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.