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
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