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.

Summer time is a time for planting, growth and harvest. This issue of Kansas Monks finds us, south of the Equator, going into winter now.  Days are shorter; it is dark during our 6:00 morning prayers.  By 6:30 P.M. it is dark again.  No twilight.  Nights are cooler, no moisture, low humidity and dusty. After forty years here in central Brazil, I still have fond memories of summers in Kansas, those long days, the many and various activities, mostly outdoors. And the nights catching fireflies.

Summer in the U.S. is a time for graduations, weddings, vacations and other pleasant activities. For those with diplomas in hand, decisions are made.  Among the choices are jobs, careers, furthering education and/or volunteer work. Many options are available.

Our Benedictine monastic community is studying how to better promote church vocations.  Especially in our education and pastoral work we interact and are open to receive new members.  We use the Internet (www.msaojose.org and www.mongesbeneditinos.wordpress.com) to project our charism, and to dialog with those who manifest interest in the Benedictine way of life. Like farmers worldwide we, too, are planting seeds.  And praying to the Lord, counting on the intercession of St. Joseph, patron of our Priory.

The Church in Brazil is seriously investing in vocation promotion.  Dioceses are implementing pastoral plans and programs for all forms of vocations - lay, religious and ordained church ministry.  Parishes continue to expand, forming new communities.  New ministries are urgently needed. This is true not only in Latin America. Internationally, most “able-bodied” parish priests serve at least two parishes.

With the guidance of the National Conference of Men and Women Religious of Brazil, religious congregations and orders are looking at “new generations”, not with skepticism, but genuine interest in dialog and mutual acquaintance. Today’s youth are different because of the high technology of communication, travel, educational opportunities and exposure to different cultures and lifestyles. Parents and grandparents want their children and grandchildren - born in the turbulent 70s, 80s and early 90s - to advance socially and economically, and achieve what they were not able to do and obtain.  Some come to our doors wanting to make their contribution, but are leery of restrictions and requirements to maintain what they consider to be old-fashioned and weighty structures and institutions. Others may have less noble motivation: social climbing, social dropouts, unable to find their niche, or unable to survive financially in the market place.

Vocations continue to be a mystery. All people are called to grow in sanctity, follow the Lord, and serve humanity.  Normally, church vocation requires simpler lifestyle, motivated by faith and conversion, and missionary conviction.  What is it that makes a youth today opt for such a vocation among so many other choices?  We are convinced that the Lord Jesus, Owner of the Harvest, continues to call persons of our present generation to follow Him, and join the ranks of those who have grown old in faithful service and witness to the Christian heritage. Join us this summer in planting, growing and harvesting vocations in the youth among you. 

Duane Roy, OSB, Prior

Some true stories

A Brazilian priest missioner in the State of Tocantins, Padre Pedro, recently celebrated his fortieth birthday and ten year as a priest. As counties in Brazil prepare for local elections this year, many wanted him to run as candidate for office of mayor.  He resisted, reaffirming that his contribution to the local community is best as a priest. He did, however, collaborate with a group of concerned parishioners in the choice and support of a candidate.  Election Day is Sunday, October 3.

He told me last week that he has learned in these past couple month more about human nature than in all his studies and pastoral work.  The seamy side of human nature, that is. Hometown politics seems to bring out the worst of everyone!

One example.  Last Saturday he invited me to concelebrate with him a funeral mass for a devout woman in his parish, half-sister to two priests, both monsignors in a neighboring diocese. The celebration was a wonderful tribute in homage to this generous Christian woman. At various moments over the years she received our Bishop and I in her home when we were in town when the small parish house was full.  Her family has a long-standing involvement in local politics. She was in charge of an office of deeds and registers.

Her son is presently a candidate for local council member. Apparently, he wanted to use the funeral of his mother for political advantage. His party has a young Protestant woman as candidate for mayor.  For this reason, he wanted the funeral to have more of a civic carater. Since Padre Pedro was known to support the other party, this young man did not want him to be visible at his mother´s funeral mass, thinking that his presence would give more support to the opposition. Fortunately, he has a sister who is more human and sensible.  She insisted, together with her two priests/uncles, that Padre Pedro, the local pastor, should preside at a funeral mass in the local parish church.  He did, with tact, devotion and dynamic. The church was packed for the ten-o´clock liturgy followed by burial in the local cemetery.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-

In the Gospel this coming Sunday, the disciples request Jesus to increase their faith. Let´s see what your pastor is going to say about this in his sermon.

Josefa has three daughters and a son. Early this year she witnessed the brutal assassination of one of her daughters – a young mother of three – in her own home. The hired killer and the two people involved in ordering the killing are in jail awaiting trial.  I visited Josefa a couple times.  Recently she came to my office requesting my prayers – that she may have more faith.  After some dialog, I discovered the meaning of her request.  One of her daughters, the one with whom she is now living, is a fundamentalist evangelical.  She and members of her church convinced Josefa that all this tragedy happened because she does not have enough faith!

-o-o-o-o-o-o-

More on politics.  Celio, a young man with wife and daughter, is candidate for council member in his county.  He has always been active as a youth leader. Recently, he is active in the area of human rights. He seems to have good support in this first attempt to run for an elected office.  Last week a candidate for mayor of another party approached him offering him money, house and job if he would renounce his candidacy.  Celio told the politician that he would think about it and they marked a future date to finalize his decision.  At the next appointment, Celio arranged to tape and video the conversation and exchange.  He then took the tape and video to the local police to register election violation since it is a crime here in Brazil to buy votes.  The news was on front page and TV that afternoon. Investigation hasn´t been conclusive yet. We are all supportive of Celio.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Do you remember your baptismal sponsor? Many times, we relegate them to a photo or document in the past.  During the last weekend of August, I visited a land settlement in the Prelature where approximately 150 families are settled as part of a land reform project. The Catholic community there was celebrating the feast of their patron saint, Saint Raymond Nonato.  Two Franciscan Sisters live in this community, and minister to these people. They requested my presence since they were eight months without mass and baptism.  They scheduled baptisms for 9 a.m. that Sunday.  I arrived 9:05 since I got lost (took the scenic route, as one would say).  We soon began the celebration.  Mass was in the evening. 

After baptism, an elderly couple requested to talk with me. Almost everyone had left.  We sat in one of the pews. They went directly to the point. Their godson, a young adult cowboy, rustled some calves, got caught and is facing shame among his peers. The young man sees suicide as the only way out. The godparents do not agree.  They want support to convince him to change his mind. He is sheepishly standing outside the door. I called the young man into our conversation. I frankly open discussion of the case and try to show him alternatives.  None convinces him. The godparents, in their human wisdom and faith, gave advice I consider very sound psychology and theology. One could sense the mutual affection.  The young cowboy however, continued to insist that he has the only solution - suicide today.  He didn´t verbalize how he would do it, but would use a gesture of hanging himself. Exhausting all our reasoning, cajoling and threats, we turned to pray with him.  I prayed a brief spontaneous prayer and the godmother followed, reciting Psalm 35 by heart!  His godfather was most fatherly in his manner, advice and prayer.  Thirty days later and I have no news of a suicide in that community.

-o-o-o-o-

Father Duane Roy has accepted election by the chapter members of St. Joseph’s Priory, Mineiros, Goias, Brazil, to serve as their Prior for two years, beginning February 1, 2010. He will conclude his work as Vicar General in the Diocese of Cristalandia, Tocantins, Brazil, at that time. He will guide the community of five other priests, three other solemnly professed monks, one in simple vows, three novices, and one postulant.