioneers Association, conducts an authentic auction at the school. Students bid enthusiastically for a wrapped item. Last year the $600 raised was used to buy gifts for a needy family in the community.

Employees of Liturgical Press decorate a “Teens Angel Tree” for Catholic Charities of the Saint Cloud Diocese.

Individuals select an angel ornament and purchase the gift indicated on the ornament. Liturgical Press adds a matching check equal to the total cash amount of the gifts. Last year 44 gifts and $15 in cash along with the matching check of $604.00 were delivered to Catholic Charities.

Faculty and staff of the Communication Department adopt a family from the Anne Marie House (a battered women’s shelter) in St. Cloud The “Teens’ Angel Tree” at Liturgical Press

and donate toys and clothing for the family. Employees of the Office of Institutional Advancement and the Business Office also collect money and purchase gifts for needy families.

Monastic confreres are asked to toss the Christmas cards they

FEATURE Bonnie Meyer (l.) and Jan Klein with Business Office gifts

receive into a box. The cards are sent for recycling to Saint Jude’s Ranch for Children, Boulder City, Nevada. The entire collection of the congregation at the abbey’s Midnight Mass of Christmas is sent to a designated charity.

This year’s collection will go to Quest for Peace, an initiative of the Quixote Center in Washington, D.C., to be used to bring potable water to sixteen very poor Nicaraguan communities.

Friends and benefactors of the abbey receive Saint John’s bread, abbey maple syrup and pine-cone wreaths.

Christmas gift collections are taken up by the students of Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict. Last year a mother and her three children and another family of five benefited by one of these collections. This year the Student Athletic Advising Committee is sponsoring a “Toys for Teens” Christmas drive.

One person’s Christmas giving is exemplified by Dolores Schuh, CHM (Congregation of the Humility of Mary),

the executive associate of the Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research. For a dozen years she has baked, packaged and distributed cookies to twenty campus locations—from the abbot’s office to Life Safety and Physical Plant.

Beginning in early November, Sister Dolores bakes some 1500 cookies that come in a variety, including chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, mint chocolate chip, M & M chocolate chip, oatmeal-cinnamon chip, pecan supremes, pineapple paradise and Skors. Her secret to a mellow morsel: Do not overbake.

Cookies are boxed and ready to go.

the nine other apartments of the Ecumenical Institute’s complex. A few days before Christmas, Dolores packages the cookies and delivers them as a token of appreciation for services given to the Institute throughout the year.

From used yo-yos and recycled Christmas cards to cookies and clothing, there are many creative ways to prove that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Daniel Durken, OSB, is a writer/editor for Liturgical Press.

The cookies are placed in Ziploc bags and stored in any available freezer space in

Fresh hot cookies from Dolores’ kitchen

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FEATURE David prepares book covers in his Liturgical Press office. photo by Monica Bokinskie

David Manahan, OSB: The Odyssey of an Artist

by Aaron Raverty, OSB

Lounge chairs, coffins, photos, pastels and book covers showcase this monk’s talents.

P

lease do not tell Brother David that you can’t judge a book by its cover! Since 1990 when he joined the art staff of Liturgical Press he has used his artistic talent to make books as attractive and appealing as possible. A beautiful cover will shout to the catalog or bookstore browser, “Read me! Buy me!” But there is much more than book covers in this monk’s portfolio.

Born 65 years ago in Chatfield, a city of the “Chosen Valley” of southeastern Minnesota, David was graduated from St. Felix High School in nearby Wabasha. He professed his first vows as a member of the abbey in 1962. His first monastic work assignment was in the Woodworking Shop where he labored alongside the late and venerable Hubert Schneider, OSB, master woodworker.

The Saint John’s building boom of the 1960s, which included construction of the new abbey church, preparatory school, library, science center and residence halls, kept carpenters and wood crafters busy. David took time to complete the B.A. in art in 1971.

Three years later he was appointed director of the Woodworking Shop.

With the assistance of the abbey design committee David developed a unique line of Saint John’s oak furniture using our own nativegrown lumber. The lounge chairs in the Great Hall and the abbey coffins are examples of his simple and functional designs.

In 1977 David volunteered to help in the abbey’s mission Chair designed by David

page 8 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

photos by Richard Oliver, OSB

apostolate. At Saint Augustine’s Monastery and College in Nassau, Bahamas, he was responsible for community maintenance while adjusting to the differences of culture and climate on this Caribbean island.

From this southern space David moved to northern Minnesota to serve at Saint Mary’s Mission on the Red

FEATURE of Rome where he broadened and deepened his knowledge of art.

Coffin designed by David

Lake Reservation of American Indians. Describing himself as a “monk of all trades,” he drove the school bus and again looked after building maintenance of the parish, school and convent complex.

His next assignment took him to the International Benedictine House of Studies of Collegio Sant’ Anselmo and the residence of the Abbot Primate in Rome. There he helped keep the facilities up and running for the more than 120 faculty, staff and student monks from a variety of continents and countries. Residing in Europe gave him the opportunity to visit other Benedictine monasteries as well as the splendid museums and churches

After these eleven years David returned to Saint John’s in 1988 and assisted at the preparatory school. He was asked by Vincent Tegeder, OSB, the abbey’s archivist, to take photographs of all the monks of the abbey for the publication of an abbey directory. David’s album has found multiple usage in the preparation of obituaries, press releases and this magazine.

This experience with camera and lights spilled over into his new hobby of portraiture.

Working with the dry medium of pastel chalks as well as with oils, David has creatively captured the image and character of the monks in his photographs and transferred them to a framed canvas.

Joining the art staff of Liturgical Press in 1990, David now works as a graphic designer and layout artist for

A collage of David’s book covers photo by David Manahan, OSB

books and other publications. As he carefully researches the old masters and an array of more contemporary art, David is challenged to match the textual content with an appropriate visual design to give the potential reader and buyer a good idea of what the book is all about.

David takes seriously and joyfully the basic art of living as a Benedictine monk. Among his pastimes and hobbies are bicycling, walking, listening to early Renaissance music and reading, while continuing to fine tune his photography, painting and drawing skills. He believes and practices his principle that “Life is a discovery in which we tap into our gifts.”

Aaron Raverty, OSB, is an editor for Liturgical Press and a Certified Graphoanalyst.

David works on a drawing in his studio. photo by Simon-Hoà Phan, OSB

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FEATURE The small building in the forefront marked with a cross served as the first monastic and parish chapel.

Pen sketch by Vincent Schiffrer, OSB, from Abbey Archives

The Collegeville Parish of Saint John the Baptist

by William Cofell

In 1875 neighboring settlers asked that a parish be established at Saint John’s.

S

aint John’s Abbey will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 200607. Saint John the Baptist Parish in Collegeville will celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2005, a commemoration that may not be quite as noteworthy as a 150th, but a milestone nonetheless.

In 1875 Pope Pius IX appointed Rupert Seindenbusch, OSB, bishop of the Vicariate of Northern Minnesota.

Rupert was the first abbot of Saint John’s Abbey. He resigned and moved to Saint Cloud to serve the 14,000 immigrants and 25,000 American Indians who comprised his “diocese.”

Later that year Peter Eich and some twenty neighboring settlers asked that Saint John the Baptist Parish be established.

The charter members worshiped in a one-room building. In 1878 the monks decided the monastic community and the parishioners could jointly build a permanent church. The construction began in April 1879 and the twin-towered church was dedicated in 1883.

That church, now known as the Great Hall, served as the abbey-college-parish church until the present abbey church was completed in 1961. The parishioners used the basement of that church just as the parishioners now use Assumption chapel in the basement of the abbey church.

The Peter Eich family, pioneer parishioners photo from Abbey Archives

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Nine monks served as pastor of the parish during its first twenty years.

In the parish’s history, seven monks have served the parish for six years or more, with Roger Klassen, OSB, having the longest tenure (1978-1990).

St. John the Baptist Parish school opened in 1925. Although not com-

FEATURE pletely finished, two Benedictine sisters began classes in one room.

Sister Perpina wrote: “Imagine! Two of us teaching at the same time in one room filled to capacity—over fifty youngsters (Grades 1-5).” The school served the parish well until 1967 when Kennedy public school opened in St. Joseph.

The Parish Center of Saint John the Baptist Church of Collegeville photos by Daniel Durken, OSB

In spiritual matters the appointment of Lancelot Atsch, OSB, was critical for the parish when the Church was making major changes. He brought new ideas, practices and initiatives.

With great apostolic fervor, foresight and energy, Lancelot was pastor before and during the Second Vatican Council (1962-65).

Between August 1965, when Lancelot resigned, and August 1972 there was some feeling of neglect among parishioners as well as questions about the continuation of the parish.

Having five pastors in seven years made the future appear uncertain.

Kieran Nolan, OSB (1972-1978), made significant changes in the parish structure. Parishioners began to participate in the governance and direction of the parish through the newly created parish council.

In 1975 Kieran led the parish in the gala celebration of its centennial.

Stones and Hills, a collection of historical facts, photos and reflections on parish life by parishioners and pastors, was published. The volume recalls rules and customs observed in the parish. For instance, in the late 1890s, Severin Gross, OSB, reprimanded his people: “Certain persons here have the habit of standing around in the clock tower during the services just like border guards. . . .Standing around by the door is not healthy because of the draft. . . . From now on all should go into the pews.”

When Kieran was assigned to mission work in Japan, Roger Klassen became the pastor and provided outstanding leadership. A native of St. Martin, Minnesota (not far from Collegeville), Roger related well to the older members of the parish as well as the youth. He stabilized the parish and gave it new direction. During Roger’s tenure the Parish Center was built (1982) as were additions to the building as the parish needs grew.

The Parish Center, with independent space for offices and liturgical, educational and social activities, has been important in uniting the people of the parish. Most of the construction was done by parishioners who contributed time, money and labor to the project.

Between 1990 and 2001, the parish was served by Robert Pierson, OSB, Simeon Thole, OSB, and Jonathan Licari, OSB, each bringing to it his own strengths and gifts. Blane

Wasnie, OSB, was appointed pastor in August 2001 and served until July of this year. Eugene McGlothlin, OSB, now serves as pastor and has assured the parishioners that he plans to be around for a long time.

The parish continues to grow in spirit and in numbers. In 1950 it numbered about 77 families. In 2003 there are 267 envelope holders.

William Cofell is professor emeritus of education at Saint John’s University and a member of the Collegeville parish.

Eugene McGlothlin, OSB, pastor photo by David Manahan, OSB

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FEATURE Renee Domeier, OSB, founder of Casa Guadalupe

Casa Guadalupe: Serving Local Latino Communities

by Renee Domeier, OSB

A remarkable list of accomplishments in the five years since its founding

W

ho is not aware of the presence of new immigrants who frequent stores, churches and work places? Some of us may be equally aware of the Church’s teaching about the right to emigrate and work and for each family to be family (cf. Strangers No Longer, the 2003 pastoral letter on migration from the Catholic bishops of Mexico and the United States).

But have we wondered about our ability to act out these truths in the presence of a person whose language we do not understand, whose ways of eating, praying, playing, dressing and even laughing and crying are different from our own and may rub us the wrong way? Do we prefer to keep these immigrants out or bring them in?

Five years ago St. Boniface Parish chose to be an instrument of exchange between the Anglo and Latino communities in and around Cold Spring,

Minnesota. Under the auspices of the Social Concerns Committee of this parish, Casa Guadalupe was founded as a house of hospitality and resources that ministers principally, but not exclusively, to Spanish-speaking people.

Benedictine women from Saint Benedict’s Monastery involved in this program include Sisters Mary Ann Henn, Burkard Braegelmann, Romaine Theisen, Marcella Weber, Ellen Cotone, Laurian Schumacher, Louise Koltes and Rosemary Lenneman.

Priests from Saint John’s Abbey who have ministered to the Latino community include Cletus Connors, Greg Miller, Julian Schmiesing and Francisco Schulte. The Casa Guada-

Casa Guadalupe

page 12 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

lupe staff includes two “mexicanas,” Maria Rodriguez and Maria Thompson, and myself. As a recent speaker noted, we are all learning that “to minister among the marginalized is messy but it is the most rewarding of ministries since we find God among his beloved poor.”

Casa Guadalupe now serves over 165 families, helping them and ourselves realize the beauty, potential and difficulty of being diverse. We are often asked to speak and teach concerning our work. We have established a

FEATURE Cletus Connors, pastor of St. Boniface Parish, visits a Latino family.

A shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

weekly bilingual Mass with Spanishspeaking priests from Saint John’s Abbey—Burton Bloms, Don Tauscher, Landelin Robling, Dominic Ruiz and Cristobal Coche—as presiders.

We assist with sacramental preparation and participate in conferences on diversity, catechesis and the development of lay leadership. Generous teachers and students from Saint John’s University, the College of Saint Benedict, Saint Cloud State University and Saint Cloud Technical College provide English as a Second Language classes and tutoring as well as year-round, after-school activities for youth.

We also provide a furniture exchange program, free monthly medical screenings, trips to the clinic, appointment scheduling, legal counseling, help in completing paper work, interpretation for job applications and the search for affordable housing.

Recently Saint John’s Preparatory School awarded a tuition scholarship to one of our Latina high school students. We became partners with one of the CSB/SJU fine arts programs that took as its theme “Responding to Voices at the Margins of Society.” Numerous opportunities for cultural exchange have followed upon this role.

Our staff has been invited to speak on panels and in classes at CSB/SJU and at staff meetings in local businesses.

We have been asked to serve as consultants on multicultural issues at the Saint Cloud Public Library, the Stearns County Historical Society and on joint administrative board meetings

such as those of the Franciscan and Benedictine Sisters of the Saint Cloud Diocese.

All these accomplishments and activities are evidence of the desire of whites to know and welcome their brown sisters and brothers into our midst as well as of our desire to uncover some of the more beautiful and valuable aspects of the people emigrating to our country.

Casa Guadalupe is regularly supported by Saint Benedict’s Monastery and Saint John’s Abbey. Local parishes and friends help us extend hospitality and resources to the many who knock on our door or call us at 320-363-3949. Our work has been daily, varied and effective. Please pray for us.

Renee Domeier, OSB, is a member of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, Saint Joseph, Minnesota, and the founder of Casa Guadalupe.

Burton Bloms at a First Communion celebration with Hispanic parishioners

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THE ABBEY CHRONICLE Autumn leaves at the abbey

Whatʼs Up? The Abbey Chronicle

by Allen Tarlton, OSB

A review of late summer and early fall doings at Saint John’s

August 2003  Twenty-seven monks attended the August 8th opening performance of Children of Eden at St. Cloud’s Paramount Theatre, written by Steven Schwartz of Pippin and Godspell fame and directed by our own PaulVincent Niebauer, OSB. Based on the first nine chapters of the Book of Genesis, the musical was performed by local amateurs and two professionals. The St. Cloud Civic Theatre production proved popular enough to add an extra performance to the scheduled seven.  On August 12 the abbey hosted Bishop John Kinney and the clergy of the Saint Cloud Diocese to an annual cookout in our backyard. Five days later our guests for prayer, conversation and food page 14 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

were 75 monastics from Saint Benedict’s Monastery.

Clergy and monks visit at cookout.

Their visit completes the yearly cycle of hospitality that begins each February when the monks are hosted by the sisters for the feast of Saint Scholastica.

The Twins’ mascot and Walter Kieffer, OSB

 Thanks to the generosity of the Willis Company, insurance broker, fifteen monks

enjoyed the sky-box hospitality and view at the Minnesota TwinsDetroit Tigers game on August 13.

The Twins’ mascot visited the suite and each monk received a Twins’ cap. The Twins lost.  The end of August witnessed the start of the 147th academic year at Saint John’s. Enrollment figures are: School of Theology•Seminary: 140. Saint John’s University: 1,903. Saint John’s Preparatory School: 320. The College of Saint Benedict enrolled 1,991 students.

Socializing at a student cookout

THE ABBEY CHRONICLE September 2003  Donald Jackson, illuminator and scribe of The Saint John’s Bible, and his wife Mabel were dinner guests of the abbey Donald Jackson September 7 explains an on the occaillumination of The sion of the Saint John’s Bible. completion, delivery and display of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.

There are six major illuminations in the Pentateuch: Creation, Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob’s Ladder, the Ten Commandments and the Death of Moses. The volume containing the Gospels and Acts of Apostles was finished and delivered last year.  Joseph Schneeweis was invested with the Benedictine habit and welcomed as a monastic novice on September 11.

Joseph, 40, Novice Joseph son of James Schneeweis, OSB (deceased) and Joan Schneeweis of Melrose, Minnesota, has M.A.s in library and information science, philosophy and divinity studies. He was in the Jesuit formation program from 1993-2002. His extensive and varied work experience includes service in the Peace Corps in Guatemala and Swaziland and in parishes, Catholic Worker facilities and schools in Louisiana, Texas, Mexico, Chicago, Zimbabwe, Massachusetts and Minnesota.

 On September 30 the monastic community attended a “Listening to Survivors” session. Members of the community had requested the opportunity to hear the stories of sexual abuse victims. Three victims of sexual abuse by clergy spoke openly and bravely of their experiences. Monks listened attentively and grew in their awareness of the trauma of sexual abuse and the long and difficult journey of healing undertaken by survivors.

October 2003  Robert Koopmann, OSB, the abbey’s Director of Music and organist, gave a piano recital to an appreciative audience on October 2.

He performed works by Beethoven, Ravel, Chopin as well as two preludes composed by Jerome Coller, OSB, and two of his own works.  The abbey apple orchard produced a bumper crop this year with tree branches loaded and sagging under the weight of the red and ripening fruit. Thanks to the efforts of John Hanson, OSB, and George Primus, OSB, and their crew of volunteers, some 250 bushels were picked.

Last year’s meager crop produced less than 50 bushels.

An overloaded apple tree in the abbey orchard

 On October 5, a beautiful, warm fall afternoon, Saint John’s Preparatory School sponsored its first “Col-

legeville Colors”—a hike through the woods of Saint John’s. Healthy snacks and water were provided and there was trail-side entertainment with musicians, artists and actors. Over three hundred people walked the forest trails.  The annual fund-raising Oktoberfest Gasthaus of Saint John’s Preparatory School, held October 10-11, featured authentic Austrian food, prepared by two imported chefs. Music was supplied by a polka band, The Hoadbauern, direct from Austria. Six hundred dining and dancing guests enjoyed the combination of Wiener schnitzel and polkas.  The Saint John’s Woodworking Shop celebrated its centennial with an open house on October 16. Visitors were treated to ice cream and cookies along with a display of antique carpenter tools and archival photos of the people and the products of the shop’s one hundred years of service. Watch for the story of woodworking at Saint John’s in a future issue of The Abbey Banner.

Allen Tarlton, OSB, is a monk of Saint John’s Abbey.

Photos by Walter Kieffer, OSB, Daniel Durken, OSB, Robin Pierzina, OSB

The Abbey Banner Winter 2003 page 15

VOCATION NEWS Monks exchange the sign of peace with confreres celebrating the anniversary of profession. photo by Robin Pierzina, OSB

How Does a Man Become a Monk?

by Paul-Vincent Niebauer, OSB

A sort of courtship between the community and the candidate . . .

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ust before I was to begin my candidacy at Saint John’s Abbey, a friend called to talk about my role in his upcoming wedding. “We’re both taking the big step, aren’t we?” he said. I responded, “Wait a minute!

When you leave that church you are married. I’m going in for three months and can bail out at any time!”

How does a man become a monk?

Often I relate it to a courtship between the community and the candidate.

Saint Benedict writes in his Rule, “Do not grant newcomers to the monastic life an easy entry . . .” (ch. 58). The process is indeed a lengthy one!

is asked to write a detailed autobiography, touching on his family, education, professional experience and his perception of the Spirit of God moving in his life.

Following the submission of the autobiography, the applicant is interviewed by six monks on the vocation committee. If accepted for candidacy, he resides, prays, works, eats and recreates for three months with the monastic community but does not wear the monastic garb (habit).

This so-called courtship begins with a number of short visits over a period of several months or even years, during which the man discerning a monastic vocation at Saint John’s gets to know the monks and the monastery.

Often a month-long summer live-in experience takes place with heart-toheart discussions with any number of monks.

Near the end of the candidacy the man applies to the abbot to be accepted in the novitiate. If approved by the abbot and community, the candidate becomes a novice and begins a oneyear formation period in the monastery. At a ceremony during Morning Prayer he receives the habit. While in the novitiate the new monk continues his work, prayer and recreation with the community and also studies such topics as the Rule of Benedict, monastic history, scripture and liturgy.

At an appropriate time the young man asks to be considered for candidacy which is the first official opportunity to spend a lengthy, programmed time within the monastery walls. He

Following the twelve-month novitiate, the novice asks the abbot to be accepted for first or simple vows. If the voting members of the community (the chapter) approve, the novice

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begins his juniorate for one to three years, depending on his chosen length of temporary vows. A junior monk may be in temporary vows for up to nine years before making a final decision to ask to make solemn or final vows.

Junior monks do not have chapter voting rights nor do they have the freedom to leave the monastery property without permission. Along with his studies a junior monk begins a part-time professional career within the corporation which increases in hours during his juniorate years.

When the junior monk and his immediate superior decide that he is ready to make solemn vows, he applies once again to the abbot and is voted on yet again by the community.

It is at this point, after a minimum of four-and-a-half years, that the monk makes a commitment which parallels traditional wedding vows, sealing his commitment of obedience, stability and a conversion to the monastic way of life forever.

Paul-Vincent Niebauer, OSB, is the vocation director of Saint John’s Abbey and theatre director at Saint John’s Preparatory School.

VOCATION NEWS Brother Joachim, his father Theodore and mother Alma photo by Robin Pierzina, OSB

Joachim Rhoades, OSB, Professes First Vows “May he live by faith, take up his cross daily and walk in newness of life.”

— from the Profession Litany

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is year as a novice completed, Brother Joachim professed his first monastic vows before the monastic community and his family on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

Born the son of Theodore and Alma Rhoades in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, 38 years ago, Joachim has an older brother and sister. After graduating from Oley High School, he earned the associate degree in visual communication arts from the Philadelphia Institute of Art in 1986.

Joachim was employed as a designer and art director for several publishing and design firms in Washington, DC. He won local and national awards in 1999-2000. Learning about Saint John’s Abbey from an alumnus, Joachim knew of the community’s leadership in liturgical renewal and had planned to eventually visit the abbey.

But first he arranged to do a horseback expedition in Morocco in October 2001. The tragedy of 9/11 that year forced the trip’s cancellation, so he decided to come to Saint John’s. He

was impressed by the variety of ages and the contributions of the abbey to the monastic world and to liturgy. He joined the community as a candidate in 2002, was accepted as a novice that September and is now a junior professed monk of the community.

Joachim is working as a graphic designer in the marketing/advertising department of Liturgical Press.

The Rite of Monastic Profession

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he profession of vows takes place before the offertory of the eucharistic celebration. Presented to the abbot by the director of formation, the novice approaches the abbot’s throne.

After the abbot has accepted the novice, the community is asked to express its acceptance by word and applause.

The abbot questions the novice about his willingness to “strive to be more closely united to God by the bond of monastic profession . . . and to observe stability in this community, seek after perfect charity through the monastic manner of life, and offer the sacrifice of obedience.”

The novice then reads his handwritten formula of profession and at the altar places his signature on the paper.

Standing with outstretched arms the novice chants a solemn supplication: “Sustain me, O Lord, as you have promised that I may live, and disappoint me not in my hope.” The novice, the abbot and the assembly kneel while the petitions of the Profession Litany are chanted: “May he live by faith . . . May he take up his cross daily . . . May he walk in newness of life . . . .”

Finally the novice is presented with the Rule of Saint Benedict and reminded to “keep it faithfully and you will come to the perfection of love.”

The abbot gives the newly professed monk the sign of peace and the eucharistic celebration continues. After the Mass the monastic community gathers in a wide circle beneath the banner of the abbey church to welcome this new member with applause and the sign of peace.

The Abbey Banner Winter 2003 page 17

STRENGTHENING FOUNDATIONS Steve and Barbara Slaggie photo by Michael Crouser

Two University Alumni Pledge $4.5 Million for Abbey Guest House “These gifts take us to a whole new level with the Abbey Guest House plans . . .

Once it is built we will wonder how we got along without it all those years.”

(Abbot John Klassen)

Model of the Abbey Guest House photo by Alan Reed, OSB

page 18 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

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aint John’s Abbey has received two of the largest pledges in its history to support the construction of the Abbey Guest House. The pledges, which total $4.5 million, come from two Saint John’s University alumni: Steve Slaggie (SJU ’61) and his wife Barbara of Winona, Minnesota, have committed $3.5 million to the project; Frank Ladner (SJU ’48) and his wife Julia of Lawrenceville, Illinois, have committed $1 million to the Guest House as well as $1 million to a scholarship fund for undergraduate students at Saint John’s University.

In accepting these gifts, Abbot John Klassen, OSB, declared, “This is a real confidence booster. I feel thrilled and grateful.

These gifts take us to a whole new level with the Abbey Guest House plans.

This dream, which

has been incubating for 25 years, has just been lifted into the realm of reality. It is a giant leap for us.”

Saint John’s Abbey is guided by Saint Benedict’s 1,500-year-old rule of hospitality: “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.” The Abbey Guest House, which will overlook Lake Sagatagan on the Saint John’s campus, will accommodate guests who come to Saint John’s for retreat and spiritual renewal. In 2000, the abbey selected world renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando to help create a welcoming space where all may feel the presence of God. “The Abbey Guest House will transform all of Saint John’s,” said Abbot John. “Once it is built and operating, I think we will wonder how we got along without it all those years. It will offer solitude for prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal as well as the opportunity to interact with others.”

Commenting on architect Tadao Ando, Abbot John added, “When you

STRENGTHENING FOUNDATIONS see the way the architect has designed the rooms, with the outward-facing walls of the rooms as half windows, half wall, you will understand how well the physical space reflects the spiritual purpose, the need for us all to look inward as well as outward. It will not be just a bunch of rooms with nice views—the best way to understand it is as a monastery for lay people.”

In announcing their leadership gift, Steve Slaggie reflected that his family never imagined, even ten years ago, that they would be in a position to do something of this magnitude.

“When we began discussing our gift, it seemed the right thing to do. A guest house fits so well with Saint John’s and all that it represents. The proposed Abbey Guest House expresses the Benedictine value of hospitality that is so much a part of this place. It’s fitting that Saint John’s has a facility as inviting and impressive as the Abbey Church and built with the same excellence.”

Barbara Slaggie added, “The whole family has become involved with Saint John’s through Steve, and we are all so impressed with the important work Saint John’s does.”

Steve was born and raised in Winona. A graduate, major supporter and director of Winona Cotter High School, he graduated with a degree in economics from Saint John’s University in 1961. A university Regent since 1999, Steve is a long-time director, corporate secretary and shareholder relations officer for Fastenal Corporation of Winona. Steve has remained active with his alma mater, serving and participating in a variety of university events.

Barbara Slaggie was born in Marshall and comes from a family of fifteen. The four Slaggie children—Michael, Michelle, Sara and Matthew—are enthusiastic about their

parents’ commitment to philanthropy.

“The whole family has become involved in this decision, and we support it fully,” said daughter Sara. “We think it is wonderful.”

A 1948 graduate of Saint John’s University, Frank Ladner was a University Regent from 1985-1999 followed by a term on the Board of Overseers of Saint John’s School of Theology•Seminary. He has been involved with most facets of the abbey and university. In 1997 he was honored by Saint John’s with the Father Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Julia is a graduate of Saint Maryof-the-Woods College where she received an M.A. in theology and has served as a trustee. Together they raised six children.

The Abbey Guest House is estimated to cost $7 million, and the abbey has already received gifts and pledges totaling $5.9 million.

“We are immensely proud and grateful that several university alumni and members of the Board of Regents have stepped forward with leadership gifts to the Abbey Guest House,” commented Brother Dietrich Reinhart, OSB, president of Saint John’s University. “These gifts will aid the abbey’s burgeoning spiritual renewal programs which have grown rapidly in recent years as a result of a deep yearning in American society to experience solitude and reflection. Our benefactors recognize that this is an historic opportunity for Saint John’s Abbey to strengthen its service to society and to be able to give all guests a Christ-like welcome.”

Frank has been in the insurance and financial services business since graduation. President from 19611983 of the Golden Rule Insurance Company and a present director, he is the Illinois branch manager for R.T. Jones Capital Equities, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri.

He is past president of the Illinois Association of Life Insurance Companies.

In commenting on his gift, Frank said, “Julia and I are honored to be able to help fund the Abbey Guest House. In the wonderful Benedictine tradition, friends and associates are always graciously welcomed to enjoy the hospitality of all the monks.

What a joy it is for us past students and Regents to visit Saint John’s. It is just like coming home again.”

Julia and Frank Ladner

The Abbey Banner Winter 2003 page 19

ABBEY MISSIONS Bishop Patrick C. Pinder photos courtesy of Bahama Catholic, Nassau

Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder: First Bahamian Bishop

by Daniel Durken, OSB

A native Bahamian with Benedictine roots is ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nassau.

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onsignor Patrick Christopher Pinder was appointed Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Nassau, Bahamas, on June 27, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and ordained to that office on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Bishop Pinder, 50, was born in Nassau and attended St. Augustine’s College, the high school sponsored and operated by the Benedictine monks of St. Augustine’s Monastery. While a student he spoke with his religion teacher, Elias Achatz, OSB, about a possible vocation to the priesthood.

Referring to this conversation, Patrick said, “I think it was providential, because when I spoke with Father Elias, he took it seriously. It’s quite possible that if he didn’t take it seriously, I probably wouldn’t have taken it seriously either. But he took it quite seriously, and that was a real significant turning point. I can recall him visiting our home, which is an element not to be underestimated either.”

Patrick entered the seminary of the Benedictine Archabbey of St. Meinrad in Indiana from which he received his B.A. in philosophy. It was here that he met Cyprian Davis, OSB, who was page 20 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

“a tremendously positive influence on my life in terms of furthering my vocation.”

At the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, Patrick completed the Licentiate in Sacred Theology and returned to Nassau for his ordination to the priesthood on August 15, 1980.

He served as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Parish, Nassau, for a year and then taught at Aquinas College from 1981-1984. He pursued doctoral studies in sacramental theology at The Catholic University of America, receiving the S.T.D. (Doctor of Sacred Theology) in 1988.

From 1988-1997 Patrick served as rector of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Nassau. He then was appointed to several administrative positions: Moderator of the Curia, Vicar of Pastoral Affairs and Vicar General of the Archdiocese. In addition to his chairing the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission and serving as Co-Secretary for the Anglican/Roman Catholic Ecumenical Dialogue for the Caribbean, the new bishop is a member of the Board of Directors of his high school alma mater, St. Augustine’s College.

The three Benedictines of St. Augus-

tine’s Monastery—Prior Mel Taylor and Fathers George Wolf and Fintan Bromenshenkel—along with Abbot Timothy Kelly, OSB, and Father Daniel Durken, OSB, participated in the inspiring celebration of the episcopal ordination of Bishop Pinder on August 15.

The community of Saint John’s Abbey is proud of this native son of the Bahamas. His Benedictine background testifies to the work and worship of the many priests and brothers of the abbey who helped plant and nourish the rich harvest of the Catholic faith throughout the Bahamian Archipelago.

For the past thirty years Daniel Durken, OSB, has been an annual visitor and lecturer on the Bible to the laity, religious and clergy of the Nassau Archdiocese.

Bishop Pinder concelebrates the eucharist with Archbishop Burke (l.), Abbot Timothy Kelly, OSB (behind the archbishop), and other prelates.

ABBEY MISSIONS R. to l., Paul Tada, OSB, Prior Peter Kawamura, OSB, and Novice Master Thomas Wahl, OSB, at Paul’s solemn profession on March 1, 2000.

The Somucho and Sekkyaku Gakkari of the Fujimi Monastery

by Edward Vebelun, OSB

The cellarer and guestmaster of our monastery in Japan

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is voice is the first you are most likely to hear when you telephone Holy Trinity Monastery in Fujimi, Japan. His face is the first you may see when you arrive as a monastery guest. His messages may be the first you receive if you make any kind of inquiry by e-mail.

His name is Paul Makoto Tada, OSB, and he has been appointed

by Prior Thomas Wahl, OSB, to the duties of the monastery somucho (cellarer) as well as sekkyaku gakkari (guest master).

Brother Paul joined the Fujimi community in 1994. Born in the Aichi prefecture of Japan on November 21,

1954, he has three brothers and four sisters. He earned a B.A. in economics from Hiroshima University and a B.S. in computer science from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.

Paul spent several years studying and working in the United States and achieved remarkable fluency in both Japanese and English. He was a member of the Benedictine Abbey of Mt. Michael, Elkhorn, Nebraska, for five years and worked for Japan Airlines for three years.

Using his many skills learned in the business world, Paul is a great asset in the administration of the monastery.

He deals comfortably in Japanese and English with the business people who call or write or who come to the monastery to check the computers, fax machine, heating system and just about everything.

With his special training in computer science, and seasoned by work in New York with Japan Airlines, Paul is at home in the computer world. He is immediately available to repair the computers in the monastery and to clarify confusion in the system.

Brother Paul reads an Advent lesson.

When the Benedictine community moved from Tokyo to Fujimi in 1999, Paul developed a website in Japanese for Holy Trinity Monastery. The

address is http//www.osb.or.jp/. He reports that since February 2000 there have been more than 17,000 “hits” on this website. The e-mail address for the monastery is fujimi@osb.or.jp. In the guest apostolate the community has welcomed over one thousand people.

In addition to his regular monastic schedule of prayer, guestmaster and business office duties, Paul takes his turn one day each week in the kitchen and one evening each week teaching a Bible class. He enjoys listening to music and says, “I am particularly fond of Bach in general and Mozart’s Requiem. Since it costs too much to go to live performances I choose to buy CDs.” Asked what brought him to the monastery, Paul says it was a matter of “trying to find God’s will for me. My last ten years were to have made me ready for the next ten years.

I am enjoying taking responsibilities over many aspects of community life because it makes me feel that I am contributing to the community.”

Edward Vebelun, OSB, is a member of Holy Trinity Monastery, Fujimi, Japan.

He is completing his theological studies at Saint John’s School of Theology•Seminary in preparation for ordination to the priesthood.

The Abbey Banner Winter 2003 page 21

OBITUARY floor Centenary Room of the quadrangle were the study halls of the preps—St. Bede’s Hall for students testing a vocation to the priesthood, St. Gregory’s Hall for business oriented youngsters.

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For the next thirty-three years Gregory centered his talents and energy on the Preparatory School. In addition to his duties as a prefect of students, he taught classes in speech, English, religion and Gregorian Chant and also directed plays and the annual elocution contest. He completed the M.A. in rhetoric and drama from the University of Minnesota, later founded the Saint John’s University radio station, KSJU, and from 1950-1958 produced a weekly broadcast, “Saint John’s-On-the-Air,” for the Albany, Minnesota, station.

Gregory was ordained in 1941 and was assigned to oversee high school students in St. Bede’s Hall of the prep school. In those days the present first floor Alumni Lounge and the second

He became the headmaster of the prep school in 1958 and immediately set about to provide upgraded and independent housing and classroom space for the growing number of high school students. The new complex of academic and living quarters on the south slope of Observatory Hill was completed in 1962. Enrollment peaked at 374 in 1964. Over the years the school fostered over two hundred vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Gregory Cuthbert Soukup, OSB October 31, 1914 – August 18, 2003 is middle name, Cuthbert, was Father Gregory’s name in religion until he returned to his baptismal name in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council. Third of the five sons of Wenzel and Anna (Pilger) Soukup, Gregory grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, attended Cretin High School for two years and transferred to Saint John’s Preparatory School to prepare for the life of a Benedictine monk and priest. He made his first commitment to monastic life in 1935.

Gregory resigned as headmaster in 1972. After a well-deserved sabbatical year in Rome he began more than two decades of pastoral ministry. He served as pastor of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Wayzata and as associate pastor of St. Bernard’s Church, St. Paul.

Gregory at the entrance stairway of the prep school photos from Abbey Archives

page 22 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

In March of this year Gregory’s younger brother, Father Gervase, who had followed him into the abbey, died. Soon afterward Gregory was diagnosed with cancer. He declined chemotherapy and radiation treatments and became an inspiration to

Gregory and well dressed prep school students in the 1960s

the community by his patient and positive spirit. He is remembered as a beloved and loving confrere whose talents and generosity contributed significantly to the prep school, parishes and the abbey. His funeral and burial in the abbey cemetery were on August 21. May he rest in peace!

For the complete obituary of Father Gregory send a self-addressed, stamped business envelope to: Abbey Archivist, Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN 56321.

Remember our loved ones who have gone to their rest: Father James Gill, SJ, Board Member of the Interfaith Sexual Trauma Institute (ISTI), July 29 James Shannon, Board Member of the Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, August 28 Michael Gaworski, founder of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace who took over the AIDS ministry house founded by Louis Blenkner, OSB, August 28 Julia Didier, sister of the late Aelred Tegels, OSB, August 31 Ethel Marie Linn, mother of the late James, OSB, September 14 Marie Seitz, former employee at Saint John’s, September 23 John J. Simons, oblate Alex Bromen, brother of Fintan and Silvan Bromenshenkel, OSB, October 13 David Erceg, former community member, October 16 Bring them and all the departed into the light of your presence, O Lord.

BANNER BITS and I think about it every time I meet someone new or wear my SJU t-shirt.”

Paul Richards, OSB, and Nick Bancks photo by Daniel Durken, OSB

Nick Bancks, biology major from Fairmont, Minnesota, is a volunteer at the six hundred student, all-boy Saint Benedict’s Prep, an inner city school of grades seven through twelve, sponsored by the twenty-three monks of Newark Abbey in New Jersey.

Nick serves as a teaching assistant for

Saint Johnʼs Benedictine Volunteer Corps Two recent SJU grads experience the work and worship of a Benedictine monastery.

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ow that we have our B.A.s, what’s next? That’s the question a pair of 2003 Johnnie grads asked themselves last May. They answered the question by joining the newly formed Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps (SJBVC).

apostolic work of the host monastery.

He likewise prays with the community once or twice a day and joins the community for at least one meal a day.

The thought of spending winter in seventy-degree weather persuaded Quinn Martin, English major from The brainchild of Brother Paul Murray, Utah, to volunteer for ColeRichards, OSB, subprior of the abbey gio San Antonio Abad, the high school and founder/director of the operated by Saint John’s Boys’ Choir, the sixteenSJBVC (Buy a vowel!) member provides SJU students and Benedictine alumni with nine to twelve community months of volunteer service of Abadia de at a Benedictine monastery San Antowhile participating in the nio Abad in daily life of the community.

Humacao, Puerto Rico.

Under the sponsorship of Fluent in Saint John’s Abbey, SJBVC Spanish, he is is funded by the Giles tutoring sevNathe Mission Grant of enth graders Quinn Martin with three soccer Saint John’s University. A and coaching two-week orientation program players: l.to r., Jorge, Julio, Rafael the soccer at Saint John’s introduces the team. volunteer to the monastic routine of worship and work and the principles Describing his experience, Quinn of the Rule of Saint Benedict. He writes, “One of the most interesting then is assigned to a Benedictine aspects of this program is seeing a community that offers the volunteer Benedictine community close up and meaningful work, plus food, lodging behind the scenes. I also want to give and access to needed transportation. back a little of the education I received as a student at SJU and to spread the The volunteer is expected to spend word about Collegeville. I am exthirty to forty hours a week in the tremely proud to represent Saint John’s

Nick Bancks works with a student.

biology classes, moderates the student publication Newark Studies, coaches track and cross country, assists with campus ministry programs and lives with the school’s boarding students.

For more information about SJBVC, contact Brother Paul at prichards@csbsju.edu.

Benedictine Day of Prayer Schedule January 9, 2004 – “Christ, the Light of the World” – January is dark and cold!

What the body experiences and the heart yearns for can encourage new initiatives in our movement toward God. February 20, 2004 – “Looking to Lent” – Lent can mean penance, but it is more truly about journeying. Moses and Jesus: What will traveling with them entail?

March 26, 2004 – “Putting on the Mind of Christ” – Yes, the Christian life is a moral life. But philosophers could teach us the moral life. God’s Son came to present us with something more.

To register for these programs, call 320-363-3929 or register online at www.saintjohnsabbey.org/slp and link to Benedictine Day of Prayer.

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BANNER BITS

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Dr. Hafner leaves. Drs. LeBlanc and Kemper arrive.

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uring the twelve years (19912003) of her service as Saint John’s physician, Dr. Rebecca Hafner saw more of the monks than anyone else. She left Collegeville in late August to take the position of medical director of Student Health Services at the University of San Diego, California.

Rebecca Hafner, M.D.

When she replaced Dr. Louis Wittrock, who retired in 1991 after 22 years as the community doctor, Rebecca became Saint John’s first woman doctor. The fact that four monks died within the first two months of her appointment really had nothing to do with the adjustment the monastic community graciously made in accepting the medical services of a female physician.

During an exit interview Rebecca admitted that she will miss Saint John’s a lot. She moves to a large urban campus to serve only students and not the satisfying and challenging variety of monks, lay faculty, staff and students of the prep school, college and graduate school.

Rebecca recognized that the monastic community has been a good page 24 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

teacher during her tenure. She stated, “I appreciate the individual and collective wisdom of the monks. Patients are doctors’ teachers. Those dozen years were a learning experience for both the monastic community and myself as the monks aged and began to require a higher and more demanding level of nursing care. St. Raphael’s Hall has changed from a residence for retired priests and brothers to more of a nursing facility for the frail, the ill and the dying.”

Basil LeBlanc, M.D.

lieutenant colonel and is now division surgeon for the 34th Infantry Division of the National Guard. He is also a marathon runner, a singer, guitarist and woodworker.

Our departing doctor is particularly happy that the Saint John’s Health Center, serving the Collegeville campus, has become a self-supporting enterprise. One important improvement was the addition of a pharmacy.

Further renovations in St. Raphael’s Hall and the Health Center will be needed to provide better dining, visiting and nursing space.

The community’s gratitude for her dedicated service goes with Rebecca, along with best wishes and God’s blessing on her future work. v

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v

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Two local physicians, Basil LeBlanc and Maureen Kemper, are temporarily assisting the Health Center staff this year while a full search for Dr. Hafner’s replacement is made.

Dr. LeBlanc, a 1976 graduate of St. Olaf College, earned his medical degree in 1983 from the University of Minnesota Medical School. He did seven years of family practice in New Ulm, Minnesota, and for the past decade has been practicing at Midwest Occupational Medicine in St. Cloud. He served in the military for fifteen years with the current rank of

Maureen Kemper, M.D.

Dr. Kemper, a native of Albany, Minnesota, is a graduate of the College of St. Catherine. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1980. After her family practice residency at North Memorial Medical Center she practiced in Albany from 1983-1990. She has been employed at the St. Cloud Medical Group since 1990.

While the search for a full-time physician continues, the Saint John’s Health Center remains under the supervision of Eileen Haeg, P.A.

photos by Daniel Durken, OSB

BANNER BITS

Poems by Kilian McDonnell, OSB: A Review

by J. P. Earls, OSB

A lifetime of prayerful reading of God’s words and works has been distilled here.

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he poems in Swift, Lord, You Are Not (Collegeville: Saint John’s University Press, 2003, 120 pp., $14.95) show that Father Kilian has spent much time reading the scriptures and the incidents of life.

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The poems on biblical characters and events invite us to a deep reflection on the biblical text while other poems focus on the events and encounters of the author’s life—the daily round of monastic duties, memories of growing up, of his travels, of the death of his parents. If the reader stays with the poems in this fine book, the truth will emerge: the Bible and daily life are not that separate.

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One set of poems probes the motives of the participants in the Parable of the Prodigal Son: the great appetite for life that inspired the younger son, the deep hurt of the elder son, the heart of the father that would embrace them both. “When the grave throws back a son,” he explains to the elder brother, there is a commotion of love, a proper father malady, a three-alarm riot in the heart (“The Father of the Elder Son,” p. 44).

These are characters in any century, in the enduring story of the human family.

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Likewise, the poems dealing with Kilian’s life and with the lives of his contemporaries send a humanizing light back on the scriptural texts. This is not to say, however, that Kilian forces this meaning on us; he lets the words in which he captures people

and events nudge us toward it.

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In the powerful poem “Fatima Ysif Bears A Son,” a black woman, “a Moslem in a Catholic land,” struggles unaided to childbirth amid the downtown traffic of Naples: 2

Not unobserved, but unassisted, I bear my son, Tear away my skirt For swaddling cloth.

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—Naples does not stir, Vesuvius is silent.— (p. 85) The woman is not a Christian. The Christians around her show no sign of Christliness. The city and the volcano looming in the distance are mutely indifferent. But the “swaddling cloth” evokes the presence of Christ and his mother. The reader is led to consider if Mary was not filled with the dismay and panic of this woman giving birth among strangers, yet confident in the enduring miracle of the new life she greets with a mother’s love.

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A lifetime of prayerful reading of God’s words and works has been distilled here. The vividness of the language, the sudden surprise of the telling image remind us that although God is not “swift” to arrange our lives as we have requested, the divine calling cards have been left for us here in the zigzags of our mazy lives. We need practice in reading them, practice such as we get in these poems.

Order Swift, Lord, You Are Not from Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN 56321. 1-800-858-5450 or www.litpress.org. If you ask, an autographed copy will be sent.]

J. P. Earls, OSB, is Saint John’s novice master, director of formation and associate professor of English.

Public TV to Feature The Saint Johnʼs Bible

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win Cities/Minnesota Public TV, Channel 2, will air the premiere U.S. broadcast of a BBC documentary on The Saint Johnʼs Bible on Sunday, December 14, at 8 p.m.

Please consult your local listing for broadcasting in your area and watch www.saintjohnsalumni.com for future updates.

The Abbey Banner Winter 2003 page 25

BANNER BITS Arnold Weber, OSB photo by David Manahan, OSB

Arnold Weber, OSB, Retires As Pastor

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fter 23 years as pastor of the parish community of the Holy Name of Jesus in Medina, Minnesota, Father Arnold has retired and returned to Saint John’s Abbey. On September 7, 2003, parishioners and other well wishers packed the eleven o’clock eucharist to pay tribute to their pastor.

An afternoon open house continued the celebration with celebrity speakers such as Glen Mason (coach of the Minnesota Gophers football team) and Abbot John Klassen, OSB. Arnold was featured in the spring 2002 issue of The Abbey Banner.

There it was noted that during his pastorate the Holy Name Parish grew from a community of 350 families to one of 2700 families. The parish school doubled in physical space and enrollment. Five successful capital campaigns were completed. Seventy employees assist Arnold in the rich variety of liturgical, educational and service programs the parish promotes.

The tribute of one of his parishioners has this to say about Arnold: Anyone who has met Father Arnold knows that he is a great leader, known for his heartwarming homilies, great liturgies and German wit. As a pastor, Father Arnold has taught his parishioners how to be stewards of God’s word and how to be grateful and generous with time, talent and treasure.

Among the many worthy causes that Father Arnold helped to establish and/or support are Ascension School in Northeast Minneapolis, page 26 The Abbey Banner Winter 2003

Sharing and Caring Hands, Interfaith Outreach, the Cookie Cart, Mary’s Place and Arnie’s Door.

To say simply that he has been Holy Name’s pastor is an understatement. Father Arnold has been a mentor, teacher, friend, leader, spiritual director and someone to turn to and rely upon. He has taught all of us how to be a community, how to be a family, how to be generous, loving, caring and kind to those in need. We will be forever grateful to Father Arnold for these invaluable life lessons.

Arnold now resides in Saint Raphael’s Hall at Saint John’s Abbey where 24/7 health care is available. He plans to remain as active as his health allows and expects to be the spiritual leader of several pilgrimages and trips in the months ahead. Meanwhile he continues his daily pilgrimage to glory in the Lord.

Sculpture by Hugh Witzmann, OSB, Wins Award

“S

aint Benedict,” a bronze sculpture

by Father Hugh, won the BENE Award in the 2003-2004 Visual Arts Awards contest sponsored by Ministry & Liturgy magazine. Hugh’s work was featured in the September 2003 issue of the magazine. BENE winners receive a standard listing in the journal’s Artist’s Directory.

Hugh’s statue was purchased by Holy Name Parish, Medina, Minnesota, and has a prominent place in the church’s gathering place. Saint Benedict’s principle that “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say, ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’” (Rule 53) makes for an appropriate placement of this sculpture.

A French Pilgrimage with Jerome Tupa, OSB

W

e invite all of our friends interested in a pilgrimage experience to join us June 14-28, 2004, on a journey from Paris through Burgundy and the south of France to Lourdes.

The central part of the tour will be visits to great architectural sites which have drawn pilgrims from around the world to pray and wonder at these great monuments to faith and human genius. We will visit Chartres, Vez-

elay, Cluny and LePuy—all places endowed with a rich history and significant Christian artifacts: the relics of Saint Benedict, the Sancta Chemisia in Chartres and in Lourdes the spring of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For a brochure with complete information please contact Jerome Tupa, OSB, at jtupa@csbsju.edu, or at Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN 56321. Phone: 320-363-2439.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

Promises, Promises ...

by Don Tauscher, OSB

God’s record of keeping promises is exceptionally good.

P

romises abound in the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Amid concerns with Christmas shopping and other delights, the liturgies of these seasons remind us of significant promises from God. In the dark of winter, the light of God’s promise(s) of salvation brightens human life. When it comes to keeping promises, God has an exceptionally good record.

As God prepares to fulfill the major promise of a Messiah, Hannah, sad and sterile, receives God’s promise of a child through the priest Eli. And Samuel is born. The promise is fulfilled with a miracle of life, because God keeps promises.

Elizabeth, elderly and sterile, receives God’s promise of a child through Zechariah, who had his doubts and did his speechless penance throughout the pregnancy. And John the Baptist is born. The promise is fulfilled with a miracle of life, because God keeps promises.

John receives an important promise: “You will be called the prophet of the Most High . . .” with the mission to announce the really big promise—the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ.

The promise is fulfilled with a miracle of life, because God keeps promises.

Mary, a simple unmarried young woman, receives the promise of a child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Now there’s a promise to write home about, not to mention telling your intended spouse. God finds ways, however, to write straight with crooked lines.

Mary becomes the wife of Joseph, the child Jesus is born, and God’s promise of salvation makes a giant leap forward in sacred history.

Jesus had to confront people’s unrealistic expectations of a politically powerful Messiah because he came into the world as a humble servant.

His mission was to seek and save, to bring people into unity with each other. People would eventually describe him as a person “going about doing good,” emptying himself of legitimate prerogatives so he could reconcile everyone to the Father, making peace eventually through the blood of the Cross.

People would remember that his prayer was “that all may be one.”

With his proclamation of the Kingdom of God, his ministry of healing and forming a community of disciples, and principally with his death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled what God promised.

In his turn, Jesus made a few promises of his own, and he continues to keep them. He enriches our lives in ways we recognize and in some ways we don’t even notice, they happen so deep inside our souls. Through prayer, sacraments, assorted experiences of joy and suffering as well as healing and enlightenment, he opens up a whole new life for us. By challenging us to love one another as he first loved us, he directs us on a course this world sorely needs.

With his challenge, Jesus gives the gifts necessary to meet it. He promises to be Emmanuel, God with us, until the end of time. Emmanuel pretty much tells the story of God’s Advent and Christmas promises.

Don Tauscher, OSB, is the director of the Spiritual Life Program of Saint John’s Abbey.

Photo: Indian Virgin by Jean Charlot, American artist (1898-1979), from the Kacmarcik Collection of Arca Artium, courtesy of Mary Schaffer

The Abbey Banner Winter 2003 page 27

Two Outstanding Winter Events

HYMNFEST January 18, 2004, 2:00 p.m.

P

lease join the Saint John’s Boys’ Choir and other St. Cloud area church choirs in Saint John’s Abbey Church as they present the seventh annual Hymnfest. Presented during the Octave of Christian Unity, this concert and congregational sing-along is an ecumenical celebration for people of all religious denominations. Join us as we celebrate our Christian unity in song and prayer. No tickets are necessary, but a free-will offering is encouraged. For more information call 320-363-2558.

GRAND TOUR OF NATIONS February 21, 2004, 6 p.m.

Y

ou are cordially invited to the thirteenth annual Grand Tour of Nations social, silent auction and dinner in Saint John’s Great Hall and dining rooms to celebrate the ethnic diversity of students of Saint John’s Preparatory School. Fifty-one of the 320 prep students are from a dozen different countries from Austria to Taiwan. The silent auction features more than two hundred valuable items. Tickets for this fund-raising event for the prep school are $60 per person. For reservations please call 320-363-3317.

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