Looking back over our 50 years of misson

The first three monks from Kansas arrived in Brazil early in 1960: Matthias Schmidt, Stephan Burns and Otho Sullivan.  It was only on January 2, 1962 that two Atchison monks, Fathers Matthias Schmidt and Steven Burns, visited Mineiros for the first time with the newly elected diocesan bishop, Benedito Coscia, OFM.  Upon this visit, their Benedictine hearts were decided that this is where they wanted to found a monastery, a decision finalized in April of that same year.

Fifty years later, only two monk-pioneers are on the scene in Brazil: Bishop Herbert Hermes and Fr. Duane Roy. The legacy of the monk-missioners, however, continues.  Our founders were virtuous men of goodness, generosity and loving care for people, without air of grandeur.  Father Matthias Schmidt, for example, was a man of decision; and noted for his simplicity, durability and serviceability.  Being people-centered he manifested love and respect for all persons. Witty and affable, he enjoyed singing Brazilian folks songs with gusto.  He was a zealous confessor, devout celebrant of the Eucharist and faithful in praying Liturgy of the Hours.  Father Matthias made it a point to participate in a variety of events, making his contribution. Vocal in defense of the truth he was a competent teacher and preacher. A constant collaborator with his Bishop, he was called to be Vicar of Religious in the Diocese in 1965; and in 1972, Bishop.

The strong witness of this monk-missioner set the pace for other monks working with him, and those who came later:  Ralph Koehler, Herbert Hermes in 1962; Eric Deitchman, Luke Wenzel in 1965; Robert Heiman and Duane Roy in 1971; and Kieran McInerney, Jude Burbach, Henry Deters and Franklin Highberger in 1975. St. Benedict´s Abbey was supportive and generous in providing monks to staff the budding foundation of St. Joseph Priory.

The monks in Brazil cherished the Kansas tradition of uniting monastic chrism and pastoral zeal, supporting one another in community life and projecting together parish involvement.  Joint ministry with the Atchison Benedictine Sisters, also established in Mineiros, was an enormous asset in witnessing, and enriching catechetical, spiritual and human promotion programs. Parishioners came to expect and received the best of pastoral service. In the mid-to-late 1960’s laity became equally generous and willing to participate in parish life, as inspired by Vatican Council II.  Through dedication, long hours, and hard work a solid foundation was laid for what we have today. 

There was a price, however.  Death came early for these men.  Like pioneer men, they die young. Matthias died at 61 years old; Henry Deters, 67; Eric Deitchman, 67; Robert Heiman, 73, and Otho Sullivan, our patriarch, at 76.  Luke Wenzel, at 30 years old, was permanently paralyzed by a traffic accident. Others went to other leadership posts: Ralph Koehler served as Abbot of St. Benedict´s Abbey in 1980-1989; and Herbert Hermes was ordained Bishop of the Prelacy of Cristalândia, Brazil, in 1990.

A new generation of young men from Mineiros became monk-missioners also. Sons and brothers of hardworking parents and siblings became today´s leaders, carrying forward the Benedictine heritage according to the style of the American Cassinese Congregation and Saint Benedict´s Abbey.  They are few, but dedicated and competent, giving witness in today´s society though fraternal teamwork, generous service and joyful giving of themselves, true to the spirit of our founders.   

In our past, many candidates manifested interest in church vocation, joined us, made profession, but soon grew weary, or discovered their true vocation. The limited, but solid education we Benedictines gave them hopefully has made them prayerful men, generous husbands, fathers and lay leaders in their parishes.

When a new generation of youth came along in the 1980s they presented different values, attitudes and work ethics.  They are called the Millennium generation. Perhaps due to the increase in acquisition power and consumerist society, technology with its fascinations and convenience left new generations with the conviction that parents, grandparents, social and church institutions should provide them with all their needs.  Without patience, effort and capacity to deal with frustration, the “easy life” is attractive.  Leisure, pleasure, and perhaps in some cases drugs affect effort and hard work, making religious life and church ministry less attractive. 

Not discouraged with this analysis, we maintain contact with many young adults who show interest in the monastic life.  The communal dimension of our monastic life, a strong formation program and prestige of our past and present witness blended with pastoral ministry - seem to speak to today´s youth. We trust some will participate with the monks that carry forward our rich monastic heritage well into the new Millennium. May the next fifty years prove true this assertion, bringing us a most welcome springtime!