Article in Kansas Monks 2012 summer

Families often come together to cherish memories of dedication and love, and celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their parents, or grandparents. Likewise, this happened when we monks in Brazil celebrated our Golden Jubilee. Fifty-one years ago St. Benedict´s Abbey sent some of their monks to found another monastery in Brazil.  A year later, fifty years ago on April 26, 1962, these monks were received in the city of Mineiros, Goiás.

Abbot Barnabas Senecal joined us for the solemn event of our Jubilee. He presented a chalice to use at our masses symbolizing our united effort to live and strengthen the bond of the love in the Risen Lord. Bestowing his message of gratitude and encouragement he participated in three Masses of Thanksgiving: Saturday, April 28, at St. Benedict´s Church, Mineiros, Bishop Herbert Hermes, OSB presided. Sunday, April 29, at Holy Spirit Church, Mineiros, Subprior Rodrigo Perissinotto, OSB presided. Holy Spirit Church is where the missionary monks began and exercised their ministry until the creation of St. Benedict’s Parish in 2010, a second parish in Mineiros. On Monday, April 30, at St. Benedict´s Monastery and formation house in Goiânia, Prior Duane Roy, OSB, presided and preached.

           Following the Golden Jubilee celebration of the founding of St. Joseph´s Priory in Goiânia a married couple, who are Benedictine Oblates, came to the monastery to celebrate afternoon mass with us. They also participated in the historic celebration the night before. When I asked what they considered significant about the celebration the husband Nélio said a period of fifty years speaks of permanence and stability. Using a comparison from his professional life as a salesman he explained that some products stay on the market longer than others but oftentimes they also lose popularity.  Monastic life is a product in the offering for a long time and continues strong. Claudia, his wife, said she perceived a peaceful joy as several monks spoke of their past confreres, relating stories and radiating pride of their past. She witnessed their contentment in being part of this group of monks.

            Retired Archbishop of Goiânia, Antônio Ribeiro de Oliveira, was present for the celebratory event in Goiânia. Also in attendance was retired Bishop of the Prelacy of Cristalândia, Herbert John Hermes, OSB, who will complete the fifty-year milestone as member of St. Joseph´s Priory later this same year. 

Bishop Herbert’s arrival in Brazil coincided with the opening of Vatican Council II.  He attested to the manner in which the American monks related to the Brazilians over the years, listening and learning through dialogue. He said his fellow monks assimilated the spirit and teachings of this Council, specifically, the formation and participation of the laity. He stressed the warm hospitality of the families in Mineiros, who took us into their homes and hearts and made it easy for the monks to adapt and ‘incarnate’ into a different culture. He also emphasized the centrality of the Benedictine charism ‘Ora et Labora’ - Pray and Work - in our missionary witnessing. 

Father Joaquim Carlos, who joined the Priory in 1974, shared with the gathering of friends, oblates, clergy and religious that it was Archbishop Antônio who graciously first received the monks into the Archdiocese of Goiânia. He encouraged them to build their monastic house of formation - without need of assuming a parish - and maintain open doors to both laity and clergy who were seeking spiritual direction and sacramental reconciliation.

            Father Vinicius, our youngest priest monk, summed up: “With this celebration we took a hard look into our past and rejoice with gratitude. Now we must look forward - not just to plan and administer our activities - but to be men of vision of the Benedictine charism and evangelization.  

            With grateful hearts and renewed hope we embrace the future.  We thank every one of you for your support.

By Duane Roy, OSB, Prior