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