Last night Father Josias and I celebrated our jubilees, he - 25 years of priestly ordination, and I, 50 years of monastic profession. Our small chapel here in the monastery in Goiânia was packed with monks, sisters, layperson and visiting diocesan priests.  Abbot Mathias of the Benedictine Abbey in Sao Paulo arrived around noontime yesterday with eleven of his junior monks, touring central Brazil. They stay with us for three nights while visiting sites around Goiânia. The sisters are members of several Franciscan Congregations: Immaculate Mary, Of the Poor, Sorrowful Mother - all friends of ours, with whom we celebrate such events over the years. Among the laity were some of our oblates, from Mineiros and from Goiania, representatives of parishes where Fr. Josias and I serve.  Father Denis missed the celebration since his flight was the hour we began the festive mass.  Abbot Mathias presided. (See photo)  Fr. Josias and I shared experiences at the time of the homily, and others spoke also, including the two priests from the Archdiocese. A mystery donor arranged for a lovely display of cut flowers, gracing the altar. Our neighboring sisters, Franciscans of the Sorrowful Mother provided the music ministry. After mass all were invited for fellowship in the monastic dining room.  It was a present celebration, enhanced with the presence of the visiting monks. After breakfast this morning, in silence, Prior Duane gave a Deo Gratis. He and Fr. Josias shared with the visiting monks our experience of founding Benedictine monasticism in Goiás, and landmarks of our 50 year journey.  Abbot Matias contributed with interesting remarks.  July 25, 2011

Rainman

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.

Summer time is a time for planting, growth and harvest. This issue of Kansas Monks finds us, south of the Equator, going into winter now.  Days are shorter; it is dark during our 6:00 morning prayers.  By 6:30 P.M. it is dark again.  No twilight.  Nights are cooler, no moisture, low humidity and dusty. After forty years here in central Brazil, I still have fond memories of summers in Kansas, those long days, the many and various activities, mostly outdoors. And the nights catching fireflies.

Summer in the U.S. is a time for graduations, weddings, vacations and other pleasant activities. For those with diplomas in hand, decisions are made.  Among the choices are jobs, careers, furthering education and/or volunteer work. Many options are available.

Our Benedictine monastic community is studying how to better promote church vocations.  Especially in our education and pastoral work we interact and are open to receive new members.  We use the Internet (www.msaojose.org and www.mongesbeneditinos.wordpress.com) to project our charism, and to dialog with those who manifest interest in the Benedictine way of life. Like farmers worldwide we, too, are planting seeds.  And praying to the Lord, counting on the intercession of St. Joseph, patron of our Priory.

The Church in Brazil is seriously investing in vocation promotion.  Dioceses are implementing pastoral plans and programs for all forms of vocations - lay, religious and ordained church ministry.  Parishes continue to expand, forming new communities.  New ministries are urgently needed. This is true not only in Latin America. Internationally, most “able-bodied” parish priests serve at least two parishes.

With the guidance of the National Conference of Men and Women Religious of Brazil, religious congregations and orders are looking at “new generations”, not with skepticism, but genuine interest in dialog and mutual acquaintance. Today’s youth are different because of the high technology of communication, travel, educational opportunities and exposure to different cultures and lifestyles. Parents and grandparents want their children and grandchildren - born in the turbulent 70s, 80s and early 90s - to advance socially and economically, and achieve what they were not able to do and obtain.  Some come to our doors wanting to make their contribution, but are leery of restrictions and requirements to maintain what they consider to be old-fashioned and weighty structures and institutions. Others may have less noble motivation: social climbing, social dropouts, unable to find their niche, or unable to survive financially in the market place.

Vocations continue to be a mystery. All people are called to grow in sanctity, follow the Lord, and serve humanity.  Normally, church vocation requires simpler lifestyle, motivated by faith and conversion, and missionary conviction.  What is it that makes a youth today opt for such a vocation among so many other choices?  We are convinced that the Lord Jesus, Owner of the Harvest, continues to call persons of our present generation to follow Him, and join the ranks of those who have grown old in faithful service and witness to the Christian heritage. Join us this summer in planting, growing and harvesting vocations in the youth among you. 

Duane Roy, OSB, Prior

Some true stories

A Brazilian priest missioner in the State of Tocantins, Padre Pedro, recently celebrated his fortieth birthday and ten year as a priest. As counties in Brazil prepare for local elections this year, many wanted him to run as candidate for office of mayor.  He resisted, reaffirming that his contribution to the local community is best as a priest. He did, however, collaborate with a group of concerned parishioners in the choice and support of a candidate.  Election Day is Sunday, October 3.

He told me last week that he has learned in these past couple month more about human nature than in all his studies and pastoral work.  The seamy side of human nature, that is. Hometown politics seems to bring out the worst of everyone!

One example.  Last Saturday he invited me to concelebrate with him a funeral mass for a devout woman in his parish, half-sister to two priests, both monsignors in a neighboring diocese. The celebration was a wonderful tribute in homage to this generous Christian woman. At various moments over the years she received our Bishop and I in her home when we were in town when the small parish house was full.  Her family has a long-standing involvement in local politics. She was in charge of an office of deeds and registers.

Her son is presently a candidate for local council member. Apparently, he wanted to use the funeral of his mother for political advantage. His party has a young Protestant woman as candidate for mayor.  For this reason, he wanted the funeral to have more of a civic carater. Since Padre Pedro was known to support the other party, this young man did not want him to be visible at his mother´s funeral mass, thinking that his presence would give more support to the opposition. Fortunately, he has a sister who is more human and sensible.  She insisted, together with her two priests/uncles, that Padre Pedro, the local pastor, should preside at a funeral mass in the local parish church.  He did, with tact, devotion and dynamic. The church was packed for the ten-o´clock liturgy followed by burial in the local cemetery.

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In the Gospel this coming Sunday, the disciples request Jesus to increase their faith. Let´s see what your pastor is going to say about this in his sermon.

Josefa has three daughters and a son. Early this year she witnessed the brutal assassination of one of her daughters – a young mother of three – in her own home. The hired killer and the two people involved in ordering the killing are in jail awaiting trial.  I visited Josefa a couple times.  Recently she came to my office requesting my prayers – that she may have more faith.  After some dialog, I discovered the meaning of her request.  One of her daughters, the one with whom she is now living, is a fundamentalist evangelical.  She and members of her church convinced Josefa that all this tragedy happened because she does not have enough faith!

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More on politics.  Celio, a young man with wife and daughter, is candidate for council member in his county.  He has always been active as a youth leader. Recently, he is active in the area of human rights. He seems to have good support in this first attempt to run for an elected office.  Last week a candidate for mayor of another party approached him offering him money, house and job if he would renounce his candidacy.  Celio told the politician that he would think about it and they marked a future date to finalize his decision.  At the next appointment, Celio arranged to tape and video the conversation and exchange.  He then took the tape and video to the local police to register election violation since it is a crime here in Brazil to buy votes.  The news was on front page and TV that afternoon. Investigation hasn´t been conclusive yet. We are all supportive of Celio.

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Do you remember your baptismal sponsor? Many times, we relegate them to a photo or document in the past.  During the last weekend of August, I visited a land settlement in the Prelature where approximately 150 families are settled as part of a land reform project. The Catholic community there was celebrating the feast of their patron saint, Saint Raymond Nonato.  Two Franciscan Sisters live in this community, and minister to these people. They requested my presence since they were eight months without mass and baptism.  They scheduled baptisms for 9 a.m. that Sunday.  I arrived 9:05 since I got lost (took the scenic route, as one would say).  We soon began the celebration.  Mass was in the evening. 

After baptism, an elderly couple requested to talk with me. Almost everyone had left.  We sat in one of the pews. They went directly to the point. Their godson, a young adult cowboy, rustled some calves, got caught and is facing shame among his peers. The young man sees suicide as the only way out. The godparents do not agree.  They want support to convince him to change his mind. He is sheepishly standing outside the door. I called the young man into our conversation. I frankly open discussion of the case and try to show him alternatives.  None convinces him. The godparents, in their human wisdom and faith, gave advice I consider very sound psychology and theology. One could sense the mutual affection.  The young cowboy however, continued to insist that he has the only solution - suicide today.  He didn´t verbalize how he would do it, but would use a gesture of hanging himself. Exhausting all our reasoning, cajoling and threats, we turned to pray with him.  I prayed a brief spontaneous prayer and the godmother followed, reciting Psalm 35 by heart!  His godfather was most fatherly in his manner, advice and prayer.  Thirty days later and I have no news of a suicide in that community.

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Father Duane Roy has accepted election by the chapter members of St. Joseph’s Priory, Mineiros, Goias, Brazil, to serve as their Prior for two years, beginning February 1, 2010. He will conclude his work as Vicar General in the Diocese of Cristalandia, Tocantins, Brazil, at that time. He will guide the community of five other priests, three other solemnly professed monks, one in simple vows, three novices, and one postulant.

Address to Monastic Community

At our meeting this morning, with all our members present, I extend to you three novices my congratulations on your decision to pronounce vows in this community today. We accept you to journey with us. Welcome. We are pleased with your presence in our community. Let´s continue to journey together.

We have offered you almost two years of monastic formation. We tried to give you the best formation possible within our limitations. I believe we gave you a taste of Benedictine life. Apparently, you liked it, and want more.

I want to take the opportunity now that we are all together to share about who we are, and about how I see our mystic-prophetic posture.

We are men in a Benedictine Priory of international character, and at the same time, well rooted in Midwest Brazil, specifically, in the State of Goiás. We are the only Benedictine monastery in this region. We were born during the dynamics of Vatican II; we grew up with the theological and pastoral challenges and joys of those times. They continue to mark our life-style and ministry. We were received in the Diocese of Jataí by Bishop Benedict Cóscia, OFM, a young bishop, foreigner like our founders, a Council Father, Franciscan, missionary.  He supported us as we supported his vision and efforts to build Church on the budding Brazilian frontier.

We are a dependent Priory, distant from our Abbot. We have his blessing and confidence. We are dependent on the Abbey, and the Abbey always treats us with respect, as if we were independent.

We are distant from other monasteries, not however, aloft of their qualities and significance in the history of Brazil. We are participating members of the Brazilian Inter-Monastic Conference since its beginning. We have been beneficiaries of the hospitality and friendship of other Brazilian monasteries.

Our history is parallel to that of the Benedictine Sisters, also established in Mineiros, since the early 1960s. We are graced to have journeyed together with them, with respect, collaboration and fraternity.

We have buried some of our monks – Father Otho, Bishop Matthias, Fr. Henry, Fr. Eric, Brother Robert, Father José Machado, and our founding abbots – Cuthbert, Thomas and Brendan, all of very happy memory. We are eternally grateful for them, and count on their intercession.  

We continue to be few members of St. Joseph Priory. We are not saints. Because of this, we need the monastic life, and one another. We are sojourners.

I´m professed 49.5 years; Fr. Joaquim, 34.8; Fr. Josias 29.9; Fr. Rodrigo, almost 13 and Fr. Vinícius borders on 7 years. With Brothers Diego and Haroldo, that gives a total of 125 years among us gathered here today, of monastic life and witness in St. Joseph Priory.

We know the Cross, and joy of the Resurrection. Before one another and the people we serve, before our bishops, we are responsible men, zealous, creative. We are honest, without fear or laziness. We are committed. People, who know us by association or having heard about us, always manifest confidence and count on us.

We are humble, perhaps too much so that we don´t propagate all the great things we do. We seek God, and respond with faith and conversion, as well as abnegation, discipleship, mission and communion. As presbyters in many communities, and rooted in liturgical theology where we celebrate live and faith in the Sacraments, we encounter the Lord of Life. Life given for life. We encounter what we seek; we live the mystery that is God. We bend ourselves before and over Sacred Scripture to nourish ourselves and to be able to nourish our people.

We respect the dignity of the lay vocation to evangelize family, culture, science, arts, politics, church pastoral programs and friendships. We treat with priority communal prayer of the Divine Office and personal prayer.

The Lord Jesus is constant and faithful friend and master, not only One whom we seek, but One we encounter. From this and other friendships, we maintain attitudes, sentiments and beliefs that mark our lifestyle.

We are not strong on formalities. We practice solidarity, present to one another.

We are not pious, but believers and dedicated, ecumenical, promoters of peace and justice.

We are conscious of our history, the reality we live in, and of our frailty. Signs of the times have great significance for us. We know where we want to go as Benedictine monks.

We are creative in our pastoral zeal, respectful in our friendships, obedient and disposed. We have time for one another.

We are few; and we leave a marked presence in the dioceses where we serve.

We have economic stability, and we value frugality. We humbly recognize with immense gratitude all we have received from the generosity of benefactors who love us and believe in us. We never want to abuse this gratuity. 

We have plans to intensify vocational promotion. This is work of everyone - making contacts, giving witness, and personal prayer and sacrifice. I invite all to dedicate time, creativity and effort to this.  May the Lord of the Harvest bless our Priory and us all.

Duane Roy, OSB, Prior

Goiânia-GO, December 17, 2010

Article written for KANSAS MONKS – Winter 2010

By Duane Roy

Boniface Wimmer and Henry Lemke met for the first time, in Munich, May 1845[1], They both were decided to travel to United States as missionaries accompanying the waves of German families migrating in search of land and opportunity. These two former diocesan priests became historical figures in the expansion of Benedictines in North America and in Kansas. As Benedictines, they contributed significantly to 19^th century American Catholicism.

After a hundred and fifteen years of Kansas Benedictine missionary activity in mid-USA, Abbot Cuthbert McDonald, third Abbot of St. Benedict´s Abbey, Atchison, KS, and Prior Emilio Jordan, founding Prior of  Hungarian Benedictine Saint Gerald Priory, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, met for the first time in early 1960. They became determined to make a Benedictine foundation in Brazil to accompany this largest concentration of Catholics in the world.  Father Matthias Schmidt was the founding prior of St. Joseph Priory in Mineiros, in 1962, the first Benedictine monastery in the immense Brazilian Central West.  The monks administered parishes in three counties, taught in public schools, and an array of other church ministries and social works.

Kansas Benedictines in Brazil, with their local bishop and other missionaries, implanting Vatican II directives, made significant contributions to church life and human promotion. Living the monastic life in their modest priory situated on the outskirts of progressive town ten to twelve hours removed from the State capitol, initially without phone, TV and asphalt highways, they blended prayer, fraternity and ministry, true to their Benedictine missionary heritage, and in partnership with the Benedictine Sisters, also rooted in this local community.

Gaining the confidence of families, young men requested to join them. Formation of new members offered new challenges. They were distant from major seminaries. They established ties with other Benedictines in Brazil,  becoming actively involved with the budding Conference of Monastic Men and Women in Brazil, with quadrennial Latin American Encounters, and with the newly organized Conference of Religious of Brazil, with regional subdivisions. Prior Matthias Schmidt was one of the co-founders in the Central-West Regional. The subsequent prior, Father Ralph Koehler, was active in organizing the newly founded Conference of Monastic Men and Women. In the local diocese, he was long-time member of the diocesan priests´ council, instrumental in elaborating the first statues of this council.  Father Herbert Hermes headed the diocesan liturgical committee, and assumed the coordination of youth ministry, while serving as pastor of a dynamic parish. As known, this budding leadership soon left the small monastic group.  Fathers Matthias and Herbert were called to the episcopacy in 1972 and 1990 respectively; and Fr. Ralph elected 6^th Abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, KS. Other monks also dedicated years to service to specific Brazilian dioceses, Fr. Kieran, ten years with Bishop Matthias in Ruy Barbosa, Bahia, and Fr. Duane, seven years with Bishop Herbert in the Prelacy of Cristalândia, Tocantins.

These missionary monks offered formation and encouragement to candidates desiring to become monks also. In 1987, the monks opened a House of Formation in Goiania where candidates and young monks could pursue academic studies. This House of Formation became St. Benedict´s Monastery, inaugurated in January 2003, in Goiânia. Young Brazilian monks soon assumed leadership roles, working with the remaining American monks in education and parish apostolate. Josias Dias da Costa earned a Masters in Philosophy of Education and Father Joaquim Carlos Carvalho became a Clinical Psychologist.  The monks expanded into spiritual direction, retreats, conferences, human rights promotion and classroom ministries while blending fraternal monastic observance with parish ministry.

Benedictine spirituality is earthy. There are no ecstasies, visions, stigmas, apparitions or shrines. It is a daily program of prayer and work, mingled with a love for learning in the context of community life governed by good leadership and the help of many brothers. And, of course, dedicated service to build Church where they are planted, in communion with their bishop, lay leaders, fellow priests and other men and women religious. 

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[1] Oetgen, Jerome. An American Abbot, Washington DC, Cath. Univ of Amer. Pr., 1997, p. 41.