Father Duane, Prior of the Benedictine Monks of Mineiros, attended the
National Encounter of Monastic and Contemplative Groups held at National Marian
Basilica in Aparecida-São Paulo, June 16-19. The unprecedented event brought
together two hundred men and women from twenty five different monastic and
contemplative Orders and Congregations throughout Brazil to reflect on their
mystic, identity and mission. Men and women hermits participated, as well as some
benedictine oblates. Sister Eliene, superior of the Benedictine Sisters of Mineiros
also participated. The event was jointly organized by the Conference of Bishops
of Brazil and the Conference of Religious of Brazil. Cardinal Raymond
Damascena, archbishop of Aparecida, São Paulo, welcomed the participants and
presided over the opening Mass as well as the Sunday Mass, at 08hs in Marian
Basilica full of pilgrims from all over Brazil and the 200 participants in the Encounter.
The Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and
Societies of Apostolic Life, Dom Joao Braz de Aviz, participated throughout the
meeting, with joy, support and encouragement. He said: "In my person feel
blessed by Pope Benedict XVI." Before assuming this position in the
Vatican, he was Archbishop of Brasilia. In the Marian Basilica, Sunday, he
delivered the homily. On sites of the CRB and CNBB there are photos, articles
and the final message (cf. www.crbnacional.org.br/Encontro National ...).
6/25/2012
6/24/2012
News from St. Joseph Priory, Mineiros, Goiás
InFormAção
Newsletter of the Benedictine Monks of Mineiros
Retrospectives – Year 2011
Dear Readers,
Last year we were not able to
issue any numbers of our newsletter. We now resume the task of keeping you
informed with this special issue of Retrospectives
- Year 2011, and with the promise to put out more issues regularly. We hope
you enjoy our retrospectives.
Studies: Our two junior monks, Brother Gabriel and Brother Carlos, pronounced their monastic vows,
December 17, 2010, and in 2011 resumed his academic studies: Brother Gabriel,
studies Philosophy at the 
Between November 7-23, 2011, Father
Vinicius - responsible for vocation promotion of the saint Joseph monastery
- participated the second stage of the course "School Service of the
Lord," promoted by CIMBRA (Inter-monastic Conference of Brazil) for
persons working in formation and leadership in Benedictine communities. He did
the first part of the course in November 2010. Present at this second course
were 26 participants from diverse masculine and feminine monasteries in 
Departures: Brother Jackson
André, who also pronounced vows in December 2010, transferred to St.
Benedict Monastery, in Brasília for a couple months before returning to his
family home in On-going formation: Father Joaquim Carlos traveled to
Brother Gabriel participated
in a course on the cosmology of the French Jesuit priest, Teilhard Chardin, October
28-30, in
the Jesuit Loyola Center here in Goiânia. Jesuit Father Carlos James conducted the
course for university students.
The Most Rev. Antonio Ribeiro de Oliveira, Retired Archbishop of Goiânia, gave a rich six-hour exposition
on Vatican Council II and its documents. He spoke of his involvement in the
preparation of the Council as auxiliary bishop of Goiânia, participating in
meetings of bishops promoted by Archbishop Helder Camara, who was President the
National Conference of Brazilian Bishop since its founding in 1958, and later,
during the Council itself. This day of studies and sharing was December 20th,
in the convent of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, in 
Acquisitions: In July, the community acquired a new car, VW Gol G4 1.0, with the help of the Archdiocese Cologne in the amount of $13,000.00. Income from sale of used car and a contribution-in-kind from St. Joseph Priory paid the total price of the vehicle - $19,320.00, including documentation and insurance.
Travels: During the month of July, Brother Gabriel traveled to
France, guest at the Abbey of Notre Dame de Tournay by the Prior Irenaeu and
the Abbot Joel. He spent July 6-11 at the Abbey, participating in the feast of
St. Benedict with the monks of there. He went with Prior Irenaeu and novice BrotherJean-Baptiste,
to Saint Benoit d'En Calcat Abbey in Dourgne, enjoying the fraternal reception Abbot
David and Prior Jean-Luc. He spent a day at the Marian Shrine of
Dom Josias Dias da
Costa viajou
aos Estados Unidos com professora Luciene Aparecida ao 1º de setembro. Visitaram
a Abadia em Atchison. O Abade Barnabas pessoalmente os acolheu e mostrou a
exposição em andamento de fotografias dele na galeria de arte do mosteiro. Visitaram o Mosteiro Santa Escolastica e o
colégio mantido pelas duas comunidades monásticas – Maur Hill / Mount
Academy. No dia 04, viajaram para o lado
setorial do Estado de Kansas, indo para os Grades Rochedos de Colorado,
prenoitando em Denver. ....
Visits: During July 25-27, Abbot
Mathias Tolentino Braga, OSB, of St. Benedict's Monastery in
Activities: Brother Carlos Alberto agreed to assist Father Rodrigo, pastor of St. Benedict’s Parish, in
Mineiros, at the first parish Assembly, January 30. He authored the working
document for the Assembly and coordinated discussions.
During July 16-17 Bro. Carlos
attended the National Congress of Regional Conference of Religious on New
Generations at the Capuchin Retreat House in Hidrolândia-GO, near Goiânia.
During his third year of Theology, Brother Carlos began preparations for Master Degree in Literature
at the Pontifical University in Goiania 18, in
Goiânia, he attended a course on Theory of Poetic Texts, taught by Brazilian poet
and literary critic, Gilberto Teles Mendonça, during a National Meeting of Literary
Studies, July 17-19.
To supplement his course of Theology, also in July, Brother Carlos participated in a three-day
National Workshop on Canon Law in Goiânia. Bishop Fernando Guimarães José Monteiro, from in
Diocese of Garanhus, Permanabuco, was the principal speaker.
In November Brother
Carlos was able to participate in a course on Celibacy, in Belo Horizonte
Father Duane attended a
Regional Meeting of the Midwest Conference of Religious Psychologists and Novice
Masters on New Generations in the Retreat House of the Sisters of the
Assumption in
Father Rodrigo is Pastor
of St. Benedict´s parish in Mineiros, and Coordinator of the Diocesan nucleus of
the Conference of Religious during the years 2011/2012. This year, he began academic studies in Psychology. Recently he was elected president of the Priests’
Association of the Diocese of Jataí; and was appointed Auditor by the Judge of
the Ecclesiastical Tribunal.
Father Josias celebrated his
25th anniversary of priestly ordination in Mineiros, his hometown, July 9, with
Mass in Thanksgiving at St. Benedict´s parish church, followed with a dinner
and fellowship in a parish center where a large number of relatives,
parishioners, and visiting religious and clergy gathered.
Throughout the year 2011, Brother Carlos
accompanied a group of boy scouts, and helped organize and participate in a
camp-out during October 22-24.
In November, he received the Award for Rendered Services in Scouting, in recognition of his
leadership, creativity and commitment to the Boy Scouts program in Goiânia. The
award was conferred by the National Council of Boy Scouts. Brother Carlos accompanies
the Goyáz Scout troop every Saturday afternoon.
In June 2011, Father Duane took a vacation, visiting St. Benedict´s Abbey in
Community retreat: All the monks attended a retreat at the House of Studies in Goiânia,
August 1-4. Abbot Paulo Silva, OSB, from St.
Geraldo Abbey, in 
Monastic Library: Upon the inauguration of the Father Kieran McInerney Library in
2010, new shelves were installed for more books and better organization. During
2011, we purchase more books, and receive donations of books from Oblate Simone
Felix Motta in the area of Sociology; and from
Dr. Eumar Almeida Britto, medical doctor and professor at the
Vocation Promotion: Brother Carlos built a database of young men interested in becoming
Benedictines. He maintains contact with these young people via E-mail,
Websites, Blogs, and phone calls. Some, he visits personally, or they come to
visit him at the monastery in Goiânia.
Chapter meetings: During December 5-6, with the consent of Abbot Barnabas, the Chapter of
St. Joseph Priory met in Goiânia for evaluation, planning and election of their
Prior. Father
Rodrigo was the secretary of the Chapter. Father Duane was re-elected Prior. Father
Rodrigo continues as Subprior; and Father Joaquim Carlos, Business
Manager. Father Rodrigo and Joaquim were
re-elected also as Seniors. Father Vinícius
and Brother Carlos are in charge of promoting vocations, and members of
formation committee with Father Duane. The Chapter also approved the entrance
of two young men as postulants, beginning early March 2012: Victor Leon and
Anthony. Prior Duane announced that the monastery in Goiânia will
hire a man fulltime to care for the grounds, garden, orchard, and dogs. And the former cook will resigned due to
health, and that Eleni Fatima de Araújo will be the new cook. Chapter
secretary sent a report of this Chapter to Abbot Barnabas, who confirmed the Prior´s
election via e-mail on December 16, 2011.
World Youth Encounter:
Father Vinícius participated in World Youth Encounter, in Madrid, Spain, August
9-23. The event attracted more than 1.5
million young Catholics from approximately 130 countries. He represented
the Diocese of Jataí and the parishes in Mineiros. He joined forces with the
official delegation of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops, assisting
with planning the journey and related events in Brazil. His group
embarked in Oblates: This year, four candidates participated in our program for oblates. Prior Duane was the master of novices. Father Josias and Brother Carlos helped with some classes. The candidates are: a couple - Nélio and Cláudia; Clarice Moreira, professor and psychologist; and Ms. Simone Motta Felix, Social Worker. The couple terminated also their preparation as Eucharistic ministers. Clarice and Simone are married and professionals in their fields.
-o-o-o-o-o-
With a sincere heart, we thank all our benefactors for your support, friendship, fellowship, prayer and dedication to our community. Thanks to you we continue our formation program, in hope to construct a solid future. May God bless each and all of you and your families!
|
5/31/2012
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 Brazil Mineiros
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 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
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
5/14/2012
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!
Gratitude for 50 years of support
Many times memories spark sentiments of gratitude. In the throes of
composing a history of the first fifty years of the foundation of St. Joseph
Priory here in Brazil, these sentiments of gratitude are strong. Reading
letters, reports, publications, and hearing what others express, reveal that
this monastic foundation involved a multitude of persons over the fifty years.
It´s time – even before the completion of a written narrative – to use this
space to manifest gratitude to all those persons. We frequently pray in our petitions during
the Liturgy of Hours and at Mass for our benefactors, living and deceased. We
ask God to bless family, friends and confreres.
Even before the first monk left St. Benedict´s Abbey in Atchison for
Brazil to begin the foundation early in 1961, students and professors of St.
Benedict´s College and Mount St. Scholastic College and Academy, alumni and
families were donating funds for the project.
Interest was high. Papal Volunteers was a new project in the Catholic
Church. Some students and alumni of
these colleges were already thinking and make plans for missionary activity in
Central America. Newly elected President John Kennedy was soon to introduce the
Peace Corp program, encouraging youth to service on foreign soil.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City was very supportive. Msgr. George W. King accompanied Abbot
Cuthbert McDonald to Brazil for the initial contact with church and civic
leaders during fall of 1960. Father John
Stitz and others of the Archdiocese began the Diocesan Mission Cooperative
program by which many parishes were annual contributors to missions, included to
our monastic foundation. Many families and friends sent donations to a special
fund administrated by the business manager of St. Benedict´s Abbey. The no. 6 (1963) issue of Kansas Monks in Brazil published almost
300 names of patrons who built St. Joseph Priory in Mineiros, Brazil.
We have deep gratitude and admiration to Abbot Cuthbert McDonald, the
founding abbot of St. Joseph Priory. His
vision and courage made it possible. Subsequent Abbots- Thomas Hartman, Brendan
Downey, Ralph Koehler, and Owen Purcell were also equally generous and
courageous in their interest and supportive decision to send and maintain
Kansas Benedictines at the Priory over these fifty years. Abbot Barnabas
Senecal, during these past twenty years has been constant with his presence and
on-going communication, giving us support and guidance. We are grateful to them
and to all the monks of the Abbey.
Our story is also the story of generous people, mission-minded persons
who love the Benedictines and the Gospel.
We remember you, with gratitude.
Blessings of peace.
Família, Fruto do Amor de Deus
Deus criou o ser humano, homem e mulher
Ele criou, E viu que era muito bom!
Homem e mulher - têm o mesmo
criador, mesmo carne e sangue, são pessoas, dotadas com inteligência, vontade,
livro árbitro, capazes de criar, pensar, rir e chorar! São racionais. Pensam no passado, pensam no futuro. Têm
saudades e têm sonhos, desejos e sentimentos.
Gostam de dar e receber carinho.
Nascem tão frágeis, e demoram a crescer.
Mas logo, tornam-se bobos, e se casam! Será?
Casamento – “fazer casal”, ou “fazer
casa”, acasalamento, iguais outros animais, mamíferos. Mas qual é a diferença
com pessoas humanas?
Matrimônio – o que Deus uniu. Não é
feito no cartório, mas no céu! Unidos por Deus, para serem enviados em missão. “Ide,
multiplicai-vos”. Um só corpo, um só coração, por toda vida, amando e
respeitando um ao outro.
Homem é sempre fértil; mulher, por base
de cada mês ela é fértil. Iguais outros mamíferos. O sexo para procriação; e também como
manifestação da sua entrega total um ao outro, na intimidade de vida, como
expressão de amor e confiança total.
Os
dois têm sentimentos, emoções – alegria a tristeza, gosto e desgosto. Sonhos e
medos. Os dois precisam de cuidados, um do outro.
Família – muitas e diversas formas:
·
O
viúvo e seus filhos e netos. Ou sem, sozinho.
·
A
viúva com filhos e netos, noras e genros. Ou sem, sozinha.
·
Homem
ou mulher separado, criando seus filhos, sozinho/a.
·
Pai
ou mãe solteiro, com filhos, e pais, irmãos, ou abandonados.
·
Mãe
solteira com filho de pai desconhecido.
·
Ele
ou ela, separado/a, e unido/a em uma segunda união, com casamento ou sem.
·
Casal
de segunda união – ele com filhos dele, ela com filhos dela, e os dois com os
filhos deles.
·
Jovens
adultos, solteiros, solteiras.
·
Filhos
sem pais.
·
Casal
sem filhos.
·
Casal
com filhos adotivos.
·
Casal
com seus filhos! Ideal da Bíblia, da Igreja?
_____
Total
12 tipos de família (sem falar em união gay). Pastoral Familiar é zelo por
todas as famílias!
Papa João Paulo II fala do Plano de Deus
para a família. A família não é só uma instituição social. É obra divina. Ele e
ela são chamados por Deus para constituir uma família, na base de amor,
respeito, segurança, e comunhão de vidas. O saudoso Papa fala que família é
santuário da vida, é berço da vida.
Matrimonio é uma vocação, chamados para
uma missão especifica.
Não
se casa para ser servido. Mas, para servir a outra.
A pessoa entra no matrimonio dando 100%
de si, para o bem do parceiro e para os filhos. Matrimonio não é só legitimar
sexo.
Os pais se amam, têm dialogo, fazem
juntos os planos. Os filhos são fruto do amor dos pais. Os pais não são donos
dos seus filhos.
Os filhos não são somente para o
orgulho, a posse dos pais – olhe o que posso fazer!
Os
filhos não são para satisfazer o orgulho dos pais. Filhos não são objetos, como
carro novo, que se possui.
Filhos nascem com sua personalidade
própria, destinos, e qualidades para serem desenvolvidos.
A família é escola onde aprende amar,
pensar no outro, doar de si, dialogo, respeito. É um grupo democrático. Os mais
velhos em conjunto com os mais novos; homens e mulheres, diferentes, mas
iguais; sem segredos, mas transparentes e respeitosos.
A família é escola onde aprendem dizer
“obrigado”, “por favor”, “me desculpe”, etc. Onde não é falsa com os outros. Onde o fraco
recebe apoio, sem manipulação.
A família é escola de educação pela fé.
Onde aprende o valor de oração, confiança em Deus, pratica de pedir perdão
pelas ofensas, e oferecer perdão às pessoas que nos ofenderam.
Namoro
não é fase de experimentar o poder de seduzir, brincar com sexo, satisfazer a
curiosidade do corpo do sexo oposto. É tempo de discernir a compatibilidade de
comunhão de vida, de firmar a vocação, a convicção de que é capaz e quer
conviver com o outro por toda vida, e construir juntos uma família.
8/17/2011
 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 |
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