Monastic Profession of new monks in Goiânia, Dec. 17, 2010

Yes, the profession went very well, in our informal setting, and manner. Father Vinícius and candidate Joao Luis did well with liturgical music. The novices were attentive, humble and devout. The presence of Fathers Meinrad, Joaquim, Josias, and Rodrigo - all gave a sense of continuance, gathering, fraternity, etc. I requested Father Rodrigo to give the homily. He conducted the Novices´ retreat in preparation for their vows, but the final conference was truncated. Again, he was inspired. The first reading was from the Elias cycle - Elias flees into the desert, fearful for his life. The angel of God tells him to get up and eat. Rodrigo reminded the novices they too had an angel who insisted that they eat correctly, helping them cultivate good eating habits (our nutritionist),  and a novice master and other confreres who led them to legitimate sources to nourish their Benedictine lives – the long monastic tradition, the Bible, the Church´s history and teachings.  Jesus is the master who calls them to incline the ear of their heart to the teachings on the Kingdom; and there are the examples from history of Wimmer, Lemke, St. Benedict´s Abbey, and St. Joseph Prior with their variety of Benedictine characters: disciples / missionaries of epic / heroic statue.

The Friday evening Eucharist in the small chapel of Mosteiro Sao Bento in Goiânia was hardly big enough for the crowd of Sisters, and a few male religious, families of the neighborhood, extended family of Bro. Gabriel from Nerópolis and Ceres.

The day began with Laudes at the usual time, followed by breakfast and our customary community meeting. Instead of a 10-15 meeting that morning, I extended the meeting into almost 1 1/2 hr. I began by congratulating the novices for their decision to make vows, and confirming that they are accepted and supported in their decision by our community. I proceeded to tell them - before all the community - what we stand for, what we consider our prophetic mysticism, in about two pages. No one dosed off! I first situated us as a community with international character, born and reared in the light and dynamic of Vatican Council II.  I proceeded to list some personal qualities that mark our fraternity and ministry.  I hope to translate the whole discourse for you some day in the near future. After I finished, or stopped, I asked other members of the community to express themselves. Fr. Joaquim Carlos graciously spoke on the need of internal structure and conversion. Ritualism will not hold up in the long haul we call the monastic commitment to community life, witness and ministry. Josias and Rodrigo also contributed some wisdom.

Following this, I previously agreed with Father Meinrad to give an overview of what he does, and plans to do in Europe next semester. First, he brought forth a passage from Acts of the Apostles - the scene of the apostles gathered at the portico of Salomon. They were few, but soon others joined them, and their numbers grew, and they expanded, witnessing to the on-going presence of the Risen Lord Jesus by their prayer and fraternity, faithful to the following of the Risen Lord. This is model for monastic life. 

During the rest of the day, everyone was busy with receiving guests and preparing song sheets, the profession rite, arrangements in the chapel, finger food, soft drinks and cake for the gathering after Mass.

D. Roy

Elections in Brazil

Perhaps you are accompanying presidential elections here in Brazil. It is quite a race. There are two women and two men candidates.  A few days prior to Election Day, Sunday, October 3, according to national surveys the two women together had over two-thirds of the votes. One, Dilma, had over 50%. The returns that night Dilma got only 46%, and wasn´t elected, since here in Brazil, on the first ballot, over 50% is needed to be elected. So now, the elective process goes into the second stage. The two candidates who got the most votes will battle for votes until next Election Day, Sunday, Oct 31, for the second round of ballots. There will be governors also in the race. Here in Brazil the whole nation has electronic voting, so returns are quick. By 8-9 P.M., the race is decided and public.

Dilma is the candidate of the popular workers party. She has been a national figure with the president going out of office, Lula Ignacio da Silva, after eight rather successful years. She represents the on going financial and social stability that Lula brought to the country though social programs that produced jobs and money in pocket for the lower classes. Today, unemployment is less that 6.8%! And the economy is healthy.

The other candidate, José Serra, represents the other parties, those against populist government that doesn´t favor much the rich and industrialists. Media seems to favor Serra, and heavily criticizes Dilma.

It is unfortunate that some members of the Catholic Church, like what happened in USA, favored Republicans over Democrats solely on abortion issue.

Opposition tried their best to accuse Dilma as pro-abortionist, and Serra pro-life. Both are labels unfounded. The National Conference of Brazilian Bishops even spoke out, calling for ethical communication, and not to confuse religious beliefs with democratic process.

Elections in Brazil

Perhaps you are accompanying presidential elections here in Brazil. It is quite a race. There are two women and two men candidates.  A few days prior to Election Day, Sunday, October 3, according to national surveys the two women together had over two-thirds of the votes. One, Dilma, had over 50%. The returns that night Dilma got only 46%, and wasn´t elected, since here in Brazil, on the first ballot, over 50% is needed to be elected. So now, the elective process goes into the second stage. The two candidates who got the most votes will battle for votes until next Election Day, Sunday, Oct 31, for the second round of ballots. There will be governors also in the race. Here in Brazil the whole nation has electronic voting, so returns are quick. By 8-9 P.M., the race is decided and public.

Dilma is the candidate of the popular workers party. She has been a national figure with the president going out of office, Lula Ignacio da Silva, after eight rather successful years. She represents the on going financial and social stability that Lula brought to the country though social programs that produced jobs and money in pocket for the lower classes. Today, unemployment is less that 6.8%! And the economy is healthy.

The other candidate, José Serra, represents the other parties, those against populist government that doesn´t favor much the rich and industrialists. Media seems to favor Serra, and heavily criticizes Dilma.

It is unfortunate that some members of the Catholic Church, like what happened in USA, favored Republicans over Democrats solely on abortion issue.

Opposition tried their best to accuse Dilma as pro-abortionist, and Serra pro-life. Both are labels unfounded. The National Conference of Brazilian Bishops even spoke out, calling for ethical communication, and not to confuse religious beliefs with democratic process.

Bishop Herbert Hermes celebrates 50th Jubilee in Cristalândia

Bishop Herbert Hermes, OSB, Bishop Emeritus of the Prelacy of Cristalândia, celebrated his 50th Jubilee of Priestly ordination and twenty years as bishop.  The event was last Friday, October 1 – the feast day of Saint Therese of Lisieux - in Cristalândia, Tocantins.  Present for the occasion were the present bishop, Rt. Rev. Rodolfo Luís Weber,  the Rt. Rev. Romualdo Matias Kujawski, neighboring bishop from Porto National, Tocantins, members of the diocesan clergy, men and women religious of diverse congregations, Anglican priest Father Brás Rodrigues da Costa, numerous laity representing the seventeen parishes of the Prelacy, and a few non-Catholics. The day began with a luncheon at noon, and in the evening, a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral. Father Eduard Alencar Lustosa, Vicar General and Pastor of the Cathedral, was the coordinator of the festive event.

Bishop Herbert is the third Bishop of this Prelacy. He took office September 23, 1990, and retired when his successor took office May 31, 2009. He continues to live in the Prelacy, at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, in Paraíso do Tocantins.

During the nineteen years of his Episcopal duties, Bishop Herbert ordained sixteen diocesan priests for this Church, created seven parishes and subdivided the Prelacy in five Pastoral Regions.  He welcomed in the Prelacy several religious congregations of men and women; promoted numerous encounters, assemblies and meetings for the formation of his pastoral agents.  As Bishop Emeritus, he continues to serve the church in the state of Tocantins, accompanying various Centers of Human Rights.

Since he began his missionary activities in Brazil (1962), in the Diocese of Jatai, he taught in public schools, excelled in pastoral ministry, especially in Liturgy, Youth and Family Life, with dedication at the formation of laity during the post-Vatican era. Later, he embraces social justice activities with equal dedication, developing concrete projects of human promotion and in defense of Human Rights. He became an active member of the National Movement of Human Rights in Brazil, and assisted the implanting of several Centers. In 2002, he received a national recognition as Distinguished Personality in Human Rights. His prophetical mysticism manifests in his on-going struggle against political corruption that impedes the just distribution of wealth and services, and consequently, social exclusion.

At the opening of the Eucharistic celebration, Father Eduard presented a biographical sketch of the jubilarian. In his homily, Bishop Hermes referred to his humble origins as grandchild of immigrants from Europe, which prepared him for his missionary activities on foreign soil: adaptability for enculturation; desire for the exercise of citizenship; openness to people of diverse ethnic groups, solidarity with the needy, zeal for common good, and solid in the practice of Catholic Faith. At the end of his homily, he expressed his joy and paternal confidence with his successor, Bishop Rodolfo Luís, whose dynamism and competency is sure to bring greater development to the Prelacy.

There were moments before the final blessing for accolades and recognitions for the jubilarian from laity, women religious, one of the diocesan priests, and Fr. Brás, the Episcopalian priest. A member of the Cathedral choir, Cicí Aguiar, sang a famous popular song of Roberto Carlos – “My Beloved, My Elder, My Friend”, which summed up the sentiments of all.

Bishop Herbert is a Benedictine monk of St. Joseph Priory in Mineiros, Goiás, a dependent priory of St. Benedict´s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas. He is 77 years old.

Apocalypse now!

Yesterday marked the 48th anniversary of the opening of Vatican Council II, Oct 11, 1962. I was a young monk then, a senior in college. The news was contagious for us young seminarians, enthused about novelties in the church.  I still appreciate the teaching and changes this Council brought to our churches.

Yesterday was the opening of the working sessions of the Synod on the Middle East. Pope Benedict boldly spoke of false divinities of our times, reflecting apocalyptical literature of the New Testament. At the time of the composition of this literature, Christians were afflicted and even persecuted by a society dominated by political/economical powers and ideologies of the Roman Empire e Greek civilization, proclaiming their divinities. There were circulating philosophies, false prophets preaching their world vision in the name of religion. The last book of the New Testament reflects the followers of the Risen Lord addressing these forces, and proclaiming the Good News that the true God, who raised Jesus from the dead, reigns. The victory is certain. Evil forces have their termination.  The communities of followers can celebrate the victory of the Lamb of God.

In Pope Benedict´s address to the 185 bishops gathered in Rome for the Synod to discuss the mission and witness of Christians in the Middle East, he denounces anonymous forces of financial interest, promoters of terrorist violence and drug-traffickers. He reveals them as ideologies imposing themselves as divinities that enslave man.

I appreciated this news from Rome. Just last week I gave some classes on the Apocalypse of John. This world news helps bring home the importance of this rather complicate part of the Bible.  The Bible is not a futuristic reading of the world, but unmasking dominating values, ideologies and practices that are contrary to the revelation of the God of Life.

Have a good day. Blessings.

Dom Heriberto celebra Jubileu 50 anos ordenação presbiteral

Dom Heriberto Hermes celebra Jubileu de Ouro da Ordenação Presbiteral

Por Pe. Rui Duane Roy, OSB

Dom Heriberto Hermes, OSB, Bispo Emérito da Prelazia de Cristalândia, celebrou seu jubileu de 50 anos de ordenação presbiteral e 20 anos como Bispo.  O evento aconteceu no dia 1º de outubro, na festa de Santa Terezinha, em Cristalândia-TO, sede episcopal da Prelazia, onde o Bispo atual, Dom Rodolfo Luís Weber, Dom Romualdo Matias Kujawski, Bispo de Porto Nacional,  Clero Diocesano, Religiosos e Religiosas das diversas Congregações, Padre Brás Rodrigues da Costa da Igreja Anglicana e Lideranças Leigas, representantes das dezessete Paróquias e diversas Comunidades, inclusive  não-católicas,  reuniram para um almoço festivo e Missa em Ação de Graças. Padre Eduardo Alencar Lustosa, Vigário Geral e Pároco da Catedral, coordenou o evento.

 Dom Heriberto é o terceiro Bispo da Prelazia. Ele tomou posse dia 23 de setembro de 1990 e aposentou na posse do bispo novo no dia 31 de maio de 2009. Atualmente ele mora na Paróquia São José Operário, Paraíso do Tocantins-TO.  

Durante os dezenove anos do seu pastoreio na Prelazia, Dom Heriberto ordenou dezesseis Padres diocesanos nesta Igreja Particular, criou sete Paróquias e cinco Regiões Pastorais; acolheu na Prelazia várias Congregações de  Religiosas e Religiosos; e realizou números encontros, assembléias e reuniões de formação para os Agentes Pastorais. Como Bispo Emérito ele continua morando na Prelazia com a incumbência de acompanhar os Centros de Direitos Humanos no Estado do Tocantins.

 Desde o inicio da sua caminhada missionária no Brasil (chegando em 1962), inicialmente na diocese de Jataí, ele empenhou-se no ensino, nas pastorais de Liturgia, da Juventude e Familiar, constantemente dedicando-se à formação de Leigos. Mais tarde, ele abraçou as Pastorais Sociais também, com igual dedicação, desenvolvendo projetos concretos de promoção humana e promoção e defesa dos Direitos Humanos. Ele integrou-se no Movimento Nacional dos Direitos Humanos e ajudou a  implantar vários Centros. Em 2002 recebeu o Prêmio Nacional de Direitos Humanos. A postura mística-profética do Dom Heriberto se manifesta de modo acentuado pelo combate à corrupção,  que impede o avanço da distribuição igualitária dos bens, e conseqüentemente produz a exclusão social.

Na abertura da celebração Eucaristia, Padre Eduardo traçou o perfil biográfico do  Bispo Jubilar. Na homilia, Dom Heriberto ligou suas origens humildes como neto de imigrantes com sua postura missionária além fronteiras: sua inculturação e exercício da cidadania, sua abertura aos povos de diversas etnias, empenho no apoio mútuo, solidariedade, zelo pelo bem comum, e valorização de fé e religiosidade popular. No final da sua fala homelítica ele manifestou alegria e confiança paternal para com o seu “filho” /sucessor, Dom Rodolfo Luís, cujo dinamismo e competência levarão a Prelazia ao maior desenvolvimento. No momento de pós-Comunhão da Missa, uma Leiga, uma Religiosa e o Presbítero Coordenador do Clero, Padre Aparecido Dário da Silva, fizeram pronunciamentos de elogios e agradecimentos ao seu Pastor Jubilando. Um membro do coral da Catedral, Cící Aguiar, cantou com acompanhamento instrumental “Meu Querido, Meu Velho, Meu Amigo”  – de Roberto Carlos, que exprimiu os sentimentos de todos.

 Dom Heriberto é monge beneditino do Priorado São José, Mineiros, Goiás, Mosteiro dependente da Abadia São Bento, Atchison, Kansas, EUA. Ele tem 77 anos de idade.

Psalms in the Bible and in our lives

We monks, young and old, hear, study and meditate on the Word of God, celebrating this Word in our liturgies, and sharing it in our ministries. Sacred Scripture grounds our life style, our values and manner of relating to others.

The last day of this month of September for us Catholics is Bible Day. For Protestants, their Bible Day is later in the year – during the month of December. Unfortunately, we are divided on this also.

The Word of God is our community prayer, especially the Psalms. As did the people of ancient Israel, we too, recite, sing and meditate the Psalms, various times during the day, and in the evening, at the Liturgy of the Hours.

This wisdom literature arose from a profound and expansive experience of God by a people in their life journey, with all the ups and downs, with their celebrations and processions, their lamentations and joys. The Psalms continue to express in our lives likewise as our prayers in communion with all people today.

“God, made haste to help me…”, “The Lord is my shepherd…”, “Until when will you hide your face from me, Lord…”, “What joy when they said to me, let us go up to the House of the Lord…”, and “Your Word, Lord, is a light in my path”.

The Psalms call to mind places, occasions, sentiments, persons, natural phenomena – bringing everything into prayer to express praise, repentances, gratitude and hope. The confidence of the Psalmists is contagious for us.  We also remember God’s promises to us: to journey with us. God reveals self as the Almighty, the Rock, the Fortress, our Liberator, and many other names and titles that psalmists utilize in reference to our Lord and God. “He is faithful to the Covenant, because eternal is His love”. Jesus echoes this same promise in His last words on this earth, at the moment of His Ascension: “And remember, I will be with you until the ends of the earth” (Mt 28:20).

Our prayer can never fully repeat the experience of ancient Israel. God does, however, continue to reveal Himself in our lives. The daily demands of life and mission places us in syntony with the suffering and hopes of all those suffer, with youth, with families, educators and politicians to create new psalms with the same faith and confidence in the God-who-is-with-us.

May God bless you.

Monday, Sept 27: Yesterday was a light rain, the first in about 125 days! What a dry spell. The danger of fire is real. Many national parks, pastures, fields and even backyard were burned. This light rain yesterday afternoon was providential. Some years ago I heard that rains can be expected between three to five days after a full moon, for which reason, I don’t know. Based on that saying and reading the barometer in the morning after breakfast that indicated a significance increase of moisture in the air – going from 12% to 40% and the air pressure falling, I began to assure persons that it will rain today or tomorrow. And lo and behold, it rained. So I became a welcomed prophet! The setting was a Marriage Encounter in Mineiros. I arrived in Mineiros Friday afternoon and the Encounter began that evening. There were 28 couples making the Encounter and another 70 helping with different activities for the three days. The kitchen crews of about eight couples had finished their duties, and were awaiting the conclusion of the Encounter before returning to their homes. One man said it would be nice to have some ice cream at his moment. Who can donate a dollar? In a jiffy $10 was collected and someone sent to purchase the goods. And as we appreciated the ice cream – I and the eight couple, and in the meantime a two other priests arrived on the scene – the gentle rain began! I spent today here in Mineiros, and plan to take the bus back to Goiania where I live – about a seven hour ride.