Benedictines at St. Joseph Priory, Mineiros, Goiás

Today, in an atmosphere of prayer and fraternity, grateful to God, and happy memory of our father Saint Benedict, we gathered for the Investiture of our brothers James and Hélio. Thank you for your desire to journey with us. The dictionary defines " Investiture” as an act of investing, or taking possession. Today, dear candidates, you will be invested with the Benedictine monastic habit; and will take possession of your place in the monastic order, the Order St. Benedict, adding “OSB” at the end of your name; and in the community, taking your place in queue with your brothers, respecting the elders and loving the younger. The mystique of the monastic habit comes from a long tradition of hermits and cenobites, as a distinctive symbol of consecration, humility, simplicity and prayerfulness. For us Benedictines it is a sign of a person vowed to obedience, stability and continued conversion. Your novice master and your community undertakes the challenge to instruct you in this sacred tradition, with zeal of an older brother – novice master Father Carlos - capable to enlighten your journey with patience and wisdom, discerning with you the Spirit of Christ which leads us together to Eternal Life. You are at the dawn of a new life. I hope you will always cherish this novitiate experience. Invested with the monastic habit reminds us of the admonition of St. Paul describing the steps of Christian life, in Romans 13.11-14: Awake from carnal sleep and its security, from sloth and the negligence of spiritual death. The night passed; day has approached; arise and dress yourself for "ora and labora", to militate under Christ the true King in the School in the Lord's service. Put on Christ, the New Man. You have passed though the waters of baptism. Walk now in readiness and honesty in the clarity of day, avoiding the works of darkness. What we most expect from a novice is that he be honest, zealous, docile and well disposed. Acquire the gift of giving of yourself; use well the instruments of Good Works in this workshop of men under construction, under the interceding eye of St. Joseph! We welcome you to journey with us. Have patience with us. With the help of many brothers, guided by the Gospels, the wisdom of the Rule of St. Benedict, and the leadership of our Abbot, enter into our holy routine of Ora et Labora, to sanctify time, and in holy obedience to protect yourselves from the pursuit of your own will. We will try to offer you some of the ideals of the Holy Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles that contain beautiful portraits of mutual love, sharing things in common, perseverance in prayer, breaking of bread together, and a life full of service in the name of the Lord. This monastic community, a simple priory in the Brazilian Cerrado, and meek presence in a capital city in the heart of this giant nation, invites you to journey with us, mindful of the voice God in the Holy Scriptures, in the RB, in the person of our Abbot, and even in the persons of your brothers and sisters, the poor and guests. In monastic silence listen to God, to each other, to know how to speak with wisdom without judging or murmuring; let´s work together for our livelihood, to avoid idleness, in mutual service and in mission to humanity. Each one has his own cell, space to keep the few things needed, to rest, to pray, to study; and for a deep listening to the appeals of conversion. With all your creative spirit, make your life the best gift to God and to others. Thiago and Hélio, welcome to our brotherhood. Be prayerful, and fraternal. And through the intercession of St. Benedict may Christ lead us together to the eternal home of the Father.