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
