Each day the monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey help to write another page in the long history of Benedictine monks throughout the world. As in the life of any family, life in a monastery is made up of events big and small. Here Father Prior Kurt reports on some of last month's events at Saint Meinrad. Mid-code Crisis http://www.saintmeinrad.edu Wed, 01 May 2013 05:19:00 Wed, 01 May 2013 05:19:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/april-2013/ (1) We continued our celebration of Easter! This Easter Monday is ranked as an O.P., and our Sunday schedule helped us relax a bit after the various celebrations of yesterday's solemnity. Father Prior Kurt presided and preached at our 9:30 Conventual Eucharist, and we enjoyed colloquium at our main meal today at noon. Ice cream treats at supper rounded things out nicely. We'll tone things down a bit for the remainder of the week, although there will still be the alleluias, Glorias, and Easter sequence in church, and the refectory tables full of Easter candies and pastries will last a few more days. (2) Easter Tuesday is one of the two days we celebrate as an O.S. (December 27 being the other); Father Subprior Guerric presided and preached. We're back on our weekday schedule, but we did honor the day with colloquium at our evening meal. +++ Our seminarians have returned from their Easter break. For many of them, of course, it was very much a "working break" as they were involved in the Holy Week and Triduum liturgies in their parishes. (3) Now that the days immediately after Easter (with their rankings of O.P. and O.S.) have passed, Father Colman has begun his duties as Mass Heb. (4) For the first time in many a year, the Stars and Stripes are flying over the hill-at night. This afternoon our physical facilities crew finished installing the lighting that will allow us to fly the flag 24/7. Since this past September 11, teams of seminarians have taken turns raising and lowering Old Glory each weekday. We're grateful for their faithful service these past months, and discharge them honorably from these duties. (5) We're looking forward to a big weekend on the hill. Family members and friends of our seminarians who will be ordained to the diaconate tomorrow have begun to arrive, and the final preparations for liturgy, music and meals are under way. (6) Archbishop Joseph Tobin ordained eight of our third-year theology seminarians to the diaconate this morning: Daniel Bedel, David Marcotte, Benjamin Syberg, and Timothy Wyciskalla (Archdiocese of Indianapolis); Gwant-Woo (Elijah) Cho and Chul-Min (Michael) Moon (Diocese of Busan, South Korea); Mauricio Abeldano Flores (Diocese of Memphis), and Xavier Raj Yesudasan (Diocese of Palayamkottai, India). Congratulations to these men, and to their classmates who will be ordained in their home dioceses later this spring and summer! (7) Father Brendan is our Mass Heb on this Second Sunday (and week) of Easter, presiding and preaching at our 9:30 Conventual Mass. We enjoyed having guests of several of the newly ordained deacons join us for Mass this morning. Most will be returning to their homes today and tomorrow. (8) We celebrated the transferred feast of the Annunciation today (it fell this year on Monday of Holy Week and, as is customary in such cases, was moved to after Easter). An O.P.-ranked feast, Father Prior Kurt presided and Brother Victor, a monk and deacon from Conception Abbey studying with us these past years, preached. Brother Victor will be ordained to the priesthood this summer. Though today is a solemnity, we followed our weekday schedule, and so enjoyed colloquium at our evening meal. (9) Shouts of rejoicing could be heard from various sectors of our campus today, as the air conditioning was turned on! After several weeks of rather cold temperatures and high winds, things are warming up: the forecast for most of the next 10 days calls for 70 degrees…and occasionally 80. (10) This evening we had the 25th Annual Service Recognition Banquet, during which we honored 75 active co-workers and 57 retirees who have 25 years or more of service. Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB, former business manager/treasurer, spoke at the banquet, and 10 co-workers received extra-special recognition. We are blessed to have such faithful and competent co-workers, and it is our privilege to recognize them with a special evening! (11) Father Abbot left early this morning for Marmion Abbey in Aurora, Illinois, to attend a meeting of the Abbot President's Council. (12) Among visitors to our hill these days are 16 men from St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Indianapolis making a several-day retreat, and 13 individuals from Holy Trinity Catholic Church and St. Anthony Catholic Church in Indianapolis, making their retreats. We welcome all pilgrims! (13) About 20 of us enjoyed the last "monk lunch" at the present UnStable (Marty Gym). We look forward to moving into the new premises in Kleber Gym! +++ Congratulations to two more of our seminarians: William Thompson and Emmanuel Udoh were ordained to the diaconate this morning at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro, Kentucky. (14) Father Eugene is our Mass Heb on this Third Sunday (and week) of Easter. He was assisted by Deacon Todd Nance of the Diocese of Tulsa, who will be ordained to the priesthood at the end of May. (15) Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the bombing at the Boston Marathon. The TV rooms in the monastery were occupied a good part of the afternoon and evening. (16) Our flag is flying at half-staff, in memory of the victims of yesterday's bombing. Our prayers continue-prayers for all victims of terrorism. (17) Weather reports today called for watches for both thunderstorms and tornados. Fortunately, neither came to be. (18) Our fourth-year seminarians enjoyed the annual "Black and White Dinner" this evening, hosted by the President-Rector. It's the last "big event" our upcoming ordinands and staff have to enjoy each other's company-and reminisce. (19) About 60 lay degree students are arriving this evening and tomorrow morning for another round of weekend courses. Subjects and instructors are "Creed in History and Theology" by Dr. Richard Collins; "Book of Genesis" by Fr. Damian Dietlein, OSB; "Servant Leadership for Ministry" by Ms. Chris Urbanowski; "Ministry to Families" by Dr. Ryan LaMothe; and "Adult Religious Education" by Dr. Thomas Walters. (20) While our lay degree students were hitting the books, dozens of seminarians, staff, faculty and monks were trying to hit the ball! This morning and afternoon witnessed the first major Softball Tourney in quite some time. Many played, some were victorious, all enjoyed the fine weather, the exercise, and the accompanying eats and drinks. Our infirmary staff is laying out extra jars of Vapor Rub for possible use tomorrow! (21) Father Joseph is our Mass Heb on this Fourth Sunday (and week) of Easter. Once again, Deacon Todd Nance of the Diocese of Tulsa assisted at our 9:30 Eucharist. (22) Father Eugene began offering the retreat "Biblical Models of Leadership and their Implications for Priesthood Today" to 11 priests at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (23) We have two groups with us these next few days, making retreats. We welcome nine guests from Sacred Heart Parish in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, for their youth retreat, as we welcome also 13 guests of the Thermwood Corporation of nearby Dale, here for an international sales group meeting. (24) Our "new" monastery is 31 years old and is showing signs of aging. We've begun some major repair work to the plumbing in and around our refectory and pantry. It's not clear at this point how extensive and how long this will be, and we're figuring out whether we'll have to find another place to have our meals for a while. Very practical concerns! (25) On this feast of St. Mark, we celebrate the patronal feast day of Father Mark and Brother John Mark. (26) Our Board of Overseers is meeting today and tomorrow-their annual spring enterprise. A special treat this time around is the official blessing and inauguration of the new UnStable, housed in Kleber Gym, now called the St. Martin Center.  +++  Although he is 94 years old and has been a monk for 73 years, this is Father Cletus Miller's first feast day with us . Father Cletus professed his vows as a monk of Saint Meinrad in 1939, and later transferred his stability to Blue Cloud Abbey, our foundation in South Dakota. Blue Cloud closed this past August and he and his confrere, (former) Abbot Alan, came to saint Meinrad and, this past December, were brought back into our Chapter. Happy Feast Day, Father Cletus! (27) A "slight but steady" rain today, just about all day.  +++  Father Meinrad is taking Father Joseph's place as Mass Heb for the second consecutive day, as Father Joseph is off giving oblate retreats and attending oblate chapter meetings off the hill. (28) Father Mark is our Mass Heb on this Fifth Sunday (and week) of Easter.  +++  We offer greetings to Father Louis Hacker, who today celebrates his patronal feast day. +++ Brother Zachary concluded offering the weekend retreat "Women of the Bible" to 16 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (29) On most Monday evenings we enjoy a "special dessert," as we move into the calefactory after supper for freshly baked cookies, small pies and the like. This evening we had a "special note" to the special dessert night, as we said farewell to the six confreres from other monasteries who have been with us this past year, studying in our seminary. Three of these confreres will be returning to us in August for the next academic year - Br. Philippe Tchalou, of Monastere de l'Incarnation, Togo, West Africa; Br. Macario Martinez, of Conception Abbey, Missouri; and Br. Simon Baker of Saint Benedict's Abbey, Atchison, Kansas. But we bid a longer-lasting farewell to Br. Victor Schinstock, of Conception Abbey, Missouri; Br. Philipp Steiner of Einsiedeln Abbey, Switzerland; and Br. Matthias Balz, of Münsterschwarzach Abbey, Germany. We wish our "visiting confreres" well, and ask God's blessings on their prayer and work this summer and beyond! (30) On this last day of the month, I hand over "About the House" to Brother Francis, who will report on the various monastic goings and comings during May. This Sunday, the 5th, I will join Brother Maurus on a 12-day cruise on the Baltic Sea. It's a "first-ever" event for me. Those of you who know Brother Maurus will appreciate what I mean when I say, "He's stopped counting!" God's blessings to all! We conclude with our monthly selection from the holy Rule : A monk from a distant region may arrive for a visit and wish to live in the monastery as a guest. If he is satisfied with the local customs that he finds there and does not trouble the monastery with his excessive demands, he should be allowed to stay as long as he likes-provided he is satisfied with what he finds! If, however, he points out some shortcoming calmly and with loving humility, the abbot should consider the matter carefully. Indeed, the Lord may have sent him for that very purpose. Chapter 61, "How Visiting Monks are to be Received" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/april-2013/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/april-2013/ Wed, 01 May 2013 05:19:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/march-2013/ (1) Yesterday, the day Pope Benedict XVI's resignation took effect, we prayed the votive Mass "For the Pope" at our Conventual Mass. Father Vincent, Mass Heb, presided and preached. Today, of course, was the first time in almost eight years that the name of the pope was not mentioned during the Eucharistic Prayer. Many confreres spent some time yesterday watching the live broadcasts (or today, watching the reruns) of Pope Benedict's departure from the Vatican. We will continue to pray for his Holiness Benedict XVI and the College of Cardinals until the election of our new pontiff. (2) Twenty-one members of St. Aloysius Parish in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, are making their bi-annual "Scrapbooking Retreat." Father Prior  Kurt met with them this morning and, on behalf of the monastic community, accepted a most generous donation they offered to Saint Meinrad in memory of Father Simeon, who died this past November. The group remarked that Father Simeon considered himself a "scrapbooker of words." (3) Father Timothy is our Mass Heb on this Third Sunday (and week) of Lent. Fifteen members of St. Monica Parish of Indianapolis concluded their weekend retreat at noon.  +++  Father Eugene concluded offering 20 participants his weekend retreat, "The Joseph Story (Genesis 37-47), Biblical Storytelling at its Best." (4) Father Brendan gave the third of our Lenten conferences in the Chapter Room after Compline. Our focus this Lent is on the Stations of the Cross, and we are using Father Donald Walpole's (RIP January 2012) renditions to help us with our reflections. Father Brendan spoke on the Fifth Station, "Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross." (5) Father Timothy, Mass Heb, preached at our Conventual Mass this morning.  +++  We had a beautiful snowfall that began around 10 in the morning. It covered the ground but, fortunately, not the roads. We're grateful we're getting the beauty of the snow without suffering the hardships experienced by so many in other areas of our country. (6) A very cold and windy day. It makes for good study time for our students, although many of them have ministry assignments on Wednesdays in parishes, hospitals, and other care facilities in our neighboring dioceses. (7) Twenty-five of our third-year theology seminarians made their promises in preparation for their ordination to the diaconate in the St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary Chapel this evening. We congratulate these men, and give a special fraternal nod to our confrere, Brother Macario Martinez, OSB, of Conception Abbey, Missouri, who is living with us during his priestly formation and training. (8) Brother Zachary began his weekend retreat, "Forgiven and Forgiving," at our Guest House and Retreat Center. He'll be speaking to 37 men and women. (9) A music ensemble from Indiana University presented a fine program of choral and organ music in our Archabbey Church this afternoon. The program included sacred polyphony and organ music, including compositions based on chant and other pieces dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. (10) Father Julian is taking Father Adrian's place as Mass Heb on this Fourth Sunday of Lent. Father Adrian is out on parish assignment this weekend, and will resume his Heb duties tomorrow. (11) Brother Francis gave the fourth of our five Lenten conferences in the Chapter Room after Compline this evening. He based his reflections on the Tenth Station of the Cross, "Jesus is Stripped of His Garments." (12) Our Eucharist this morning was a votive Mass for the opening of the conclave. Father Adrian, Mass Heb, presided and preached.  +++  This evening Matthew Levering, professor of theology at the University of Dayton, gave the annual Thomas Lecture on Philosophy and Theology. His talk was titled "The Priesthood and Divine Revelation." (13) Habemus Papam! We promise our prayerful and fraternal support to Pope Francis! (14) Father Adrian has the distinction of being the first to include the name of the new pope in the Eucharistic Prayer at our Mass this morning. We, along with the rest of the Catholic (and secular) world, are listening eagerly to the descriptions, impressions and predictions concerning our new Holy Father.  +++  Later this morning, Father Prior Kurt gave the last of the five conferences of his midweek retreat, "The Passion(s) of the Christ." Thirty-eight participants, including a handful each from Kansas and Ohio, participated in this retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (15) No sinister plots that we're aware of on this Ides of March. On the contrary, we welcomed on their first visit to the hill the parents of Dane De Decker, who will begin a period of candidacy in our monastery in early May. Our welcome included a modest social with them in the Cardinal Ritter Room in our seminary's St. Anselm Hall.  +++  We have a number of groups on the hill these next few days. They include 17 guests from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Carmel, Indiana, making a Parish Council Retreat; 12 guests from Signature Health Care in Louisville, making a Spiritual Practices Retreat; 49 fourth-graders from New Hope Academy of Franklin, Tennessee, making a retreat; and the meeting and retreat of 14 guests of Catholic Relief Services, Baltimore. (16) We had the investiture of two oblate novices in the Archabbey Church after Midday Prayer today. Congratulations to Adele Horne of New Albany, Indiana, and Brian Finet of Monticello, Illinois. And we offer thanks, and an assurance of prayers, to all our oblates, upon whose faithful support we rely!  +++  Father Joseph is halfway through offering his weekend retreat, "Tuning Up for Easter," to 32 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (17) Just as Father Julian substituted for Father Adrian as our Eucharistic presider and preacher last Sunday, so Father Adrian returned the favor today. Father Julian will resume his Heb duties tomorrow.  +++  Abbot Justin is with many of his brother abbots at St. Benedict Abbey, Atchison, Kansas, for the solemn blessing of their new abbot, the Rt. Rev. James Albers. Abbot James, their ninth abbot, was elected shortly after Christmas. Brother Simon Baker, an Atchison monk who is studying with us, is also at his home for the occasion. (18) ) Father Meinrad gave the last of this season's five Lenten conferences in the Chapter Room after Compline this evening, basing his reflections on the Twelfth Station of the Cross, "Jesus Dies on the Cross." (19) Father Prior Kurt presided and preached on this Solemnity of St. Joseph, an O.P.-ranked feast. Later in the day, we enjoyed colloquium and wine-a rare treat during Lent-at our evening meal. (20) Close to 80 of our oblates have joined us on the hill for these next few days and their annual retreat. We welcome them and assure them of our gratitude for their support and our prayers for their intentions. Father Adrian is giving their retreat. (21) On this Solemnity of St. Benedict, Abbot Justin presided and Father Julian preached. We followed our Sunday schedule-Conventual Mass at 9:30 a.m.-and our oblates and seminarians joined us for Eucharist, with a number of them assisting as candle-bearers, readers and the like. Our seminary's schola performed reverently and competently. We monks continued our celebration at noon with a modest cocktail half-hour, and then enjoyed a fine meal in the refectory. (22) It was announced yesterday that Lisa L. Castlebury of Eugene, Oregon, has been named our new treasurer and business manager. Most recently, Mrs. Castlebury was vice-president for finance and administration for Northwest Christian University in Eugene. She is a native of Oklahoma, and a long-time resident of Evansville, where she received her Bachelor of Science and Master in Business Administration degrees from the University of Southern Indiana.  +++  Father Noël is leading 31 parishioners from St. Bartholomew's Parish in Columbus, Indiana, on a women's retreat this weekend. (23) This weekend brings another round of courses for our lay degree students. About 70 of them are here on the hill, continuing their work in and with one of the following: "Christology" with Dr. Keith Lemna, "Catholic Sacraments" with Fr. Thomas Richstatter, OFM, "Pentateuch and Historical Books" with Fr. Damian Dietlein, OSB, "Synoptics, Acts, and General Epistles" with Dr. Clayton Jefford, and "Early Church History" with Dr. Alexander Hwang. (24) Abbot Justin presided at our Eucharist on this Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. Cold temperatures and the threat of precipitation had us bless the palms and begin our procession from the Gallery, rather than from our accustomed location of the seminary lobby. Father Jeremy, our choirmaster, noted that this was the first time in over 30 years that we did not have a schola singing the Passion-this, due to more people than usual absent and several unscheduled sore throats. In the schola's place, Father Jeremy and Brothers John Mark and Silas rendered the Passion According to St. Luke in solemn chant. (25) Fr. Noël presided and preached at our Penance Service in the Archabbey Church after Compline. His fellow confessors were Fathers Cletus, Columba, Meinrad and Mark. (26) Abbot Justin, Brother Kim, and our two novices, Bradley and Matthew, traveled to and from Indianapolis today. They attended the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral and brought back a fresh supply of the holy oils for our use this year. (27) During Vespers this evening, Abbot Justin anointed eight of our confreres; after Vespers Prior Kurt accompanied him to the infirmary, where he anointed six of our confreres who are less mobile.  +++  This evening Father Denis begins offering the Holy Week Retreat, "Reflections on the Triduum," to 28 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  This afternoon we said "goodbye" - but only in the "work sense" - to Esther Lutterman, retiring after many years of faithful service in our main and Guest House kitchens. We thank her for her work and wish her the best as she now has a bit more time on her hands! We enjoy many blessings here at Saint Meinrad, and among the greatest are our co-workers, our oblates and our alumni. May all have a grace-ful Easter! (28) We began the Mass of the Lord's Supper at five o'clock this afternoon. Archabbot Justin presided and, as they did last year, Fathers Bede and Denis assisted. (No, this is not a tradition-at least not yet .) Father Denis sang the gospel, and Father Bede offered the homily. After the homily, Abbot Justin washed the feet of twelve-six monks and six retreatants and guests, and then presented each with a small gift.  +++  Shortly after the Eucharist, we enjoyed a traditional and delicious Holy Thursday supper of lamb in the Newman Dining Room with our guests and retreatants. (29) Good Friday of the Lord's Passion. Archabbot Justin presided at our Solemn Liturgy, which began at three o'clock this afternoon. The Passion According to St. John was beautifully chanted by Fathers Jeremy and Tobias and Brother John Mark.  +++  We ate our two community meals today-midday and evening-in silence, listening to selections from Fr. Raymond Brown's "A Crucified Jesus in Holy Week."  +++  About a half hour after the Solemn Liturgy, the monastic community gathered in the Chapter Room for our Chapter of Faults, again presided over by Archabbot Justin. Compline at seven o'clock officially closed our day. (30) The house was quiet most of the day, as many monks were making final preparations, communal and personal, for the Easter Vigil. We had table reading at our noonday meal, but enjoyed some prerecorded music at our "silent" evening meal. The Easter Vigil began at eight o'clock, with Father Archabbot Justin presiding and Fathers Germain and Joseph as assistants. It had been threatening rain, and so we lit the Easter fire in the Holly Tree Courtyard, rather than in front of the Archabbey Church. After entering the Church, Father Denis leading the way with the Paschal Candle, our choirmaster, Father Jeremy, sang the Exsultet . Monks and retreatants alternated the nine readings, and Father Adrian chanted the Resurrection Gospel after Abbot Justin sang the Triple Alleluia. Our Vigil of the Lord's Resurrection concluded just before eleven o'clock, and many of us then adjourned to our refectory for some wine and snacks before retiring after a long, but grace-filled day. (31) Happy Easter! We observed our "most unusual" schedule of the year on this Day of the Lord's Resurrection: breakfast at 7:30, Lauds at 8:30, Midday Prayer at 11:30, followed by a social in our calefactory and then a fine main meal in our refectory. After a few quiet hours in the afternoon, we regrouped for II Vespers at 5 o'clock, followed by a buffet supper in our refectory. As usual, Compline closed the day at 7:00. May the Lord's blessings be upon us all, as we praise God for the gift of his Son-and may His Spirit be upon us always! We conclude with a brief but timely excerpt from the Holy Rule : "From Holy Easter until Pentecost, Alleluia is sung without exception in both psalms and responsories." Chapter 15, "The Seasons for Alleluia" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey To all our readers: May the peace of the Risen Christ be with you! http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/march-2013/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/march-2013/ Mon, 01 April 2013 01:31:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/february-2013/ (1) Two days ago we had a high of 63 degrees. Today it's been in the 20's and 30's, with icy roads from yesterday's snowfall. Fortunately, most of the ice on the roads that caused many fender-benders in our area is now just messy slush. +++ Our Board of Overseers deserve a better welcome than this weather gives them, but these faithful men and women did show up, on time and ready to attend to the business at hand. We're grateful for their advice and their support. (2) This Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is an O.P., and so Father Prior Kurt presided at our 7:30 a.m. Eucharist. We began with the traditional blessing of the candles on what used to be known as "Candlemas Day." Father Prior asked Father Pius, who had been saying our Mass for most of this week, to preach, since Father Pius had a weekend assignment last weekend and so missed out on the Mass Heb's ordinary opportunity to preach to the community. +++ Our Board of Overseers concluded their business by noon; our Board of Trustees met after lunch, and reported they also had a successful meeting. +++ We're still waiting to hear something from some of our seminarians, who are at the seminarians' basketball tournament at Mundelein…. (3) Father Eugene is our Mass Heb on this Fourth Sunday (and week) in Ordinary Time, and so he presided and preached at our Conventual Mass. +++ Forty-seven members of Good Shepherd Parish, Indianapolis, concluded their weekend retreat at noon today. Father Jeremy had been talking with them about "Vatican II: Rediscovering the Treasure." (4) Father Abbot gave the community his "pre-Lenten Conference" this evening. In the past, this has usually been done the evening before Ash Wednesday, but Father Abbot suggested having it the week before this year, thus allowing time for a bit more reflection. (5) Father Barnabas had his second knee replacement surgery yesterday, and all seems to have gone well. We hope to have him returning to the hill on Thursday or Friday. (6) As it turns out, our seminarians' basketball team didn't fare too well at last weekend's tournament at Mundelein. But, a good time, safe travels, renewed friendships - not a bad way to spend a weekend. (7) This evening in the Aquinas Chapel in our seminary, Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin installed 20 of our students as acolytes and 22 as lectors. We congratulate these men who take up new service for our Church and, as they continue their discernment, we assure them of our prayerful support. (8) Several groups have arrived on the hill today, to begin weekend retreats. St. Malachy Catholic Church from Brownsburg, Indiana, has 20 parishioners here. Also with us are two dozen parishioners from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Catholic Church in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, under the direction of Indianapolis priest and alumnus (Theology, 2008) Fr. Aaron Jenkins. (9) Arriving today and with us throughout the weekend are 20 young parishioners from St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Bloomington, Indiana, who are making a retreat in preparation for their Confirmation. +++ About 15 monks enjoyed pizza at The UnStable for lunch today, prepared by Fathers Prior Kurt and Patrick and "pizza-intern" Novice Bradley. They were assisted by Indianapolis third-year theology seminarian Tim Wyciskalla and second-year philosophy seminarian John Honiotes from the Diocese of Joliet. (10) Father Jeremy is our Mass Heb, and so presided and preached at our 9:30 Conventual Mass. +++ About 25 seminarians from our seminary's Saint Mark Formation House joined us for Vespers and then supper this evening. Father Brendan is the dean of the house, and seminarian Deacon Anthony Mullek of the Diocese of Mobile is the house prefect. +++ Father Noël concluded his weekend retreat, "Building Family Love," to 31 couples. +++ Joining our retreatants and the monastic community at Eucharist were Indianapolis priest and alumnus (Theology, 2002) Fr. Eric Johnson and seven of his parishioners from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in New Albany, who were participating in a parish staff retreat. (11) Today Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation as Supreme Pontiff, effective February 28. When something happens only once every 600 years or so, it is history in the making! We continue to pray for Pope Benedict, and now pray for the College of Cardinals who will elect his successor. +++ This evening Mike Ziemianski, our Vice President for Development, and five members of his staff presented the annual Development Office Report to the community in the Chapter Room after Compline. It was most encouraging to hear the report from such a competent and dedicated group of co-workers! (12) Our Mardi Gras celebration in the monastery was most modest: pretty much an ordinary supper, with little fanfare or excitement. We are ready to take on the rigors of Lent! (13) Father Abbot Justin presided at our Ash Wednesday Eucharist at 7:30 this morning. After his homily, he received ashes from Father Prior Kurt, and then they were joined by Father Subprior Guerric, and the three of them distributed ashes on the community and the three dozen or so guests who had joined us. The monks also submitted their Bona Opera-their good works for the Lenten season-to Father Abbot, who reviewed them and returned them with his approval in the afternoon. (14) We have begun the practice of including a petition at Lauds and at Mass each day for Pope Benedict XVI. This will continue up to the time of the election of his successor. (15) Father Adrian is giving the "Happy Hearts" Women's Retreat to about four dozen participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center this weekend. (16) Thirty-eight alumni of St. Xavier High School, Louisville, Kentucky, began their annual retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center this morning. Our Father Anthony will be directing them through tomorrow. (17) Father Mark is our Mass Heb on this First Sunday (and week) of Lent. Our Archabbey Church was fairly full this morning, as we were joined by the "St. X." alumni and a number of other guests. (18) Today was the thirtieth-day anniversary of the death of Father Harold. As is our custom, the Conventual Mass, Father Mark presiding today, was offered for the repose of his soul. May God grant eternal peace to all the faithful departed. (19) Fr. Mark, our Mass Heb, preached at our 7:30 Conventual Mass. +++ Yesterday evening we had the first of our five Lenten Conferences, which this year will focus on a particular station of the cross. Father Colman was the first confrere to offer his reflections, and he chose the first station, "Jesus is Condemned to Death." The conference took place in the Chapter Room and, as will happen throughout the series, the appropriate station, designed and painted by Father Donald (RIP January 2012), occupied center stage. (20) Always looking to make things better, several monks met with our Director of Physical Facilities and our electrician and a sound technician today to review the sound system in the Archabbey Church. It has never worked as well as we expected, and so we are again trying to remedy the situation, using St. Paul's "faith comes by hearing" as our biblical support! (21) It was announced today that this summer Father Godfrey will become the rector of St. Benedict's Cathedral, Evansville. Father Gregory will continue to reside and work at St. Ben's as the pastor emeritus. He continues to receive his radiation therapy on a weekly basis and, fortunately, reports that usually the worst side effect he experiences is extreme fatigue following the treatments. (22) Father Jeremy began his weekend retreat, "The Year of Faith: Rediscovering the Treasure," at our Guest House and Retreat Center. Fifty participants will be with us through Sunday noon. (23) About 65 of our lay degree students are here for weekend courses, which include "Christology" with Dr. Keith Lemna; "Catholic Sacraments" with Fr. Thomas Richstatter, OFM; "Pentateuch and Historical Books" with Fr. Damian Dietlein, OSB; "Synoptics, Acts, and General Epistles" with Dr. Clayton Jefford; and "Early Church History" with Dr. Alexander Hwang. +++ They are joined by 37 guests who are part of the St. Martin of Tours Confirmation Retreat, as well as 30 guests from St. Joseph Catholic Church, also on a Confirmation Retreat. (24) Father Vincent is our Mass Heb on this Second Sunday (and week) of Lent. The Archabbey Church was full this morning, as we welcomed our retreatants and lay degree students. (25) Brother John Mark gave the second of our Lenten Conferences this evening in the Chapter Room after Compline. He chose as his focus the Fourth Station of the Cross, "Jesus Meets His Mother." (26) Father Cyprian was the speaker at this year's Black History Lecture this evening. His talk was entitled, "No One Can Walk Alone: A Memoir for African American Month." Father Cyprian is professor emeritus of Church history in our seminary, and shows no signs of taking things easy. Recently, he has received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the American Catholic Historical Association and the Eli Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indiana Historical Society. Congratulations, Father Cyprian and, yes, ad multos annos ! (27) Twenty-one women from St. Aloysius Parish in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, are here through March 3. They've been coming to the hill faithfully twice a year for a number of years now, and enjoy their "Scrapbooking Retreat." We welcome them and all our guests. This time around, they are enjoying our new facilities on the fifth floor of St. Bede Hall-which is now accessible by elevator! (28) We join the Church throughout the world in praying for his Holiness Benedict XVI, as he leaves the Holy See and begins the first "papal retirement" in six centuries. May God strengthen and sustain him as he continues his prayer for, and his witness to, us all! And so, on this historic day, we close with the Opening Prayer for the Votive Mass the monastic community celebrated today, a Mass offered for the intentions and the well-being of our Pope these past (almost) eight years, Benedict XVI. O God, who in your providential design willed that your Church be built upon blessed Peter, whom you set over the other Apostles, look with favor, we pray, on Pope Benedict, whom you called to be Peter's successor. Grant that even now he may witness to the power of your grace, and so continue to inspire the flock he was called to shepherd. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/february-2013/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/february-2013/ Tue, 05 March 2013 03:31:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/january-2013/ (1) This first day of the new year is an O.P.-ranked solemnity, Mary the Mother of God. Father Prior Kurt presided, and Archabbot Lambert preached, at our 9:30 a.m. Conventual Mass. We enjoyed our Sunday schedule today, which included a modest gaudeamus after our evening buffet meal. (2) Father Stephen remains in the hospital in Jasper. +++ We received word that the Subcommittee on the Catechism, under the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the USCCB, recently published a Handbook on the Conformity Review Process . They dedicated the work to Archbishop Daniel, honoring his "significant contribution to the work of catechesis in our country." The archbishop had served as founding chairman of the original Ad Hoc Committee for the implementation of the Catechism from 1994-2002. Congratulations, Archbishop Daniel, and many thanks for your important work! (3) We received the body of Father Odilo Burkhardt, OSB, a monk of Blue Cloud Abbey, this morning. Father Odilo died December 30, at the care facility in South Dakota where he had been for the past several years. Since Blue Cloud Abbey closed in July and there is no longer a resident monastic community there, Abbot Justin agreed to Blue Cloud Abbot Dennis Quinkert's request that Fr. Odilo be buried at Saint Meinrad (where he made his first profession and from which he became a founding member of Blue Cloud). A funeral Mass was said in South Dakota on January 2, after which the body was transported to Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand, who have for years handled our arrangements. Fathers Abbot and Prior and a half dozen monks, as well as over a dozen of Father Odilo's nephews and nieces from the Indianapolis and Wabash areas, were on hand to receive the body at 10 o'clock; they placed it in the Archabbey Church and had a brief prayer service. The monastic community and more guests gathered at 11 o'clock for the traditional Office of the Dead, at which Abbot Justin presided. Abbot Dennis offered the remembrance. After the Office, we processed to the cemetery and, after blessing our newest grave, lowered the coffin into the earth. May Father Odilo's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace! (4) Father Jonathan left for Rome today, to join Fr. Denis and our fourth-year seminarians (deacon class), who are enjoying a two-week study tour. Those who know Father Jonathan know he will bring back pictures and stories! We wish him and his fellow pilgrims safe travels and enjoyable times. +++ Nine men from Carmel, Indiana, arrived on the hill today to begin their Maker's Dozen Men's Retreat. They'll be with us through the weekend. +++ Father Stephen is not doing well at all. He was transferred to St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville this afternoon. (5) Father Stephen returned to our infirmary today, via ambulance, from St. Mary's Hospital, Evansville. We began our customary visitation with him around 7 o'clock, and will continue throughout the night. +++ Thirty-eight members of St. Charles Borromeo Parish from Bloomington, Indiana, are making their Confirmation retreat with us today and tomorrow. (6) Father Abbot Justin presided and preached on this Solemnity of the Epiphany; we continued the celebration in our refectory, with colloquium at the midday meal. +++ Just as we were concluding our meal, Father Stephen died peacefully in our infirmary. We now pray for the repose of his soul. (7) Fr. Bob Robeson of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is accompanying 37 young men from the Bishop Simon Brute House for a three-day retreat. (8) A Certificates In Supervision session, coordinated by Agnes Kovacs, our associate director of Lay Degree Programs, is under way for the next few days. Nine individuals are participating. (9) After Midday Prayer we received the body of Father Stephen at our entry way. A monk is brought through these "great doors" only twice during his life: at his novitiate, as he is led into the monastery by his novice master, and after his death, as six of his confreres walk his coffin into our house. The brief ceremony includes the blessing of the body with holy water and the placing of the monk's vow chart on top of his coffin. In place of Compline this evening, we prayed the Office of the Dead, which included a personal "remembrance" of Father Stephen, prepared and offered by Father Jeremy. (10) We don't wish to be irreverent, but we monks do find humor in the unexpected-even in the sacred and liturgically unexpected. With 30 seconds to go before beginning the entrance procession for the funeral liturgy of Father Stephen, the smoke detectors and fire alarms were activated throughout the church and St. Anselm Hall (adjacent to the church). Needless to say, as they weren't in tune with the mode of the planned Entrance Antiphon, we waited…for a good three minutes, before our crew was able to reset the system. As Father Stephen worked in construction for so many years and was familiar with building codes and systems-and, as after inspection, the cause of the alarms going off could not be discovered-well,…we monks find humor even in the sacred and liturgically unexpected. The remainder of Father's funeral liturgy was no less dramatic, weather-wise. A steady rain necessitated a much-abbreviated procession to the cemetery, with Fr. Stephen's casket being accompanied only by Fathers Abbot and Prior, six monk-pallbearers, a few ministers, a couple of monks, and a handful of guests and visitors, instead of the full complement of the monastic community and mourners as usual. Father Abbot presided at the Mass and Father Sean preached; Father Abbot also said the prayers at the abbreviated service at the graveyard itself. The casket was lowered into the ground, the shovel of dirt was thrown on top,…and the rain stopped. (11) This evening Father Jeremy began offering his weekend retreat to 19 permanent deacon candidates of the Belleville Diocese and their wives, titled "Vatican 2: Rediscovering the Treasure." (12) It seems as though half the monastery is down with one of two versions of the flu: one, which expresses its effects mainly through headaches and coughing, the other, nastier, since it necessitates constantly checking to determine the location of the nearest restroom. All of our confreres in our infirmary are sick, and infected monks and students (quite of few of them as well) have been told to stay in their rooms and, yes, drink plenty of fluids. Our health services and infirmary staff are proving themselves characteristically heroic, caring both for their patients and their patients' rooms and facilities. There is good news: it seems the flu-and, thankfully, its symptoms-lasts less than 72 hours. (13) On this feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, Father Jeremy is our Mass Heb. We began our Eucharist this morning with the blessing of the holy water font. +++ Care for our many sick confreres and students continues, and extra washings and precautions are under way in our kitchens. (14) This evening after Compline, the Saint Meinrad Chapter (all monks in solemn vows) formally welcomed Abbot Alan and Father Cletus, formerly of Blue Cloud Abbey, into the Chapter. Abbot Alan's and Father Cletus' request to transfer their stability to Saint Meinrad (where both had originally professed their vows) was approved by the Chapter in November. Ordinarily a one-year probation period would follow, but this was waived by the Chapter in a subsequent vote. We welcome our new members! (15) Father Harry has put together an exhibit, "The Second Vatican Council: Looking Back after Fifty Years," that the Archabbey Library is now hosting. The exhibit contains documents, photographs, artifacts, newspaper and magazine articles, and books and journals, some of which have been obtained from regional bishops who participated in the Council. (16) We're making final plans for Archbishop Joseph Tobin's "official welcome" at Saint Meinrad this coming Monday the 21st. That's also the solemnity of our patron, and the eighth anniversary of the blessing of Archabbot Justin. Plenty of reasons to celebrate! (17) Delta Chi "A"s' Leadership Academy from Iowa City, Iowa, is having its annual meeting on the hill this week. We have grown pleasantly accustomed to their annual visit these past seven years or so. Their staff and facilitators have been arriving over the past few days, and participants will be arriving tomorrow, to stay through Monday morning. We welcome these 170 members of Delta Chi! (18) Our Father Harold Hammerstein died shortly after 8 o'clock this evening at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Evansville, Indiana, under whose care he had been for the past six weeks. Father Harold was 89 years old, had been professed as a monk for 68 years, and was in his 64th year of priesthood. May he rest in peace! (19) January is the main month we have our "Saint Meinrad Sundays" in parishes throughout our neighboring dioceses. This weekend 22 parishes in the Evansville Diocese are allowing us the opportunity to speak at their Sunday Masses about our various works on the hill and ask for the continued prayerful, moral and financial support of the parishioners. We are grateful for those who support our prayer and work, and ask God's blessings upon them. (20) Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Meinrad is our Mass Heb this week, although he will be a bit shortchanged due to feasts and funerals. +++ Father Prior Cassian from Monastero di San Benedetto in Norcia, Italy, is with us for a few days. Welcome home, Father Prior Cassian! (21) We followed our Sunday schedule on this solemnity of St. Meinrad, our patron, and were happy to have Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph Tobin with us as we officially welcomed him into our Archabbey Church and into our home. The archbishop presided and preached at our Eucharist, and then joined us for a social in our calefactory, at which Abbot Justin presented him with an original print of St. Alphonsus Liguori (the founder of the Redemptorists), designed and created by our Br. Martin Erspamer (22) After our Midday Prayer we processed from the church to our entry way, where we received the body of Father Harold. Father Prior Kurt presided at this brief ceremony. At 7 o'clock this evening, Father Prior presided over the Office of the Dead, at which Father Timothy offered the remembrance. (23) Father Abbot Justin presided, and Abbot Lambert preached, at the funeral Mass of Father Harold. This is our third burial in a short period of time (we buried Fr. Odilo Burkhardt of Blue Cloud Abbey on the 3rd, and Fr. Stephen on the 10th), and so we had to use a "non-carpenter shop" casket for the first time in many years. (Father Germain, our carpenter, could not construct a casket in time for Father Harold's burial.) Our Abbey Caskets produced a simple casket, nearly identical those our monk-carpenters have fashioned close to half a century. We may well be relying more on our Abbey Caskets in the future, given Father Germain's workload and the "graying" and aging of our community. (24) Most of our seminarians have been off the hill this week, making their annual retreat at various locations; our first-year theology seminarians continue our practice of "Towards Jerusalem" at Maple Mount, Kentucky. All will be returning this weekend; classes for the second semester begin on Monday! (25) We celebrated the feast of the conversion of St. Paul, and Father Meinrad, our Mass Heb, presided and preached. We also heard from Father Paul, whose feast is today-who informed us with great joy that he has finished the work for his SSL (Licentiate in Sacred Scripture) degree. Since he is studying in Rome, a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls would be in order! (26) Over 80 of our lay degree students are on the hill this weekend, taking another round of weekend courses. Classes and instructors include "Christology," taught by Dr. Keith Lemna, "Catholic Sacraments," by Fr. Thomas Richstatter, OFM, "Pentateuch and Historical Books," by Fr. Damian Dietlein, OSB, "Synoptics, Acts and General Epistles," by Dr. Clayton Jefford, "Early Church History," by Dr. Alexander Hwang and "Foundations of Spirituality," by Father Eugene. (27) We celebrate the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time! Father Pius is our Mass Heb, but is out on parish assignment for the weekend, and so Father Germain filled in for him, presiding and preaching at the Conventual Mass. We also welcomed Bishop Joseph Siegel, an alumnus from our college ('84), and auxiliary bishop of the Joliet Diocese; the bishop will be speaking to our seminarians tomorrow evening; we enjoyed sharing our main meal with him today. (28) First day of classes for the second semester. Good timing, as it's also the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, a familiar source of, and a patron for, seminary studies and students! (29) We monks had a community meeting yesterday evening in the Chapter Room. We continued discussing some of the topics and suggestions coming from our visitation this past October. (30) Today we observed the one-year anniversary of the deaths of Father Donald Walpole and Father Eric Lies. It is the actual day of death of Father Eric; Father Donald died last year on January 27. Because this year's 27th is a Sunday, we transferred the anniversary so as to observe both on the 30th. This wasn't just for "convenience"; it was also an "honest nod" to their relationship with each other. Fathers Donald and Eric were profession classmates (1940), and Father Eric died last year just a few hours after we buried Father Donald! May they, and all the faithful departed, rest in peace! (31) On this last day of the month, we're having our first major snow of the season. We've had flurries a few times through December and January, but this promises to be more. Snow began during Vespers and-late evening as I write this-continues. And now, from St. Benedict's Rule … The abbot should focus all his attention on the care of wayward brothers, for "it is not the healthy but the sick who need a physician." Thus he should use all the means that a wise physician would. For example, he might send in senpectae , that is, wise, elderly brothers who know how to comfort the wavering brother as if in secret. By this means, they can urge him to make humble satisfaction and also "console him so that he be not devoured by too much sorrow." Chapter 27, "The Abbot's Preoccupation with the Excommunicated" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/january-2013/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/january-2013/ Fri, 01 February 2013 03:20:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/december-2012/ (1) This first day of December is also the patronal feast day of Father Richard. Not counting our superiors and retired abbots, Father Richard is the second most senior monk in our house. At 90 years of age, Father is in his 69 th  year of monastic profession and his 65 th  year of priesthood. Many of our alumni will know Father Richard from his many years of teaching biology in our college. Father Richard has been residing in our monastery infirmary for 2+ years now; a stroke in the summer of 2011 left him blind, at which time the progression of his Alzheimer's accelerated. Father attends Mass in our Infirmary Chapel every day and receives from the cup. He may not be completely aware of all that is going on around him, but he is always the gentleman, responding graciously to any and all who call him by name or take his hand at the kiss of peace. We pray for Father Richard, and for all our ill and aging confreres. (2) Father Sean is our Mass Heb on this First Sunday of Advent.  +++  Father Jeremy concluded the offering of the traditional Barth-Hamilton Retreat at our Guest House this weekend; 60 men participated in the retreat, entitled "Vatican2: Rediscovering the Treasure."  +++  St. Benedict Cathedral Parish in Evansville had its "Centennial Kick-Off Mass and Brunch" this morning. Father Gregory, rector of the Cathedral, was well enough to get out and enjoy many of the festivities. He continues to make slow progress from his cancer therapies last month (and those continue throughout this month), but his good spirits added to this Sunday's celebration! Father Abbot Justin and Father Abbot Bonaventure were among the monks who traveled to Evansville for the celebration.  +++  A number of our confreres were in Indianapolis this evening, participating in the Evening Prayer at the Cathedral on this eve of the installation of Bishop Joseph Tobin as Archbishop of Indianapolis. We were privileged to have Archbishop Joseph stay with us in the monastery this past week, as he made a private retreat in preparation for his installation.  +++  Two rather large groups of young retreatants are with us today: 23 students from Greenville College, Illinois, are concluding the retreat they began several days ago; 39 senior boys from Bishop Chatard in Indianapolis are here with us today and tomorrow for their retreat. We welcome all, and are happy to have them join us in prayer! (3) Father Sean, our Mass Heb, preached on this feast of Francis Xavier, co-patron of the Archdiocese.  +++  Further to the north, Archbishop Joseph Tobin was installed as the sixth archbishop of Indianapolis. Father Abbot Justin, Archabbot Bonaventure, and Fathers Jonathan, Julian and Denis were among those representing the monastery and seminary. God's blessings upon Joseph, our Bishop, and Christopher (Coyne), his assistant bishop!  +++  Elsewhere in Indianapolis this evening, Father Cyprian was awarded the Eli Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his "extraordinary contributions to the field of history." Congratulations, Father Cyprian!  +++  And back here on the hill, Father Subprior Guerric gave our first Advent conference in the Chapter Room after Compline. (4) Our seminary's schola presented "From Eden to Heaven: The Story of Salvation," in the Archabbey Church this evening. Their hour-long performance told the story of Christ throughout alternating Scripture readings and the singing of hymns and carols. (5) The monastic chapter meet after Compline this evening, and formally accepted two monks from the now-closed Blue Cloud Abbey-Abbot Alan Berndt and Father Cletus Miller-into the Saint Meinrad community. It is a full circle: Abbot Alan and Father Cletus were originally monks of our house, prior to their transferring their stability to the newly established foundation in Marvin, South Dakota, in the early 1950s. (6) A quiet day in our house, although next door the event of the day was the St. Nicholas banquet in the seminary, planned and hosted by our deacon class. St. Nic himself made a cameo appearance, in the person of Deacon Nic Brown, a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Louisville. (7) About 80 of our oblates joined us for I Vespers of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception this evening, prior to beginning their annual retreat. The retreat master, Father Eugene, will be speaking on " Lectio Divina : Listening to the Scriptures with the Ear of Your Heart." (8) We followed our Sunday schedule today for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Father Abbot Justin presided at our Eucharist and Father Sean, our Mass Heb this week, preached. Brother Victor from Conception Abbey, Missouri, assisted as deacon. (9) Father Harry is our Mass Heb on this Second Sunday (and during this second week) of Advent. Deacon Scott Carroll, a seminarian from the Diocese of Toledo, assisted at our 9:30 Eucharist, and then joined us in our refectory for the midday meal. (10) We observed the thirtieth day anniversary of Father Simeon's death, with a special prayer and intercessions at our morning Eucharist, at which Father Harry presided.  +++  After Compline this evening, Father Mark gave our second Advent conference in the Chapter Room. (11) This Tuesday brings with it a few more smiles on the faces of students, faculty and staff than usual: it's the last day of classes for the semester. It's also the day of final exams for some courses; by Friday, all will have been accomplished and by Saturday, all if not most, should have departed for the Christmas break. (12) Today some seminarians are fulfilling their last ministerial assignments of the semester. Most of our own "visiting Benedictines" are preparing to head to their respective monasteries for the Christmas break. Our prayers go with them, especially with Brother Simon Baker; he and his confreres at  St. Benedict's Abbey, Atchison, Kansas, will be electing a new abbot shortly after Christmas. (13) Father Eugene is getting ready to offer his weekend retreat, beginning tomorrow, to about two dozen participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. His topic is "Reflections on the Letters of John and the Johannine Community." (14) We grieve with the rest of our country today, as we mourn the victims of the senseless massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. We pray for the victims, that the Good Shepherd hold them tightly in His arms. We pray for their families and for all who mourn them, that God's peace may shape their hearts and minds. (15) Abbot Dennis Quinkert, the "designated superior" of our daughter house, Blue Cloud Abbey (Marvin, South Dakota), arrived today for a several-day visit. As my readers may recall, Blue Cloud Abbey had its last public liturgy this past August, and its monks are in the process of relocating to other monasteries throughout the country. As for Abbot Dennis: not many monks are elected abbot, and he belongs to an even more exclusive club. Abbot Dennis was elected abbot of Blue Cloud in 1986 and served five-and-a-half years before resigning. He was re-elected abbot in 2009! (16) Father Tobias is our Mass Heb on this Third Sunday (and week) of Advent; he wore the special rose-colored vestments to mark the celebration of Gaudete ("Rejoice") Sunday. Beginning today, and continuing throughout the week, we will include an intercession for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre this past Friday. May they and all who mourn them know God's love and peace. (17) We began the "O Antiphons" at Vespers this evening, the first being "O, Sapientia," "O, Wisdom!"  +++  Father Prior Kurt presided at our Advent Penance Service in the Archabbey Church this evening. As a superior of the house, he was not one of the confessors; this ministry was fulfilled by Fathers Cletus, Columba, Meinrad, Barnabas and Joseph. Father Gavin proclaimed the reading-Luke 3:7-9-and offered the homily.  (18) This week before Christmas is a busy one, especially for our co-workers in the Development Office. They and a number of monks are on the roads, making visits and delivering Christmas gifts to some of our friends and benefactors. We're grateful to all who support us in our prayer and work, and ask God's blessings upon them!  +++  The "O Antiphon" for this evening: "O, Adonai," "O, Sacred One of Israel!" (19) Father Abbot Justin presided at a communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick during Vespers this evening. He anointed nine of our confreres in the Archabbey Church. After Vespers Father Prior Kurt (who serves also as Master of Ceremonies) accompanied him to the infirmary, where they imposed hands upon another six confreres before Father Abbot anointed them. May God strengthen and sustain our ill and aged brothers.  +++  The "O Antiphon" for this evening: "O, Radix," "O, Root of Jesse!" (20) After Compline we held our Christmas tree-trimming party in the calefactory-one of the rooms in our house where a majestic tree has been "planted" for the season. Assorted goodies and various "strengths" of eggnog sustained those stringing lights and hanging ornaments.  +++  The "O Antiphon" for this evening: "O, Clavis," "O, Key of David!" (21) A calm and quiet Friday in the house, although it was howling outside throughout the day. Winds were reported as being a "steady 25," with gusts up to 45 mph. A drive around the hill in the late afternoon showed dozens of branches-some of them quite large-strewn about our property.  +++  The "O Antiphon" for this evening: "O, Oriens," "O, Radiant Dawn!" (22) It's a working Saturday for many of the monks on the hill: cleaning common and individual rooms, restocking supplies, putting in another few hours of preparation for the holy days.  +++  The "O Antiphon" for this evening: "O, Rex," "O, King of the nations!" (23) Father Bede is our Mass Heb on this Fourth Sunday of Advent. He'll have "abbreviated duty" this week, since Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are, respectively, an O.A., an O.P., and an O.S.!  +++  The "O Antiphon" for this evening, the last of the seven: "O, Emmanuel!" Now for the hidden treat: take the first letter of each of the "O Antiphons" (e.g., S for Sapientia, A for Adonai, etc.) and spell them out: you have "sarc ore," which means…nothing. Reverse the letters, however, and you have ero cras, which, in Latin, means "I will be (with you) tomorrow." And tomorrow, with First Vespers and Midnight Mass, we do indeed celebrate the coming of our God into the world as one of us! (24)  We began our celebration of the Lord's Nativity with I Vespers at five o'clock. Following a short break after supper, we prayed Vigils, which included the famous Christmas sermon by Pope St. Leo the Great, "Christians, heed your dignity!" We celebrated "Midnight Mass" at 10 o'clock, with Father Abbot Justin presiding and preaching. Following Mass, and after some refreshments to keep us up just beyond the midnight hour, most of us retired shortly thereafter. (25) A special schedule for us on this Christmas Day. After Solemn Lauds at eight o'clock, at which Abbot Justin presided, we took a short break before returning to church for the Christmas Mass in die ("during the day"). Father Abbot again presided and preached.  +++  We monks enjoyed a rare "cocktail half-hour" before our Midday Meal. Naps and calefactory conversations rounded out the afternoon until we again gathered in church at five o'clock for Second Vespers of Christmas.  +++  As we all know all too often, even Christmas joy is sometimes diluted with tears. This morning we received word that only 20 minutes before the monks of Assumption Abbey, Richardton, North Dakota, began their Midnight Mass yesterday evening, their prior, Brother Basil Kirsch, 68 years old, died of a heart attack. We support our brothers in prayer in their loss, and pray for the repose of the soul of Brother Basil and all the faithful departed. (26) This feast of St. Stephen, the Church's first martyr, is an O.P.-ranked feast, and so Father Prior Kurt presided and preached. Our celebration continued in the refectory, with a festive midday meal and a gaudeamus following our evening buffet. (27) The feast of St. John, beloved disciple of the Lord, is a "rare" O.S.-Order of the Subprior. Father Subprior Guerric, then, presided and preached at our morning Eucharist.  +++  We're reading about trip cancellations and complications from the bad weather throughout the country, but so far we have received only a light dusting and a drop in temperature. We do have one traveler who began a journey this morning that continues for some 29 hours. Brother Peduru is flying from Louisville to Newark to Brussels to Mumbai to his home in Sri Lanka-his first visit with his family in eight years. We wish him safe travels and fine times! (28) The feast of the Holy Innocents-a day with a special poignancy this year, given the recent massacre in Newtown, Connecticut. We pray for all victims of violence and terrorism, as we pray for those who strive to protect us from these evils. (29) We have five young men who began our Monastic Observance program on Thursday, the 27 th . They'll be with us through next Tuesday, and will get an inside look at our prayer and work, as they join us in the house for meals, work and recreation. (30) Father Julian is our Mass Heb during this last 2012-beginning week, and on this feast of the Holy Family.  +++  We received word this morning that Father Odilo Burkhardt, OSB, died shortly after eight o'clock. Father Odilo, 94 years old, was a founding member of Blue Cloud Abbey, our daughter house in South Dakota that closed this past August. Father was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and was residing at St. William's Care Center in Milbank, South Dakota. There will be a funeral Mass for him in South Dakota, and then we will bring his body down to Saint Meinrad for burial in our monastery cemetery, perhaps 3-4 days from now. (Father Odilo professed his vows as a monk of Saint Meinrad in 1945. He transferred his stability to our daughter house in 1954.) At his death, Father Odilo was the oldest member of Blue Cloud Abbey and of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation. (31) This last day of the year is also the eighth anniversary of the election of Abbot Justin. As has been his custom, he gave the community a conference in the Chapter Room after Compline. Prior to that, we monks enjoyed music in place of table reading at our evening meal, a pleasant change of pace we turn to several times during the year. This evening's composer and work was Johann Sebastian Bach and his "Weihnactsoratorium." As we conclude 2012, we thank God for the many blessings we at Saint Meinrad have enjoyed. We thank God for our friends, our benefactors, our co-workers, those who bring out the best in us and those who help us do our best. We also remember those who have not been so fortunate-those who would not think of 2012 as "a good year." May God send them perseverance, patience and endurance. And may God send them His angels and their friends, so they do not carry their burdens alone, and so they may in this coming year indeed find reason to hope and travel steadily and surely on the way to peace. http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/december-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2013/december-2012/ Wed, 02 January 2013 04:11:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/november-2012/ (1) On this Solemnity of All Saints, we followed our "Sunday Schedule." Father Abbot Justin presided and preached at our 9:30 Conventual Mass, and we enjoyed a fine meal with colloquium at noon.  +++  Later in the afternoon, Father Abbot blessed "The Ravens," the just-completed, newest construction project on our hill. This three-bedroom house, complete with living / dining room, kitchen, laundry room, and screened-in patio, will be used by the families of monks who come for a stay of several days, as well as by those monks who may wish to use it for part of their vacation or for a day of recollection. The house is located roughly on the site of the old "Ritter" and "Esser" houses (about 500 feet southwest of our Guest House and Retreat Center), which were torn down earlier this year. We're most grateful to a benefactor who surprised us all by generously funding the entire project.  +++  We welcome 37 eighth-grade students and staff from St. Pius X in Indianapolis, here for a two-day retreat.  (2) We celebrate Mass on this Commemoration of All Souls as an O.A.-ranked feast, and so Father Abbot Justin again presided at our Conventual Eucharist at 7:30. After Mass, we followed our age-old custom of processing to the monastic cemetery, where Father Abbot blessed the graves-over 280 of them-with holy water and some prayers. Our seminarians made their customary procession to the cemetery after their Night Prayer yesterday; some of the candles they had placed on the headstones were still flickering as we conducted our remembrances. (3) Brother Martin is halfway through offering his weekend retreat, "Living Monastic Values in Everyday Life," to 19 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  Father Vincent led 80 members of our Abbot Martin Marty Guild in a morning and afternoon retreat; he spoke about "Being Christian." This year the Guild is 20 years old. Its namesake, Martin Marty, was the first abbot of Saint Meinrad (1870-1880); its members are known for their leadership in offering financial support for our work.  +++  And also this year, this day, Brother Benedict turns 93! Following our custom, he was seated at the abbot's table for our main meal this evening, and we had cake and colloquium in his honor. With the aid of a walker, Brother Benedict continues to join us faithfully in choir and in the refectory. We admire his perseverance, and wish him ad multos annos . (4) Father Eugene, our Mass Heb, presided and preached on this Thirty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time. He was assisted by Deacon Julio Barrera, a seminarian studying for our neighboring diocese ofOwensboro. (5) After Compline this evening, the monastic community processed to the Chapter Room to discuss and vote on some internal business of the monastery. (6) Father Eugene presided and preached at our Conventual Eucharist this morning and, in consideration of this National Day of Election, used the prayers the Roman Missal provides for "our country."  +++  Throughout the morning and afternoon, Brothers Dominic and Angelo were available to shuttle monks back and forth to the St. Meinrad Community Center "downtown," the official voting site for our township. A few stout and sturdy souls, anticipating ultimate results only in the wee hours of the morning, had declared their intention to stay up throughout the night. By 10 o'clock CST and President  Obama's electoral count nearing 250, however, most had acknowledged his re-election was probable. We ask God's blessings on President Obama, and upon all those re-elected and newly elected throughout our land. (7) Father Vincent is halfway offering a week-long retreat to seven priests at our Guest House and Retreat Center; his topic is "Manly Strength: Priestly Virtues, Servant Virtues." (8) Many of our alumni will remember Rose Ranno, the "dear elderly woman from New York" (Chestnut Ridge,NY), who took a sabbatical at Saint Meinrad from 2000 to 2009! In her 90s, Rose died this past Saturday, November 3. Rose was a Saint Meinrad Oblate; Father Meinrad, our director of oblates, will be representing us at her funeral. (9) This feast of the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (the "Mother and Head of all the Churches in the City of Rome and the world") is an O.P.-ranked feast and so Father Prior Kurt presided at our Conventual Mass. Father Eugene preached.  +++  Beginning this morning, the health of Father Simeon began to take a decided turn for the worse. Shortly after Compline, Father Abbot Justin, assisted by Father Prior Kurt and Father Julian, anointed Father Simeon, and we began our custom of "visitation" - the volunteering by various monks to spend an hour with our ill confrere in what may be his final hours.  +++  Father Gregory was admitted to St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville this morning, suffering from internal bleeding. That has, apparently, been treated successfully. Father Gregory continues to undergo tests, and we expect him to remain in the hospital at least through Sunday. We retire this evening keeping all our aged and ill confreres in our prayers, especially Father Simeon and Father Gregory.  (10) Father Simeon died this evening, just after eight o'clock. Fathers Prior Kurt, Julian, and Cletus, and his niece Theresa, were with him as he breathed his last. By all standards, his death seemed peaceful, and it was indeed a blessing that Theresa had arrived from St. Louis only a few hours before. May Father Simeon, and all the faithful departed, rest in peace! (11) Father Timothy is our Mass Heb for this 32 nd Sunday (and week) in Ordinary Time.  +++  About 25 seminarians of our seminary's St. Matthew Formation House joined us for Vespers, and then supper in our refectory, this evening. Father Patrick is the dean of the house, and Deacon Kevin Hurley of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana is the house prefect.  +++  Father Jeremy concluded offering the weekend retreat "The Eucharist and the Church" to eight participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  About 50 students of our lay degree program took part in another round of weekend courses. Courses and teachers were "Eucharist," taught by Fr. Thomas Richstatter, OFM; "Christian Ethics," taught by Fr. Mark O'Keefe, OSB; "Listening in Pastoral Ministry," by Dr. Tom Robbins; and "American Catholic Identity: Catechetical Perspectives," led by Dr. Thomas Walters. (12) A "New Pastors, Year 2" workshop, sponsored by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, began its five-day program today for four participants, two of whom are recent alumni of our seminary.  +++  John, the 90-year-old father of Father Jonathan, died this morning. Father Jonathan's mother, a few years older, preceded him in death earlier this year. Both had been in a nursing home for some time. The funeral liturgy and burial will be this Friday in Mishawaka, Indiana. May his parents, and all the faithful departed, rest in peace! (13) After Midday Prayer, we received the body of Father Simeon at our entry way. A monk is brought through these "great doors" only twice during his life: at his novitiate, as he is led into the monastery by his novice master, and after his death, as six of his confreres walk his coffin into our house. The brief ceremony includes the blessing of the body with holy water and the placing of the monk's vow chart on top of his coffin. In place of Compline this evening, we prayed the Office of the Dead, which included a personal "remembrance" of Father Simeon, prepared and offered by Father Harry. (14) The Archabbey Church was filled this morning with the family and friends of Father Simeon, as we began his funeral liturgy at 10 o'clock. Our seminarians also joined us, and a number of them assisted by serving as cross and candle bearers, and miter and crozier bearers. Ann Rohleder, our director of health services, proclaimed the first reading. Father Abbot Justin presided and preached. As the Mass concluded, we processed to the cemetery: crossbearer, monastic community, coffin carried by six monks, ministers and guests. At the cemetery, Father Abbot blessed the grave and, after the monk-pallbearers lowered the coffin into the ground with ropes and hooks, emptied a shovel of dirt onto it. Once the prayers were concluded, Father Abbot and the ministers, and then the monks and guests, sprinkled Father Simeon's coffin in a final gesture of blessing and farewell. (15) A quiet day outside; a very busy day inside, as many of our seminarians scrambled to get papers and projects completed before the Thanksgiving break begins. It is a generous break indeed, beginning tomorrow and ending the Sunday after Thanksgiving! (16) A number of us attended the funeral Mass and burial of Virginia Ringeman, the 80-year-old mother of Donna Balbach, whom many of our (especially) recent alumni will know from her (still continuing) work as the seminary's administrative secretary and registrar.  +++  This evening at The Unstable, Father Abbot Justin and Father Prior Kurt, in the name of the monastic community, hosted our infirmary and health care co-workers and their spouses (or a guest) to a pizza buffet. Fathers Prior and Patrick and Brothers Martin and John Mark prepared the pizzas. Brother Martin also presented each of our co-workers with an original print of his, and each co-worker and guest returned home toting a loaf of our Abbey Bread. It was a fun evening with fine people. We appreciate our co-workers in all our departments, and we will have another celebration with those departments this Sunday. (17) About 20 monks enjoyed "Monk Lunch" at The UnStable, with Fathers Prior Kurt and Patrick picking up in the oven department from where they left off last night. They were joined by "associate" pizza maker Brother Silas (still in his "pizza internship") and Novice Bradley who, well, began his pizza novitiate. We believe he has a promising career.  +++  Brother Zachary is halfway through his weekend retreat "The God of Mercy," which he is offering to 13 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (18) On this 33 rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Joseph, our Mass Heb, presided and preached at our Conventual Eucharist. About 120 of our co-workers joined us for Mass, after which we adjourned to the Alumni Commons for conversation and refreshments. We are grateful to the fine men and women who work with us, for us, alongside us. We are proud-and humbled-to consider them part of our Saint Meinrad family.  +++  Several groups were here on the hill this weekend. Six guests were taking part in the Tell City Women's Retreat, and 30 young boys and girls from St. John Catholic Church in Loogootee, Indiana, were making their retreat in preparation for Confirmation. (19) We had our customary special Monday desserts this evening. After Compline, we processed to the Chapter Room, where Father Abbot Justin offered us his monthly conference. (20) This Thanksgiving week promises to be a quiet one on the hill. Only a handful of our seminarians remain on the hill. Our novices and juniors did some shopping for our Thanksgiving eve celebration tomorrow…. (21) After supper we adjourned to the calefactory, our "common room," and enjoyed a table of special wines, cheeses, pastries and sweets. Continuing our custom of the past few years, we also took time to recall and reflect upon the blessings we, as a community, and a number of us as individuals, have experienced during the past 12 months. Brother Silas led us in a reflection that included books and articles published, renovations completed, new members-young novices and jubilarian monks from Blue Cloud-welcomed, three seminary halls fully occupied…. (22) Father Joseph, our Mass Heb for the week, presided and preached on this Thanksgiving Day. We followed our Sunday schedule, and so enjoyed a slightly later-than-usual rising time and the praying of Vigils and Lauds. A number of guests, including the family members of several monks, joined us in the Anselm Dining Room for the midday meal, which featured turkey and all the traditional trimmings. We know we have much for which to be thankful, and many to whom to be grateful. May God bless those who support us, and may we always know how to share our resources and gifts with those in need. (23) It's been said that in the monastery the day after Thanksgiving is the quietest day of the year. It does seem to be the case. Familiar sights during these days: monks reading books, taking walks, dozing discreetly in the calefactory…. Norman Rockwell would love this scene! (24) Peace and quiet continue to reign on the hill. There are no objections!  +++  We began our celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the Church year, with I Vespers, with Father Prior Kurt presiding. (25) Father Prior Kurt presided and preached on this O.P.-ranked solemnity of Christ the King.  +++  Evansville Bishop Charles Thompson, also an alumnus of our seminary (Theology '87), presided at our Eucharist in the Infirmary Chapel this morning. He continued his visit with Archbishop Daniel and with us by joining us for the midday meal in our refectory. Father Abbot Justin is enjoying the last of a short vacation he began Thursday afternoon, but all six places at the abbot's table were occupied: in addition to the "usuals" (Archabbot Bonaventure, Prior Kurt and Subprior Guerric), Archabbot Lambert (home for a week), Archbishop Daniel and Bishop Charles enjoyed being first in the serving line! (26) The Most Reverend Joseph Tobin, who will be in installed as the Archbishop of Indianapolis a week from today, arrived last night to make a private retreat this week. He has a room in our house, is joining us in choir and is taking his meals in the refectory with us. This evening after supper, we invited him into our calefactory for a mutual introduction, and enjoyed some brownies and cordials. We certainly offer our prayerful support to Bishop Tobin, as he prepares for his ministry as our diocesan shepherd. (27) It's been a rough day for some monks, medically speaking. Brother Benedict fell in his cell today; fortunately, x-rays revealed no broken bones. Father Godfrey was having some procedures to remove kidney stones, so he'll be taking it a bit easy at St. Mary's Parish, Huntingburg, over the next few days. And Brother Simon, a Benedictine from St. Benedict's Abbey, Atchison, Kansas, is in the hospital for a few days, getting an old toe injury looked after. We're grateful for the expert care our infirmary staff give us. They have no trouble keeping busy, and they've almost always a smile on their face, no matter how busy they are! (28) Brother Peduru, our junior monk in his first year of profession, has taken up temporary residence in our infirmary. Brother comes from Sri Lanka-a fine place, but a place where he never had a chance to develop immunity to chickenpox. He's paying the price now! Temporarily quarantined, he's maintaining contact with the rest of us through visits with his nurses and, of course, voice- and e-mails. (29) Archbishop Tobin is spending his last evening with us; he'll be heading up to Indianapolis tomorrow, taking care of the final preparations before being installed as Archbishop of Indianapolis on Monday, December 3, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, co-patron of the archdiocese. He seems to have enjoyed his days of retreat with us; we've certainly enjoyed getting to know him a bit. We wish him well, and a number of us will be traveling to Indianapolis on Sunday and Monday for his installation. (30) Our Mass Heb, Father Germain, presided at our Conventual Mass on this feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, and Deacon Brother Victor, a monk from Conception Abbey, Conception, Missouri, offered the homily.  +++  About 23 students from Greenville College, Greenville, Illinois, will be arriving today to begin a weekend retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center. See you next month! We close with a reverent nod to some of St. Benedict's practical, down-to-earth advice about matters both sacred and secular: The brother who is the weekly reader should receive some doctored wine before he reads. This is because of the Holy Communion and because he may find it difficult to endure the fast…. The brothers are not to read or sing in order, but only those who edify the listeners. Chapter 38, "The Weekly Reader" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/november-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/november-2012/ Mon, 03 December 2012 03:16:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/october-2012/ (1) Today was the day of the great "internet outage," the reason why the posting of September's "About the House" was a few days late. Our IT crew worked throughout the night to fix things. A day without email and Internet: frustrating from one perspective, peaceful from another!   (2) Thanks to the perseverance and professionalism of our IT team (and a good deal of patience from their Hill-full of clients), email was restored this morning and by mid-afternoon the entire system was back up and running. Most of us are relieved, but there are also those who now complain they have no more good excuses as to why a project didn't get done!  +++  Father Jeremy, our Mass Heb, preached at the Conventual Mass this morning.  +++  The 22 nd annual John S. and Virginia Marten Lecture in Homiletics was presented this evening, one of the first major events to be held in the newly renovated St. Bede Hall (which, along with Newman Hall, will be blessed and dedicated this Saturday). Our speaker was Dr. Lucy Lind Hogan, the Hugh Latimer Elderdice Professor of Preaching and Worship at Wesley Theological Seminary. Her talk was titled, "To Teach, Delight, and Move: Preaching and Rhetoric in a New Age of Evangelism." (3) Father Vincent is offering the midweek retreat, "To Pray as Jesus Prayed: The Psalms in Prayer and Worship," to about two dozen participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (4) After Midday Prayer today, we invested Kevin Hurst of Columbus, Indiana, as an oblate novice. Congratulations to him, and prayers for all our oblates. (5) The Board of Overseers are here for their fall meeting. Reports from our school and its various departments are splendid for the present, most encouraging for the future! We're most grateful for the work of our Overseers. These three dozen men and women support us--and inspire us--in so many ways. They are always quick to say they love returning to the hill, even for a few hours. Likewise, we know we are blessed by their presence. (6) After three-plus years of planning, revision and hard work, the renovation of Newman and St. Bede halls was celebrated in fine style today. Father Abbot Justin presided at a 9:30 a.m. Mass (and Father Denis, president-rector of the Seminary and School of Theology preached), after which the monastic community, seminarians, members of our Board of Overseers and special guests--about 350 people in all--processed to the "canyon area" between Bede and Newman. There the blueprints and the ceremonial key to the buildings were presented to Abbot Justin by Pat Clark, our director of physical facilities, and representatives of the primary contractors. After Abbot Justin blessed the water and then sprinkled the assembly and the main doors of each hall, a dozen teams, consisting of faculty and staff, co-workers, students and Overseers, went to their assigned rooms in the buildings to bless them with water and hang a crucifix on the wall. The weather certainly cooperated: it had rained quite a bit the night before, but throughout the morning the skies were clear and the temperature was brisk but not uncomfortable. The ceremony concluded at 11 o'clock, and all adjourned to the Newman and Anselm dining rooms for a buffet luncheon. This was a most special day for all of us here at Saint Meinrad, one of those special days that bring together the values of "tradition and momentum." In repairing and restoring buildings that have served us so well and for so long in the past, we have done what we can to assure that we will continue to serve God and the Church in the days and years to come. We give thanks to those who have made this renovation possible: our many benefactors, friends, co-workers and monks. And, always, we remember that, as the psalmist says, "If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor."  +++  In the midst of all this activity, Father Meinrad, our director of oblates, invested Cathy Moriarty of Columbus, Indiana, as an oblate novice, in a simple and quiet-yet graceful-ceremony in the Archabbey Church following Midday Prayer. May Cathy, and all who associate themselves with the people and the place of Saint Meinrad, know God's guidance and blessings in all they do! (7) Father Julian was our presider this morning on this 27 th Sunday in Ordinary Time, taking the place of Father Brendan, who is in a parish offering a "Saint Meinrad Sunday." He was assisted by one of our seminarians, Deacon Todd Nance, of the Diocese of Tulsa. Deacon Todd joined us in the monastic refectory for lunch after Midday Prayer.  +++  This first Sunday in October is the first of four Monte Cassino Sundays. We had clear, crisp weather for the procession and rosary this afternoon, and Father Meinrad preached on "Our Lady of the Table:  Mary and the Eucharist."  +++  Shortly before Midday Prayer, Brother Zachary concluded the weekend retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center he was offering to two dozen participants, "Be Angry But Do Not Sin." (8) Father Brendan assumed his duties as Mass Heb, including the preaching of a homily on today's Gospel, the parable of the Good Samaritan.  +++  After supper this evening, Father Abbot spoke to the community, offering a description of and some reflections on his recent trip to Rome for the Abbot's Congress. (9) Our Alumni Board concluded a meeting here on the Hill yesterday. We're grateful for their work in continuing to elicit support from--and offer support to--our alumni throughout the country and, in fact, the world! (10) We welcomed two Benedictines from other monasteries this evening. Brother Christopher Start, from St. Benedict's Abbey, Atchison,  Kansas, and Brother Bernard Denson, from St. Bernard's Abbey, Cullman, Alabama, are here for a few days, considering Saint Meinrad as a possible seminary for their priestly formation and education. (11) About 80 priests and personnel from the nearby Diocese of Covington concluded their several-day annual convocation here on the hill. We ask God's blessings on them and their bishop, the Most Reverend Roger J. Foys. (12) We're expecting about 50 students for another round of weekend courses in our lay degree offerings. Courses this time around are "Eucharist," taught by Fr. Thomas Richstatter, OFM; "Christian Ethics," taught by Fr. Mark O'Keefe, OSB; "Listening in Pastoral Ministry," by Dr. Tom Robbins; and "American Catholic Identity: Catechetical Perspectives," by Dr. Thomas Walters. (13) We joined the women's Benedictine community at Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand today in sponsoring a Benedictine Hills Youth Pilgrimage. The afternoon march began at 1 o'clock at Monastery Immaculate Conception and proceeded along the six-mile route to Saint Meinrad Archabbey. The group stopped at the Shrine of Monte Cassino for prayer and a bit of rest. The pilgrims then entered in procession the Archabbey Church for Vespers, followed by the sisters and the monastic community. The pilgrims filled our guest section, and 13 sisters from Monastery Immaculate Conception joined us in choir. After Vespers all enjoyed a cookout in the seminary's Holly Tree Courtyard. Crisp, brisk weather for a pilgrimage, and the four dozen or so youth (as well as the monks and sisters) obviously enjoyed their spiritual and physical exercise! (14) Father Vincent is our Mass Heb on this 28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  +++  Father Adrian preached at Monte Cassino, following the traditional procession and rosary. His topic was "Vatican II, Mary, and the Church."  +++  A windstorm early this afternoon didn't bring any rain, but did split a huge branch off one of the trees in our inner courtyard. Many of us had a good view of the event, as we were in the refectory enjoying our midday meal when this happened. (15) Every four years, every monastery in our Swiss-American Congregation has a visitation-a two-to-four day "review" conducted by an abbot and one or two monks from other monasteries in the Congregation. Last evening our visitation was formally begun by Abbot Gregory Polan of Conception Abbey, Missouri; Fr. Joel Rippinger of Marmion Abbey, Illinois; and Fr. Matthew Clark of St. Joseph Abbey,  Louisiana. The visitators previously received the pre-visitation report compiled by six different committees of Saint Meinrad monks, and this week will meet for personal interviews with each of our monks. The visitation concludes Thursday evening, as the visitators present an oral report to the community on their findings of their review of our report and their individual interviews. (16) The second full day of our monastic visitation, and our three visitators are busy indeed. We have 65 resident monks at the moment, and each of them--in addition to a half-dozen or so of our confreres working in parishes--will spend at least a quarter-hour sharing with a visitator his assessment of "how things are" with the prayer and work of Saint Meinrad Archabbey. (17) Visitation appointments continue, as do regular meetings of our faculty, school administrators and co-workers. As is the case on most Wednesdays during the school year, many of our seminarians are off the Hill during the day, working at various hospitals, parishes and service organizations. (18) Pope Benedict XVI announced this morning that the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has a new archbishop! The Most Reverend Joseph William Tobin, who was the secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life, will be installed as the sixth archbishop of Indianapolis on December 3, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, one of the co-patronal saints of the archdiocese. Before his work as secretary of the Congregation, Archbishop Tobin, a Redemptorist, served as head of his order from 1997 through 2009. Archbishop Tobin's predecessor, our confrere Archbishop Daniel, was able to travel to Indianapolis for the official announcement this morning, and he himself received long and loud applause at the news conference. Father Denis, president-rector of our Seminary and School of Theology, also attended.  (19) Our monastic visitators left this morning, having given the Recessus --the report of their findings and observations--to the monastic community last evening. Archabbot Justin is required by our Congregation's statutes to respond formally to the report within three months, and so over the next few weeks his Council and the community will be reviewing and discussing the report with our verbal and practical responses in mind. Bottom line at this point: we are in a good place, have a strong community, and are capable of and committed to continued growth and improvement. (20) We said farewell to 38 students from Seton Elementary School in Richmond, Indiana, who made a two-day retreat with us. (21) Father Mark is our Mass Heb on this 29 th Sunday (and week) in Ordinary Time, and so presided and preached at our Conventual Mass this morning.  +++  Brother Francis gave the homily at the Monte Cassino Shrine this afternoon; his topic was, "Mary, our Partner in Prayer." (22) After Compline this evening, Mr. Matt Eckert, our business manager, and Mr. Greg Tate, the general manager of our Abbey Press, gave about an hour-long presentation of our financial status and the projections and plans of our Abbey Press. Both men are relatively new in their positions. Greg assumed leadership of the Abbey Press this past July 1, and Matt began his new work in our Business Office on August 31. "Not a beat was missed," as they say, and both presentations were thorough and optimistic. (23) We have many guests and retreatants on the Hill this week. One of those groups includes 53 priests and personnel from the Diocese of Lexington, here through the 26 th for their presbyteral assembly. Welcome to them and their bishop, the Most Rev. Ronald Gainer. (24) Another group on the hill this week are the 38 priests enjoying Father Eugene's retreat, "The Biblical Prophets: What They have to Say to Priests Today."   (25) We also have a half-dozen recently ordained priests participating in an Institute of Priests and Presbyterates workshop, "Gearing Up to be a Pastor." Among the participants are three alumni, Fr. Dustin Boehm of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, class of 2011; and Fathers Anto Peterraj and Jegan Peter of our class of 2009, from the Diocese of Palayamkottai in India, now "on loan" to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for several years. (26) As several retreats come to an end today, another begins. This evening Brother Maurus begins offering the weekend retreat, "St. Benedict's Way," to two dozen participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center (27) Today begins a very busy weekend on the hill for the Office of Group Accommodations and our housekeepers. Seven guests from St. Leo Catholic Church in Murray, Kentucky, are with us; six guests from Signature HealthCARE of Buckhead, from Louisville, are taking part in a "Spiritual Practices Retreat"; 32 women from St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis are making a retreat; and there are 25 guests from Nativity Catholic Church in Evansville attending a retreat given by Father Noël. This small sampling gives some idea of the diversity of groups we welcome to the Hill. And God bless our housekeepers! (28) Father Meinrad is our Mass Heb on this 30 th Sunday (and week) in Ordinary Time. He was assisted at our Conventual Mass this morning by Deacon Alan Carter, a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Lexington.  +++  The Archabbey Church was full, another group joined us; 50 students and staff from Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis will be with us through tomorrow.  +++  This afternoon we had the last procession and rosary of the season at Monte Cassino. Father Vincent gave the homily, titled "Mary, the New Eve."  +++  Finally, this evening the 27 seminarians from the St. John's Formation House of our seminary joined us for Vespers, and then supper in our refectory. Brother Peduru, who belongs to the "house," gave his classmates tours of the non-cloistered parts of the monastery thereafter. (29) After Compline this evening, we adjourned to the Chapter Room, where Father Abbot Justin offered his reflections on the recent visitation of our monastery. (30) Our confrere, Archbishop Daniel, is enjoying a three-day visit with his support and prayer group. We welcome Archbishop John Vlazny (Portland, OR), Archbishop James Keleher (emeritus, Kansas City, Kansas), Archbishop Daniel Ryan (bishop emeritus, Springfield-in-IL), Bishop Robert Banks (bishop emeritus of Green Bay), and Bishop William Higi (bishop emeritus of Lafayette-in-Indiana). The bishops will be here through tomorrow.  +++  Our junior monks and novices hosted a pumpkin-carving party in the calefactory after Compline this evening. (31) On this eve of All Saints, we resumed at First Vespers the practice of wearing our cucullas for Vespers, Vigils-Lauds and Mass. Father Abbot presided at the First Vespers of this solemnity.  +++  Less liturgical and with a definite nod to the secular, our juniors and novices hosted a Halloween party in the calefactory after Compline. The freshly carved pumpkins from last night presented themselves, their grins and grimaces now glowing from the candles placed therein. Cheeses, crackers, pumpkin and apple pies, and roasted pumpkin seeds supplied nourishment, while conversation and a most esoteric "monastic quiz" provided entertainment. All figures, shadowy and substantial, were safely inside and, most likely, asleep long before midnight! On this eve of the Solemnity of All Saints, we remember in prayer those who have gone before us, especially our parents, confreres, friends--and all who for us make up the heavenly cloud of witnesses to whom we owe much and for whom we are grateful.  And now, from St. Benedict's Rule . . . For obedience given to superiors is given to God, who said: "Whoever listens to you, listens to me." And it should be given gladly by disciples, for "God loves a cheerful giver." If a disciple obeys grudgingly and murmurs not only out loud but internally, even if he carries out the order, it will not be acceptable to God. Chapter 5, vv. 15-18, "Obedience" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey   http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/october-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/october-2012/ Thu, 01 November 2012 11:05:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/september-2012/ (1) Father Jeremy is offering the retreat "Vatican II: Rediscovering the Treasure" to 18 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center this weekend.  +++  We continue to get frequent short rains as the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac makes its way across the lower Midwest. (2) Father Germain is our Mass Heb on this 22 nd Sunday and week of Ordinary Time. Brother Victor Schinstock, one of our confreres from Conception Abbey in Missouri, assisted as deacon for the first time in our Archabbey Church. Brother Victor, ordained deacon earlier this summer, is completing his final year of studies toward the priesthood in our seminary.  +++  Today we also commemorated the 125 th anniversary of the Great Fire. We thank God that we have been spared from similar natural disasters for so long, and pray for those who protect our property and our people. Our prayers today are especially for the firemen and first responders in our area, who serve us generously and expertly. (3) Father Germain, Mass Heb, preached at our Conventual Mass this morning on the feast of St. Gregory.  +++  Father Gregory, on this his feast day, remains at St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville. It is hoped that he will be able to return to his rectory at St. Benedict's Cathedral, Evansville, tomorrow or Wednesday. He's been in the hospital going on 18 days now, so he's obviously eager to get back home. His parishioners are eager to have him back as well. They've fixed up a room for him on the first floor of the rectory, sparing him the stairs for a while, and have even installed a temporary shower in these new quarters. We continue to pray he will know the Lord's healing power and peace.  +++  Father Abbot and Brother Maurus left for their pilgrimage to Ireland this morning. Father Abbot will go from there to Rome, for the meeting of the world's Benedictine abbots. He's scheduled to return September 26. (4) Yesterday evening after Compline, we gathered in the Chapter Room for a Culpa Service. The word in Latin means "fault," and we have the service three or four times during the year. It's a public admission by those who choose to confess publicly their public (obvious) faults, asking forgiveness from the community whom their actions or omissions have offended. Father Prior Kurt presided in Father Abbot Justin's absence, and Brother Martin gave the homily, based on John 8:1-11.  +++  This morning we received the first emails from Fr. Abbot and Br. Maurus, assuring us they had arrived in Ireland safe, sound and on time. (5) We had quite a show of weather in the mid-afternoon: a severe thunderstorm that lasted about an hour. Fortunately, no reports of injury or damage to us or our neighbors. (6) Father Germain preached at our Conventual Mass this morning.  +++  Father Gregory was finally released from Saint Mary's Hospital, Evansville, this afternoon, and is now back at his rectory at the cathedral. It's been a long three weeks for him! Our prayers continue as, tomorrow, he begins a regimen of chemo- and radio-therapy.  +++  We celebrated today the 94 th birthday of Archabbot Bonaventure, and enjoyed colloquium and cake at our evening meal in his honor. Archabbot Bonaventure is our oldest monk-but only for a few more hours.... (7) Father Cletus Miller from Blue Cloud Abbey arrived this morning to take up residence with us. (Retired Blue Cloud Abbot Alan has been with us for about three weeks now.) Blue Cloud Abbey, one of our five daughter houses, founded in 1950, celebrated its last public liturgy at the beginning of August. Over the next months, the monks there will be joining various dioceses or communities. We're happy to have Father Cletus with us. He is in his 73 rd year of monastic profession, his 68 th year of priesthood, and is about three weeks older than Archabbot Bonaventure-whose 94 th birthday we celebrated yesterday! (8) Father Raymond Studzinski led the monastic community in our annual study day last evening and this morning. Our topic was, "Living in an Inter-generational Community." Father Raymond is a monk of Saint Meinrad, and has been serving on the faculty and staff of The Catholic University in Washington, D.C., since the late 1970s. Among his specialties are "Religion and Psychology" and "Religious Development." His 1985 book, Spiritual Direction and Midlife Development, has been a helpful guide for many of us! (9) Father Subprior Guerric is our Mass Heb on this 23 rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (and throughout the week). He preached at our Conventual Mass this morning, assisted by Deacon Christopher Mileski, one of our seminarians from the Diocese of Toledo. Deacon Christopher also joined us for Midday Prayer and the midday meal in our refectory. (10) This past weekend saw another round of weekend courses. About 50 students were on the hill, taking courses from Dr. Dan Kolb ("Dostoevsky and the Problem of Evil"), Dr. Christopher Lutz ("Medieval Philosophy"), Dr. Keith Lemna ("Ecclesiology and Ecumenism"), and Fr. Brendan, OSB ("Teaching and Preaching in the Context of Lay Ecclesial Ministry"). (11) This 11th anniversary of 9/11 was a most appropriate day to renew a practice that the shifting of schedules and work responsibilities had made difficult to maintain. For many years, Brother Dominic (and before him, our Brother Lambert Zink, RIP 2005) took care of raising and lowering the United States flag at our Guest House each day. On special Saint Meinrad occasions, they would raise also the Saint Meinrad flag (red and white, with the Saint Meinrad logo). Brother Dominic's work schedule in our infirmary has shifted recently, making it more difficult for him to continue with the practice. And so, after Vice Rector Father Tobias inquired whether any seminarians would be interested in taking on the responsibilities ...16 seminarians immediately responded! Four teams of "color guards" were formed, with the captains being Lance Warren, a second-year theology seminarian from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City; Joe Curry, a second-year philosophy seminarian from the Diocese of Tulsa; Vinny Gillmore, a first-year philosophy seminarian from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis; and Robert Healy, a first-year philosophy seminarian from the Diocese of Tulsa. Each four-man team takes the responsibility for a week of raising and lowering the flag Monday through Friday. Each of our team captains comes with appropriate experience: Lance is a Texas A&M Cadet; Joe, a nine-year Army veteran; Vinny, a graduate of the Air Force Academy; and Robert, an Eagle Scout. The flag flew at half-mast today, in memory of all killed in the terrorist attacks. We remember them in prayer. And we are grateful for the generous, patriotic service of our seminarians (12) The annual Dolle Lecture in Church Art and Architecture was presented yesterday evening by Archbishop Joseph Dore, retired Archbishop of Strasbourg in France. He spoke on the symbolism and meaning of cathedrals. (13) Brother Maurus has returned from his 10-day tour of Ireland, and will no doubt be telling us of his excursions and experiences with great enthusiasm! We look forward to the reports. Father Abbot Justin enjoyed the tour as well. He remains in Ireland until Sunday, when he will head to Rome and the Congress of Abbots, which begins the following day. (14) This feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is an O.P.-ranked feast, and so Father Prior Kurt presided at this morning's Conventual Mass. Brother Victor Schinstock of Conception Abbey, Missouri, completing his last year of studies in our seminary, assisted at the Eucharist and offered the homily, as he also celebrated today his feast day.  +++  About 60 of our lay degree students and their professors are gearing up for another round of weekend courses, which this time around include the following: "Eucharist," taught by Fr. Thomas Richstatter, OFM; "Christian Ethics," taught by Fr. Mark O'Keefe, OSB; "Listening in Pastoral Ministry," taught by Dr. Tom Robbins; and "American Catholic Identity: Catechetical Perspectives," taught by Dr. Tom Walters (15)  About 30 monks enjoyed pizza at The UnStable for lunch today. Father Prior Kurt, Brother Martin, Brother John Mark, and third-year theology seminarian Tim Wyciskalla (Archdiocese of Indianapolis) teamed up to make 17 large pizzas-including three that were delivered to our monks and health care co-workers in our infirmary. Reservations are already being phoned in for our next "monk lunch" in November! (16) Father Eugene is our Mass Heb on this 24 th Sunday (and week) in Ordinary Time. He was assisted by Deacon Ross Parker, a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Des Moines.  +++  Father Adrian concluded his weekend retreat, "Prayer: What is it Really?", at our Guest House and Retreat Center. Twenty-five participants attended the retreat, as well as joining us for Eucharist this morning.  +++  A number of monks, students and guests enjoyed an organ concert in the Archabbey Church this afternoon. Brazilian organist Cristiano Rizzotto Vidal Pessôa's hour-long performance included works by Langlais, Bach, Peeters and Distler. (17) After Midday Prayer in the Archabbey Church, we received the oblation of Debbie Apoldo of Harrods Creek, Kentucky. God's blessings upon all our oblates!  +++  This evening in the Gallery, Brother Zachary presented the lecture, "The Body of Christ Reaching Out to the Marginalized." Sponsored by the Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, his talk was the opening lecture of the Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly Lectures in Pastoral Practice Series. Brother Zachary currently serves as coordinator of lay formation in our Seminary and School of Theology. He is also active in ministering to the inmates at the nearby Branchville Correctional Facility. (18) Eleven priests are taking part in the "New Pastors" Program, sponsored by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates. (Brother Zachary's lecture yesterday evening was the beginning of this five-day program.) We welcome those about to accept new responsibilities in their care for the people of God! (19) Toledo alumnus and priest Jeff McBeth is here, along with 45 parishioners from St. Thomas Aquinas and Good Shepherd parishes in Toledo, for a two-day retreat.  +++  This evening at table reading, we finished the article by Fr. Joel Ripinger, OSB, "The Benedictine Intellectual Tradition: an overview." Fr. Joel, a monk of Marmion Abbey in Illinois, will be one of the visitators for our regular monastic visitation next month.   (20) What Happened at Vatican II? by John O'Malley is the book we began for table reading this evening. Depending upon the reader and the meal, we average anywhere from five to seven pages an evening. Our table reading for our main meal each day begins with a section from the Rule of Saint Benedict , then goes on to the martyrology (the particular saint or saints honored on the following day) and then the necrology (the mention of our confrere or confreres who have died on the following day). (21) Father Eugene preached on this feast of St. Matthew the Evangelist and Apostle. He was assisted by Deacon Todd Nance, one of our seminarians studying for the Diocese of Tulsa.  +++  Father Abbot Justin has sent word from Rome that the Most Reverend Notker Wolf, OSB, monk and former abbot of St. Ottilien, has again been re-elected Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation and abbot of Sant' Anselmo. (22) Father Harry is offering the weekend retreat, "Covenant: Our Relationship with God," to a dozen participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (23) Father Adrian is our Mass Heb on this 25 th Sunday (and week) in Ordinary Time. He was assisted at our Conventual Mass this morning by Deacon Christopher Droste, a seminarian from the Diocese of Evansville. (24) Father Denis, President-Rector of our Seminary and School of Theology, presented the annual "State of the School" to the monastic community this evening. One hundred fifty-four seminarians from 26 dioceses and six religious communities... the good news does go on, and we have much for which we are grateful. We ask God's blessings on our seminarians, and pray that He will continue to guide our confreres administering and teaching in our seminary. (25) A day of much thunder and lightning, both in the early morning hours and then again around nine o'clock in the evening. The morning lightning caused our power to flicker for a few seconds - long enough to require resetting all those digital alarm clocks, and long enough so that when the power kicked back in, the fire alarms in the seminary went off. A pretty harsh sound at 6:55 a.m.! Lots of rain accompanied both storms, and more is forecast for tomorrow afternoon and evening. (26) We received word this morning of a major fire at St. Joseph Seminary College in Louisiana. St. Joseph is one of our five (with the closing of Blue Cloud Abbey, now four) daughter houses, which we founded in 1890. Extensive damage was done to part of the Administration Building and some 60 seminarians are now "displaced" - living in the Guest House and Retreat Center - but, thankfully, there were no injuries. This is the second time in recent memory that Saint Joseph's has suffered a catastrophe; some of their buildings and property were heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina seven years ago. (27) Father Adrian preached this morning, taking full advantage of our customary practice of "on Sundays and two weekdays." He preached also on Tuesday.  +++  Twenty-one guests from St. Aloysius Parish in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, have joined us for a four-day Scrapbooking Retreat. (28) Many of our Seminary and School of Theology faculty and administration are in New Harmony today for the annual Faculty Study Day; this year it is led by our Father Raymond, our confrere at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. who, earlier this month, led the monastic community in a Friday evening/Saturday morning study session. The faculty's absence from the hill results in a "long weekend" (no classes today, Friday) for our students. I am told that great rejoicing was heard, even from a distance! (29) Father Adrian concluded his week as our Mass Heb by presiding at our Conventual Eucharist on this Feast of the Holy Angels Gabriel, Michael and Raphael. We extend feast-day greetings to our confrere, Father Gabriel, and also to the monks of Conception Abbey, Conception, Missouri, who honor one of their co-patrons - the holy angel Gabriel - on this day. (Their other patron is the Blessed Mother, celebrated especially on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.) And so happy feast wishes and a promise of prayers to our two confreres from Conception who are studying with us this year: Brother (Deacon) Victor and Brother Macario.  +++  Our usual I Vespers of a Sunday in Ordinary Time yielded this evening to I Vespers of the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Archabbey Church, with Father Abbot Justin presiding. (30) On this Sunday, we celebrate the day, 15 years ago, when our confrere and Archbishop of Indianapolis, the Most Reverend Daniel Buechlein, OSB, dedicated the newly renovated Archabbey Church of Our  Lady of Einsiedeln. Father Abbot Justin presided at our Eucharist this morning, and Father Julian preached. (Historically, we note that Fr. Julian was the Master of Ceremonies on the actual Day of Dedication in 1997!) A number of seminarians joined us for our Mass, and so we had extra ministers this morning in the form of cross and candle bearers and miter and crozier bearers: a bit of added solemnity for the occasion!  +++  Brother Martin concluded offering a weekend retreat, "Beauty as a Pathway to God: Religious Art and Symbol in the Spiritual Life, Part 2," to 25 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. And now, from St. Benedict's Rule ... The brothers should serve one another. Therefore no one may be excused from kitchen duty except for illness or occupation with an essential task, for thus is merit increased and love built up. Let help be provided for the weak so they do not lose heart in this work, but let all have help according to the size of the community or the circumstances of the place. Chapter 35, "The Weekly Kitchen Servers" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/september-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/september-2012/ Wed, 03 October 2012 14:17:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/august-2012/ (1) We start this month of August with notes taken by Abbot Bonaventure, filling in for our usual chronicler who is on the road. More about that later.  +++  Our two candidates, Bradley Jensen and Matthew Sprauer, began their retreat for entrance into the novitiate this afternoon. Brother Francis is directing them.  +++  Today was the actual 60th anniversary of profession for Fathers Sebastian, Aelred, and Aurelius, and the actual 65th anniversary of profession for Father Gavin. Following our custom, they joined the Abbot’s Table for the evening meal, and we had colloquium in their honor. Congratulations, confreres, and ad multos annos ! (2) This afternoon Novice Anushka began his retreat for his first profession of vows, which he will make this coming Monday, the sixth, the feast of the Transfiguration. (3) Father Abbot Justin is en route to Blue Could Abbey, South Dakota, for their official closing. Their last public liturgy will be celebrated tomorrow. (4) Father Prior Kurt is at Saint Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, Kansas, representing Saint Meinrad at the solemn vows of their Brother Simon Baker. This past year Brother Simon completed his first year of seminary studies at Saint Meinrad; he will be returning to the hill in a few weeks for his second year of theology. Congratulations and God’s blessings, Brother Simon! (5) On this Eighteenth Sunday (and week) in Ordinary Time, Father Sean is our Mass Heb.  +++  Father Prior Kurt returned from Kansas to stand in for Abbot Justin and preside over the clothing ceremony of our two new novices, Bradley and Matthew. Congratulations to these two young men (both in their late 20s). After Compline we enjoyed a modest reception in the Alumni Commons for them and their guests.  +++  Father Abbot is en route to the hill, returning from Blue Cloud Abbey. (6) On this feast of the Transfiguration, Abbot Justin presided at Second Vespers, during which Novice Anushka Fonseka made his temporary profession of vows (three years), taking the name Brother Peduru. In Sinhala, the first language of Brother’s native Sri Lanka, “Peduru” is “Peter.” He will celebrate his feast day on June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Congratulations, Brother Peduru! (7) We welcome 60 guests from Grand Rapids, Michigan, here on the hill for a youth retreat. (8) During Vespers this evening, Archabbot Justin bestowed the special blessing on Father Godfrey, who this Friday assumes his new responsibilities as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Huntingburg. May God guide Father Godfrey in his new work for the community and the Church.  +++  Father Mark O’Keefe, who has been pastor of St. Mary’s the past four years (and president-rector of our Seminary the 13 years prior to that) will be returning to the monastery, and continuing his teaching and spiritual direction in our Seminary and School of Theology.  (9) We have 11 Dominicans with us for the next few days, making their annual retreat. They are joining us in choir for Vespers.  +++  We also have a large group—52 guests—from the Archdiocese of Louisville, taking part in a Multicultural Ministry Youth Retreat through the weekend. (10) This evening Father Bede began offering a weekend retreat, “Benedictine Approaches to Hope and Love,” to 17 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  Also on the hill are 14 retreatants from St. Patrick Catholic Church in Louisville. (11) Eighteen candidates for the permanent diaconate from the dioceses of Belleville, Illinois, and Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri, are concluding their Homiletics Formation Week today, and will be returning to their home dioceses. Our seminary’s professor of homiletics, Dr. Rick Stern, and Fr. David Scotchie, an alumnus of our School of Theology (1993) and priest of the Diocese of Orlando, were their instructors for the week. (12) Father Colman is our Mass Heb on this 19 th Sunday and Week in Ordinary Time. (13) Father Jeremy is offering a midweek retreat to a dozen couples at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (14) Eleven permanent deacon candidates from the Diocese of Wilmington are halfway through their “Homiletics Week” here on the hill. Alumnus Fr. Jeff Nicolas (College 1988, Theology 1993) is their instructor. (15) Father Archabbot Justin presided at the Conventual Eucharist on this Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Colman preached. Special non-liturgical features of our celebration included a later rising (Vigils & Lauds at 7:15 a.m.) and colloquium at our main meal.  +++  Former Abbot Lambert Reilly returned from his most recent stay at Carmel Des Plaines (outside Chicago), to again take up residence in the monastery. He will continue his retreat and mission work. (16) This afternoon we welcomed the first of the monks from Blue Cloud Abbey, who are in the process of formally transitioning to us. Abbot Alan Berndt is the second abbot in Blue Cloud’s history, having served from 1970 to 1986. He is 92 years old and neither looks nor acts like he’s over 70. He is joining us for prayers, meals and recreations, and is busy exploring his new home.  +++  There are 96 participants here on the hill today, part of the San Damiano Scholars Program from Marian University in Indianapolis.  (17) Late yesterday evening, two European Benedictines arrived to begin their special year of studies with us. We welcome Br. Matthias Balz, a monk of Münsterschwarzach Abbey in Germany, and Br. Philipp Steiner, a monk from our mother Abbey of Einsiedeln, Switzerland. Brothers Matthias and Philipp continue a tradition that is almost 40 years old now: a monk from a European monastery enrolling in our seminary for a year of special studies. They’ll live with us and follow our monastic observance these next nine months, while they learn some pastoral skills and rapidly improve their already-very-fine English. We welcome them to our country and our house! (18) Father Eugene is halfway through offering his retreat, “Letter of James,” to 25 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  Father Gregory was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, Evansville, with jaundice. He has received a stent to drain off the bile and the jaundice is lessening. The results of a biopsy have indicated the probability that a relatively small tumor on his pancreas is malignant. Tests and treatment continue. (19) Father Joseph is our Mass Heb on this Twentieth Sunday (and week) in Ordinary Time.  +++  And today we celebrated the feast day of Father Subprior Guerric. He “exercised his feast-day option” by leading us at Vigils & Lauds; we continued the celebration by having colloquium in his honor at our midday meal. Today was actually the second celebration for him. This past Friday evening, the juniors and novices hosted a party for him at the Placidium, a small sandstone “fraternity house” kind of structure, used by our junior monks for recreation, meetings and shared lectio sessions. Our two European monks had arrived the night before, as had Abbot Alan, and so it was a good opportunity for our three newcomers to enjoy some special hospitality and learn a few more names. (20) We had a community meeting in the Chapter Room after Compline this evening, with our discussion focusing on the report compiled in preparation for the upcoming visitation of our monastery in October. (Every four years, three monks from other monasteries spend a few days with us, interviewing every member of the community as regards our strengths, weaknesses, challenges, etc.). Our report this evening, prepared through meetings and in-house interviews over the past five months, dealt with six areas of our common life: the officials of the monastery, monastic relationships, work and apostolates, care of the sick, vocations/formation, and liturgy/spirituality. (21) Brothers Philipp and Matthias, our two visiting Benedictines from Europe, have a bit of time on their hands before school starts (six days to go!). Today Brother John took them on a tour of New Harmony, the site of a communal experiment in the mid-19 th century, about a 90-minute drive from the abbey. (22) Brother Maurus, our director of retreats, is himself giving a midweek retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center. His topic is, “Pray Your Way to Happiness.” (23) Father Prior Cassian arrived mid-afternoon, to spend a few days with us before returning to Italy. Prior Cassian, a monk of Saint Meinrad who professed his vows in 1980, is the founder (and prior) of Monastero di San Benedetto in Norcia, Italy. He also teaches at the Collegio di  Sant’ Anselmo, the international Benedictine university in Rome. We welcome him back. His last visit was about 18 months ago, so there are quite a few new “walls and spaces” in our buildings for him to inspect.  +++  Our new seminarians arrived today. In addition to unpacking and starting to get settled, they enjoyed a reception in the Alumni Commons after Compline. A number of monks took the opportunity to introduce themselves and welcome them to the hill. (24) On this feast of St. Bartholomew, Father Joseph presided and preached.  +++  Today was the first full day of orientation for our new seminarians. Once again, we’re blessed with full enrollment—and then some. (25) This weekend Brother Luke is presenting the retreat “Tools for Good Works” to eight participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. The title is taken from the fourth chapter of St. Benedict’s Rule for monks.  +++  Thirty-one guests are on the hill from Nativity Catholic Church in Evansville, making a parish retreat. (26) Father Harry, Mass Heb, presided and preached at the Conventual Mass on this Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our new seminarians have settled in, our veteran seminarians have returned and the classrooms are being unlocked. The first day of classes for the new academic year is tomorrow, and all seems to be in order. (27) Father Abbot Justin gave a conference to the monastic community this evening in the Chapter Room after Compline. He chose as his reading the 34 th chapter of St. Benedict’s Rule , “The Distribution of Goods According to Need.” (28) Father Harry, our Mass Heb, preached at the Conventual Mass this morning on this memorial of St. Augustine. Father used his experience on the Archabbey Church Renovation Committee 15 years ago to comment on the panel of St. Ambrose baptizing St. Augustine, one of nine panels designed and produced by Nick Ring, son of Gil Ring, a well-known philosophy professor in our seminary. (29) Father Gregory remains in St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville. Unfortunately, the tumor on his pancreas has been confirmed as cancerous. He hopes to return to his parish, St. Benedict’s in Evansville (the cathedral), very soon. The parishioners have remodeled a downstairs room for his use as a bedroom. He is not certain at this point when his course of chemotherapy will begin. We ask you to join your prayers to ours and his. (30) Fr. Harry preached at our Conventual Mass this morning.  +++  Father Gregory took a bit of a bad turn this afternoon, as his temperature spiked at 102. He has been transferred to ICU. The hospital tells us this is “a concern, not an emergency.” (31) Father Gregory is doing better, and expects to be returned to his regular room at St. Mary’s Hospital this afternoon.  +++  Today we welcomed Mr. Matt Eckert to Saint Meinrad Archabbey, who assumes the responsibilities of our treasurer and business manager. Matt has been general manager of Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in our neighboring Santa Claus, Indiana, since August 2007. Before that, he served as the company’s controller for seven years. Matt was also a senior auditor for Arthur Anderson LLP of Indianapolis. We welcome Matt to his new job on the hill!  +++  At exactly three o’clock this afternoon, we here in Southern Indiana got our first taste of the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. It poured cats and dogs, as the cliché goes—for about 15 minutes. Shortly thereafter, the sun continued to do what the sun does, and all became bone and whisker-dry rather quickly. The weather people tell us we’ll be rain on-and-off throughout the coming week. As we conclude this month’s report, we again congratulate our two new novices, Bradley and Matthew, and our newly professed Brother Peduru! May God continue to guide and bless their discernment. And now, from St. Benedict’s Rule ... " So the one who needs less should thank God and not be sad. And whoever needs more should be humble about his weaknesses and not gloat over the mercy shown him." Chapter 34, “Whether All Should Receive Necessities in Equal Measure” Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/august-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/august-2012/ Sun, 02 September 2012 12:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/july-2012/ (1) Father Thomas is enjoying a home visit with us, taking a break from his doctoral studies at Leuven—and of course we’re putting him to work. He presided and preached at our Conventual Mass this morning, to begin his service this week as our Mass Hebdomadarian.  +++  The closing hours of the afternoon brought some hope for stormy weather. The skies darkened, the wind picked up, thunder rattled around far off—but, alas, no rain, or not much to speak of. At least the temperature dropped into the mid-80s for a while. Areas around us did receive some rain, so we’re grateful for their temporary relief. (2) Father Mel returned from the hospital today. He is in good spirits, happy to be back. He will continue his recuperation from his fall a few days ago in his infirmary cell.  +++  Father Columba began offering his chant workshop, “Bringing to Life the Word of God in Song,” to 19 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center this evening. (3) Shortly after supper this evening, Brother Jerome fell in one of our stairways. The Saint Meinrad area First Responders, who happened to be at our firehouse for a practice, were here within two minutes. They stabilized Brother Jerome and got him ready for the ambulance journey to the Jasper hospital. Fortunately, Brother Jerome was not seriously hurt and returned to the monastery around 11:30 this evening. (4) On this Independence Day, we thank God for the freedoms and liberties our country enjoys, and we ask His blessings on all who strive for human rights and justice.  +++  Father Thomas, continuing on with his duties as Mass Heb, preached a fine “Fourth of July homily” this morning.  +++  We followed our regular weekday schedule today, with some late afternoon/early evening modifications: after Vespers, we enjoyed a modest social in the calefactory while several confreres began the grilling of burgers and brats, which the rest of us eagerly feasted on around six o’clock. So as not to rush our celebration, we prayed Compline individually this evening. (5) Brother Andrew was experiencing some chest pains this evening and so our monk/nurse, Brother Zachary, took him to the hospital. The word is that Brother Andrew did have a small heart attack. He will be further diagnosed tomorrow, and our hope is that he’ll be returning to us soon. (6) Brother Andrew is doing better; he’ll undergo some procedures today and will hopefully return to us tomorrow.  +++  Temperatures continue to soar. Most of our work these past weeks has been indoors: painting, putting up or taking down walls, regular repair and maintenance of equipment. Of course, the heavy work of the renovation of St. Bede and Newman halls continues—on schedule.  +++  An unidentified person gained access to the monastery’s food supply this evening, leaving behind eight boxes stuffed with Krispy Kreme donuts. Prosecution of this violation of monastic space and discipline will be difficult, as most of the evidence has been tampered with and key elements are simply missing. (7) Brother Andrew returned from the Jasper hospital today. He looks in good shape and has promised to take things “just a bit easier.”  +++  Earlier this week, Father Stephen was hospitalized for a few days. He had just returned from vacation and was experiencing some shortness of breath. He’s now back at his rectory in Lake Village,Indiana, doing just fine. (8 ) Father Adrian is our Mass Heb on this 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time.  +++  About 50 of our lay degree students were on the Hill this weekend, taking various courses. Dr. James Helmer taught “Catholic Social Ethics,” Dr. Clayton Jefford taught “Synoptics, Acts, and General Epistles,” Fr. Damian Dietlein, OSB, taught  “Women in Early Christianity,” and Dr. Ryan LaMothe taught “Marriage Counseling.”  +++  Just as we began Vespers this evening, the skies opened a bit—and we enjoyed about five minutes of rain. A welcome sound and sight. It didn’t last long, but we are looking forward to cooler and wetter weather this evening and on into tomorrow. May the Lord bless those who work our land, especially under these most difficult conditions! (9) About a hundred Conventual Franciscan Friars from Mt. St. Francis, Indiana, are holding their annual convocation here on the Hill. Some of our guests have expressed some confusion about the different varieties of habits processing through our church! (10) Brother Terence was experiencing some breathing difficulties and so we took him in to the Jasper hospital this afternoon. First reports are that he is resting comfortably, has improved a bit, and may be in for five or six days. (11) Most of the Universal Church celebrates the feast of St. Benedict today. We do as well, but since here on the Hill our major celebration in honor of St. Benedict is on March 21, we honor today also all saints of the Benedictine Order. An O.P.-ranked feast, Father Prior Kurt presided at our Conventual Eucharist and Father Adrian, Mass Heb, offered the homily. We followed our weekday schedule today, but we did enjoy  colloquium  at our evening meal, along with our customary special Wednesday night desserts. (12) This past Monday, Father Columba began the second session of a week-long retreat, “Bringing to Life the Word of God in Song.” Fifteen participants have been “singing his praises” at our Guest House and Retreat Center. The retreat ends tomorrow. (13) Twenty-two members, spouses and guests of our High School Class of 1967 began arriving today for their 45 th  reunion. They’ll be with us through Sunday morning. (14) This weekend brings another round of weekend courses in our  Seminary and School of Theology’s lay degree programs. About six dozen men and women continued their program this morning, and will conclude tomorrow afternoon. Course offerings this time around: “Dostoevsky and the Problem of Evil,” taught by Dr. Dan  Kolb; “Medieval Philosophy,” taught by Dr. Christopher Lutz; “Ecclesiology and Ecumenism,” taught by Dr. Keith Lemna; and “Teaching and Preaching in the Context of Lay Ecclesial Ministry,” taught by Fr. Brendan, OSB. (15) Father Pius is our Heb this week, but on this Sunday, beginning the 15 th  Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Vincent presided at the Conventual Mass in his place. Father Pius, in addition to being our refectorian, is also in charge of managing the many requests for pastoral assistance that come our way, and not infrequently he has to assign himself to assume weekend ministry at a parish—as was the case today.  +++  The novice-junior master and four novices from the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani, Bardstown, Kentucky, arrived this afternoon for a few days’ visit. We welcome our brothers as they join us for prayer, meals and recreation.  +++  Brother Terence has taken a turn for the worse over the weekend. This morning it seemed as though he was very near death; the report this afternoon, however, is that he seems much improved. (16) Solemnity of Our Lady of Einsiedeln. Father Abbot Justin presided and preached on this O.A.-ranked feast, and we gave our five Benedictine Scholars (five college-age men living, studying and working with us for two months) some liturgical experience by having them serve as cross and candle, miter and crozier bearers, and as lector. (17) We celebrated a “local feast” today: Father Abbot Justin presided at our Conventual Mass, marking the feast of All Holy Monks of Einsiedeln and Saint Meinrad.  +++  This evening Brother Luke began a midweek retreat for nine individuals, “Tools for Good Works,” based upon Chapter 4 of St. Benedict’s  Rule . (18) Twelve permanent deacon candidates from the Diocese of Davenport are halfway through their “homiletics week” here on the Hill. The week is led by our own homiletics professor, Dr. Rick Stern. (19) Brother Terence continues to show much improvement, and there are indications that he may be “out of the woods”—and ready to return to our own scorched earth here. It has been a little cooler this week, especially in the evenings, but the word is that there’s still a lot of summer ahead of us. (20) A number of monks were joined by off-the-Hill guests for a concert this evening, presented by 130 members of the Brentwood,Tennessee, Sonshine Youth Choir. The choir is made up of 120 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, whose primary responsibility is to lead the 8:30 worship service at the Brentwood United Methodist Church in music each Sunday morning. The Sonshine Tour has been with us before. Their tour this year takes them from their home to Chicago and points in between, where they will sing in churches, retirement homes, facilities for the mentally, physically, and emotionally challenged, children’s day camps, and juvenile detention centers. They treated us to a program consisting of accompanied and  a capella , traditional sacred choral selections, hymn tunes and multicultural pieces. A most pleasant way to spend an hour on a Friday evening! (21) Mr. Dave Maloney is presenting “A Step 11 Retreat for Recovering Alcoholics and Alanons” to 35 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center this weekend. (22) Father Christian, home for part of the summer and taking a break from his doctoral studies at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C., is our Mass Heb for this 16th Week in Ordinary Time. He presided and preached at our Conventual Eucharist.  +++  Abbot Jerome Kodell of Subiaco Abbey, Arkansas, joined us for Vespers and supper this evening. Abbot Jerome is giving a retreat to the sisters of the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand. He gave the retreat to our monastic community a few years back, so it was good to see an old friend once again. (23) Over 200 of our alumni are enjoying the first day of our annual reunion. The weather is as hot as ever, but the spirits of all are good. (24) This is the principal day of the Alumni Reunion. Evansville Bishop Charles Thompson, an alumnus of our theology class of 1987 (and who, as a third-year Louisville seminarian was in the very first class taught by your chronicler, who was fresh out of grad school way back in that fall of 1986!) presided and preached at the reunion’s Eucharist (your chronicler/his former professor served as his liturgical M.C.!). During Mass an unexpected downpour, all too brief, did give us some temporary relief, but forced the cancellation of the planned outdoor photograph. At the evening banquet, the Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Mr. Bernie Niehaus of Vincennes, Indiana (high school class of 1955) and Fr. Donald Wolf of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City (college class of 1977, theology class of 1981). (25) This afternoon we welcomed Brother Terence home from his two-week stay in the hospital. He’s delighted to be back, and we’re delighted to have him here once again! He’s lost some weight, but not his good spirits—nor his humor, nor his desire to get back into things. We’ll be forcing him for a while to take things easy—which will certainly be difficult for him!  +++  Our alumni and their spouses and guests concluded their annual reunion today. We pray for safe travels and look forward to next year. (26) About 50 participants in an ACT’s Women’s Retreat are here from Corydon, Indiana, for the next few days.  (27) Today was the feast day of Father Prior Kurt. Following our custom, he was Office Heb for Vigils/Lauds and Vespers, and we had  colloquium  at the evening meal in his honor.  +++  We continued that celebration by starting a new one. After supper we moved into our calefactory for ice cream novelties and a “goodbye” to the five young men who have been with us the past two months. These Benedictine Scholars, as we have called their program, are college-age men who have spent the last eight weeks participating in our liturgies, meals and recreations, working part-time each day with one of our monks or co-workers, and taking a course for college credit. This is the first year we sponsored this program and it proved a success—for them and for us. We hope to see some of these men in the future, and our Director of Vocations, Br. John Mark, is already making plans for next summer’s “Scholar” program. (28) About 50 participants from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis are making a “Young Adult Retreat” here this weekend.  +++  And we welcome 16 permanent deacons from the Archdiocese of Louisville and their wives, also with us for a weekend retreat.  (29) Today was the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, but it was definitely not an ordinary time on the Hill. We celebrated jubilees today—many of them! Our jubilarians were Father Richard Hindel (65 th  of ordination), Fathers Sebastian, Aelred, and Aurelius, and Brothers Philip and Maurus (60 th  of monastic profession), and a rare “double-jubilarian,” Father Gavin, who celebrated his 65 th  anniversary of profession and his 60 th  of priesthood. Archabbot Justin presided and preached at our Eucharist, and a fine meal and afternoon reception followed. We thank our jubilarians for their faithful prayer, work and witness, and wish them  ad multos annos ! (30) Back to “ordinary time,” and Father Meinrad began his week as our Mass Heb.  +++  The Diocese of Covington began their seminarian retreat this evening; their 28 seminarians and retreat leaders, and Bishop Roger Foys, will be with us through August 2. (31) Father Paul returned from Rome and the Biblicum a few days ago for a two-month “summer stay.” It’s good to have him back. And we now welcome his classmate, a monk and priest from Lebanon, Fr. Toni Eid, OLM (Lebanese Marionite Order), who will be staying with us for a few days. Fr. Toni is also studying at the Biblicum and, in addition to English, speaks French, Italian, Arabic and German. This is his first visit to the United States. As we conclude this month’s report, we congratulate Romain Botta, OSB, who was ordained priest for the Monastere de l ‘Incarnation in Togo, West Africa. Fr. Romain had been studying with us at Saint Meinrad these past years, and so he now begins ministry in his homeland. His confrere, Br. Philippe Tchalou, OSB, will be returning to the Hill in the fall to continue his studies and formation for priesthood. Our Father Cyprian and Father Harry represented us at the ordination and will be sharing their experiences with us in the near future. Father Romain was the last of the 20 members of our class of 2012 to be ordained.  However : my mistake, I neglected to include in our listing the ordination of Dustin Collins to the priesthood on June 2. Father Dustin is well into his priestly ministry for the Diocese of Knoxville. Congratulations to Fathers Dustin and Romain—and to their classmates, our new priests of 2012! And now, from St. Benedict’s  Rule … In his teaching, the abbot ought always stay close to the apostolic pattern: “Correct, entreat, reproach.” That is to say, he should vary his approach according to the situation, mixing threats and enticements, now showing the sternness of a taskmaster, and now the tender affection of a father…. Let him tailor his approach to meet each one’s character and understanding; he will thereby suffer no loss of the sheep entrusted to him, but even enjoy the increase of a good flock. Chapter 2, “The Qualifications of an Abbot,” v. 23-24, 32 Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/july-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/july-2012/ Wed, 01 August 2012 06:43:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/june-2012/ (1) On this first day of the new month, we wish Abbot Justin greetings and blessings on the feast day of St. Justin Martyr, his patron. Abbot Justin presided at our Conventual Eucharist this morning. We continued the celebration this evening by enjoying colloquium at our evening meal, along with his preferred menu (simple, to be sure but, also to be sure, including Red Velvet Cake. +++ We received the oblation of Curt and Donna Hardy of Pittsboro, North Carolina, in the Archabbey Church following Midday Prayer. May God bless all our oblates. (2) About 50 of our lay degree students are on the hill this weekend for another round of courses. Teachers and courses include Dr. Clayton Jefford (Synoptics, Acts and General Epistles), Fr. Damian Dietlein (Women in Early Christianity), and Dr. Ryan LaMothe (Marriage Counseling). (3) The Solemnity of the Holy Trinity is an OP-ranked feast, and so Father Prior Kurt presided and preached at our Conventual Eucharist this morning. +++ Father Adrian concluded his weekend retreat, "Prayer: What is it, Really?" at our Guest House and Retreat Center, which had over 40 participants. +++ This evening we also hosted the annual supper for our Einsiedeln Society, which included a pre-supper social, the fine supper itself and several presentations-all ably and entertainingly moderated by Father Brendan. We are grateful for the many who support our prayer and work. May God sustain and strengthen them! (4) About a dozen monks and another 15 or so co-workers attended the funeral and burial of co-worker Terry Wahl, who took his own life at the end of last month. Father Anthony presided and Father Godfrey preached at the liturgies, held at St. Ferdinand Church and Cemetery. +++ Coincidentally, we also learned today of the death of Steven Scheer, a former English professor in our College in the 1970s, '80s and '90s, who apparently took his own life a few days ago at his home in Newburgh, Indiana. We pray for all the faithful departed. And reflecting upon these two deaths, we pray also for those who feel they have no hope and no possible future. May God sustain them in their pain and hurt, and may "we" be attentive to their needs. (5) Fr. Joseph, our Mass Heb, preached at our Conventual Mass this morning. +++ Abbot Justin is at Benet Lake Abbey in Wisconsin, taking part in the regular visitation of that community. From there, he will go to Marmion Abbey, Illinois, to take part in the annual meeting of the Abbot President's Council. We expect him back on the hill Friday. +++ Over a hundred priests and staff of the Archdiocese of Louisville have their annual Presbyteral Assembly under way here on the hill. They began yesterday and will conclude their work on the 7 th . May God bless their prayer and work! (6) This past Saturday, five men in their late teens and early 20s arrived to begin a two-month Benedictine Scholars program. A new program offered by our Vocations Department, it offers young men a chance to spend some time with the monastic community (prayer, meals, recreation), take a college-level course for credit, and earn a stipend through working with one of our various crews. This evening after supper, we officially greeted and welcomed them with an ice cream social in our calefactory after supper. The five men come from Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, Illinois-and India! (7) Father Joseph took another opportunity to preach at our Conventual Mass this morning. +++ This afternoon an opportunity for tours of the ongoing renovation of St. Bede and Newman halls was offered. As of today, Pat Clark, our director of physical facilities, offers the following assessment: The offices of the Office of Group Accommodations and the Institute for Priests and Presbyterates will be moving into St. Bede Hall the week of July 9 th , and we expect all to have moved into their offices by the morning of the 16 th . The first guests of St. Bede Hall are expected the week of August 12 th . The Scholar Shop will begin moving July 11 th, and should be operational the morning of July 18 th . The Counseling Center and IT Offices will be operational by the end of July, and classrooms will be operational for the first day of classes. The Newman Hall Wellness Center and the four apartments on 4 th floor are due to be open by the end of August. Needless to say, a lot is going on and we're looking forward to renewed facilities, less dust and dirt in the air, and quieter times during the day! (8) Brother Zachary begins offering the weekend retreat, "Forgiven and Forgiving," to 24 participants this evening at our Guest House and Retreat Center. And as Brother Zachary begins, about two dozen parishioners from St. Patrick's Parish in Kokomo, Indiana, concluded a two-day stay with us. We have lots of visitors, retreatants and guests throughout the year. May all who join us, for a few days or even a few hours, leave with a renewed sense of God's peace! (9) As you know, we have various groups visiting the hill throughout the year-to pray, to relax, to retreat, to camp out and, sometimes, to record! Throughout this Saturday, the Christ Church Cathedral Choir from Indianapolis was recording in our Archabbey Church. They will return in the fall to offer us a concert! (10) Today, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), is an OP-ranked feast and so Father Prior Kurt presided and preached at the Conventual Mass. We extended the celebration a bit by having colloquium at our midday meal. (11) About 50 of our oblates began their annual Study Days this evening; the program will conclude Thursday at noon. The speaker this year is Father Prior Kurt, who will be presenting six conferences on the topic, "The Sacraments: Means of Grace, Ways of Life." (12) Some of the monks enjoyed an ice cream social with the "One Bread, One Cup" participants, here for this summer's first session. The hill is filled with youthful energy this month! (13) Father Bede, our Mass Heb, presided and preached on this feast of St. Anthony of Padua. +++ Our Benedictine Oblates, here for their Study Days, invited the monks to join them in a social this evening at the Guest House and Retreat Center. (14) The oblates concluded their annual Study Days at noon today, although a handful are staying on the hill for an additional day or two, continuing to enjoy the quiet. (15) On this Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an OP-ranked feast, Father Prior Kurt presided and Father Bede preached at the Conventual Mass. We continued the celebration at supper with colloquium and wine. (A bit of monastic trivia: during most of the year, we have table wine at our main meal except on Wednesdays and Fridays. On special feasts-such as today-we break the abstinence!) (16) The first session of this summer's "One Bread, One Cup" concluded yesterday, and so our interns are spending the next few days reviewing and refreshing. The next session begins Wednesday. (17) Father Germain is our Heb, beginning this 11 th week of Ordinary Time. (18) Father Adrian, business manager, and Mr. Greg Tate, who will become general manager of the Abbey Press on July 1, presented the overview for fiscal 2012-2013 to the monastic community after Compline this evening. We continue to thank God for the many blessings he has given us, and we continue to keep our many friends and benefactors in our daily prayers. (19) Thirteen candidates for the permanent diaconate of the Diocese of Evansville are here for their week of homiletics training. (20) Br. Martin and Br. Michael Moran, CP, are conducting the last full day of their six-day retreat, "The Image as a Window to the Spiritual: An Artist's Six-Day, Hands-On Workshop and Retreat." Twenty-four participants have been taking advantage of the talents of these two fine artistic creators and crafters. (21) The Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, is ordaining six men to the priesthood tomorrow-their largest ordination class since 1923! Three of those men completed their studies last month at our seminary, and so Saint Meinrad will be well represented (and on the road!) these next few days. At various times today, Fr. Prior Kurt, Fr. Harry, Fr. Denis and Director of Spiritual Formation Fr. Joe Moriarty took to the highways or the skies to the edges of Lake Superior. +++ After Compline this evening, a number of monks enjoyed an ice cream social with the participants of our "One Bread, One Cup" youth leadership program. Ice cream was made for these hot summer days! (22) We welcome Father Timothy back to the house! For the past months, Father has been at Blue Cloud Abbey, South Dakota, one of our daughter houses, as they engaged in a lengthy process as to how to best manage their future. They have announced that their last public liturgy will be on August 5, and then will proceed with the dispositions of property and considerations of the opportunities for their personnel. We keep the monks of Blue Cloud Abbey in our prayers in a special way now, as well as asking God to strengthen and sustain all affected by this news. (23) It has been so dry this summer that it's no surprise we and our neighbors are having water supply and usage problems. This afternoon, our area was placed on a "water boil order" for at least the next few days. Temperatures next week are predicted to be in the 100s for several days; we pray for relief-and some rain-and remember that many are suffering the extremes Mother Nature offers. (24) Today the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist takes precedence over the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. This is an OP-ranked feast but, as Father Prior Kurt is in Duluth (with several confreres for the ordinations mentioned above), Father Subprior Guerric presided at our Conventual Mass.Father Meinrad preached, and some special wine and colloquium at our midday meal continued the celebration. (25) Both our "conserve water" and "water boil" advisories continue-as do the high temperatures. (26) Father Meinrad, our Mass Heb, preached at the Conventual Mass this morning. (27) The Archdiocese of Indianapolis concluded its annual presbyteral assembly at noon today; about a hundred priests and staff were present for the meetings, which began this past Sunday evening. +++ The monastic community enjoyed an extra special Wednesday dessert in the calefactory after supper, held to honor Sr. Regina McIntyre for her many years of fine and faithful service as our principal organist. +++ Our "conserve water" condition continues but, fortunately, we were able to return to drinking water from the tap halfway through the afternoon. You never know how much you take something for granted until.... (28) We welcome Father Sebastian back from Connecticut, where he teaches at The Canterbury School in New Milford. Father will be with us through the first week of August, and so will be present for the celebration of his and his four classmates' 60 th jubilee of monastic profession at the end of July. (29) Father Abbot Justin presided and preached on this Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. +++ Today was the last day of full-time employment for John Wilson, who has served us well for 34 years as business manager and, most recently, general manager of the Abbey Press. Many monks and co-workers enjoyed a luncheon and reception for him. We're most grateful for John's service, and are thankful he will continue to serve us in his retirement as senior financial advisor. +++ This evening Father Eugene began offering the weekend retreat, "The Birth of the Church According to the Acts of the Apostles," to 24 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (30) On this last day of the month (and the fiscal year), Father Mel fell in his infirmary cell and was taken, by Brother Benjamin, our "resident ambulance driver," to the Jasper hospital for x-rays. He has an inoperable fracture of his pelvis, and so treatment will involve relief of pain, physical therapy and natural healing. Father Mel will remain in the hospital over the weekend, and will be re-evaluated Monday to determine how much of his treatment might be carried out back here in our infirmary. Otherwise, he may be in the hospital for 10 to 14 days. +++ The temperatures continue to reach into the mid-100s; the forecast doesn't offer much relief anytime soon. We continue to keep our neighbors in prayer, especially those who work the land. As we conclude this month's report, we congratulate our seminarians who have been ordained to the priesthood these past weeks: On June 2: Jerry Byrd, Archdiocese of Indianapolis; Brian Emmick and Jeffrey Read, Diocese of Evansville; Patrick Hirtz and Dexter Noblefranca, Diocese of Memphis On June 9: Dominic Petan and Travis Stephens, Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana On June 16: Anthony Baker, OSB, Assumption Abbey, Richardton, ND On June 22: Drew Braun, Seth Gogolin and Brian Lederer, Diocese of Duluth, MN Congratulations to our new priests! And now, from St. Benedict's Rule ... "Do not wish to be called holy before you really are; first be holy, and then the term will be truer in your case." Chapter 4, "What Are the Tools of Good Works?" v. 62 Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey   http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/june-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/june-2012/ Mon, 02 July 2012 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/may-2012/ (1) Today we celebrated the patronal feast day of Fr. Jeremy. +++ In recent days, two guests have joined us for brief stays in the monastery-Br. Paul Richards, OSB, from St. John's Abbey in Minnesota, and Passionist artist Br. Michael Moran, CP, from West Hartford, Connecticut. +++ This past Sunday, Br. Maurus headed out from Saint Meinrad with a large contingent for a Benedictine pilgrimage to the Canadian Rockies. Fr. Sean, as chaplain, and Br. Dominic are accompanying him and the pilgrims on the trip, which will include rail travel and a tour of Westminster Abbey near Vancouver, British Columbia. +++ Meanwhile, tomorrow, Fr. Prior Kurt departs for some well-deserved vacation time. May God bless all travelers, near and far-after all, we are all pilgrims on this earth. (2) Monks from other monasteries who stay with us while pursuing studies in the Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology contribute a great deal to our common prayer, work and community life in the monastery. As is our custom each year, we honored our visiting confreres in a special way this evening with colloquium (talking) during our main meal in the refectory, followed by special desserts and cordials in the monastery calefactory. This year, we tip our hoods-so to speak-to Brothers Romain (Monastere de l'Incarnation, Togo), Anthony (Assumption Abbey), Guerric (Conception Abbey), Victor (Conception Abbey), Macario (Conception Abbey), Thomas (Abtei Maria Einsiedeln, Switzerland), Philippe (Monastere de l'Incarnation, Togo), and Simon (St. Benedict's Abbey). Having completed their studies here, the first three, as well as Brother Thomas, are returning permanently to their communities after the school year. +++ Arriving today to begin his candidacy with us is Brad Jensen, who hails from the great state of Iowa. May God guide his discernment of the monastic way of life in the way of peace. (3) Fr. Gavin, our "resident playwright," celebrated the 60 th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood today. During the evening meal, he sat at the abbot's table and we had colloquium in his honor. Ad multos annos , Fr. Gavin! +++ Today was also the patronal feast day of our Br. Philip. (4) This evening at the Placidium, the juniors, novice and candidate hosted a feast day party (held over from April 25) for Br. John Mark, who is the socius and assistant novice/junior master. (5) Arriving today to begin his candidacy with us in the monastery is Matthew Sprauer, who hails from the great state of Ohio. May God guide his discernment of the monastic way of life in the way of peace. Please continue to pray for vocations to Saint Meinrad Archabbey, and for those who are discerning our monastic way of life here. We now have two candidates, one novice and three junior monks in temporary profession. (6) The Fifth Sunday of Easter and Fr. Subprior Guerric, our Mass Heb, presided and preached at the 9:30 Conventual Mass. +++ The month of May's opening pilgrimage today at the Monte Cassino Shrine had a distinct Swiss flavor. Einsielden's Br. Thomas spoke on the topic: "Einsiedeln: Life at a Marian Shrine." Pilgrimages to the shrine one mile east of the Archabbey are held each Sunday afternoon in May and again in October. (7) The last week of classes for the spring semester in the Seminary and School of Theology got under way today, with students and faculty (including a number of monks as students, teachers or administrators) busy with year-end projects, exam preparations, and making plans for graduation and beyond. Final exams will be administered later in the week. May God bless and guide all current and former students, teachers, and administrators in their work and studies. (8) Candidates Bradley and Matthew are gradually becoming acquainted with life on the Hill. This afternoon, they were given a tour of Abbey Press by Br. Silas, the managing editor of the Publications Division. +++ Two monastic guests are joining us for brief stays in the monastery over the next few days: Br. John Patrick Arnett, OSB, of Assumption Abbey, who arrived today, and Fr. Volker Futter, OSB, of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska, who arrives in another couple days. Each is a guest of Br. Anthony and Br. Romain, respectively, for this weekend's graduation festivities. (9) While birthdays in the monastery typically come and go without any official celebration (unlike patronal feast days recalling monks' profession dates), all that changes when a monk reaches his 90 th birthday. Thereafter, each monk 90 or over gets some special recognition each year. Today, Fr. Simeon joined that elite group, and in keeping with our custom, he was seated at the abbot's table for the evening meal, where we honored him with colloquium , cake, a round of applause and our fondest wishes. Congratulations and ad multos annos , Fr. Simeon! +++ After Midday Prayer, Mainerd Sorensen of Cincinnati was invested as an oblate novice in the Archabbey Church. We ask God's blessings on all our oblates! (10) After Midday Prayer, John Manzo of New Albany, Indiana, was invested as an oblate novice in the Archabbey Church. +++ This morning, the Nashville Children's 2011-2012 Touring Choir stopped in St. Meinrad on their way to Chicago and presented a 40-minute program in the Archabbey Church. The choir is part of Belmont Academy, a pre-college music program located at Belmont University in Nashville. (11) Graduation weekend kicked off with a dinner, Mass and commencement ceremony this evening for all the seminarians receiving degrees. The Mass and commencement were held in the Archabbey Church, with Most Reverend Paul D. Etienne, bishop of Cheyenne, as the principal celebrant and commencement speaker. Another Mass, commencement, and luncheon will be held tomorrow for the lay degree students. Commencement exercises were split up this year because of the ongoing construction at St. Bede Hall and the limited space for graduates and guests in the Archabbey Church. At the seminary commencement, 36 degrees were conferred. Monks receiving degrees included Br. Philippe Tchalou (Monastere de l'Incarnation, Togo), Master of Arts in Philosophical Studies; Br. Anthony Baker (Assumption Abbey), Master of Divinity; Br. Romain Botta (Monastere de l'Incarnation, Togo), Master of Divinity; and Br. Guerric Letter (Conception Abbey), Master of Divinity. Congratulations to all the graduates! +++ Today we celebrated the patronal feast day of Br. Hugh. (12) Thirty-seven degrees - either Master of Arts in Theology or Master of Theological studies - were conferred during the commencement for lay students in the Archabbey Church. In addition, five Certificates in Supervision (either in homiletics or pastoral care and counseling) were presented. Once again, Bishop Etienne was the principal Mass celebrant and commencement speaker. Two monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey were among the graduates, both receiving Master of Theological Studies degrees - Br. Francis Wagner and Br. Adam Edwards. Congratulations to all the graduates! +++ Meanwhile, in New Orleans, Fr. Cyprian received an honorary doctorate from Xavier University, where he has taught during the summer. Congratulations, Fr. Cyprian! (13) The Sixth Sunday of Easter and Fr. Brendan, our Mass Heb, presided and preached at the 9:30 Conventual Mass. +++ Br. Angelo and Br. Flavian celebrated the actual 50 th anniversary of their monastic profession. To honor them, they were invited to sit at the abbot's table for dinner, during which we had colloquium. Ad multos annos to both our confreres! +++ Fr. Harry was the featured speaker for today's pilgrimage at the Monte Cassino Shrine. His topic: "Madonna and Child: Imagining the Mother of God." +++ Late last evening and early this morning, we received word that Br. Adam was seriously injured in a car accident in the Louisville area. He has been hospitalized in Lexington, and had surgery today. He has a long road of recovery and rehabilitation ahead of him, so our prayers and support are with him. (14) Feast of the Apostle Matthias, and the patronal feast day of our Fr. Matthias, who is chaplain at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove. Fr. Matthias is also rehabilitating from a compression fracture of the spine suffered last fall. Another expositus , Fr. Micheas, has joined us for a few days in the monastery. He serves as chaplain at the Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, N.C. Please keep in prayer all our monks who are doing good work while stationed away from the monastery! (15) Fr. Thomas was welcomed back to the monastery today. He has been studying at the University of Louvain in Belgium, and is home for the summer. He has been missed - he's been abroad nearly two years. +++ We received the sad news today that Fr. Cyril Crawford, a Saint Meinrad alumnus, a monk of St. Joseph Abbey in Louisiana, and a classmate of Fr. Thomas at Louvain, died quite suddenly. He was only 46. We pray for the repose of his soul, for his confreres at St. Joseph, and for his family and friends. +++ Br. Andrew celebrated the feast of his holy patron. (16) Br. Elijah, who made temporary vows in January 2011, left the monastery today. He plans to take up residence in the Louisville area and pursue a career in nursing. We are grateful for his time with us. May God go with him. +++ Prayers were offered for Fr. Brendan and Br. Adam on this day honoring their holy patrons. The latter remains hospitalized with serious injuries suffered in a weekend traffic accident. Several confreres have traveled to Lexington to visit briefly with him. (17) Word was received from Aurora, Illinois, today that Abbot Gerald Benkert of Marmion Abbey died peacefully in the Lord last evening. He was 102 - the senior member of the Swiss American Congregation in both age and profession. Abbot Gerald was the founding abbot of Marmion Abbey (which was established by Saint Meinrad Archabbey), serving in that capacity from 1947 to 1969. The funeral will be held May 22. May he rest in peace. (18) Please continue to keep our ill and infirm confreres in your prayers. In addition to Br. Adam, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Louis Hacker have been in the hospital this week (Fr. Louis remains hospitalized in Indianapolis) for heart-related procedures. Fr. Simeon also underwent an outpatient "upgrade" this week.  +++  Fr. Vincent concluded offering his five-day retreat, "Manly Strength: Priestly Virtues, Servant Virtues," to eight priests at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (19) A week after graduation ceremonies, the Hill has begun taking on its customary summer stillness in recent days. After next week's community retreat, a good number of monks will also be off for summer assignments or vacations. Even this week, departures have been the norm, as our visiting monks here studying in our Seminary and School of Theology head back to their own monasteries for the summer - or for good. Among the latter, we bid farewell and best wishes to Br. Guerric of Conception Abbey, Br. Anthony of Assumption Abbey, Br. Romain of Monastere de l'Incarnation in Togo, and Br. Thomas of Einsiedeln in Switzerland. Tomorrow, Br. Romain and Br. Philippe head back to Togo (Br. Philippe will return in the fall after making solemn vows).  +++  Fr. Eugene is offering the retreat, "Reading the Book of Deuteronomy," to 25 participants this weekend at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (20) Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, with Archabbot Justin presiding at our celebration of the Eucharist. Fr. Thomas delivered the homily. +++ Fr. Cyprian was the featured speaker for today's pilgrimage at the Monte Cassino Shrine, with his topic being "Who Is Mary?"  (21) We welcomed the Most Rev. Christopher Coyne, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, as our retreat director this morning. After his first conference, we enjoyed special coffees and pastries in the calefactory. The resident monastic community, and a half-dozen or so of our expositi , will be on retreat through Friday noon. We'll have morning and afternoon conferences, and are having a special book read at table during our evening meal.  +++  And I thank Br. Francis for his most competent handling of "About the House" during my absence. I enjoyed my break. In keeping with St. Benedict's injunction about monks returning from a trip (our quote from last month): "Enough said." (22) Fr. Louis Hacker and Br. Adam returned for their respective hospitals this afternoon. There is more work to be done toward further healing for both, of course, but we're glad they are again in the house with us.  +++  Fr. Anthony, one of our expositi home for the community retreat, presided and preached at our Conventual Mass. (23) Today is the 30th anniversary of the blessing of our "new" monastery. It is showing its age a bit, and this year a number of projects have been under way, such as reviewing plumbing and electrical needs, the condition of individual cells and rooms, storage space and the like. As anyone who owns a house knows, there is always something that needs attention!  +++  Fr. Edward is one of our expositi able to join us for the retreat; he presided and preached at our Conventual Mass this morning.  +++  Halfway through our annual retreat, we enjoyed our customary "Cook Out & Eat In," thanks to the organization and work of our refectorians, Fr. Pius and Br. Martin. We enjoyed a social in the calefactory after Vespers, and then proceeded into the refectory for freshly grilled salmon and ribeyes. (24) Fr. Raymond, home for retreat, presided and preached at our Conventual Mass this morning.  +++  For the next few days, 36 men of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Corydon, Indiana, are here for a retreat. We welcome all who come to Saint Meinrad for prayer and peace.  +++  Br. Zachary concluded offering a midweek retreat, "Revisiting the Rosary," to 17 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (25) Bishop Coyne gave the last conference of our retreat at nine o'clock this morning; we concluded the retreat with Conventual Mass at ten o'clock, during which we, as a monastic community, renewed our vows. We're grateful to Bishop Coyne for sharing his time and his insights with us. (26) The 85-year-old brother of Fr. Damian Schmelz, Frank, died this past Monday. This morning Father Jonathan represented Saint Meinrad at his funeral Mass and burial. May Frank's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. (27) The solemnity of Pentecost saw us celebrating also the 50th anniversary of monastic profession of Br. Angelo, Br. Flavian and Fr. Matthias. Father Abbot Justin presided and preached at our Eucharist, and after the homily Brothers Angelo and Flavian stood before the community to renew their vows. (Fr. Matthias was not able to join us, as he is still recovering from some physical ailments.) Their guests joined us for a festive dinner in the Newman Dining Room. To our jubilarians: congratulations, and ad multos annos !  +++  Novice Anushka led the fourth and final Monte Cassino prayer and pilgrimage for May; he spoke on "Mary: A Perfect Response to God's Invitation." (28) A quiet Memorial Day on the hill. We are grateful to the men and women serving in our Armed Forces, past and present, and include in our prayers and gratitude those serving as chaplains. May Christ, the Prince of Peace, reign in our hearts and in our world. (29) Among guests to the hill today were 13 members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish from Cincinnati, who are making a retreat for a few days. (30) Every community suffers from tragic news, and we experience that now. This afternoon Terry Wahl, a co-worker in our Academic Computing and IT Department, took his own life. Over the years, Terry had been fighting depression and he seemed to be making progress. Sadly, his suffering seemed to prove too much for him. We remember him and his family in our prayers. And we pray for all those suffering in body, mind and spirit, especially those who feel there is no hope. May the Good Shepherd bring all of his flock to his resting place of perfect peace and joy. (31) On this feast of the Visitation, Fr. Vincent, our Mass Heb, presided and preached.  We will conclude with our customary quote from the Rule of St. Benedict but, before that, we congratulate our seminarians who have been ordained to the priesthood this month: On May 17 - Br. Guerric Letter, OSB, Conception Abbey, Conception, Missouri On May 26 - Crispine Adongo and Aaron Wessman, Glenmary Mission Society; Mauricio Carrasco, Juan Manjarrez and Alejandro Puello, Diocese of Little Rock; Stuart  Priddy, Archdiocese of Louisville. Congratulations to our newly-ordained! And our prayers continue for their 13 classmates who will be ordained during the next few weeks. And now, from St. Benedict's Rule... A monk from a distant region may arrive for a visit and wish to live in the monastery as a guest. If he is satisfied with the local customs that he finds there and does not trouble the monastery with his excessive demands, he should be allowed to stay as long as he likes-provided he is satisfied with what he finds! If, however, he points out some shortcoming calmly and with loving humility, the abbot should consider the matter carefully. Indeed, the Lord may have sent him for that very purpose. Chapter 61, "How Visiting Monks Are to be Received" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/may-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/may-2012/ Sun, 03 June 2012 21:14:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/april-2012/ (1) Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. Archabbot Justin presided over the blessing of the palms on the steps of the Memorial Lobby at 9:15 this morning; procession into the Archabbey Church and our celebration of the Eucharist followed. The Passion According to Mark was chanted. Until Holy Thursday, Brother Zachary is our Office Heb for the week, and so he presided over Vigils-Lauds, Midday Prayer, Vespers and Compline. (2) Monday of Holy Week, and after Compline this evening we had our annual Lenten Penance Service. Father Joseph presided and preached, and Fathers Vincent, Columba, Meinrad, Harry and Sean assisted as confessors. (3) Tuesday of Holy Week. Father Abbot Justin and Brother Kim, our custos of the church, drove to Indianapolis for the archdiocese's Chrism Mass, presided over by our apostolic administrator, the Most Rev. Christopher Coyne. The Bishop Emeritus of Indianapolis, the Most Rev. Daniel Buechlein, is, of course, with us! Brother Kim brought back a supply of the newly consecrated oils, and so he will be supplying a number of our priest-monks with refreshed vials of the oil of the sick.  (4) Wednesday of Holy Week. After Midday Prayer, Christopher Elam of Bloomington, Indiana, was invested as an oblate novice in the Archabbey Church. We ask God's blessings on all our oblates!  +++  During Vespers this evening, we celebrated the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. After the reading, the priests of the community followed Father Archabbot Justin in laying hands upon Archbishop Daniel, Archabbot Bonaventure, Brother Benedict, and Fathers Simeon, Rupert, Gavin and Augustine, and then Abbot Justin anointed them. After Vespers, Fr. Prior Kurt accompanied Fr. Abbot to the infirmary, for the anointing of our confreres Fathers Richard, Benedict, Mel and Louis Hacker, and Brother Giles. (5) After Midday Prayer on this Holy Thursday, we invested Julie Wilberding of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, as an oblate novice. Julie is a niece of our Brother Zachary. God's blessings upon her and upon all our oblates.  +++  Our Mass of the Lord's Supper began at five o'clock this afternoon. Archabbot Justin presided, Fathers Bede and Denis assisted, and Brother Anthony of Assumption Abbey served as deacon. Father Denis sang the gospel, and Father Tobias offered the homily. After the homily, Abbot Justin washed the feet of twelve - four monks and eight retreatants and guests, and then presented each with a small gift.  +++  Shortly after the Eucharist, we enjoyed a traditional - and most delicious - Holy Thursday supper of lamb in the Newman Dining Room with our guests and retreatants. (6) Good Friday of the Lord's Passion. Archabbot Justin presided at our Solemn Liturgy, which began at three o'clock this afternoon. The Passion According to Saint John was beautifully chanted by Fathers Jeremy and Tobias and Brother John Mark. We ate our two community meals today - midday and evening - in silence, listening to a table reading that offered reflections on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary. About a half hour after the Solemn Liturgy, the monastic community gathered in the Chapter Room for our Chapter of Faults, again presided over by Archabbot Justin. Compline at seven o'clock officially closed our day. (7) The house was quiet most of the day, as final preparations for the Easter Vigil were under way, usually behind the scenes. We had table reading at our noonday meal, but shortly after Vespers we enjoyed some prerecorded music at our "silent" evening meal. The Easter Vigil began at eight o'clock, with Father Archabbot Justin presiding, Fathers Julian and Adrian as assistants, and Brothers Anthony Baker (Assumption Abbey, South Dakota) and Romain Baker (Togo, West Africa) serving as deacons. Father Jeremy, choirmaster, sung the Exsultet ,and Father Germain blessed the water. For many years, we have had the house tradition of bringing in a lamb to be blessed by the abbot; we did indeed have a lamb, but "technical reasons" kept it out of the ceremony (too small a basket, too big a lamb, and a bladder that seemingly would never empty!). Our Vigil of the Lord's Resurrection concluded just before eleven o'clock, and many of us then adjourned to our refectory for some wine and snacks before retiring after a long, but grace-filled, day. Among those joining us for Holy Week and the Triduum were 24 participants in a retreat offered by Father Denis, titled "Reflections on the Triduum.  (8) Happy Easter! We observed our "most unusual" schedule of the year on this Day of the Lord's Resurrection: breakfast at 7:30, Lauds at 8:30, Midday Prayer at 11:30, followed by a social in our calefactory and then a fine main meal in our refectory. After a few quiet hours in the afternoon, we regrouped for II Vespers at 5 o'clock, followed by a buffet supper in our refectory. As usual, Compline closed the day at 7:00. May the Lord's blessings be upon us all, as we praise God for the gift of his Son-and may His Spirit be upon us always! (9) Easter Monday. We continued our festivities by enjoying "Sunday Schedule" with its later rising and prayer times. Today is an O.P.-ranked feast, and so Father Prior Kurt presided at our 9:30 Eucharist and offered the homily. (10) Our seminarians are back to their classes and the monastery is back to its regular weekday schedule. This Easter Tuesday is one of two O.S.-ranked feasts ("Order of the Subprior"; the other is December 27), and so Father Subprior Guerric presided at our Eucharist. Brother Anthony, of Assumption Abbey, South Dakota, offered the homily. (11) A breezy, somewhat chilly Easter Wednesday. We continue to sing the Alleluia refrain, but outside of our liturgies some of the Easter leisure is gone-especially, as our students would say, for them. Indeed, there are less than five weeks left in the semester and that means, of course, a number of deadlines for papers and projects are approaching. The school is looking forward to this weekend, as the apostolic administrator of Indianapolis, the Most Rev. Christopher Coyne, will ordain two seminarians to the diaconate.  (12) This evening our Development Office hosted the Lincoln Hills/Huntingburg Alumni and Friends Dinner. The evening began with Vespers in the Archabbey Church, then a reception in the Alumni Commons and supper in the Anselm Dining Room. We're glad to be able to set aside some time to thank our friends for the support they continue to give for the prayer and work of Saint Meinrad. (13) The renovation of St. Bede and Newman halls continues, and on schedule! This afternoon a committee met to discuss some of the details of the dedication of the two projects, which will take place on October 6. (14) A somewhat rainy Saturday, but a happy one for our seminary community. The Most Rev. Christopher Coyne, apostolic administrator of our Archdiocese of Indianapolis, ordained two seminarians to the transitional diaconate this morning: John Kamwendo for the archdiocese and Todd Nance for the Diocese of Tulsa. Last week Scott Woods and Christopher Mileski were ordained to the transitional diaconate in their Diocese of Toledo. Their classmates will be ordained over the next few weekends, also in their home dioceses. God's blessings on all our new deacons! (15) The Second Sunday of Easter and Father Harry, our Mass Heb, presided and preached at the 9:30 Conventual Mass. (16) The Monastery Chapter met after Compline this evening to elect two monks to the Abbot's Council and a monk to the Seminary's Board of Trustees. (17) Father Harry preached at our Conventual Mass this morning. (18) We enjoyed our usual "special desserts" in the calefactory after supper.  +++  Earlier in the week we received word that our Father Cassian, founder and prior of Monastero di San Benedetto in Norcia, Italy, received the Pro Fidelitate et Virtute Award from the Institute of Religious Life near Chicago. Congratulations, Father Prior Cassian! (19) After Vespers this evening, a number of monks joined Father Abbot Justin in welcoming our co-workers for a social and supper. This annual event is our Service Recognition Dinner, one small way we express our appreciation to the many men and women who help keep the hill up and running 24/7. Some of these men and women have been working with us for over 50 years! We hold them and their families in our prayers. (20) Our Institute of Priests and Presbyterates concluded session two of their World Priest Program today, which involved 10 participants and staff.  +++  This evening Brother Zachary began offering the Good Shepherd Women's Retreat, "Women of the Bible," to 16 participants.  +++  Father Subprior Guerric, novice-junior master, Brother John Mark, socius, and Novice Anushka left for Gethsemane Abbey (outside of Bardstown, Kentucky) today, for the annual novitiate visit. After two days experiencing the Cistercian ways of prayer and work, they'll return to the hill in time for Vespers Sunday. (21) About 25 monks enjoyed a pizza lunch at The UnStable after Midday Prayer today. Pizza chefs Fathers Prior Kurt and Patrick were assisted by second-year theology seminarian Timothy Wyciskalla (Indianapolis) and first-year theology seminarians Adam Ahern (Indianapolis) and Jeremy Goebel (Evansville). Two pizzas were also delivered to our confreres and in the monastery infirmary and their caretakers.  +++  A few dozen young parishioners from the Evansville Diocese parishes of St. Clement (Boonville) and St. Rupert (Red Brush) were on the hill today, making a day-long retreat in preparation for their Confirmation. (22) Father Eugene, our Mass Heb, presided and preached at our Conventual Mass this morning.  +++  This afternoon Matthew Scheeser, who had entered our novitiate this past January, left the monastery to return to his home and, after a short break, take up work as a church musician in the Washington, D.C., area. We are grateful for Matthew's time with us, and pray the Lord continue to guide him in his discernment. (23) Today and tomorrow about 75 individuals will be on the hill, participating in a  meeting of school principals from the Indianapolis Archdiocese. (24) It has been announced that Father Mark (whose patronal feast day we celebrate tomorrow), currently pastor at St. Mary's Parish, Huntingburg, will be returning to the hill in August. He will resume full-time teaching in our seminary, as well as offering spiritual direction to our seminarians. Father Godfrey, currently vice rector of our seminary, will become pastor of St. Mary's. These appointments are effective in August. (25) Feast of the Evangelist Mark. Father Eugene, our Mass Heb, preached. (26) Father Jeremy began a several-day retreat for 19 parish secretaries, titled: "Caught in the Crosshairs: The Sacrifice of Service." The secretaries come from parishes in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Illinois. (27) A sad day for us. Forty-seven-year-old co-worker in our Abbey Press IT Department Kevin Wilson collapsed in his office shortly after noon today. All efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. Kevin leaves his wife and seven children, one of who works in our Development Office. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.  +++  Our Board of Overseers met for the first session of their spring meeting today. Among those honored at the evening meal was John Wilson, who is retiring from his position as general manager of the Abbey Press in July. John has been working with us, first in the Business Office and, more recently, in the Abbey Press, since the late 1970s. We're most grateful for his service! (28) The Board of Overseers concluded their spring meeting just before noon. The Board of Trustees met after lunch, and Archabbot Justin accepted their recommendation that Fr. Denis be appointed for a second five-year term as president-rector of our seminary. Congratulations, Father Denis!  +++  Father Louis Hacker, whose feast day we celebrate today, experienced chest pains this morning, and so was admitted to the hospital in Jasper for observation. We keep him in our prayers. (29) Fourth Sunday of Easter. Father Adrian is our Mass Heb.  +++  The "first run" of Father Gavin's new play, "Between Friends," concluded with an afternoon performance today; the play premiered Friday evening, and had a second showing Saturday evening. The final two performances are scheduled for next weekend. The performances take place at the amphitheater at Lincoln State Park. "Between Friends" details the "literary relationships" among President Lincoln and Generals Grant and Sherman during the Civil War. Well done, playwright and co-producer Father Gavin! (30) On this last day of April, I prepare to hand over the next few weeks of entries to the capable "pen" of Brother Francis Wagner. Brother Francis professed his vows in 2008. He serves as associate editor in our Publications Division (Path of Life Publications) in our Abbey Press, in addition to his duties as assistant director of oblates. Brother Francis will be keeping you informed of things, while I take a few weeks of vacation-which suggests our closing quote from St. Benedict's Rule for the month.... "Brothers who are about to set out on a journey should commend themselves to the prayers of all the brethren and the abbot…. And no one should presume to tell anyone else what he has seen or heard outside the monastery, for that causes great harm." Chapter 67, "Brothers Who are Sent on a Journey" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/april-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/april-2012/ Tue, 01 May 2012 16:06:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/march-2012/ (1) This first day of the new month was a rather calm one-both weather- and event-wise. We're hoping it has set a good tone! (2) Today is the actual 25th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of Archbishop Daniel. Several of the archbishop's brother bishops helped him celebrate. Bishop Charles Thompson of Evansville presided at a Mass in our Infirmary Chapel, at which Archbishop Daniel concelebrated, along with Archbishop Peter Sartain of Seattle and Bishops Timothy Doherty (Lafayette-in-Indiana), Paul Etienne (Cheyenne), and Bishops Emeriti William Higi of Lafayette-in-Indiana and Gerald Gettelfinger of Evansville. The bishops joined us in choir dress for Vespers, and Archbishop Sartain offered a special homily. After prayers, the archbishop and his brother bishops and a number of his family adjourned to the President's Dining Room in our seminary for a special supper. We welcome the archbishop's friends and family, and we congratulate Archbishop Daniel on his faithful service to our Church! (3) After Midday Prayer we invested Jim Calabro of Kokomo, Indiana, as an oblate novice. God's blessings on all our oblates! (4) Father Julian presided and preached at our Conventual Mass this morning, although Father Jeremy is assigned for the rest of the week. Due to retreats and groups, we had an especially large crowd join us for the Eucharist. +++ Father Harry concluded his weekend retreat, "Praying the Psalms," which he offered to 29 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. ++ A Jesuit novice from Louisiana, making his "novitiate pilgrimage," joined us for Mass and the noonday meal. He's on his way to Creighton University, Omaha, and then on to Dallas. We wish him safe travels! (5) Abbot Justin returned from Indianapolis today, where he was attending a meeting of the Indiana Bishops and Religious Superiors. +++ Father Denis gave the second of our Lenten Conferences in the Chapter Room after Compline this evening. (6) The seminarian community began one of their bi-annual Formation Days this evening; the topic is on the establishing and maintaining of professional boundaries. (7) Mass Heb Father Jeremy preached at the 7:30 a.m. Conventual Mass this morning. +++ This was a "classic March day," with the temperature reaching 60 degrees and a breezy 20- to 25-mile per hour wind. (8) We've received word from Einsiedeln Abbey that, almost eight weeks after his accident, Abbot Martin has returned to the abbey. Brother Thomas, a monk from Einsiedeln who is spending the year with us, reports that "after an exhausting time filled with therapies, the plan is for him to have some quiet rest and take his time to come back, step by step, to the daily life." We continue our prayers for a full recovery for Abbot Martin! (9) It's a "long weekend" in the seminary, and so faculty and students alike have a bit of extra time on their hands-to relax, recover, catch up or get ahead! +++ Nine priests, approaching the first anniversary of their ordination (five of whom are alumni), concluded their week-long "Settling into Priesthood" retreat today, sponsored by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates. We pray they return to their parishes with grace and enthusiasm renewed! (10) Lots of cell-cleaning going on in the house this Saturday morning: Father Abbot began a "Lenten inspection" of each monk's room this past week, and those visits will continue throughout the coming week. It's a chance for each monk to take a look around and see what he doesn't need or what someone else might be able to use more, and offers always the embarrassing reminder of how easy it is to accumulate "stuff" over a year's time. (11) Father Jeremy presided and preached at our Eucharist on this Third Sunday of Lent. Father Julian will assume the Mass Heb duties tomorrow. (12) Father Brendan gave the third of our Lenten Conferences in the Chapter Room after Compline this evening. (13) Archbishop Daniel is back in his infirmary cell. Around noon yesterday he fell, and because he hit his head and had some bleeding, he was taken by ambulance to the hospital in Jasper. He had five staples put into his scalp to suture the wound, and is now under the excellent care given by our nurses. (14) Father Vincent is halfway through offering the midweek retreat, "To Jerusalem and Beyond," to 20 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. +++ Father Cyprian and Brother Benjamin drove to Indianapolis to visit Father Boniface, who has been moved back to the rehab center from an Indianapolis hospital. There's no significant change in Father's condition, but the care he needs is better provided at the center. (15) It's the Ides of March, but all seems safe and secure on the hill! (16) This evening Brother Adam began offering his weekend retreat, "Searching for What's Missing," to 25 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (17) A busy weekend on the hill. Among the groups visiting: 13 individuals from Our Lady of Grace, Noblesville, Indiana, on a RCIA retreat; 49 guests from the New Hope Academy Youth Retreat, Franklin, Tennessee; and 18 youngsters from St. John Catholic Church, Loogootee, Indiana, preparing for their Confirmation. +++ St. Patrick's Day, and so we wish Father Patrick-and all who claim a part of the green-God's blessings! +++ Our visiting Benedictines spent a good part of the day in Evansville-an outing, which no doubt allowed a pleasant change of place, scenery and activity. +++ After Midday Prayer in the Archabbey Church, we received the oblation of Eric and Diane Batsie of Deland, Illinois. God's blessings on all our oblates! (18) Fourth Sunday of Lent-or, as it is officially called, Laetare Sunday. Father Vincent presided and preached at our 9:30 a.m. Conventual Mass. +++ This evening the St. Mark's Formation House of our seminary joined us for Vespers, and then supper in our refectory. Father Julian is the dean of the house, and seminarian Dexter Noblefranca, a deacon studying for the Diocese of Memphis, is prefect. +++ We offer feast day greetings to Father Christian, who is at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., pursuing graduate studies. Fr. Christian is one of five our monks currently off on "educational assignment." (19) We celebrate this Solemnity of St. Joseph as an O.P. ( Officium Prioris ), but follow our weekday schedule. Father Prior Kurt presided at our 7:30 a.m. Eucharist, and Deacon Brother Romain Botta, a monk from Togo, Africa, preached. +++ We ordinarily abstain from wine at our main meals during Lent, except on Sundays, but on this feast we enjoyed the fruit of the grapes along with our food. +++ Father Prior Kurt gave the fourth and last of our Lenten Conferences in the Chapter Room after Compline this evening. (20) Father Timothy returned from his assignment at Blue Cloud Abbey, South Dakota, to begin offering the oblate retreat this evening. About 70 of our oblates are participating in "Come Away by Yourselves to a Deserted Place and Rest Awhile: Mark 6:31." (21) On this Solemnity of the Passing of our monastic father, St. Benedict, we followed our Sunday schedule: Vigils and Lauds at 7 a.m., and the Conventual Mass at 9:30. Archabbot Justin presided and Deacon Brother Guerric Letter of Conception Abbey who, as is Brother Romain (who preached on St. Joseph's Day), finishing his last year of seminary studies with us, preached. (Our third visiting deacon and monk, Brother Anthony Baker of Assumption Abbey, North Dakota, will offer the homily this coming Monday, the transferred feast of the Annunciation.) +++ The monastic community enjoyed a social after Midday Prayer and then settled down to a fine meal. +++ After Vespers this evening, we joined many of our oblates for a supper buffet in the Newman Dining Room. (22) Saving a bit of past, but unique, news for a "slow news day": this past weekend saw the razing of the Esser and Ritter Houses-two stand-alone, six or so room houses about 150 yards southwest of the Guest House and Retreat Center. The Esser House was "deconstructed" first, to allow some "working space" for the Ritter House to be set afire and used for practice by our volunteer fire department. We'll soon begin construction of a "House of Reflection" on that site-a facility designed and designated especially for the families of monks who come for a several-day visit, and also for monks who may wish to use it for a day of recollection or even some of their vacation time. (23) This evening Father Godfrey begins offering a weekend retreat to 30 members of the St. Bartholomew's Parish (Columbus, Indiana) Woman's Group at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (24) We received word that our Father Boniface Hardin, OSB, died in the rehab center in Indianapolis late this morning. Regular readers of "About the House" may recall that Father suffered a stroke this past August, and has been in and out of hospital and rehab since then. Father Boniface spent most of his monastic life with and at the Martin Center, which he founded in 1969, and Martin University, of which he was co-founder in 1977. Because of his long-standing work and relationships with the Indianapolis community, some services and memorials will be held there before we receive his body for burial at Saint Meinrad later in the week. (25) Father Meinrad is our Heb on this Fifth Sunday of Lent. +++ It's a busy week for many of our students. About 70 lay degree students are here for weekend courses taught by Fr. Tom Richstatter, OFM ("Sacraments of Initiation"), Sisters Maria Tasto, OSB, and Kathy Huber, OSB, from Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand ("A Transformed Life"), and Dr. Alexander Hwang ("Medieval Church History"). (26) Monday, and we celebrate the (transferred from yesterday) Solemnity of the Annunciation. An O.P.-ranked feast, Father Prior Kurt presided and Deacon Brother Anthony Baker, from Assumption Abbey, South Dakota, who is concluding his seminary studies with us this spring, preached. (27) Arrangements are being completed for the memorial services, funeral Mass and burial of Father Boniface. Tomorrow at Martin University in Indianapolis there will be an all-day viewing, concluding with a Community Prayer Service in the evening. On Thursday the 29 th , Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese Christopher Coyne will preside at a funeral liturgy at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis, after which Father's body will be brought to Saint Meinrad. (28) About 36 students from Trinity High School, Whitesville, Kentucky, arrived; they're making a short retreat and will conclude tomorrow. (29) We received the body of Father Boniface at our entry way at seven o'clock this evening and, after a brief ceremony of blessing and prayer, took him in procession into the Archabbey Church. Father Prior presided at the Office of the Dead; Father Cyprian, a long-time friend and co-worker of Father Boniface, and Father Vincent, Father Boniface's profession classmate (1954), served as assistants. Father Abbot Justin offered the remembrance. (30) Father Abbot Justin presided at the 10 o'clock funeral Mass for Father Boniface; Father Cyprian delivered the homily. Burial followed in the Archabbey Cemetery. Father Boniface was 78 years old, in the 57 th year of his monastic profession, and the 52 nd of his priesthood. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace! (31) We have two retreat groups with us on the hill this weekend, both of which began their programs yesterday and will conclude tomorrow. Eleven participants from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis Youth Ministry Certificate Program are here, and 19 guests are taking part in Brother Maurus' weekend retreat, "St. Benedict's Way."  We end March's entries with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : As often as important questions have to be dealt with in the monastery, the abbot should convene the whole community and himself tell them what is involved.… The brothers, however, should offer their advice with all deference and humility, and not presume to assert their views in a bold manner. Chapter 3, "On Calling the Brothers for Counsel" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, a monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/march-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/march-2012/ Tue, 03 April 2012 10:33:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/february-2012/ (1) This first day of February was a foggy one-all morning and most of the afternoon. For a good part of the day, you could not see the Archabbey Church from the Guest House! (2) Feast of the Presentation, an OP-ranked celebration. Father Prior Kurt presided, and our Mass Heb, Father Adrian, preached. +++ After Midday Prayer, we received the body of Father Eric in the Monastery Entry Way. We prayed II Vespers of the Feast of the Presentation at five o'clock, and then after supper prayed the Office of the Dead, Father Prior Kurt presided at both the Reception of the Body and the Office of the Dead; Brother Maurus offered the remembrance at the Office of the Dead. (3) We celebrated the Mass of the Resurrection for Father Eric at 10 o'clock this morning, with burial in our cemetery following. Father Noël preached the homily at the funeral Mass, at which Archabbot Justin presided. Our seminarians joined us for the liturgies. +++ Fathers Archabbot, Prior and Subprior offered the traditional Blessing of the Throats on this feast of St. Blaise-this year, due to Father Eric's funeral, after Vespers. (4) This evening Father Boniface had a serious seizure at the facility where he has been undergoing rehab since his second stroke last month. He was taken to Community East Hospital in Indianapolis. He is mostly unresponsive, although he will make verbal remarks from time to time. His doctors are conducting tests to determine the precise cause of the stroke and the most effective means of treatment. (5) The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and Father Harry is our Mass Heb. +++ Once again, we welcomed many visitors to the hill and to our Sunday Eucharist; these included about 24 members of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Bloomington, Indiana. (6) We welcomed to the hill a group of guests from Corpus Christi Catholic Church of Lawrence, Kansas, who are visiting us for several days. We ask God's blessings on all guests and pilgrims to the Holy Hill. (7) Among visitors to the hill today is Father Matthew Gerlach, an alumnus from our College class of 1992 and our Theology class of 1996. Father is Vocation Director for the Diocese of Tulsa, and is here for the evaluation of his seminarians. (8) Our seminary is hosting several bishops who are participating in a discussion of African Clerical Migration. Welcome to the Most Rev. Richard Pates (Des Moines), Most Rev. Ronald Herzog (Alexandria), Most Rev. William Medley (Owensboro), and Most Rev. Lee Piche (Auxiliary, Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis). +++ Father Abbot Justin left for the annual Abbot President's Council and then the Abbots' Workshop, held this year at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, Louisiana. He'll be returning to the hill on February 14. (9) Twenty-four participants from St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, are here through the 12th, enjoying a "Scrapbooking Retreat." (10) It seems that on her feast, St. Scholastica did indeed pray up a storm-at least we had snow flurries off and on throughout the morning and afternoon. +++ On this O.P.-ranked feast of St. Benedict's twin sister, Father Prior Kurt presided, and Father Harry preached, at the 7:30 a.m. Conventual Mass. +++ Father Jeremy began offering his weekend retreat, "Together for Life: A Romantic Covenant," to 32 couples at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (11) About 30 monks enjoyed a pizza lunch at The UnStable; Prior Kurt, Brother Martin, Brother John Mark and second-year theology seminarian Tim Wyciskalla (Indianapolis) did the pizza-making. +++ We received the oblations of David and Karen Jenkins of Boonville, Indiana, and Matthew Sprauer of Centerville, Ohio, after Midday Prayer in Archabbey Church. God's blessings upon them and upon all our oblates! (12) Father Pius is our Mass Heb this week but, as he was assigned out preaching for a "Saint Meinrad Sunday," Father Harry presided and preached in his place. +++ About 30 seminarians from the St. John's Formation House in our seminary joined us for Vespers and then a buffet supper in our refectory. (13) We're awaiting Father Abbot's return, tomorrow, from the annual Abbot President's Council and Abbot's Workshop. Other than this anticipation, it was a pretty quiet day on the hill! (14) Twenty-six seminarians received the ministry of acolyte, and 24 received the ministry of lector, at an evening Eucharist in the seminary's St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel, celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville. In this latter group were Brother Luke of Saint Meinrad and Brother Philippe of Togo, West Africa. (15) Father Pius preached this morning at the Conventual Eucharist. The monastic community enjoyed the weekly "special desserts" in the calefactory. (16) Among visitors to the hill today was Father William Novak, an alumnus from our College class of 1990 and our Theology class of 1995. Father is Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and is here for the evaluation of his seminarians. (17) Two of our "visiting Benedictines," Brother Victor from Conception Abbey in Missouri and Brother Simon from St. Benedict's Abbey in Kansas, headed out with nine diocesan seminarians to participate in the annual seminarian basketball tournament, held this year at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. We eagerly await the results. (18) Brother Zachary is halfway through offering his weekend retreat, "From our Hands to our Hearts: Praying the Rosary," to 54 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (19) Father Brendan was scheduled to be our Heb on this Sunday beginning the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time. He's battling a bit of the flu, though, and so Father Joseph graciously stepped in to preside and preach at our Conventual Mass. +++ We exposed the Blessed Sacrament on the altar at the conclusion of Mass, as we began our annual Eucharistic Day. Various monks signed up for set periods of adoration, while others-including several guests and students-came into the church throughout the afternoon for a few minutes of quiet prayer and adoration. Father Prior Kurt presided at Vespers and gave the Benediction, which concluded the day. +++ Brothers Victor and Simon and their fellow (diocesan) seminarians returned from the b-ball tourney, having racked up three wins in four games. (20) The Monastic Chapter met this evening and supported Novice Anushka's petition to continue with the second half-year of his novitiate. (21) To celebrate Shrove Tuesday, we had our special weekly dessert this evening: the ice cream specialties went quickly! +++ After Compline, Father Abbot Justin offered his pre-Lenten Conference beginning, as is our custom, with a reading from Chapter 49 of the Rule of St. Benedict, "On the Observance of Lent." (22) Father Abbot Justin presided at our Conventual Mass on this Ash Wednesday morning. After his homily, he blessed the ashes, received them from Prior Kurt, and then distributed ashes to him and the community. We monks also submitted our Bona Opera to the abbot: a listing of the "extra measure" of prayer, fasting or charity we intend to practice during this holy season. (23) This Thursday evening is one of several evenings throughout this month in which a number of our seminarians are taking part in the Development Office's annual Phonathon. Every night they spend several hours, enjoying interesting conversations with our alumni throughout the country. We're grateful for their generosity with their time, and for the generosity of our many friends and benefactors. (24) Father Eugene is beginning his weekend retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center this evening, "Reading the Book of Hosea." Twenty-eight guests are taking part in this retreat. (25) Sixty students are on the hill this weekend for another round of weekend courses. Father Tom Richstatter, OFM, is offering "Sacraments of Initiation"; Sisters Maria Tasto, OSB, and Kathy Huber, OSB, from Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, are offering "A Transformed Life"; and Dr. Alexander Hwang is offering "Medieval Church History." +++ We received word that Abbot Georg of Einsiedeln Abbey, our mother house, died today; Abbot Georg suffered a stroke about a week ago. May he, and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. (26) On this First Sunday of Lent, Father Germain is our Mass Heb. +++ Since Ash Wednesday we've made a slight change in our beginning the main meal of the day. After the Prayer Before Meals, we sit for the customary reading from the Rule of St. Benedict and then, when this reading is finished, we proceed through the serving line. Father Abbot Justin suggested this as a Lenten practice (with the intention of it continuing after Lent) to encourage us to be a bit more attentive to the instruction of our monastic father. (27) We received word that Father Christian passed the comprehensive exams for his STL this morning. Congratulations, Father Christian! Take a short break to celebrate-and then back to the books! +++ Brother Silas presented the first of our Lenten conferences this evening in the Chapter Room after Compline, reflecting upon the opening prayer and preface for this coming Sunday, the Second Sunday of Lent, with its Gospel account of the Transfiguration. (28) This evening, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago Joseph Perry gave the annual Black History Lecture in the seminary gallery. He spoke on "The History and Sanctity of Father Augustus Tolton" who, born into slavery in 1854, became the first American diocesan priest of African descent. (29) On this "extra day of the year," we pass along the good news that our confrere, Brother Matthew, currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Toronto, has been accepted into the PhD program. Congratulations to him-and prayerful support to each of our five monks now in graduate school. We end February's entries with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : "At all times the lifestyle of a monk ought to have a Lenten quality. However, because few have that kind of strength, we urge them to guard their lives with all purity during these Lenten days. All should work together at effacing during this holy season the negligences of other times." Chapter 49, "The Observance of Lent" Translation by Father Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/february-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/february-2012/ Wed, 29 February 2012 23:43:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/january-2012/ (1) On this first day of the new year, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. Father Prior Kurt presided, and Father Cyprian preached, at the Conventual Mass. We had colloquium at our noonday meal.  +++  Archbishop Daniel has been having kidney problems these past days, and so he was taken, by car, to Indianapolis this afternoon for admittance to the hospital and further testing. He, and all of our ill and aging confreres, is in our prayers daily-as we daily enjoy the expert and caring concerns of our infirmary staff. (2) Archbishop Daniel was successfully treated at St. Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis, today; we expect his return to the hill tomorrow.  +++  The six young men who had been with us since December 26th concluded their participation in our "Monastic Observance" program and returned to their respective homes yesterday. They seem to have benefited from their time with us and, of course, we hope we will see some of them again! We continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. (3) Archbishop Daniel returned to his infirmary cell this afternoon, in good spirits and better health.  +++  About 10 of our monks serve as chaplains for the sisters of Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, alternating days of presiding and preaching at their daily Eucharist, hearing confessions and attending to other spiritual needs. This evening many of them attended Vespers and then a reception/supper at Ferdinand, graciously offered by the sisters as an expression of thanks for their ministry this past year. (4) A quiet Wednesday on the hill, the special feature of the day being our "ordinary special Wednesday evening desserts" after supper. (5) Thirty seminarians from the Bishop Simon Brute Formation House in Indianapolis are making their annual retreat here on the hill. Father Bob Robeson, an alumnus and associate vocation director of the Archdiocese, is with them for these days of prayer and renewal. (6) Brother Hugh had successful outpatient foot surgery; he'll be recuperating for the next few weeks.  +++  Father Colman returned to the monastery, after a several-year period of exclaustration. He's moved into his new cell and is eager to catch up on things. Rumor has it that it won't be too long before the Prior adds his name to the house assignments list! (7) We received the oblation of Richard Cooper of Corydon, Indiana, in the Archabbey Church after Midday Prayer. May God bless the prayer and work of all our oblates! (8) Sunday, the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Father Abbot presided and preached at the Conventual Mass, and we continued our celebration in the refectory by having colloquium at our noonday meal. (9) Monday, the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, and surely it is only a coincidence that, due to a water main break, the county has put us under a "boil water order"! So, it's taking a bit of extra time to make coffee, and thirsts are being refreshed by dozens of plastic bottles.  +++  We did bless our baptismal water at Mass this morning (no boiling there); Father Sean, Mass Heb, presided, and Brother Romain, a deacon and one of our visiting Benedictines from Togo, West Africa, preached. (10) Tuesday, our second day under the boil order, but it seems as though all will be back in order by tomorrow. (11) The carpet in our common room, the calefactory, was cleaned today, so some foot traffic was rerouted and we enjoyed our Wednesday "special desserts" in the refectory. And, once again we have living water! (12) Our first snow of the season-the first that actually stuck to anything. Only about a half-inch fell, but it lasted long enough for many to sit back by the fireplace and enjoy the scenery for a while. (13) We received word that Abbot Martin Werlen of Einsiedeln Abbey, our mother house in Switzerland, received a serious head injury while playing volleyball (at Einsiedeln) today. After an initial visit to the hospital in the town of Einsiedeln, he was transported to University Hospital in Zurich. Our latest report today says he is in a coma. (14) Thankfully, Abbot Martin seems to be making progress. Still considered in serious condition, he is showing some response to the words and presence of others. Abbot Martin is an alumnus of Saint Meinrad: he spent two semesters with us in 1987-1988, taking some courses in pastoral studies prior to his ordination to the priesthood. (15) Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Jeremy, our Mass Heb, presided and preached at the 9:30 Conventual Mass.  +++  This month and next, we have a number of "Saint Meinrad Sundays" scheduled, and so many of the monastery's priests will be spending the weekend in parishes throughout the Indianapolis and Evansville dioceses. (16) The 167 participants in Delta Chi "A"s' Academy annual meeting concluded today. Members of the Academy have been coming to the hill long enough now that the fraternity is considering it a "tradition." (17) Abbot Martin seems to be recovering slowly but steadily. Brother Thomas, our Einsiedeln confrere studying with us this year, tells us that he probably won't be receiving any more immediate news, short of something unexpected occurring. (18) On this Wednesday we began, with the Universal Church, to commemorate the Octave for Church Unity. Father Jeremy, our Mass Heb, presided and preached at our Conventual Mass. (19) Candidate Matthew Scheeser was clothed with the scapular in a brief ceremony in our entryway just before Vespers. He then led the community in procession into the Archabbey Church. We continued celebrating the beginning of his novitiate with colloquium at supper, and then a chocolate and liqueur social in the calefactory after Compline. (20) Father Archabbot Justin presided at First Vespers of the Solemnity of our patron this evening.  +++  After Compline, at "Jack's in the Commons," we enjoyed a social with many of the seminarians. They will be heading to Washington, D.C., Sunday for the annual Right to Life March, and so this was the most convenient time for us to celebrate-non-liturgically-the solemnity of St. Meinrad. (21) And on this Saturday we did celebrate liturgically! Archabbot Justin, on what is also the seventh anniversary of his election as our abbot, presided and preached at our 9:30 Conventual Eucharist. We prayed Midday Prayer at 11:30-30 minutes earlier than usual-to allow the monks to enjoy a social in the calefactory, before a fine noonday meal of turkey with all the stuffings.  +++  In this solemnity of our patronal saint, we especially remember the living and deceased parents of the monks of Saint Meinrad for their financial and spiritual support-and their very visible contributions!-to the monastic community. (22) Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, and Father Joseph is our Mass Heb.  +++  Father Abbot Justin presided at Mass in the parish in downtown St. Meinrad this morning, as part of the town's conclusion of the celebration of its 150th anniversary. (23) Thirty participants concluded their several-day high school reunion on the hill today. Congratulations to the St. Xavier High School Group from Louisville! (24) We received word that Abbot Martin of Einsiedeln has been released from University Hospital in Zurich and is now in a rehabilitation home closer to Einsiedeln Abbey. He seems to be making slow, steady progress. (25) On this feast of the conversion of St. Paul, we mark the end of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. Brother Romain preached at our Conventual Mass.  +++  This is the feast day of Father Paul-one of five confreres currently pursuing graduate studies. Father Paul is in Rome, working on his doctorate in Sacred Scripture. (26) A grey and drizzly day, all day. Abbot Bonaventure, admitted to the infirmary for a bit of "extra watch" yesterday, is back in his cell and, as usual, is very much up and about. (27) After almost a half-year of declining health, Father Donald Walpole died this afternoon. Several of our health care personnel and confreres were with him. Father Donald was 94 years old.  +++  Elizabeth Wourms of Beavercreek, Ohio, was invested as an oblate novice in the Archabbey Church after Midday Prayer. (28) About 70 of our lay degree students are on the hill this weekend; classes include "Sacraments of Initiation" (taught by Fr. Thomas Richstatter, OFM), "A Transformed Life" (taught by Sisters Maria Tasto, OSB, and Kathy Huber, OSB, of Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand), and "Medieval Church History" (taught by Dr. Alexander Hwang).  +++  We received the oblation of Larry Barnes of Muncie, Indiana, in the Archabbey Church after Midday Prayer. May God bless all our oblates!  +++  Many enjoyed the choral music program presented this afternoon in the Archabbey Church by the Bloomington, Indiana, Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and Musicians. The 90-minute program included compositions for organ and chorus, as well as readings reflecting on the mystery of the Incarnation. The works were conducted and played by more than 10 different conductors and organists. (29) We received the body of Father Donald at the entryway of the monastery after Midday Prayer. Father Prior Kurt led the community in the reception, which included a chant and a brief reading from the Rule . This evening at seven o'clock, we prayed the traditional Office of the Dead. Father Prior Kurt presided and two of the monastery's artists (Father Donald was a splendid artist!), Brother Kim and Brother Martin, served as assistants. Archabbot Bonaventure, who professed his monastic vows two years to the day before Father Donald professed his, offered the remembrance.  +++  Father Adrian concluded the weekend retreat, "Prayer: What is It, Really?" to 44 participants from Good Shepherd Parish in Evansville. (30) We began the funeral liturgy of Father Donald at 10 o'clock this morning. Father Archabbot Justin presided, and Father Germain preached. Burial in our cemetery followed, and then our guests joined us for a buffet lunch in the Anselm Dining Room. This evening, another of our confreres, Father Eric, died at the age of 92. He, too, had been in declining health for some time. (31) This past Saturday evening (the 28th), the mother of Father Jonathan died at the age of 97. She and her husband-90 years old, still living-had been married 63 years. Our condolences to Father Jonathan and John, his father, and may Mrs. Fassero, and all the faithful departed, rest in peace! Monthly Quote We end January's entries with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : "In his commands, [the Abbot] should be farsighted and thoughtful. And whether it is a question of spiritual or material matters, he should give prudent and moderate orders…. He should arrange everything so that the strong are challenged and the feeble are not overwhelmed." Chapter 64, "The Installation of the Abbot" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/january-2012/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2012/january-2012/ Tue, 31 January 2012 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/december-2011/ (1) Today was Father Richard's feast day, and our prayer for him was that his patronal saint would intercede on his behalf, asking God to give him peace and consolation. Father celebrated his 89th birthday in July. He suffered a fall at the end of August, which eventually led to his complete loss of vision. Father is much less aware of what is going on around him and with himself now; he continues to receive the excellent care our infirmary staff provides. (2) This evening Father Adrian began offering a weekend retreat, "Deliberate Christian Living," to 39 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (3) After our Midday Prayer, we invested Ann Tully of Indianapolis as an oblate novice. May God bless her in her prayer, work, and witness in and to the world!  +++  Many guests on the hill this weekend. They include about 25 students from Greenville College, Greenville, Illinois, on retreat, and about 20 members of Young Adult Ministry from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. (4) On this Second Sunday of Advent, Father Vincent began his duties as our Mass Heb.  +++  We invested Maria Russell of Louisville as an oblate novice, following our Conventual Eucharist this morning. Once again, we welcome a new oblate and ask God's blessings upon them!  +++  The Tri-State Harp Ensemble presented a concert in our Archabbey Church this afternoon. It brightened up what was a dark, rainy day. (5) Father Subprior Guerric presented an Advent Conference to the monastic community in the Chapter Room after Compline this evening.   +++  We welcomed another large group to the hill yesterday: about 40 junior high boys from Bishop Chatard High School, Indianapolis, who concluded their retreat today. (6) Students, faculty, and administrators are especially busy this week, of course: last class meetings of the semester, papers due, exams to give, take, and grade. . .  (7) This evening we celebrated I Vespers of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, with Father Archabbot Justin presiding. (8) We followed our Sunday schedule this Thursday, as we celebrated the Immaculate Conception. Father Archabbot presided at the Conventual Mass, Father Vincent preached, and Deacon Brother Romain, our visiting confrere from Togo, sang the gospel.  +++  Father Prior Kurt left shortly after Mass to begin a week's worth of vacation prior to the great feasts just around the corner. Father Archabbot Bonaventure will be taking notes for this Chronicle in his absence. (9) More than a hundred men and women are making the Oblate Advent Retreat, "Living under a Rule and an Abbot," presented by Archabbot Justin. (10) An exhibit of Christmas crèches from around the world is on display in the library. The display features crèches from the monastery collection, as well as from the Catherine A. Smith Nativity Collection, donated to our School of Theology in 2002 in memory of Charles Patrick Smith.  +++  After noonday prayer, Teresa Stricklen was invested as an oblate novice. We also received the final oblations of Helen Burris, Shirley Casebolt, Lee Cooper, Sally Gravatte, Timothy Mattingly, Racine O'Connell, Catherine Russell and Kelly Sollinger. And we celebrated the 25th anniversary of oblate Margit Sanders, and the 50th of oblate Ted Waflart. Congratulations-and our continued prayers for all our oblates! (11) Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. Father Eugene is our Mass Heb. (12) Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Fr. Eugene preached.  +++  This past Saturday evening, St. Mary's Parish in Huntingburg hosted a special Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Evansville Bishop Charles Thompson presided, and Fathers Archabbot Bonaventure and Noël, and St. Mary's pastor, Father Mark, concelebrated. The homily was delivered by Father Noël.  +++  Brother Martin presented the second Advent Conference for the monastic community this evening in the Chapter Room. (13) Brother Terence has left to be with his family, who are keeping watch over their 87-year-old sister who is dying. (14) We received word that the Most Rev. Thomas C. Kelly, Archbishop Emeritus of Louisville, died in his sleep during the night. Archbishop Thomas, a great friend of Saint Meinrad, was 80 years old. (15) Madeline, Brother Terence's sister, died. We offer our prayers for her, and for all the faithful departed. May the Prince of Peace, whose birthday we prepare to celebrate, grant her and all those who have gone before us eternal rest. (16) The mother of Ann Rohleder, our Director of Health Services, died quite unexpectedly today. Margaret was only 73 years old and had just returned from a trip with her family to Virginia, which included some volunteer work laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. May she rest in peace, and may those who mourn know the support and friendship of many. (17) Father Prior Kurt returned from his vacation this evening, and so the keeping of the Chronicle reverts to him! (18) Father Brendan is our Mass Heb for this Fourth Sunday (and week) of Advent.  +++  Father Eugene concluded offering a weekend retreat, "Reflections on the Infancy Narrative of St. Matthew's Gospel," to 21 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (19) Father Sean presided and preached at our Advent Penance Service in the Archabbey Church this evening. He and Fathers Sebastian, Vincent, Meinrad, and Joseph served as confessors for the community. (20) Several confreres, including Archbishop Daniel, attended the funeral of Archbishop Kelly in Louisville this afternoon.  +++  We enjoyed our annual Christmas Tree-Trimming Party in the calefactory after Compline this evening. Organized by our junior monks, novice and candidate, various versions of eggnog and other assorted Christmas treats sustained those straining to string lights and hang ornaments. (21) During our praying of Vespers this evening, we also celebrated the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. As Father Archabbot is on the road today, Father Prior Kurt presided and preached in his stead. Six monks were anointed in the church during Vespers; after Vespers Father Prior went to our infirmary wing to anoint nine confreres waiting for him there.  +++  While "on the road," Father Archabbot was also very involved in ministry to the sick: in his travels, he spent time visiting Father Boniface and Father Matthias, presently in hospitals in Indianapolis. (22) It has been announced that John Wilson will retire on July 1 as the general manager of Abbey Press, a position he has held since 2009. Mr. Wilson began his work for Saint Meinrad in 1978 as assistant treasurer of the Archabbey. He served as treasurer and business manager from 1989 until 2010, when he was named Abbey Press general manager. Mr. Greg Tate, who joined Abbey Press in 1992 and, since 2003, has been the Director of Marketing Services, will assume the responsibilities of general manager on July 1. We thank Mr. Wilson and Mr. Tate-and all our co-workers-for their fine and faithful service to Saint Meinrad Archabbey! (23) A very quiet day. A persistent drizzle is keeping most people inside, encouraging the final arrangements and preparations for Christmas. (24) The celebration of Christmas officially began with I Vespers at five o'clock. After supper, we prayed Vigils at seven, then spent a few hours relaxing or quietly recreating until our "Midnight Mass" at 10 o'clock, at which Father Archabbot Justin presided and preached. Eggnogs and cookies were waiting for us in the refectory after the liturgy. (25) Christmas Day brings our latest rising of the year! Breakfast at seven, Lauds at eight, and the Christmas Mass "in die" (in the day) at 9:30. Father Archabbot Justin presided and preached.  +++  After Midday Prayer many monks enjoyed one of the very few "cocktail half-hours" we have during the year, before enjoying a fine Christmas dinner prepared by our kitchen. (26) The feast of St. Stephen, first martyr of our Church, and the feast of our confrere Father Stephen, who serves as pastor of St. Augusta Parish in Lake Village, Indiana. Father plans to arrive here tomorrow to spend a few days with us.  +++  This is an OP-ranked feast, and so Father Prior Kurt presided and preached.  +++  Christmas cookies, cakes and candies continue to appear on the tables in our refectory: a 24/7 (but not 365) opportunity. (27) Feast of St. John the Evangelist, and the feast day of our Brother John, who is with us during these days, taking a break from his studies at Fordham University.  +++  This day is ranked as an OS-Order of the Subprior (one of only two of those rankings)-but as Father Subprior Guerric is away, Father Prior Kurt presided at the Conventual Eucharist and Father Tobias preached.  +++  We welcome six young men who begin a several-day "Monastic Observance" with us. They'll get an inside look at our prayer and work this week, as they have the opportunity to join us in the house for meals, work and recreation. (28) The feast of the Holy Innocents. The house and the hill continue to be quiet. Some of our co-workers are back in their offices and at their jobs; others are enjoying a longer break. (29) Father Timothy left last week for Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, South Dakota, where he will be spending the next six months participating in community discussions about their life and work. Blue Cloud was founded by Saint Meinrad in 1950, erected as a priory in 1952 and raised to an abbey in 1954. (30) Father Tobias, our Mass Heb, presided and preached on this Feast of the Holy Family.  +++  Our six "monastic observers" were touring some of the surrounding neighborhood this morning, including the chapel at Monte Cassino and Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand.  +++  Father Ephrem arrived from Rome this afternoon to spend some time with us. Father resides at Sant' Anselmo in Rome, the International Benedictine Residence/University, where he teaches and serves as the president of the Pontifical Liturgical Institute. (31) Today, the seventh anniversary of the election of Father Archabbot Justin. No celebrations-we reserve those for the anniversary of blessing (January 21), although we did suspend our customary table reading at our evening meal and, instead, listened to some fine sounds composed by J. S. Bach and performed by The Hilliard Ensemble. And, as has been his custom, Archabbot Justin did offer the community a conference in the Chapter Room after Compline. Undoubtedly, a few monks did stay up to welcome in the new year but, for the most part, the hill was dark and quiet well before midnight! New Year Blessings We end this year with gratitude and with confident hope. We are grateful for the many blessings the Lord has shown us. And we confidently pray that He will continue to guide, inspire and bring to completion all that we have begun through our prayer and work. And may God bless the readers of this Chronicle. May you know God's peace and strength throughout the new year. May the Lord cause the light of His face to shine on you and give you peace! http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/december-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/december-2011/ Sat, 31 December 2011 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/november-2011/ (1) We celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints, with Abbot Justin presiding at, and Father Meinrad preaching, the Conventual Mass. The Sunday Schedule we followed today allowed for a bit of extra morning rest.   +++  One of our confreres, Father Harold, celebrated not only the memory of the entire heavenly court of saints but that of his patron saint in particular. Father Harold lives and ministers in Evansville, and faithfully attends to the sick and suffering in that city's hospitals. (2) Father Abbot presided at and preached the Conventual Mass on this Solemnity of All the Faithful Departed. Following the Mass, we made our customary procession to the cemetery to bless the graves and ask God's peace on those who have gone before us.  +++  We prayed for the living as well - especially Father Tobias, who celebrates his patronal feast day. (3) A rainy day in Southern Indiana - a truly "fall day."  +++  It's also Brother Benedict's 92nd birthday! In his honor, he was seated at the abbot's table for our evening meal, and we had cake and colloquium in his honor. Ad multos annos , Brother Benedict! (4) Father Noël began offering the weekend retreat "Good Grief" to about a dozen participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (5) The feast day of Brother Zachary is today and so, as is our custom, we prayed for him by name at Vigils-Lauds and at our 7:30 a.m. Conventual Mass. (6) Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Noël is our Mass Heb.  +++  Along with most of the United States, we set our clocks back one hour before retiring last night. As many of the readers of this Chronicle know, we sit right on the time line, and so we have an awkward, sometimes inconvenient, situation: we remain one hour behind Ferdinand, Jasper and Huntingburg - neighboring cities where many of our co-workers, doctors and service people live.  +++  Fourteen third-year theology seminarians in our Seminary and School of Theology professed their candidacy for the priesthood during the seminary's Sunday Eucharist this morning, including Brother Victor Schinstock, a visiting Benedictine from Conception Abbey, Missouri. The presiding bishop was the Most Rev. Timothy Doherty, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. Congratulations to these men, and may God uphold them in their vocation. (7) This evening after Compline, Father Abbot Justin offered the community a conference in the Chapter Room. (8) We celebrate today the feast day of Father Godfrey. Ad multos annos ! (9) Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. This is an OP-ranked feast, and so Father Prior Kurt presided at our Eucharist. Brother Romain, one of our "visiting Benedictines" from Togo, Africa, was deacon and preached.  +++  We welcomed Father Louis Hacker back from the hospital this afternoon. It's good to have him back with us! (10) We hosted benefactors and friends from the Jasper, Washington and Loogootee region this evening. We enjoyed the opportunity to offer the some hospitality.  +++  Our Father Matthias, working and living in Beech Grove (near Indianapolis), was taken to the hospital in Indianapolis this morning, complaining of back pain. Diagnosis will begin with an MRI.  +++  Father Richard returned from the Jasper hospital, where he had been getting some routine evaluation these past few days. (11) Today is Veterans Day, and our prayers are with those men and women who have served our country. They are among those to whom we owe an unpayable debt. We pray, too, that God will keep safe our men and women currently serving, and will guide us all in our quest for peace.  +++  Today is the feast day of our  Brother Martin.  +++  Brother Anthony Baker, a "visiting Benedictine" from Assumption Abbey, South Dakota, was deacon and preached at our Conventual Mass this morning. (12) About 30 monks enjoyed lunch at The UnStable after Midday Prayer this afternoon.  +++  Today is the actual 50th anniversary of the monastic profession of Brother Mario; we helped him celebrate by having him sit at the abbot's table for supper and having colloquium in his honor. (13) Thirty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time, and Father Jeremy is our Mass Heb. The year - the Liturgical Year, at least-is fast coming to a close: next Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ the King, and then we begin Advent, brought in this year by the full implementation of the third edition of the Roman Missal. (14) We celebrated Father Rupert's 90th birthday today! We had colloquium in his honor at our evening meal and enjoyed a fine, specially prepared birthday cake. (15) Father Jeremy preached at our Conventual Mass this morning. The rain, which began yesterday evening, continued throughout much of the night and continued to fall steadily all morning and a good part of the afternoon. (16) Lance Schortmann of Louisville was invested as an oblate novice after our Midday Prayer. God's blessings on all our oblates!  +++  Archbishop Daniel enjoyed a visit with several of his brother bishops today. Archbishop John Vlazny (Portland) and Archbishop James Keleher (Emeritus of Kansas City in Kansas), along with Abbot Justin, joined the archbishop for a meal and conversation this evening. (17) Our seminarians have departed for Indianapolis, where they will participate in the National Catholic Youth Conference. Their Thanksgiving break begins at the conclusion of the Conference on Saturday; classes will resume November 28.  +++  Over a dozen nurses and nurses' aides staff our monastery infirmary, and they certainly have had their hands full these past months. As I've reported several times, each of the nine cells in our infirmary is occupied. As a small but sincere gesture of appreciation, Abbot Justin and Prior Kurt, representing the monastic community, treated our lay infirmary staff to a pizza supper at The UnStable this evening. Fathers Prior and Patrick prepared the pizzas, and Brother Hugh created a special dessert. Father Gavin designed a thank you card, signed by many in the community, and Brothers Raban, Dominic, Zachary and Elijah minded the infirmary during the supper so that as many of our lay staff as possible could join in the fun. Each of our infirmary staff was presented with a medallion created by Brother Martin, and they, along with their spouse or invited friend, took home a loaf of our Abbey Kitchen's freshly baked raisin bread. It was as good time for all, and we were happy to offer this modest "thank you" to our dedicated, skilled and caring health care workers. (18) Brother Zachary began offering the weekend retreat "Be Angry But Do Not Sin" to 19 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (19) We invested David Nelson of Rockfield, Kentucky, and Edwin Wells of New Carlisle, Ohio, after Midday Prayer. May God bless them and all our oblates.  +++  Another round of weekend courses began for about 60 of our lay degree students. The instructors this weekend are Fathers Harry, Eugene and Denis, Fr. Tom Richstatter, and Drs. Ryan LaMothe and Tom Walters.  +++  An Indiana University vocal ensemble gave an hour-long concert in the Archabbey Church this afternoon. (20) Sunday, the Solemnity of Jesus Christ our Lord and King. An  OP-ranked feast, Father Prior Kurt presided and preached at the Conventual Mass.  +++  About a hundred co-workers joined us for Mass, and then afterward for a reception in Jack's. These men and women work with us, for us, every day; on this Sunday of Thanksgiving Week, it's a privilege to pray with them, and praise and thank the Lord for his many blessings.  +++  This afternoon we were treated to another concert in the Archabbey Church: the Evansville Brass Quintet and organist Mark X. Hatfield presented a fine program for the enjoyment of many. (21) After yesterday's celebration of the solemnity, Father Adrian began his week as presider at our Eucharist this morning.  +++  Mr. Mike Ziemianski, our vice president of development, and several members of his staff presented the monastic community with the annual Development Office report this evening in the Chapter Room after Compline. This was the first time we had audio-visual capability in the Chapter Room; now, with the proper equipment, we're able to meet there (just a hundred feet south of the church), rather than make our customary, somewhat torturous, trek around the Newman Hall construction up to the fourth floor of Newman! (22) A rainy day almost all day: a light but steady drizzle, which makes for perfect November weather! All seemed to be very quiet on the hill today, as many are getting ready in various ways for the Thanksgiving break. (23) After supper this evening ,we expanded our usual "Wednesday special dessert" evening a bit and, thanks to the creative and careful shopping of our junior monks, enjoyed some fine wines, cheese, fruits and sweets in the calefactory. Before moving into the Archabbey Church for Compline (at 7:15 this evening), Abbot Justin briefly addressed the community, recalling a number of blessings we have experienced over the past year. We give thanks to God, and keep in prayer those who are so good to us! (24) Thanksgiving Day, and we enjoyed a traditional meal with all the traditional desserts! A small group of guests and seminary students remaining on the hill over the break joined us for our noonday meal. Father Adrian, our Mass Heb, presided and preached at our Eucharist - 9:30 this morning, as we were following our Sunday schedule. (25) Some say the day after Thanksgiving is the quietest day of the year. It is quiet here today! Leftovers - both on the bone and on the dessert table - are slowly disappearing. (26) The choirmaster, sacristan, and master of ceremonies and their assistants spent a good part of the day preparing new books and finalizing details for tomorrow, when the full implementation of the third edition of the Roman Missal becomes effective. We began some minor changes in our practice of the Divine Office at I Vespers of the First Sunday of Advent this evening. (27) This First Sunday of Advent brings with it the full implementation of Roman Missal III. Father Julian is our Mass Heb and, as a former master of ceremonies of the monastery, as well as one who has given many workshops on the new translation, he was well prepared to lead us in our first Eucharistic celebration. All went smoothly. (28) This evening after Compline, Brother John Mark, vocation director for the monastery, gave the second of three presentations on "The Culture of Vocations." We again met in the newly AV-equipped Chapter Room. (29) Father Vincent is giving a weeklong retreat, "User-Friendly Spirituality: The Lectionary and the Liturgy of the Hours," to eight priests at our Guest House and Retreat Center. +++  And, on this next-to-last day of November, we enjoyed our first sighting - a brief one - of snow for the season. (30) Brother Romain Botta, OSB, a "visiting Benedictine" from Togo, Africa, was our deacon at our Eucharist this morning on this feast of the apostle Andrew. Quote of the Month We end November's entries with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : "But if local circumstances or the workload or the heat of summer demand more [wine for meals], the superior has the power to grant it. But he should be constantly vigilant that excess and drunkenness do not creep in. We read that wine is absolutely not for monks. But since monks in our day cannot be convinced of this, let us at least agree not to drink to excess, but sparingly." Chapter 40, vs. 5-6, "The Quantity of Drink" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/november-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/november-2011/ Wed, 30 November 2011 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/september-2011/ (1) We're expecting Fathers Richard and Rupert to be dismissed from the hospital within a few days. When they arrive and take up residence in our infirmary, it will be the first time in almost six years that all 10 infirmary cells are occupied. We are fortunate to be able to care for our ill and aging confreres at home, and we are certainly blessed to have such a dedicated and professional nursing staff caring for them. (2) Father Richard home has returned home. He's moving a bit slow, but he's obviously grateful to be in familiar surroundings.  +++  Father Abbot Justin, Father Prior Kurt, Father Godfrey and Father Patrick, along with II year theology seminarian Tim Wyciskalla from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, were the judges in a "Pizza Cook-off" at The UnStable this evening. (Seminarian Tim merited the position by winning the "Chili Cook-off" at last year's Super Bowl party.) There were six contestants, one of whom was a monk and, somewhat embarrassingly-perhaps suspiciously?-the monk won. Congratulations to Father Brendan. (3) Br. Maurus is offering the weekend retreat, "Pray Your Way to Happiness," to 22 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  We received word that Dr. Bill Gillespie, a former teacher in our College, died yesterday. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, know the embrace of our Loving Father in heaven. (4) Father Jeremy is our Mass Heb on this Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.  +++  Father Boniface had a stroke at his home in Indianapolis this afternoon. He was taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and is now in observation in the ICU. (5) Father Rupert returned from the hospital this afternoon and has taken up residence in one of our infirmary cells.  +++  No classes in our seminary on this Labor Day, and so faculty, staff and students are enjoying a long weekend.  +++  The monastic chapter gathered in the Chapter Room for a culpa service after Compline this evening; Father Abbot Justin presided and offered the reflection on Chapter 72 of the Rule , "The Good Zeal that Monks Ought to Have." (6) Although we usually don't celebrate birthdays in the monastery (at least not officially), there are exceptions, and today was certainly one of those. Father Archabbot Bonaventure turned an energetic 93 today, and so we had colloquium and cake in his honor at our evening meal. Ad multos annos , Father Abbot Bonaventure! (7) Father Boniface remains in the hospital under the watchful care of the medical staff. Father Matthias, living in Indianapolis, visited him today. (8) Brother Romain, from the monastery of the Incarnation in Togo, West Africa, has been studying in our seminary for the past three years. He was ordained to the diaconate this past spring and today, on this feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Mother, he preached in our Archabbey Church for the first time. It was a busy day for him, as he also served as deacon and preached at the late morning Mass in our seminary!  +++  Father Abbot visited Father Boniface at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis this morning. Father's left side remains paralyzed and his speech is somewhat slurred, although he has shown some improvement over the past few days. We continue our prayers, and he continues to be grateful for them. (9) We have always considered the generosity of our many benefactors and friends as among our greatest blessings. Today we are again humbled, and most grateful, as it was announced that Catherine (Kay) Gaither, a longtime benefactor of Saint Meinrad who recently died, left a substantial bequest to Saint Meinrad Archabbey and our Seminary and School of Theology. Kay is the wife of Jack Gaither, who was formerly the principal of the accounting firm that once did our institutional audit. The endowment is expected to be worth about $5 million and will be used to create the John F. Gaither and Catherine W. Gaither Endowment Fund. Grateful for their generosity, we pledge to use their gift wisely and well. (10) Eighty lay degree students are on the hill this weekend, taking courses offered by Father Denis, OSB (Foundational Theology), Father Tom Richstatter, OFM (Liturgical Year), Dr. Ryan LaMothe (Contexts of Care), Dr. Tom Walters (Catechetical Ministry), Father Harry, OSB (Introduction to New Testament Greek), and Father Eugene, OSB (Letters and Theology of Paul). (11) On this Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Father Harry is our Mass Heb.  +++  Today is also the tenth anniversary of 9-11. In addition to our personal recollections and thoughts, we tolled the death bell for three minutes beginning at 8:45 (the time the first aircraft impacted the World Trade Center), followed by pealing all the bells for two minutes. Representing the monastic community, Father Abbot Justin also offered a prayer and participated in a memorial service held at the American Legion in downtown St. Meinrad, as part of the town's commemoration of the 9-11 tragedy. (12) Father Denis experienced chest pains this morning and so went to Jasper Memorial Hospital. The doctors determined that his heart did indeed "suffer an insult," and so some stent procedures are scheduled for tomorrow. Needless to say, the President-Rector's report to the monastic community on the "State of the School" has been postponed a bit. We keep Father Denis in our prayers. (13) Father Denis' surgery went well; he'll likely remain in the hospital until Thursday.  +++  Bernard Gunar Gruenke, president of Conrad Schmitt Studios Inc. of New Berlin, WI, presented the annual Dolle Lecture on Art and Architecture in the evening to many seminarians, monks, and off-the-hill guests. His address: "Build My Church: A Journey through Planning, Funding and Managing a Church Restoration or Building Project." (14) On this Feast of the Holy Cross, an O.P.-ranked celebration, Father Prior Kurt presided at the Conventual Mass and Father Harry, our Mass Heb, preached. (15) Father Denis returned to the hill this morning, full of energy once again, but promising to take things "a bit" easier. (16) Brother Zachary is giving a midweek retreat, "Forgiven and Forgiving," to 10 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (17) Young people from St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Utica, Kentucky, are making a short retreat on the hill in preparation for their confirmation. Also on the hill are 18 men from St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis, making their annual retreat. God's blessings on all who come to the hill to seek Him! (18) On this Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Timothy is our Mass Heb. +++  Father Abbot Justin left the hill early this morning, headed for the Dakota Territories. More about that tomorrow! (19) Father Abbot Justin presided and preached at the opening liturgy of the year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota. Today is, in fact, the actual 115th anniversary of the death of Bishop Martin Marty, first abbot of Saint Meinrad (1870-1879) and, later, bishop of Dakota (1880-1889), bishop of Sioux Falls (1889-1895), and bishop of St. Cloud (1895-1896.) +++  This evening, Mr. Kyle Kramer, director of our Lay Degree Programs, speaking as a representative of the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, offered the monastic community a presentation on "Catholics, Climate, and the Common Concern." (21) It was announced this morning that the Holy Father has accepted the resignation of our confrere, Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, OSB, due to the archbishop's health. Archbishop Daniel is 73 years old, and he was ordained as bishop of Memphis in 1987. He was installed as archbishop of Indianapolis in 1992. Archbishop Daniel has expressed his desire to return to the monastery. We thank him for his years of service, pray that God may strengthen and sustain him, and look forward to his return to us!  +++  On this feast of St. Matthew, Brother Guerric Letter, OSB, a monk from Conception Abbey in Missouri, who is with us for his fourth and final year of seminary studies, preached at the Conventual Mass. (22) We began preparations for Archbishop Daniel's return to us. Two adjacent cells on our first floor will be converted into a large bedroom/sitting room suite, and another cell has been designated to provide some office space. (23) This evening, Father Pat Beidelman, an alumnus ('98) and director of liturgy in the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese, gave the first of two presentations to us on the new translation of the Roman Missal, which all Catholics in the United States will begin using on the First Sunday of Advent. (24) This morning Father Pat gave his second presentation on the new translation, this session tailored especially for the priests of the monastery. +++  Father Adrian is giving a weekend retreat, "Practical Christianity," to 29 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (25) Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and Father Subprior Guerric is our Mass Heb. Brother Anthony Baker, a fellow Benedictine from Assumption Abbey in North Dakota, who has been studying with us for the past six years, preached at our Conventual Mass.  +++  Father Abbot Justin began a 10-day absence today: his agenda includes some meetings and visits and, fortunately, even a bit of vacation time.  +++  This evening, the 35 students in our seminary's St. Luke Formation House joined the monastic community for Vespers in the Archabbey Church and the evening meal in our refectory. For many of our seminarians it was, of course, their first quick look inside the "mysterious monastery"! (26) Father Abbot Justin left the hill yesterday morning to enjoy what I'm sure is an all-too-brief vacation!  +++  This evening, the annual Gardner Lecture consisted of a one-man show on G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton was portrayed by John "Chuck" Chalberg, PhD, an actor and historian who has taught at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota. (27) The "Gearing Up to Be a Pastor" Workshop, sponsored by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, is taking place this week. Eight participants, including five recent alumni, are taking part in the program. (28) Father Severin Messick died this morning at the hospital in Greenfield, Indiana, where he had been for the past few weeks. Father was diagnosed with cancer in January; just last week he decided to discontinue the extensive chemotherapy he had been undergoing. May he, and all the faithful departed, rest in peace.  +++  Father Louis Hacker went to Jasper Hospital this morning, and was transported by ambulance this afternoon to St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis. They are running tests and preparing him for possible heart surgery. We keep him, and all our ill and aging confreres, in our prayers. (29) On this feast of the Holy Angels, Father Subprior Guerric presided and preached at our Eucharist.  +++  Later this afternoon, he and other theology faculty and administrators headed out to New Harmony, Indiana, for the annual Faculty Study Day. (30) Today we celebrate the 14th anniversary of the dedication of the Archabbey Church. As Father Abbot is away, Father Prior Kurt presided and preached at this O.A.-ranked feast. Our Archabbey Church is under the patronage of Mary, Our Lady of Einsiedeln. We ask her intercession, as we thank the many friends of Saint Meinrad who support us in our prayer and work.  +++  Father Louis Hacker's possible heart surgery has been postponed once again. He remains in the hospital in Indianapolis. Quote of the Month We end our month's entries with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : When we wish to propose something to powerful people, we do not presume to do so without humility and reverence. How much more should we petition the Lord God of the universe with great humility and total devotion. Chapter 20, "Reverence in Prayer" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/september-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/september-2011/ Wed, 28 September 2011 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/august-2011/ (1) Candidate Anushka Fonseka began his retreat in preparation for entrance into the novitiate this evening. Br. Francis is leading and directing him over the next five days.  +++  Father Cyprian continued the jubilee celebrations from yesterday in which he celebrated 60 years of monastic profession, and his confreres Brothers Dominic and Mario and Father Warren celebrated 50 years, and Fathers David and Edward 25 years. Today was the actual day of Father's profession 60 years ago, and so he followed our house custom of taking the main meal of the day at the abbot's table. We had colloquium in his honor. Ad multos annos to all our jubilarians! (2) Father Columba is offering a weeklong chant workshop, "Bringing to Life the Word of God in Song," to 14 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  Father Augustine, who suffered a stroke on July 29, has been transferred to the in-house rehabilitation center at the Jasper hospital, where he is expected to spend the next several weeks. He receives several hours of speech, occupational and physical therapy each day. (3) Thirty-three Catholic school teachers from Dayton, Ohio, who arrived on the hill August 1, concluded their St. Remy Pilgrimage today. (4) Father Abbot Justin and Father Patrick left early this morning for the biennial meeting of the General Chapter of the Swiss American Congregation, held this year at Westminster Abbey in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, Canada.  +++  We were expecting our Brother Luke and Einsiedeln's Brother Thomas Fassler to arrive from Switzerland early this evening. However, their flight to Charlotte made an emergency landing at Gander, Newfoundland, due to a passenger experiencing a serious health issue. They finally landed in Louisville around midnight. We look forward to their recovery from jet lag and full participation in our life! (5) We clothed Anushka Fonseka in the monastic habit in a brief ceremony prior to Vespers this evening, thus welcoming him into our novitiate. As Father Abbot is away, Father Prior  Kurt presided at the ritual. Our celebration continued after Vespers, with colloquium during our evening meal and a reception for Novice Anushka's guests after Compline. Anushka is from Sri Lanka, and he was most pleased that his brother-in-law was able to travel from his home country to spend a few days with him and another week or so in what is his first visit to the United States. (6) Father Prior Kurt presided and preached on this O.P.-ranked feast of the Transfiguration. As is our custom on such days, we had an abbreviated table reading and enjoyed conversation during our evening meal. +++  A group of 15 members of the pastoral council of St. Raphael Parish, Louisville, concluded a two-day retreat on our hill this afternoon. (7) Father Meinrad is our Mass Heb for this Nineteenth Sunday and week of Ordinary Time.  +++  We delighted in an organ recital in the Archabbey Church this afternoon, enjoying the expert performances of organists Michael David, Raymond Henderson and George Hubbard. (8) A workshop for "New Pastors," sponsored by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, began this morning and will run through Friday. Seven new pastors are taking advantage of this program, including alumni Father Jeremy Gries (Indianapolis, '09) and Father Aaron Jenkins (Indianapolis, '08). Presenters include Sr. Patty Lasher, OSB, from Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, who serves as associate director of counseling services in our seminary, and alumnus ( '99) Father Gary Padgett of the Archdiocese of Louisville. (9) Father Columba is in the second day of offering the second session of "Bringing to Life the Word of God in Song," a retreat presented to 10 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (10) Father Augustine continues to recover from his stroke. At the In-House Rehabilitation Center in Jasper, he receives several hours of speech, physical and occupational therapy each day. (11) At Vespers, we blessed Brother John who, this Sunday, will be departing to begin graduate studies at Fordham University. Brother John is one of four monks we have in graduate studies; in a few weeks Brother Matthew will become the fifth as he heads for the University of Toronto. (12) A very quiet day on the hill-and, certainly, the most pleasant weather day that's come our way in quite a while. Lots of people took advantage of a cool wave-temperature only in the high 80s!-to stroll around the grounds. (13) Two groups are spending a few days on the hill this weekend. About 20 pairs-candidates for the permanent diaconate class of 2016 for the Archdiocese of Louisville and their wives-are making a three-day retreat. And there are 15 guests participating in the Youth Ministry Certificate Program of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. (14) On this 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Eugene, our Mass Heb, presided and preached.  +++  Father Tobias returned to the hill this evening, after a fine and certainly well-deserved three-month sabbatical. This coming school year holds both old and new responsibilities for him. Father is the director of "Together in One Place" (one of our seminary's premier formation programs), an instructor of English-as-Second-Language, and dean for the St. Luke Formation House. (15) We celebrated today the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary-an O.A.-ranked feast, and so Father Abbot Justin presided and preached at the Conventual Mass. In honor of the feast we had "Sunday Schedule," which allowed many a bit of extra sleep-much appreciated on a Monday! (16) Father Augustine continues to recover from the stroke he suffered at the end of July. If his progress continues, we'll welcome him back to the hill toward the end of this month. (17) Father Brendan is offering a midweek retreat, "Leadership: Witnessing to the Humility and Humanity of God," to 88 "San Damiano Scholars" from Marian College at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (18) Father Richard had some outpatient eye surgery done in Evansville this morning; he's returned to the hill, seemingly in good shape, wearing an eye patch. (19) Twenty members of the Parish Council of St. Patrick's, Louisville, are here for two days of meetings and reflection.  +++  Father Eugene is offering a weekend retreat, "Reflections on the Miracle Stories of the Gospels," to 57 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (20) We have 54 lay degree students on the hill this weekend, taking one of several courses: "Ancient Philosophy," taught by Dr. Chris Lutz; "Servant Leadership in Action," taught by Chris Urbanowski; and "Canon Law for Ministry," taught by Linda Budney. (21) Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Patrick is our Mass Heb, presiding and preaching at our Eucharist this morning, at which many of our weekend students joined us.  +++  We received the very sad and tragic news that early this morning alumnus Father Jorgé Gomez and seminarian Stanley Kariuki were killed in a car accident in Tulsa. Father Jorgé was the last of our 2011 graduates to be ordained to the priesthood-just this past July 1. Stanley was a seminarian for the Diocese of Tulsa, and was about to enter his third year of theological studies with us on the hill. They were struck by a car running a red light and were pronounced dead at the scene. Fr. Jorgé's father is in Mexico and seminarian Stanley is from Kenya, and so funeral arrangements are pending. (22) Abbot Justin gave a conference to the monastic community after Compline. (23) Father Vincent is offering the midweek retreat, "By the Finger of God: The Miracles of Jesus," to about 20 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (24) Eighteen permanent deacon candidates for the Diocese of Owensboro are halfway through their week-long "Homiletics Week." The week is directed by alumnus and Diocese of Owensboro priest Father John Thomas and taught by alumnus Father David Scotchie of the Diocese of Orlando. (25) Father Rupert had a bad fall in our refectory this evening, just as we were preparing for the evening meal. We took him to Jasper Memorial Hospital. X-rays revealed, among other injuries, a fractured vertebra in his neck, and he was transferred later in the evening to St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville.  +++  Brother Matthew will soon begin his graduate studies at the University of Toronto. In preparation for this, he received the special blessing from Father Abbot Justin and prayers from the community during Vespers this evening.  +++  After Compline quite a few monks enjoyed a social with the new seminarians, held in the Alumni Commons. (26) Father Augustine returned home, nearly a month after his stroke. He is in good spirits and will continue with his physical and occupation therapy.  +++  Father Richard fell in his infirmary cell, and received quite a few bruises and lacerations on his head and face. He was taken to Jasper Memorial Hospital and then later transferred to St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville. Our Father Harold, who lives in Evansville, anointed both Father Rupert and Father Richard this afternoon. (27) Father Noël is offering a weekend retreat, "Simplicity," to 54 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (28) Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Father German will preside and preach at our Masses this week.  +++  Twenty-one priests from the Archdiocese of Louisville began a two-day meeting of the Priests' Council at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (29) First day of classes for our seminary. Once again, due to the renovation of Newman Hall, some classes are meeting in the library. (30) Father Richard is having a rough recovery from his fall four days ago. He seemed to rally a bit yesterday, but today his condition is reported as "guarded."  +++  Fathers Denis (president-rector) and Godfrey (vice rector) and a number of seminarians were in Tulsa for the rites of burial for Fr. Jorgé Gomez and seminarian Stanley Kariuki, who were killed in a car accident August 21. +++  Today is also the first anniversary of death (actually transferred from yesterday) for Brother Charles DeSutter; the Conventual Mass was offered for him. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. (31) As we close out the month, our confreres Father Rupert and Father Richard remain at St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville. Father Rupert was scheduled to have surgery this afternoon, but his operation was postponed (for the second consecutive day) because his surgeon was called to emergencies. The procedure has been tentatively rescheduled for tomorrow morning. Father Richard will remain at St. Mary's at least another 24 hours. Quote of the Month We end our month's entries with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict: Brothers who are about to set out on a journey should commend themselves to the prayers of all the brethren and the abbot. A remembrance of all the absent members must always be made at the final prayer of the Divine Office. Chapter 67, "Brothers who are sent on a journey" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/august-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/august-2011/ Wed, 31 August 2011 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/july-2011/ (1) We began the new month by celebrating the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Father Prior  Kurt presided at our Eucharist on this O.P.-ranked feast, and Fr. Pius preached.  +++  The second week of the "One Bread, One Cup" program concluded at noon. +++  And the last of our graduating class of deacons was ordained to the priesthood today. Congratulations to Fr. Jorge Gomez of the Diocese of Tulsa! (Actually, one more graduate is still to be ordained: the ordination date of Brother Mauritius Honegger, OSB, a monk of our mother abbey Einsiedeln, who studied in our seminary this past year, has yet to be announced.) (2) Today was the first full day of the annual conference of the North American Association of Benedictine Oblate Directors (NAABOD). Fr. Meinrad, our own oblate director, has organized and is overseeing the conference, which involves 84 participants. The conference runs through June 6. (3) Our return to Sunday liturgical "Ordinary Time"-today is the Fourteenth Sunday-is late this year, as Easter occurred about as late in April as it possibly could, pushing the post-Pentecost solemnities well into June. Fr. Harry, our Mass heb, presided and preached this morning.  +++  Although not celebrated on this Sunday by the Universal Church, we do recognize that it is Fr. Thomas' feast day. We send our greetings and best wishes across the waves to Belgium, where Father has just concluded a year of studies at the seminary at Leuven. As things have developed, the American seminary at Leuven is closing this year. Fr. Thomas will continue his studies in Leuven, but he will be moving into a new residence. We pray for an uncomplicated transition. (4) We had a regular "weekday schedule" for Independence Day, although the monastic community did enjoy some extra company for supper. We gathered with the participants of the NAABOD conference in the Newman Dining Room for the evening meal. (5) Fr. Harry preached at this morning's Eucharist.  +++  The last full day of the NAABOD conference featured several "on the hill tour options": Brother Flavian's wood-burning shop, Brother Kim's weaving shop, and Brother Martin's pottery shop and Art Studio. (6) The oblate directors joined the monastic community in the Archabbey Church at 7:30 for Mass, and then a "planning team meeting" for some officially concluded this year's conference. Kudos to Fr. Meinrad and his staff for a well-run conference! Blessings upon our directors, and upon all our oblates! (7) "Can you see what I see?" Lo and behold, a giant crane ascended the hill and came to rest near the kitchen driveway at 6:30 this morning. Fortunately for some, disappointing to others, this crane is very much of the mechanical, and not aviary, species. Throughout the morning, its crews carefully unloaded a 20-foot, 64,000-pound generator, which is being installed on a custom-built concrete pad just north of the Power House. Watching its installation was "the thing to do" this morning, and many did from the calefactory, rock garden and health services entrance. (8) We celebrated the feast day of Fr. Eugene's patronal saint today. Ad multos annos , Fr. Eugene!  +++  Fr. Prior Kurt has been appointed to serve also as the monastery's Master of Ceremonies I. He moves into this position as Br. Matthew prepares to depart for graduate school later this summer. Br. Elijah, one of our junior monks, has been serving as Master of Ceremonies II; he will continue in that position. (9) Many of our alumni, priests and lay degree students alike, are familiar with the pioneering work in the field of adult baptism and the (in 1972) new Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults by Saint Meinrad monk Fr. Aidan Kavanagh. Fr. Aidan spent only a little time teaching in our seminary here; the greater part of his professional career was devoted to teaching at the University of Notre Dame and, especially, the Yale Divinity School. We were reminded of both person and performance in the monastery yesterday evening, as our daily reading of our monastic necrology reminded us that today is the fifth anniversary of his death. It's an occasion to thank God for the blessings he bestowed upon Fr. Aidan, and also to keep in grateful prayer all those who have taught and guided us in the ways and means of the Christian life. (10) The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Fr. Vincent, our Mass heb, presided and preached at our 9:30 a.m. Eucharist.  +++   Father Archabbot Justin presided and preached at the "One Bread, One Cup" concluding  Eucharist for this summer's last session with the high school participants.  +++  Father Archabbot Lambert is home for a brief visit. Today he presided and preached in Jasper at a Eucharist commemorating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Memorial Health Care Center. (11) This eleventh of July is celebrated by the Universal Church as the Feast of St. Benedict. We celebrate that solemnity on March 21, and so today we celebrate the Feast of All Benedictine Saints, ranked an O.P. Father Prior Kurt presided and preached at our usual 7:30 a.m. weekday schedule Eucharist.  +++  Today is the first full day of a homiletics week for 12 permanent deacon candidates of the Diocese of New Ulm, MN. The program runs through July 16; our own Dr. Rick Stern and alumnus Fr. David Scotchie (T'93) are conducting the workshop. (12) We welcome seven men, six of whom are priests, who are engaging in a "Stoking the Fire" mini-sabbatical sponsored by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates here through August 7. Three of the men are alumni: Mark DeSutter (C'78, T '82), Dr. Patrick Murphy (T'88) and Fr. Bill Bowling (T'97). (13) Thirty-seven participants are taking part in the annual conference of the Monastic Worship Forum, which began yesterday and continues through Saturday morning. The theme is, "Ancient Wine in New Wineskins: Celebrating Eucharist with Twenty-First Century Documents." Presenters include Sr. Julia Upton, RSM, and Dr. Paul Ford.  +++  Today is the patronal feast day of  Br. Silas, who returned to the house just last week after working for a year in Louisville. Happy feast day, Br. Silas. (14) Br. Martin concluded his three-day midweek retreat, "Beauty as a Pathway to God: Religious Art and Symbol in the Spiritual Life, Part 2," to 29 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  Fr. Donald continues to grow weaker and so, at the recommendation of our nursing staff, we began our customary vigil for-and with-him. Confreres have signed up to be at his bedside throughout the day and night hours. (15) Thirty-five guests from St. Martin de Porres Parish, Memphis, Tennessee, are at our Guest House and Retreat Center, enjoying a several-day retreat.  +++  Our vigil with and for Father Donald continues. As it so happens, today is Fr. Donald's patronal feast day, a celebration he shares with Fr. Archabbot Bonaventure. We wish both our brothers God's peace and strength! (16) The Solemnity of Our Lady of Einsiedeln, the patroness of our Archabbey Church. An O.A., with Father Abbot presiding at both the Eucharist and I and II Vespers. This was also the closing day of the Monastic Worship Forum, and so Fr. Godfrey, executive secretary of that group, offered the homily. (17) Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Sean is our Office and Mass heb.  +++  Fr. Eugene concluded offering a weekend retreat, "Reflections on the Richness of  Old Testament Biblical Wisdom," to 19 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  Father Prior Kurt is away from the hill for about a week, and so he will rely on the notes taken by Archabbot Bonaventure to catch up on events when he returns. (18) First full day of this year's Alumni Reunion-a turnout of about 170 and so the hill is comfortably crowded. Fr. Archabbot Justin and Fr. Vincent gave presentations today. (19) The Most Reverend William Medley, alumnus and bishop of Owensboro, presided and preached at the Alumni Mass this afternoon. At the evening banquet, Abbot Gerald Benkert, OSB, of Marmion Abbey, became the 19th alumnus to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. (20) Archabbot Bonaventure went to the doctor's office for a regular checkup this afternoon. He ended up with a pacemaker and a hospital bed for the night! Reports are that he's doing just fine. (21) Archabbot Bonaventure is back with us, in good health and spirits!  +++  Today we celebrate the feast day of our confrere, the Most Reverend Daniel Buechlein, archbishop of our Archdiocese of Indianapolis. God's blessings upon him and his ministry. (22) Dave Maloney has concluded offering "A Step II Retreat for Recovering Alcoholics and Alanons" to 32 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (23) Weekend courses are in full swing as are also, unfortunately, the continuing sizzling temperatures and soggy humidity.  +++  Fr. Vincent is giving the weekend retreat, "Of Signs and Symbols: The Sacraments of the Church," to 10 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  We celebrate the feast day of another expositus today: Fr. Prior Cassian, who serves the community of monks at San Benedetto Priory in Norcia, Italy-the birthplace of SS. Benedict and Scholastica. May God continue to bless and guide Prior Cassian and his community. (24) Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and Fr. Christian is our Office and Mass heb. Father is home for a few weeks this summer from The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.), where he is pursuing a doctorate in systematic theology. (25) After Midday Prayer, we invested Deborah Apoldo of Harrod's Creek, Kentucky, as an oblate novice. Congratulations and a promise of prayers! (26) After Midday Prayer, we received the oblation of Ann Smith of Grahanna, Ohio, and David Annable of Monroe, Ohio. Congratulations to them, and our continued prayers for all of our oblates!  +++  Father Prior Kurt returned to the hill last night, and so resumes authorship of "About the House." (27) And Father Prior Kurt returned just in time for his feast day. He eagerly endorsed the house custom of requesting a favorite menu for supper and so, for the second year in a row, it was meatloaf with all the trimmin's. (28) Our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates (IPP) has been sponsoring a "Stoking the Fire" sabbatical program this summer. This evening, five of the participants, along with Fr. Ron Knott, director of IPP, joined the monastic community for supper in the refectory. (29) On this feast of SS. Mary, Martha and Lazarus, Fr. Christian preached on this "Second Holy Family" at this morning's Conventual Mass.  +++  Fr. Augustine was taken to Jasper Hospital around eight this morning; he had fallen by his bed and required some assistance to get up. The doctors think he has suffered a minor stroke; they are keeping him in the hospital at least overnight for observation. (30) As the tongue-in-cheek account of the people in the drought-stricken land has it, "a few drops of rain fell from the sky, landed on someone, and it took two buckets of sand to bring him to consciousness again." It was just a few drops of rain this afternoon, the first we've had in quite a while.  +++  Fr. Augustine remains in the hospital at Jasper, alert and talkative, and getting ready for some more tests throughout the weekend. (31) This last day of the month and the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time was a day of jubilee celebrations on the Hill. We honored six confreres: Fr. Cyprian, celebrating 60 years of monastic profession; Br. Dominic, Fr. Warren and Br. Mario, celebrating 50 years; and Fr. David and Fr. Edward, celebrating 25 years. Father Abbot Justin presided and preached at our ten o'clock Eucharist. The guests of the jubilarians joined the monastic community for both lunch and dinner in the Newman Dining Room. To our jubilarians: ad multos annos , and our thanks for your years of faithful witness and service. Quote of the Month We end our month's entries with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : But as we progress in the monastic life and in faith, our hearts will swell with the unspeakable sweetness of love, enabling us to race along the way of God's commandments. Then we will never depart from his teaching and we will persevere in his doctrine in the monastery until death. Likewise, we will participate in the passion of Christ through patience so as to deserve to be companions in his kingdom. Amen. Prologue, vv. 49-50 Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/july-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/july-2011/ Sun, 31 July 2011 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/june-2011/ (1) Father Abbot Justin presided and preached at our Conventual Mass today, his feast day. The celebration continued in our refectory over supper, as we enjoyed his menu choice (complete with the inevitable red velvet cake, his perennial sweet tooth favorite) and colloquium . Happy Feast Day, Father Abbot, and ad multos annos !  +++  We began our summer Monastic Observance Program today; two young men are sharing our prayer, work and recreation through Sunday.  +++  Brother Raban had back surgery at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville today-a procedure that lasted just less than 9 hours. His first few hours out of surgery this evening suggest the surgery was successful. (2) Brother Raban is indeed making steady progress in his recovery, and we expect him to return to the hill tomorrow!  +++  Shortly after Midday Prayer, we invested Debra Order of Newburgh, IN, as an oblate novice. God's blessings upon her, and upon all our oblates!  +++  Brother Anthony Baker, OSB, a monk of Assumption Abbey, North Dakota, and one of our "visiting Benedictines" these past years, was ordained to the diaconate this morning at Assumption. Congratulations to him and to many of his classmates and fellow seminarians, who will be ordained to the diaconate and the priesthood in the upcoming weeks. (3) Brother Raban returned from the hospital this afternoon, and continues his recovery in one of our infirmary cells. He's in good spirits. +++  Father Noël began presenting a weekend retreat, "Living in the Spirit: Exploring the Christian Vocation," to 26 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (4) Two members of our graduating seminary class were ordained to the priesthood this morning in their home dioceses. Congratulations to Father Dustin Boehm (Archdiocese of Indianapolis) and Father Zachary Peterson (Diocese of New Ulm). +++  And two more of Br. Anthony's classmates (see June 2 entry) were ordained to the diaconate this morning n their dioceses; congratulations to Dominic Petan and Travis Stephens, of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.  +++  Dr. Clayton Jefford, Dr. Ryan LaMothe and Fr. Tom Richstatter are our weekend course professors this time around; 52 lay degree students are on the hill this weekend. (5) The Solemnity of the Ascension has the rank of an O.A., but Father Abbot Justin is in Toledo witnessing the marriage of some family members. Father Subprior Guerric presided at our Eucharist, and Father Germain preached.  +++  Two more of our seminarians were ordained to the diaconate in their home diocese this morning: we congratulate Patrick Hirtz and Dexter Noblefranca of the Diocese of Memphis. (6) About 100 priests of the Archdiocese of Louisville will be holding their annual assembly here these next few days. They begin their work tonight and conclude at noon on Thursday.  +++  The Louisville priests aren't the only ones joining us on the hill. About 50 participants from Indianapolis' St. Barnabas, St. Anthony and Holy Trinity Youth Groups joined us for Vespers this evening. They will be with us part of tomorrow as well. (7) Father Brendan is teaching a course on Benedictine spirituality to 12 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center this week. (8) Father Joseph, our Mass Heb, preached on Monday of this week and again this morning. One guest approached me after Mass and asked if Father Joseph was some kind of "rebel," since we usually have weekday homilies on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Father Joseph, however, is simply taking legitimate advantage of the "presider's privilege." Our ordinary practice is that the presider preaches twice during the week (in addition to Sunday), and he is free to choose on what two days those homilies will be. (9) Father Abbot Justin has landed in Belgium, where he will spend a few days with our Father Thomas, who is completing his first year of studies at the University of Louvain. From there, Father Abbot will go on to Rome to visit Father Ephrem and Father Paul, and then for some meetings with Father Prior Cassian at the priory at Norcia. (10) We welcome 56 participants taking part in the Archdiocese of Louisville Diaconate Community Retreat this weekend at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  We celebrate more ordinations of our seminarians today. Congratulations to Michael Chrisman, ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Pueblo, and to newly ordained deacons Drew Braun, Seth Gogolin and Brian Lederer, of the Diocese of Duluth. (11) Continuing with the ordination celebrations and congratulations from yesterday: Sean Pogue was ordained priest for the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, and Mauricio Carrasco (Little Rock) and Dustin Collins (Knoxville) were ordained to the diaconate.  +++  No shortage of groups on the hill this weekend: 26 guests from St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Louisville, have arrived for a women's retreat, and 28 high school students from St. Benedict Parish in Oklahoma, on their way to some summer work in Appalachia, will be spending the night with us. Welcome to all our guests, and prayers for their safe travels! (12) The Solemnity of Pentecost. This day has the rank of an OA but, since Father Abbot is in Rome, Father Prior Kurt presided and preached at the Eucharist. Having colloquium at our main meal today helped us celebrate the great feast. +++  This evening marked the official closing of St. Meinrad's Catholic Church and Town's Sesquicentennial Celebration (150 years!). Various festivities and events have been going on since the celebrations were launched a week ago. To the town and our parish we say, " Ad multos annos !" (13) The first week of this summer's "One Bread, One Cup" Youth Liturgical Leadership Session began this morning. As part of their program, about half of the high school participants joined the monks for Vigils and Lauds at 5:30 a.m.! (The other half will do so tomorrow.)  +++  About 50 of our oblates began a "Summer Study Days" session, led by Father Harry. The theme for the presentations and discussions: "A Closer Look at the Rule of St. Benedict ." (14) Father Germain, who began his Mass Heb duties yesterday as we returned to Ordinary Time, preached at this morning's Eucharist. (15) Five oblates professed their final oblations today. We ask God's blessings on Margaret Sherlock (West Chester, OH), Stephen Drees (Mason, OH), Robert Siebanaller (Toledo, OH), and Jerry and Lora Altstadt (Huntingburg, IN). May God uphold them in their promises! (16) The Oblate Study Days have ended, with high praise for Oblate Director Father Meinrad and the Study Days presenter Father Harry. (17) Hubert, the brother of Brother Dominic, died this morning after a long illness and battle with Alzheimer's. May he rest in peace! +++  Fifty participants from Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville are on the hill today and tomorrow for a youth choir retreat. (18) More ordinations to report-and to celebrate! This morning Ryan McCoy was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Biloxi, and seminarians Jeff Read and Brian Emmick were ordained deacons for the Diocese of Evansville. Congratulations to them, and to all our graduates and newly ordained!  +++  Father Abbot returned late this evening from his trip to Belgium and Italy. He reports good visits with our confreres Father Prior Cassian and Fathers Ephrem, Paul and Thomas. (19) Trinity Sunday. Father Subprior Guerric presided and preached, and we enjoyed a colloquium at our main meal. Father Subprior will be our Mass Heb throughout the week.  +++  Sixty-two students concluded another round of weekend course work this afternoon. Our Dr. Chris Lutz, and guest faculty Chris Urbandowski and Linda Budney, taught courses, respectively, on "Ancient Philosophy," "Servant Leadership in Action" and "Canon Law for Ministry."  +++  Brother Francis concluded offering the weekend retreat, "Reading the Sacred in Creation," to 20 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center this weekend. (20) Father Adrian, our business manager, and John Wilson, general manager of the Abbey Press, gave the monastic community a presentation on this coming fiscal year's budget this evening. (21) Brother Maurus began offering a Midweek Retreat-"Pray Your Way to Happiness"-to 20 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center." The retreat concludes at Thursday noon. (22) Our "One Bread, One Cup" college interns are enjoying a bit of a break from their previous week's work; in addition to debriefing and continuing with their formation during this week between sessions, they're taking a field trip to St. Louis for some sightseeing. (23) Father Abbot Bonaventure is filling in as the scribe for About the House for a few days, as Father Prior Kurt travels to Green Bay for the ordination of one of our recent seminary graduates.  +++  Abbot Bonaventure reports a pleasant "weather day," with daytime temps between 75 and 85 degrees. (24) The Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist-an O.P., with Father Subprior Guerric presiding and Father Meinrad preaching at the Conventual Eucharist. +++  We received the oblation of Jim and Sharon Essner of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Jim Schmitt of Albion, IN, after Noonday Prayer. God's blessings upon them and upon all our oblates! (25) A lot of confreres are away-on temporary summer assignment, on vacation, attending ordinations... Father Abbot Bonaventure reports there were only 22 monks in choir for Vigils and Lauds this morning!  +++  Two more of our graduating seminarians were ordained to the priesthood today: congratulations to, and prayers for, Father Noah Diehm of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, and Father Luke Ferris of the Diocese of Green Bay.  +++  And some 4,000 miles or so to the east of our American Midwest, two of our seminarians were ordained to the diaconate. Congratulations and a promise of prayers to  Crispine Adongo and Aaron Wessman, now deacons of the Glenmary Missioners, who were ordained in Kenya! This is Deacon Crispine's home territory, so he'll be playing host to Deacon Aaron and their guests for a few days before returning to the States. (26) Solemnity of Corpus Christi, an O.P., with Father Timothy presiding and preaching at the Conventual Mass.  +++  EXTREME WEATHER !!! A tornado, with wind speeds reaching 80+ mph, touched down on the southern end of our grounds around two o'clock this morning. Fortunately, no one was injured, but there was considerable damage to property and structures. At Plant 2 at the Abbey Press, the flat roof was peeled off. The Press warehouse was destroyed, and furniture stored there was damaged. The building housing our groundskeeping equipment collapsed, and the Gessner House lost half its roof. We've lots of cleanup to do but, thankfully, we emerged far more fortunate than have many of our Midwest neighbors this summer. (27) Cleanup and repairs from yesterday's storm and tornado damage took up a major part of the day, of course. Kudos to Pat Clark, our director of physical facilities, and his splendid crew who are cleaning and scrubbing, fixing and restocking.  +++The second session of "One Bread, One Cup" began at noon today. (28) Cleanup from Sunday morning's tornado continues, as it will for some time!  +++  The permanent deacon class from the Diocese of Springfield, IL, is spending their week here on the hill, undergoing their intensive workshop in homiletics. (29) Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The feast is celebrated as an O.A., and so Father Abbot Justin presided at I Vespers yesterday evening and Vigils and Lauds this morning, and also presided and preached at our 7:30 a.m. Eucharist. This year, however, this great feast of the Universal Church runs into a bit of competition from a local event: this afternoon Louisville priest and Saint Meinrad alumnus Charles Thompson was ordained and installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Evansville. Father Abbot and a host of monks attended the ordination. We ask God's blessings upon Bishop Charles, and upon all who lead, guide and teach us. (30) Father Sebastian is home from his teaching and administrative assignment at Canterbury School in Connecticut; he'll be spending the summer with us until about mid-August. We welcome him home!  +++ Thanks to the tireless cleanup and repair work of our Physical Facilities crew, under the direction of Pat Clark, you'd almost never know we suffered severe damage from the tornado earlier in the week. Almost! Quote of the Month We end our month's entries with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : "Let [the monks] strive to be the first to honor one another. They should bear each other's weaknesses of both body and character with the utmost patience. They must compete with one another in obedience. No one should pursue what he judges advantageous to himself, but rather what benefits others." Chapter 72, "The Good Zeal that Monks Ought to Have" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/june-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/june-2011/ Thu, 30 June 2011 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/may-2011/ (1) Father Jeremy began his week as our Mass Hebdomadarian on this Second Sunday of Easter. By the sheer coincidence of scheduling, today is also Father Jeremy's feast day!  +++  Father Donald celebrated his 94th birthday today. He sat at the abbot's table for the noonday meal, and we had colloquium in his honor. Happy Birthday, Father Donald, and ad multos annos ! (2) The monastery had a Chapter Meeting tonight after Vespers, in which we conducted some routine business for the monastery.  +++  Father Jeremy continues what promises to be a busy week for him: this evening he began a retreat for 15 deacons and wives titled, " Diakonia /Service: The First Response to the Real Presence in the Eucharist." (3) Today, on this feast of the Apostles Philip and James, we celebrate the feast day of Brother Philip. Brother Philip lives in Evansville and devotes his time to prayer and works of charity, for which we are most grateful. Happy Feast Day, Br. Philip! (4) Our special dessert night was extra special this evening, as we honored our six Benedictine confreres from other monasteries who have been attending our seminary and living in our house this past year: Brothers Romain Botta (who was ordained to the diaconate April 30) and Philippe Tchalou (Monastery of the Incarnation, Togo, West Africa), Brothers Guerric Letter and Victor Schinstock (Conception Abbey, Missouri), Brother Anthony Baker (Assumption Abbey, North Dakota), and Brother Mauritius Honegger (Einsiedeln Abbey, Switzerland). Brother Mauritius will be returning to Einsiedeln soon; we're expecting his confrere, Brother Thomas, to move into his cell this August. The other five "visiting" Benedictines will be returning to their monasteries for the summer months; we look forward to their rejoining us for prayer, study and work at summer's end. (5) Father Donald, who celebrated his 94th birthday the first of the month, was taken to the hospital in Jasper this morning. He was experiencing some discomfort in his chest, and so we took him over in a "non-emergency ambulance" as a precaution. (6) Seventy-plus lay degree students have started to arrive for their weekend courses. Fathers Brendan and Tom Richstatter, and Drs. Ryan LaMothe and Clayton Jefford are the professors this time around. (7) About 28 monks enjoyed the third and final "UnStable Lunch" of the semester. Father Prior Kurt and three seminarians prepared 11 large pizzas to perfection.  +++  We'll be celebrating the golden and silver anniversaries of priestly ordination of four of our confreres at the end of the month, but today is the actual 50th anniversary day for Fathers Timothy and Meinrad. Father Timothy is out in the parish, but Father Meinrad is home and so sat at the abbot's table for our noonday meal. As is our custom, we enjoyed colloquium in his honor. Ad multos annos , Fathers Timothy and Meinrad! +++  Father Donald returned from the hospital this afternoon. He seems in relatively good health-and joyful spirits that he's home again.  +++  Greg and Mary Karn of Antioch, TN, were invested as oblates in the Archabbey Church shortly after Vespers. May God bless all our oblates and sustain them in their efforts to grow in holiness! (8) Father Brendan is our Mass Heb for this Third Week of Easter. +++  Our Archabbey Church was rather full this morning, as many of our weekend students joined our regular guests for the Eucharist.  +++  Father Columba was the homilist at this afternoon's Marian procession and rosary at Monte Cassino. He spoke on "Mary, the Greatest Human Success." (9) Father Abbot Justin gave a conference to the monastic community after Compline this evening. The topic was "The Discipline of Easter."  +++  Father Gregory is into his fourth day at St. Mary's Hospital, Evansville, with a case of facial cellulitis. "A major annoyance," he says, "but not fatal." We pray for his rapid recovery. (10) We invested Jeremy LaMastus of Evansville as an oblate in the Archabbey Church after Noonday Prayer. (11) Today is the patronal feast day of Brother Hugh, as well as the actual 50th anniversary of Brother Dominic's profession of vows. As is our custom, Brother Dominic joined the abbot's table for supper, and we had colloquium in his honor. (12) Final exams for the semester take place in our seminary today and tomorrow, with graduation following on Saturday the 14th. As is often the case, it's difficult to tell who is looking forward to Sunday more-students, or faculty and staff! (13) Father Noël concluded his week-long retreat, "Modeling Jesus: The Priest as Servant Leader," which he has been offering to nine priests at our Guest House and Retreat Center beginning this past Monday.  +++  And as one retreat ended, another began. Over the weekend, Father Eugene is offering "Reflections on the Book of Signs in the Gospel of John" to about two dozen participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (14) A day of celebration on the hill, as our Seminary and School of Theology awarded 10 deacons a Master of Divinity degree, 10 seminarians a Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophical Studies, 7 students a Master of Arts in Catholic Thought and Life, and 12 students a Master of Theological Studies. Congratulations to all our graduates!  +++  St. Bede Hall is under renovation, so the graduation ceremony was held in the Archabbey Church. We were honored to have Abbot Martin Werlen, OSB, the 58th abbot of Einsiedeln, our Mother Abbey in Switzerland, deliver the graduation address to our students and their guests and our faculty and staff. Having him with us offered a unique reminder that graduations are a time both to honor our traditions and look toward the future! (15) Father Sean began his tenure as our Mass Heb on this Fourth Sunday of Easter-"Good Shepherd" Sunday, as it is often called. +++  Having given the graduation address yesterday, Abbot Martin of Einsiedeln is not through working for us! He presided at one of the Masses at the "downtown" St. Meinrad Parish, to the delight of the parishioners. +++  Brother Zachary offered the reflection, "The Heart of Mary," at the Monte Cassino pilgrimage and rosary this afternoon. (16) This evening following Compline, the monastic community enjoyed a social in honor of Father Abbot Martin. It has been a delight to have hosted Father Abbot Martin and Brother Alexander, his confrere from Einsiedeln, these past few days. Abbot Martin and Brother Alexander will be returning to Einsiedeln tomorrow.  +++  Earlier this morning, Father Prior Bernard, of the Monastery of the Incarnation, Togo, West Africa, began his long return home. Father Prior Bernard joined us late last month for the ordination of the diaconate of one of his monks, Brother Romain Botta (April 30). (17) On this last full day for Abbot Martin and Brother Alexander of Einsiedeln, they've been touring some local areas. (18) Abbot Martin and Brother Alexander of Einsiedeln began their journey back to Switzerland this morning. We enjoyed having them here.  +++  After Noonday Prayer, we received the oblation of Edward Penton of Otawa, Ontario, and Deacon Walton Jones and Mrs. Elizabeth Jones of Louisville. (19) Beginning today and continuing on through Sunday the 22nd, your chronicler is relying upon notes made by Father Archabbot Bonaventure.  +++  Work continues, on schedule, with the new generator that is being installed alongside our power plant.   +++  Brother John concluded the midweek retreat, "Spiritual Heroes: Finding God's Word Alive in Our Neighbors," to about a dozen participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (20) Father John Buckel, an alumnus and priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, died today. Many of our alumni will know him as an extremely popular and effective teacher of New Testament, and the author of several outline-type books on the Scriptures that were carried by The Scholar Shop. John was ordained in 1980. After earning his doctoral degree in Scripture, he taught at Saint Meinrad from the late 1980s until 2002, when he left the priesthood. John continued with this decision for several years, but a few years ago he resumed his ministry as a priest in good standing. As many of my readers know, John had been battling Parkinson's Disease for well over a decade. May his soul, and those of all the faithful departed, know God's mercy and peace!  +++  Brother Mauritius left today to begin his journey back to Einsiedeln. We certainly enjoyed having another monk from our mother abbey pray and work alongside us this past year. We look forward to welcoming Brother Thomas from Einsiedeln in a few months' time. He, too, will be taking a year of pastoral studies in our seminary. (21) Father Adrian is halfway through his weekend retreat, "Practical Christianity," that he is offering to 16 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center.  +++  The first two of our Seminary Class of 2011 were ordained to the priesthood today in their home dioceses: Father Jeffrey Estacio (Lexington) and Father Ryan Harpole (Owensboro). Congratulations, and may God bless their prayer and work as priests! (22) Father Vincent is our Mass Heb on this Fifth Sunday of Easter, but his opportunities to preside at our Eucharist will be limited. The monastic community begins its retreat tomorrow, and so from Tuesday through Friday we will have different monks presiding and preaching at our Conventual Mass.  +++  Brother Elijah, one of our junior monks, preached at the Monte Cassino rosary and procession this afternoon. Brother's topic was "Mary, Mother of Mercy." (23) Our retreat began with a nine o'clock conference in the Chapter Room by Father Patrick Caveglia, OSB, of Conception Abbey, Missouri. Father will be speaking on a variety of monastic themes and concepts: individual growth and communal responsibility, conversation and conversion, prayer and work. (24) As mentioned, we have various monks "hebdoming" at our Eucharist this week. This morning, Father Edward, home from his parish in Chicago, presided and preached at our 7:30 Conventual Mass. (25) Father Patrick presided and preached at our Mass this morning. Halfway through our retreat, we enjoyed a "cookout/eat-in," featuring steak and trimmings, for our evening meal. (26) Father Mark, home for our retreat from his neighboring parish of St. Mary's in Huntingburg, had to do some "extra projecting" in his presiding and preaching at our Eucharist this morning, as we were without power-that, having been disrupted around 10 o'clock last night in the midst of a severe thunderstorm. Our power company reports that about 26,000 of its customers are without power and, while they are tending to lines and generators as quickly as they can, we can expect to be without electricity for at least a few more hours. It is an inconvenience, of course, but it does serve to remind us in a very small way of the horrors the weather has inflicted upon our Midwest neighbors, most recently those of Joplin, Missouri. We prayed Vigils and Lauds this morning with the aid of pocket flashlights, and (on the part of some) keen memories, and our praying-as-usual-but-in-an-unusual-way gently reminded us of those who need our prayers. The power returned just before one o'clock this afternoon, and so we move back into the routine, trying-at least for a while longer this time-not to take everything for granted. (27) Our retreat concluded this morning, with a morning conference followed by our Eucharist, at which our retreat director, Father  Patrick Caveglia, OSB, of Conception Abbey, Missouri, presided and preached. As is our custom, we renewed our vows after the gospel and homily.  +++  Father Benedict went to the Jasper hospital early this morning for scheduled surgery: the amputation of his remaining leg. He came through the surgery fine and, after a few days in the hospital, should be returning to his room in our infirmary. Those who know Father know he has a ferocious and humorous spirit, and both are already in evidence as he begins his recovery from this major surgery.  +++  Brother Luke, one of our junior monks, departed for our mother abbey in Switzerland this morning, via  Dulles International Airport, Toronto and, finally, Zurich. Besides being his first visit to Einsiedeln, this is also Brother Luke's first "long" flight and his first time in Europe. He'll be sharing in the prayer and work of Einsiedeln until early August. We wish him a splendid summer of many good and blessed "firsts." (28) Many monks, alumni and Saint Meinrad seminarians found themselves at the same place, but some 200+ miles north of Saint Meinrad this morning. Fathers Prior Kurt, Godfrey and Denis were among a holy hill contingent witnessing the final oaths of two of our Glenmary seminarians: Crispine Adagio and Aaron Wessman. The ceremony, in the context of the Eucharist, took place at Sacred Heart Church, not far from Glenmary's headquarters in Fairfield, Ohio. An additional nine classmates and alumni traveled the distance to celebrate with Crispine and Aaron. May God bless them, and all who seek their vocation through the religious life! (29) A fine day of celebration at Saint Meinrad today, as our monastic community and many of our friends celebrated the priesthood ordination anniversaries for four of our confreres. Fathers Timothy Sweeney and Meinrad Brune celebrated 50 years of ordination, and Fathers Subprior Guerric and Harry celebrated 25. Congratulations, jubilarians, and ad multos annos !  +++  Father Denis gave this May's homily at the final rosary and procession at Monte Cassino: "Mary, Queen of Peace." (30) Father Abbot Justin presided and preached at our jubilee celebration yesterday, and so Father Bede began his week's work as our Heb this morning.  +++  On this Memorial Day, we remember in prayer and with gratitude those men and women who have served, and who serve now, in our country's armed forces. For those on active duty, we pray for their safety and for the peace of their family and friends. We remember also those priests and religious who have served or do serve as chaplains in our military. Our monastic community has a history of allowing a number of our priests through the years to serve our soldiers, sailors and airmen. God's blessings on them all, as we continue to pray for peace.  +++  Father Benedict returned home to his infirmary cell this afternoon, minus a "few pounds of flesh" as he would say, but still full of enthusiasm and good spirits. We pray for a speedy recovery. (31) Father Bede, our Mass Heb, presided and preached this morning on this memorial of the Visitation of Mary.  +++  Anushka Fonseka, our newest candidate, has arrived and is in the process of getting some "introductory details" worked out: moving into his cell, getting measured for a monastic habit and the like. Anushka is from Sri Lanka, has been in contact with us for some time, has lived with us for short periods several times, and has been delayed in beginning actual residence with us due to passport and visa difficulties. Those have been resolved, and so we now welcome him into a formal period of candidacy lasting two months, with the hope that he will enter novitiate on August 5. Quote of the Month We ask God's blessings on our readers, and pray for a safe, peaceful and blessed summer for all of us! We conclude our monthly report with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : "A wise old monk should be stationed at the gate of the monastery. He should know how to listen to people and also how to speak to them; his age should prevent him from wandering about…. Filled with the gentleness of the fear of God, he must quickly respond in the warmth of charity." Chapter 66, "The Porters of the Monastery" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/may-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/may-2011/ Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/march-2011/ (1) Father Columba is on his way to Houston today, to begin tomorrow a four-day workshop on Gregorian Chant at the University of St. Thomas. The workshop is sponsored by St. Basil's School of Gregorian Chant, and their workshop brochure describes Fr. Columba as "one of the world's greatest living scholars of Gregorian chant." Congratulations, Fr. Columba, to a tribute well deserved! (2) Today Fr. Christopher Coyne, "formerly" a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. The liturgy took place at St. John Church, Indianapolis. Among the monks attending were Fathers Archabbot Justin, Barnabas, Bede, Jonathan, Julian, Denis and Anthony, and Brother Mauritius, a monk from our mother abbey of Einsiedeln, who is with us this year studying in our seminary. Also present were Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston, and about 16 other bishops. (3) This evening we hosted the annual Service Recognition Dinner for over a hundred of our co-workers. These loyal friends joined us for Vespers, and then enjoyed a social and fine supper with a dozen members of the monastic community, including Father Archabbot Justin and Father Archabbot Bonaventure. All of these men and women are blessings to us. May God bless them and their families! (4) Father Noël began the weekend retreat, "Carnival Capers: Preparing for Lent," at our Guest House and Retreat Center for some 17 participants this evening. The retreat runs through Sunday noon. (5) About 35 monks marched or rode down to The UnStable for our occasional "pizza lunch" after Midday Prayer. Fathers Prior Kurt and Patrick and third-year theology seminarian Brian Lederer (Duluth) and first-year theology seminarian Timothy Wyciskalla (Indianapolis) prepared some 15 large pizzas and tendered the beverages. (6) Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time-and the last Sunday before Lent! Father Vincent, beginning his week as our Mass Heb, presided and preached this morning. After Mass we exposed the Blessed Sacrament on the altar, beginning our annual Day of Adoration. We concluded Vespers this evening with Benediction and by again reposing the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. +++ After Vespers we welcomed into our refectory the 30 or so seminarians from the St. Luke Formation House who had prayed with us. They enjoyed a brief tour of the monastery afterward. (7) We welcomed Brother Hugh "back home" today. For almost a year, he had been caring for his mother (RIP February 18) at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Evansville. May she, and all the faithful departed-especially our deceased parents-know the mercy of God and rest in peace. (8) We transferred our customary "Wednesday Evening Special Dessert" time to this evening, to better honor the mood both of Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Following desserts and then Compline, Father Abbot Justin offered the community his Lenten Conference. +++ We also celebrated today the feastday of Father Julian. (9) Father Abbot Justin presided and preached at our Conventual Mass this Ash Wednesday. After blessing the ashes after the homily, he received them from Father Prior Kurt, and then distributed them to the Prior and the community. As they processed to the abbot to receive the ashes, the monks dropped their Bona Operas in a basket at the ambo. Fr. Abbot reviewed, annotated and signed, and returned them to each monk by the close of the day. +++ After Vespers we received the oblation of Mr. Scott Tretter, of nearby Oakland City. +++ And, even with the beginning of Lent, we remember to celebrate the patronal feast day of Brother Dominic. (10) Many of our seminarians left after their last class this morning or afternoon to enjoy a "long weekend." The faculty and administration enjoy this time as well! Classes resume on Monday. (11) It was an unusually quiet day here on the hill, even with over 100 Boy Scouts from the Evansville Diocese arriving in the early evening to begin a weekend retreat! (12) Throughout the year, we have many college seminarians visiting to "take a look at our seminary"-part of the decision-making process by them and their vocation directors as to which theologate they will attend. For these next few days, we are hosting a brother monk, Brother Simon Baker of St. Benedict's Abbey, Atchison, Kansas, who is considering our school for his studies for the priesthood. (13) Father Sean is our Mass Heb for this first week of Lent but, as he was assisting at a parish this weekend, Father Jeremy presided and preached at our Conventual Mass. (14) We have set aside four Lenten Monday evenings to tend to our spiritual education and formation. The first of these sessions, presented after Compline by Father Harry, offered an overview of the psalms in our monastic prayer and how they have shaped our common prayer in the Opus Dei . (15) Father Sean preached this morning on this Ides of March, and in the evening Father Vincent began offering a midweek retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center. Twenty participants have signed up for "The Return to God in the Rule of St. Benedict ." (16) Among the guests and visitors to the hill this past week were two prospective candidates for the monastery. Both young men spent the better part of a week joining us in the house for prayers, meals, work and recreation. We pray that God may guide their discernment. And, in line with that, we pray for vocations to our monastery each day at the conclusion of our "grace after meals" at our main meal, and as part of our procession to the Shrine of Our Lady of Einsiedeln at the end of I Vespers (Saturday evening) each week. (17) The violet vestments didn't have a green trim on this feast of St. Patrick, but corned beef and cabbage was on the supper menu. +++ Happy feast day to Father Patrick! +++ This evening the monastic community enjoyed an hour session with Abbot Gregory Polan of Conception Abbey (Missouri), who explained the rationale and some of the details behind the revised translation of the Grail Psalter we will soon be adopting for choir use. Abbot Gregory was an excellent person to do this for us: the translation is largely his! We'll be familiarizing ourselves with this translation in various ways over the next months. (This is a different issue than the new Roman Missal we'll be adopting-along with the rest of the English-speaking Church-this First Sunday of Advent.) (18) Today is the patronal feast day of our Father Christian, who is in his second year pursuing doctoral studies at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. +++ Some 33 participants began a weekend retreat this evening at our Guest House and Retreat Center; Brother John Mark is directing "Monastic Practices: Drawing Everyday Wisdom from the Monastic Life." (19) The Solemnity of St. Joseph-an O.P. according to the ranking of liturgical feasts, and so Father Prior Kurt presided and preached at our Conventual Mass. +++ After Midday Prayer, we received the oblation of Raul and Judy Longoria of Bartlett, Tennessee. +++ And, happy feast day to Father Joseph! (20) Father Julian, our Mass Heb, presided and preached on this Second Sunday of Lent. The Archabbey Church was rather full, as our weekend retreatants and other guests joined us. +++ After Compline, we welcomed the Most Reverend Christopher Coyne, the recently ordained auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. In anticipation of tomorrow's solemnity, we enjoyed a modest social at "Jack's in the Commons." (21) Auxiliary Bishop of Indianapolis Christopher Coyne presided and preached at our Eucharist on this solemnity of St. Benedict. Some six dozen oblates (who are on retreat) and our seminarians joined us for Mass, so the Archabbey Church was quite full. +++ This was Bishop Coyne's first visit ever to Saint Meinrad; he will be returning at the end of April to ordain one of his seminarians and Brother Romain, a monk from the Monastery of the Incarnation in Togo, West Africa, to the diaconate. The other deacon candidates in our seminary will be ordained in their home diocese throughout May and June. +++ We celebrated the feast days of three of our confreres today: Brother Benedict, Father Benedict and Brother Benjamin. May God's grace sustain them in their monastic life! +++ In the midst of our celebration, we received word that our confrere, Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, OSB, archbishop of Indianapolis, suffered a minor stroke. He is recuperating in an Indianapolis hospital. (22) The oblate retreat, which began Sunday evening, ended at noon today. Father Adrian directed almost 80 oblates, 64 of whom stayed at our Guest House and Retreat Center. During the retreat, we invested one oblate and received six final oblations. May God continue to bless the many men and women who associate themselves with the prayer and work of our monastery! (23) Amy Halt of Bloomington, Illinois, was invested as an oblate in the Archabbey Church after Vespers today. Congratulations to her, and to all of our recently invested and professed oblates. (24) Thirty junior high students from Trinity High School, Whitesville, Kentucky, began a 24-hour retreat on the hill. We pray for them, and for all who come to the hill seeking to strengthen their relationship with the Lord. +++ The "slype" is the passageway that connects the Archabbey Church and the monastery. It's that glass-enclosed area that, if you walk outside the church before weekend Vespers or Sunday Mass, you'll see the monks lined up, preparing to process into the church. This week workmen have begun to repair and replace the glass and the frames of the slype-the first major work done on this structure since the dedication of the renovated Archabbey Church in 1997. The improvements will help keep the air conditioning in during the summer and the heat during the winter. (25) We had some scattered snow flurries this morning, on this solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord. Father Prior presided at our Eucharist (an "O.P.") and, at his invitation, Father Julian preached. (26) After Vespers, Scott Woods, a second-year philosophy seminarian from the Diocese of Toledo, was invested as an oblate novice. We congratulate him and welcome him to our oblate family. (27) On this Third Sunday of Lent, Father Joseph began his service as our Mass Hebdomadarian. (As is sometimes the case, he also serves as our Heb and the Divine Office.) +++ We celebrated the feast day of Father Rupert today. The weather was not at its best, but Father still is in many ways; I believe he went for his daily ride on his "tri-bike." God's blessings, Father Rupert! (28) As part of our Lenten observance, we remained in choir after Compline this evening. Father Julian offered a brief reflection on his favorite psalm, and then as a community we alternated the psalm in our usual manner, using the translation from the revised Grail Psalter from Conception Abbey (Missouri) we will soon adopt. Brother John Mark also gave a reflection on his favorite psalm, after which we prayed that psalm. This exercise-we'll do this again next Monday-both familiarizes us with the new translation and offers us a chance for some "common lectio ." (29) Father Richard went and returned from Jasper Memorial Hospital today, having some minor surgery done. He seems in good spirits and health! +++ Father Paul Turner, a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, is offering conferences this evening and tomorrow morning to the seminary community regarding the forthcoming translation of the Roman Missal . Father Paul is a prolific author and a consultor for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. He received his S.T.D. in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo, the International Benedictine University in Rome. (30) Father Abbot Justin concluded the third of three "mini-mission" talks at Saint Paul's Parish in Tell City this evening. +++ Work on the repair and remodeling of our slype continues. (31) Sixteen priests from the Archdiocese of Louisville are enjoying their last full day of a five-day Ignatian Retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center. +++ Father Richard continues to recover from his surgery earlier in the week; this morning he vacated his temporary infirmary room and returned to his own cell. We are blessed to receive excellent care from our dedicated nursing staff, who presently assist seven of our confreres who are now full-time infirmary residents: Brother Benedict, Father Eric, Father Donald, Father Simeon, Father Benedict, Father Aurelius and Father Mel. We keep in prayer also our sick confreres off-the-hill, especially Archbishop Daniel, who continues his rehabilitation from his stroke, and Father Severin, whose cancer appears in remission. Quote of the Month No "question of the month" this time around, and so our tireless research assistant has some time off. We do conclude with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : "So the one who needs less should thank God and not be sad. And whoever needs more should be humble about his weaknesses and not gloat over the mercy shown him." Chapter 34, "Whether All Should Receive Necessities in Equal Measure" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB Monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/march-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/march-2011/ Thu, 31 March 2011 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/february-2011/ (1) Along with a good part of the Midwest, we're bracing for the massive snowstorm that's sweeping across the country.  +++  We have a number of Asian students with us and so, to commemorate the Lunar New Year, Mass in the seminary chapel this morning was in Vietnamese and Korean, supper was full of Asian herbs and spices, and entertainment-minus the fireworks-was provided after supper. (2) Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, an O.P. Father Subprior Guerric presided, Father Cyprian preached.  +++  Fathers Abbot Justin, Prior Kurt, Timothy, Harry and Anthony concelebrated at the funeral liturgy of Dr. Robert O'Connor in Louisville, KY, this morning. In addition to his own practice, Dr. O'Connor, a psychiatrist, provided interview and screening procedures for the monastic community for over 30 years. He also provided outpatient therapy for individuals in the monastic and school communities, as well as for priests and religious in many dioceses. Archbishop Daniel and Bishop Emeritus John McRaith of Owensboro, KY, also attended the funeral. We pray for the repose of Dr. O'Connor's soul, and are grateful for the care and healing he offered to so many. (3) Feast of St. Blaise. Fathers Abbot Justin, Prior Kurt and Harry (Mass Heb) offered the traditional blessings of throats after the 7:30 a.m. Conventual Mass.  +++  All told, a  pretty quiet day on the hill. We were spared the worst of the snow. (4) Feast day of Brother Raban, who serves as our almoner and director of community outreach, assists in our infirmary and works as our locksmith. +++  Our Board of Overseers is here for a weekend retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center, as are about five dozen  male parishioners of St. Bartholomew's Parish in Columbus, IN, making a retreat offered by Fr. Clem Davis and several monks. (5) Our Board of Overseers arrived yesterday, and are today concluding a 24-hour retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center. The retreat included discussion about John J. Allen Jr.'s recent book, The Future Church: How Ten Trends are Revolutionizing the Catholic Church , published by Doubleday in 2009. (6) Father Pius, presiding and preaching, began his week as our Mass Hebdomadarian.  +++  Today is the feast day of the patronal saints of Father Mel and Father Warren. May the intercession of all the saints strengthen and sustain us!  +++  A concert of sacred music was performed by the group "Angelus" in the Archabbey Church this afternoon. The group is composed of six young women from Mt. Vernon (Indiana) Senior High School. Special, sacred sounds in a special, sacred place! (7) We invested Mark Schmidt of Cedar Falls, IA, and Kent Druyvesteyn of Ada, MI, as oblate novices in the Archabbey Church after Noonday Prayer today.  +++  This evening Fr. Vincent offered a lecture titled, "Out of Egypt: Reflections on Moses as Leader in the Book of Exodus." His lecture began the "Settling into Priesthood" program, about which I'll write more in a few days. (8) During the Eucharist in the seminary chapel this evening, at which Archbishop Daniel, OSB, presided, 17 priesthood students received the ministry of acolyte and 24 received the ministry of lector. May these men persevere on their path to the priesthood! (9)   A light dusting of snow this afternoon.  +++  We have a handful of "newly ordained" priests (ordained this past summer) on the hill for a few days; they're participating in the "Settling into Priesthood" workshop, sponsored by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, that aims to assist young priests as they continue the transition from seminary studies and formation into priestly ministry in the parish. Seven of the nine participants are our alumni: Fathers Uwem Enoh, Stephen Hohman and Brandon Williams of the Diocese of Owensboro; Fathers Chad King and John Parks of the Diocese of Phoenix; and Fathers Joseph Archibong and Tony Robbins of the Diocese of Little Rock. (10) We celebrated today the feast of St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict. This is an O.P., and so Father Prior Kurt presided and preached. (11) This evening after Vespers in the Archabbey Church, we received the oblation of William Richards of Pickerington, OH.  +++  Father Jeremy began offering the "Couples Valentine Retreat" to 32 pairs of spouses at our Guest House and Retreat Center this evening. The retreat runs through Sunday noon. (12) Father Eugene led the monastic community in a "Second Saturday Session," an occasional meeting we monks have to consider a specific topic. Our work today focused on the "values, purpose and mission" of the monastic community. (13) Father Denis is scheduled to preside at our Eucharist this week, but various responsibilities of being president-rector have him off the hill for a few days. Father Cyprian presided and preached at our Conventual Mass.  +++  This evening the 30-plus members of our seminary's St. Matthew Formation House joined us for Vespers in our church and supper in our refectory. A tour of the monastery concluded their time with us. (14) Father Tobias presided at our Conventual Mass this morning, filling in for Father Denis.   +++  It's Valentine's Day for much of the secular world, but here in the monastery we helped Brother Angelo honor the memory of his patronal saint. Br. Angelo continues to assure that we're well-dressed and dry-shod in his work as our tailor and cobbler. (15) Father Denis assumed his duties as our Mass Heb for the remainder of this week, presiding and preaching this morning. (16) We reached a record high of 70 degrees today, breaking the record of 68 set in 2005. Most pleasant! (17) The annual Black History Lecture was given this evening by Fr. Bernard Kwame Assenyoh, SVD. He spoke on "Going Diaspora: Black Transformative Thoughts on Roman Catholic Christianity in the USA." (18) Today we celebrated the patronal feast day of our confreres Father Colman and Brother Flavian. May they-and we-always be inspired by the lives of the saints!   +++  Jean, the mother of our confrere Brother Hugh, died this afternoon. She had been suffering for over a year from pancreatic cancer, and had been receiving excellent care from and at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Evansville. May she, and all the faithful departed, rest in peace.  +++  Father Adrian had successful surgery on his foot this morning at the Jasper hospital. He is back in the house and will likely spend the weekend in one of our infirmary cells. (19) We invested Eric and Diana Batsie of DeLand, IL, as oblate novices in the Archabbey Church after our Midday Prayer.  +++  Brother Zachary is halfway through offering the weekend retreat "Praying the Bible" to 62 participants. (20) On this Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Father Germain, our Mass Heb, presided and preached at the Conventual Eucharist.   +++  These past few days, we've been pleased to have Father Armin Rossie, OSB, from the Abbey of Mariastein, join us. Father is taking a few days away from his sabbatical in Wisconsin, doing a bit of traveling and visiting some religious houses. (21) Fathers Abbot Justin, Prior Kurt, Tobias, Godfrey and Denis, and Brother Zachary attended the funeral of Brother Hugh's mother at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Evansville. Fr. Abbot presided and preached. May Mrs. Ernst, and all the faithful departed, rest in God's eternal glory and peace!  +++  Fr. Abbot gave a conference to the monastic community in the Chapter Room after Compline this evening. (22) Father Germain, our Mass Heb, preached this morning on this feast of the Chair of St. Peter.  +++  This evening Fr. Jeremy began offering his retreat, "A Personal Preparation for the Paschal Mystery," to 10 participants. (23) Father Adrian is up and about a bit, continuing to recover from his surgery of a few days ago. (24) This evening about a dozen of us hosted some 65 benefactors from the Lincoln Hills area. Our friends joined us for Vespers, a social and then dinner. +++  It began raining around six o'clock this evening and continued throughout the night, quite heavy at times. The fields in the valley across Highway 545 are flooded. (25) This evening Father Eugene began offering the retreat "Reflections on the Suffering Servant Songs of Isaiah" to three dozen participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (26) Only 35 monks in choir for Vespers this evening, as many of our confreres are in various parishes for a "Saint Meinrad Sunday." We had at least twice that number of guests with us, most of them retreatants or students taking one of our weekend courses. (27) Father Meinrad, our Mass Heb, presided and preached on this Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. +++  The six dozen weekend course students concluded their work late this afternoon. Four of the five professors who offered courses this weekend are on our regular faculty: Dr. Keith Lemna, Dr. James Helmer, Dr. Robert Alvis and Brother John Mark. (28) On this last day of February, we celebrated the feast day of Brother Romain Botta, a brother Benedictine from the Monastery of the Incarnation in Togo, West Africa. Brother Romain and a confrere of his, Brother Philippe Tchalou, have been living in our house while attending our seminary these past years. Question of the Month Mike and Julie Perigo have again submitted the Question of the Month: Q. Our question is about the feast days of monks' patron saints. We understand the process by which a monk chooses his monastic name, but I imagine that from time to time, a monk might choose (or retain) a name that is not listed in the calendar of saints. If that happens, what is done to choose the feast for that monk's patron? Also, I saw that Brother Francis was making his permanent vows (God bless him!). Did he choose St. Francis of Assisi as his patron? If so, St. Francis has several feasts, and so how does the community or the monk choose which one to celebrate for "his" annual patronal feast day? A. Shortly before a monk makes his temporary profession of vows, he submits three names (in order of preference) to Father Abbot. The novice also has the opportunity to meet with the abbot and explain to him why he is considering the names. Ultimately, it is the abbot's choice as to which name the monk will be known by for the rest of his life. A monk may request to keep his baptismal name, if there is no other monk in the community with that name. And a few generations ago, it was possible to have a "Brother Gabriel" and a "Father Gabriel," since it was usually the case that even a monk making temporary profession "knew" whether or not he would undertake studies for the priesthood. That is no longer the case, though. And even though a monk might be able to retain his baptismal name, ordinarily he will choose (or the abbot will choose for him) a different name. The change of names, after all, has a long tradition behind it (we can think of Abram having his name changed to Abraham, or Simon and Saul having their names changed to Peter and Paul), and is one of the symbols reflecting the conversion of the new monk and the "new creation" he becomes through his "second baptism of monastic profession." Finally, not only does St. Francis of Assisi have more than one feast, but there is more than one St. Francis. Brother Francis de Sales Wagner celebrates the feast of his patron on January 24. Quote of the Month We conclude this month's log with a section from the Rule of St. Benedict : Let us pray the Lord to command the help of his grace to aid us in that which we cannot accomplish by nature. Prologue , v. 41 Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/february-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/february-2011/ Mon, 28 February 2011 00:00:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/october-2011/ (1) On this first day of the new month, our junior monks and our novice had an outing today, enjoying some chilly (44 degrees) but pleasant (sunny) weather. (2) Father Vincent is our Mass Heb on this Twenty-Seventh Sunday (and for the week) of Ordinary Time.  +++  Father Bede gave the first homily of the fall season for the rosary and pilgrimage at Monte Cassino speaking on "Mary, the Receptive  Missionary." (3) We celebrated today the feast of St. Theodora Guerin, co-patroness of our Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Seminarian Jerry Byrd of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis was deacon at our monastery Eucharist and preached.  +++  The power outage, planned for some time to begin at 7:30 this morning and extend into the afternoon, took place as anticipated.   +++  The lack of electricity did not hinder our receiving the body of our confrere, Father Severin, in the Entry Wing shortly after our Midday Office.   +++  Power was restored long before we began the Office of the Dead at seven this evening; Father Subprior Guerric presided at that liturgy, and Father Barnabas offered the remembrance of Father Severin. (4) Father Abbot Justin presided and preached at the Mass of the Resurrection for Father Severin, presiding also at the Rites of Burial in our cemetery afterward. Father Severin spent most of his monastic life in parish ministry in the dioceses of Owensboro, Evansville and, especially, Indianapolis. Those parishes were well represented at his funeral, as over 400 guests joined us for the liturgy. (5) Father Adrian is again offering his "Practical Christianity" retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center, this time to 25 participants. (6) Our crews are busy rounding out the rough edges, as they prepare some cells for the Archbishop Daniel. We expect the archbishop's return this Monday. (7) Father Louis Hacker had a nine-hour heart surgery today, and there are some potential complications. He will remain on a ventilator at least through the weekend. Brother Benjamin was with him at the hospital in Indianapolis.  +++  Our Board of  Overseers arrived for the first of their two-day fall meeting. (8) Brother Martin is offering the retreat, "Living Monastic Values in Everyday Life," to 13 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (9) Father Sean is our Mass  Heb as we celebrate this Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time.  +++  Many guests and retreatants joined us for our Eucharist this morning, including 30 teenagers from St. Joseph's in Sellersburg, Indiana, making a youth retreat.  +++  Father Timothy led the prayers and offered a homily on "Mary, Woman of the Mystery," at the Monte Cassino pilgrimage this afternoon. (10) Archbishop Daniel arrived on the hill this afternoon, to take up residence in the monastery. He has a small suite and an office in the northeastern section of the house. He joined us in the church for Vespers and in the refectory for supper. (11) About 40 priests of the Diocese of Covington are making a retreat here on the hill; they arrived yesterday, and will be with us through Thursday. (12) Father Louis Hacker continues to recover, slowly, from his heart surgery this past Friday. He remains on the ventilator although, beginning this afternoon, they will begin weaning him from that. (13) Today is Father Eric's 92nd birthday. He's in our prayers in a special way this day, as he rests in our infirmary.  +++  We have 40 guests from St. Michael's Parish of Greenfield, IN, making a one-day retreat on the hill. (14) Father Julian began offering a Deacon Formation Weekend for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. The program for the 29 participants will conclude Sunday.  +++  Fifty-six eighth graders from St. Pius X Parish in Indianapolis concluded the retreat they began yesterday. To all our guests, retreatants, and pilgrims: welcome! You are in our prayers! (15) About 30 monks enjoyed pizza at The UnStable following Midday Prayer. Father Prior Kurt, Indianapolis seminarians Deacon Jerry Byrd and Tim Wyciskalla, and Duluth Deacon Brian Lederer were the cooks. Thirteen pizzas made, not one piece left!  +++  Fathers Harry, Eugene, and Denis, Fr. Tom Richstatter, OSFM, and Drs. Tom Walters and Ryan LaMothe offered another segment of this term's weekend courses; 77 students are on this hill, continuing their work toward their respective degrees. (16) Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Father Joseph is our Mass Heb this week, but on this Sunday the "domino syndrome" was very much in play. Due to illness, Father Abbot Lambert was not able to fulfill a parish mission and weekend assignment to which he had previously agreed; Father Vincent took Father Joseph's place at the monastery Mass this morning so that Father Joseph could travel to St. Rupert's Parish, Red Brush, in Abbot Lambert's place.  +++  Fr. Noël preached at the Monte Cassino pilgrimage and rosary this afternoon, speaking about "Mary the Peacemaker."  +++  Today St. Mary's Parish in Huntingburg had a special Mass as part of their celebration of their 150th anniversary. Father Abbot Justin presided and preached. We wish the parishioners of St. Mary's and their pastor, Father Mark, OSB, happy anniversary and ad multos annos ! With the exception of one year, Saint Meinrad has been responsible for the pastoral care of the people of St. Mary's throughout its history! (17) Father Denis presented the annual "State of the School" to the monastic community this evening. We are thankful there is much good news! Among the highlights: our school is "full"-with an opening enrollment of 142, there is, literally, no room left for another seminarian. (18) We honor the memory of Brother Luke's patron today, the Dear and Glorious Physician and Evangelist, St. Luke.  +++  Seventy-seven priests from the Archdiocese of Louisville concluded their two-day Presbyteral Convocation on the hill today. (19) Father Louis Hacker is making slow progress at St. Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis. Our hope is that he will be transferred to a hospital closer to us within a few days.  +++  Matthew Scheeser arrived to begin his three-month candidacy with plans of beginning the novitiate in January. A native of Sandusky, Ohio, living most recently in Fairfax, Virginia, Matthew will be working in the Oblate Office and in our library during his candidacy. (20) Fifteen members of the Seton Elementary School of Richmond, Indiana, are on the hill. +++  Also on the hill are 27 participants in the Hoosier Fellows/Leadership Excellence Group. (21) Father Louis Hacker has been transferred to a hospital in Evansville, so he's one step closer to returning to the hill. That event is still probably several weeks away, but we are glad that he's continuing to make progress and move closer to the hill.  +++  Seventeen students from the University of Dayton, the "Chaminade Scholars," have joined us for the weekend for a retreat. They will be joining us for some of our prayers, as well as having conferences by their directors (22) Father Columba is directing 16 participants in the retreat, "Tools of the Trade from the Holy Rule of St. Benedict ," at our Guest House and Retreat Center this weekend.  +++  Father Abbot Justin left this morning for Mount Angel Abbey, Oregon, to take part in their regular visitation. He expects to return toward the end of next week. (23) Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time. This was a busy day for Father Germain: in addition to presiding and preaching at the Conventual Mass, he also preached at the Monte Cassino pilgrimage and rosary this afternoon. His Monte Cassino homily was titled, "The Rosary: Album of Our Lady's Memories."  +++  This evening we enjoyed having some company in the monastery. The 35 students of the St. Matthew Formation House of our Seminary joined us for Vespers in the Archabbey Church, and then for the evening meal in our refectory. (24) Forty-three students from Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis concluded their two-day retreat at noon today.  +++  This evening after Compline, Brother John Mark, Monastery Vocation Director, led the community in a presentation on the "Culture of Vocations." (25) Today is the feast of Father Gavin's patronal saint. We wish him blessings and ad multos annos .  +++  Fr. Germain, our Mass Heb, preached at our Conventual Mass this morning.  +++  We enjoyed having the Most Reverend James Tamayo, Bishop of the Diocese of Laredo, join us for Vespers this evening. Bishop Tamayo is one of several bishops here attending a conference sponsored by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates. (26) Father Prior Kurt, Father Julian and Father Anthony attended the funeral of Alfred Lange, the father of Connie Ernst and father-in-law of Gloria Lange, both of whom are co-workers in our kitchen, who died this past Saturday. The funeral was at St. Ferdinand Parish in Ferdinand. (27) Father Eugene concluded the retreat he began on the 24th, "Reflections on the Life and Ministry of Jesus and the Challenges of Contemporary Priestly Ministry," which he presented to 35 priests at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (28) On this feast of the apostles Simon and Jude, Brother Anthony Baker, OSB, of Assumption Abbey, South Dakota, was deacon and preached at our Conventual Mass. Today is the actual 30th day following the death of Father Severin, but because of the feast we will transfer our customary commemoration of our deceased confrere until tomorrow.  +++  Father Louis Hacker has been transferred to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. He is making slow-but-steady progress. Our infirmary staff has been exceptional in the time and care they offer him. Our ill and aging confreres are well cared for-another of the many blessings we enjoy!  +++  Father Abbot Justin has returned from the visitation at Mount Angel Abbey, Oregon. (29) Father Brendan presented the annual Day of Recollection to the Abbot Martin Marty Guild this morning and afternoon; about 90 of the Guild members were in attendance. Father Brendan spoke on "Benedictine Wisdom for Everyday Living."  +++  Abbot Lambert, who has been with us the past 10 days, left this morning to head north-and to give another few retreats! (30) On this Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Father Meinrad is our Mass Heb for the week.  +++  Father Jeremy preached at the season's final Monte Cassino pilgrimage and rosary. His homily focused on "Mary, Queen of All Saints."  +++  A new exhibition by Brother Martin Erspamer opened in our library today. "New Works" features ceramics, stained glass and drawings created by Brother Martin during his recent six-month sabbatical. The exhibit runs through December 4. (31) We resumed the wearing of our cucullas this evening, as we celebrated First Vespers of the Solemnity of All Saints. Father Abbot Justin will preside at our Conventual Mass tomorrow, and Father Meinrad will offer the homily. On Wednesday, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, we will process to the cemetery after our morning Eucharist to bless the graves and to pray for all those who have gone before us. +++ This evening after Compline, our junior monks, novice and candidate hosted our Halloween Party. Refreshments, and a skit with superb acting  and even special lighting effects, made for a frightfully good time. Quote of the Month We end our month's entries with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : The ninth step of humility comes when a monk holds back his tongue from speaking, and out of love for silence does not speak until someone asks him a question. Scripture shows that "In much talk, one does not escape sin," and: "The chatterbox does not walk straight on the earth." Chapter 7, "On Humility," vs. 56-58 Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/october-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/october-2011/ Wed, 23 February 2011 23:51:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/april-2011/ (1) On this first day of the month, we welcomed 12 participants from Our Lady of Grace Parish, Noblesville, Indiana, making a weekend RCIA retreat at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (2) Father Archabbot Justin and Father Denis visited Archbishop Daniel this afternoon. The archbishop continues his rehabilitation from his stroke a few weeks ago. +++ The father of Brother Matthew died late this afternoon, following the difficult aftermath of an unsuccessful surgery. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed-especially those of our beloved parents-rest in God's glory and peace. (3) Father Cyprian, our Mass Heb, presided and preached on this Fourth Sunday of Lent. +++ We received word that Ginger Seubert, a former professor in our College and the wife of former professor Dave Denz (College and Theology), died this morning after a long bout with cancer. May she rest in peace. (4) Father Columba and Brother Luke offered reflections on their favorite psalms. +++ This is the day when storms moved through a good part of the southeast, causing several deaths. We were fortunate in that, even though it was a very windy day, with some rather strong thunderstorms, we had no injuries or damage. (5) Eight recently ordained (within a few years) priests are on the hill for most of the week, participating in a "Gearing Up to Be a Pastor" workshop sponsored by our Institute of Priests and Presbyterates. We welcome them, especially the five who are alumni of our seminary. (6) A fairly quiet day on the hill-unless you're near one of the various areas under construction or renovation. The work on Newman Hall and Bede Hall is continuing-on schedule and, fortunately, with a minimum of disruption to the daily routine of most students and monks. (7) The seminary held its semester "Around the World Party" this evening-an opportunity for seminarians falling under various designations (international, diocesan, domestic) to show off their particular (and sometimes peculiar) cuisines. (8) This afternoon Brother Adam successfully defended his M.A. thesis at Georgia State University, Atlanta. We congratulate him on this major accomplishment, and hope he gets a bit of "time off" to just discard all the rough drafts and sit back and enjoy life a bit! +++ We had some workmen in this morning to make some repairs to our "pantry," the small room adjacent to our refectory that contains freezers and coolers, grills, dishwashing equipment and the like. When repairs of this sort are necessary, it's a reminder that our house is growing old along with us! We're now into our 29th year of living in the "new" monastery! (9) Father Abbot Justin led us in a Second Saturday Session this morning, in which we continued our work from our February session, dealing with the "vision, goals and purpose" of the Archabbey. +++ The funeral of Br. Matthew's father was at St. Mary's, Evansville, this morning. Father Prior Kurt was among the half-dozen confreres representing the monastery. +++ We received the oblation of Bob Tankersley Jr. of Versailles, Kentucky, in the Archabbey Church after Noonday Prayer. God's blessings upon him, and upon all our oblates. (10) Father Adrian began his week as our Mass and Office Hebdomadarian on this Fifth Sunday of Lent. +++ Weekend courses concluded in the late afternoon. Fr. Tom Richstatter, Dr. Clayton Jefford and Dr. Ryan LaMothe were the professors for this April session. (11) It began raining before sunrise and continued pretty much throughout the day. Spring must be here! +++ Father Vincent presented the last of the Lenten conferences to the community in the Chapter Room after Compline this evening, offering his reflections upon "The Psalms of Holy Week." (12) As mentioned, the rain was constant yesterday. The fields across Highway 545 (toward Twin Lakes) are flooded. Several of the lock and dam areas along the Ohio River are under flood warnings. It's dry high on the hill, of course. +++ Our first- and second-year philosophy seminarians begin their retreat this evening here on the hill; our first-year theology seminarians began their silent directed retreat ("Towards Jerusalem") Friday evening at Maple Mount, Kentucky. (13) We welcomed 25 participants to our Guest House and Retreat Center for the weekend Brebeuf Jesuit Retreat; they hail from Indianapolis. (14) Father Abbot Justin suffered a bad fall this afternoon, as he was walking outside. No broken bones, but a few chipped teeth, cuts on the chin and upper lip, and assorted bruises on hands and wrist. The accident happened around 2:30 in the afternoon. Father Meinrad drove Father Abbot to the Jasper Hospital; they made it back in time for the "second table" at the evening meal. (15) Nine participants from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis are taking part in a Youth Ministry Studies Program this weekend on the hill. +++ Six priests attending the second session of the "World Priest Workshop," sponsored by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates, concluded their work this morning. (16) A chilly and windy Saturday. Most of the hill's inhabitants are avoiding the outside. +++ Our first- and second-year philosophy seminarians are on their last full day of their annual retreat. Our first-year theology seminarians have returned from their "Towards Jerusalem" retreat at Maple Mount, Kentucky. (17) Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. Father Abbot Justin is still moving cautiously after his fall on the 14th, and so Father Prior Kurt presided at the Conventual Mass. The gospel, the Passion According to St. Matthew, was sung by Fathers Subprior Guerric, Columba, Jeremy and Tobias, and Brothers Jacob and John Mark. +++ Brother Zachary concluded offering the weekend retreat "Conversations and Confrontations" to 16 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (18) Father Subprior Guerric presided and preached at our Holy Week penance service. Confessors were Fathers Columba, Meinrad, Sean and Adrian. (19) The tornado sirens went off around 10:15 this evening. The weather outside certainly looked the part but, fortunately, we were spared everything but rain and wind. (20) We celebrated the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during Vespers this Wednesday of Holy Week, with Archabbot Justin presiding, preaching and anointing. The ordained members of the community imposed their hands on several ill and aging confreres. +++ Archbishop Daniel has returned to his home and continues to heal from his stroke. +++ Holly McClara of Indianapolis was invested as an oblate novice in the Archabbey Church after Vespers. (21) Holy Thursday of the Lord's Supper. Father Abbot Justin presided and preached, and washed the feet of 12 people-a mixture of monks and guests. As is our custom, the abbot, the prior and the subprior joined the regular table waiters in serving the monastic community and our guests in the Newman Dining Room. (22) Good Friday of Our Lord's Passion. Father Jeremy, Father Tobias and Brother John Mark chanted the Passion According to St. John. Our liturgy began at three o'clock with the solemn prostration; we concluded right around 4:30. Those who prefer the weather on Good Friday to fit the "Good Friday mood" were certainly pleased this year. (23) The "quiet and somber mood" of Holy Saturday is encouraged by the continuing rainy and cloudy weather. Final preparations for the solemn Easter Liturgy and the accompanying festive meals are under way. +++ Father Denis is offering the last full day of a weekend retreat, "Reflections on the Triduum," to 30 participants at our Guest House and Retreat Center. (24) We began the "Mother of All Vigils" at three o'clock this morning, and concluded just before six. Father Abbot presided and preached. +++ Those who have celebrated the Vigil with us know that our custom for quite some time has been to bring a lamb into the church just prior to the Preparation of the Altar (roughly three-quarters of the way through the liturgy). The lamb provides us with a fine theological symbol, and also with a bit of comic relief, which is certainly needed around 5:15 a.m.! Typically, the lamb is kept in one of the monastery courtyards and typically he bleats throughout the night, keeping some monks and guests in ill-placed cells and quarters awake. And, typically the lamb is as quiet as a mouse when our novices bring him into church, tied up in a straw basket, into which is stuck a small pole with a white flag bearing a red cross. Even the abbot's aggressive shaking of the holy water sprinkler typically does little to provoke a reaction from the poor creature. This year, untypically , the lamb bleated-and bleated and bleated . . . . +++  Brother John Mark prepared our Paschal Candle this year; you can see a photo of his beautiful work here . (25) On this Easter Monday, we enjoyed a Sunday schedule, with its "late rising" (Vigils and Lauds at 7:15). +++ This day is classified as an O.P., and so Father Prior Kurt presided and preached. +++ Our Easter lamb is gone, but the rain continues. (26) Easter Tuesday, an O.S., and so Father Subprior Guerric presided and preached at our Conventual Mass. +++ It was announced today that Fr. Charles (Chuck) Thompson, a priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville and an alumnus of our Theology class of 1987, has been appointed the new bishop of the Diocese of Evansville. His ordination and installation will be June 29, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. The writer of this Chronicle is proud to say that Bishop-elect Charles was in the first theology class I ever taught (fall 1986), so I truly did "know him when." Congratulations and prayers to you, Bishop-elect Charles! (27) Now that the immediate solemnities of Easter are over (O.A.'s, O.P.'s, and O.S.'s), Father Harry has assumed the duties of Mass Heb for the remainder of the week. (28) Today, Thursday, was the first day since Tuesday the 19th that we did not have cloudy skies and rain-at least to start the day. Tomorrow promises to be the first all-day, fair-weather day in quite some time. We are fortunate-and most grateful-that we've been spared the worst of the past week's weather. We continue to pray for the, literally, hundreds in the states around us who have lost family members and friends (and homes and possessions) due to the record-breaking number of tornadoes these past days. (29) Earlier this week, a six-week exposition in the Archabbey Library featuring works by Jasper, Indiana, artist Nick Ring concluded. "Studies and Commissions" focused on the drawing and models that are produced prior to the execution of a large-scale commission. We were familiar with Nick Ring's work prior to the exhibit. He contributed two works to the 1996-1997 Archabbey Church renovation: the holy water font just inside the main (west) entrance, and the ambo (with its nine bronze panels) in the center of our choir area. Many of our alumni will know Nick Ring's father, Gil, who has taught philosophy in our College and School of Theology since 1970. (30) Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Coyne of Indianapolis ordained two Saint Meinrad men to the diaconate in the Archabbey Church this morning: Brother Romain Botta, OSB, of the Monastery of the Incarnation, Togo, West Africa, and Indianapolis seminarian Jerry Byrd. Two of our Louisville seminarians were also ordained to the diaconate this morning in their diocese: Stuart Priddy and John Johnson. The rest of our class of third-year theology seminarians will be ordained deacons in their home dioceses over the next few months. We congratulate these men, and pray that God may uphold and guide them in their ministry at the altar and of charity. Question of the Month We do have a Question of the Month this time around and, by sheer coincidence, it is a timely one indeed. Alumnus Gary Marvin emailed from Louisville: I remember helping Fr. Simeon one day many years ago. He asked me to carry his cuculla for him after Mass. Could you give some background about it and how and when (and by whom) it is worn? The cuculla (the word comes from the Latin meaning "hood") is the garment the monk receives on the day of his solemn profession. (Thus it is worn only by those monks who have professed solemn vows.) For those unfamiliar with the garment itself, the Benedictine cuculla resembles a "judge's robe," or the black academic gown worn under the degree colors at academic convocation. (In fact, at our academic convocations here, our monk-faculty do wear their cuculla as their academic gown.) Members of other religious communities wear cucullas of different forms and colors. Our current custom at Saint Meinrad is to wear the cuculla at Vigils and Lauds, Mass and Vespers from November 1 (the Solemnity of All Saints) through April 30-hence the coincidental timeliness of Gary's question! The cucullas is worn over the habit (tunic, belt and scapular), and so its absence allows for a cooler monk in hot weather, just as its wearing keeps us warm in winter. Finally, the monk is dressed in the cuculla after his death, and so it is the "monastic baptismal garment" that is worn while awaiting the final resurrection of the body. Quote of the Month We conclude with a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict : "If there are skilled workers in the monastery, let them practice their crafts with all humility if the abbot permits it. But if anyone of these workers is so proud of his expertise that he thinks he is a great gift to the monastery, he should be removed from his work. Nor should he return to it unless he has humbled himself and the abbot permits it again." Chapter 57, "The Skilled Workers of the Monastery" Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/april-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/april-2011/ Wed, 23 February 2011 23:46:00 http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/january-2011/ (1) We concluded 2010 by celebrating I Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. After Compline yesterday evening, our last official community activity was Father Archabbot Justin's conference to us in the Chapter Room. +++ Today, the Solemnity, is ranked as on O.P. Father Prior Kurt presided at our Eucharist and Father Ephrem, who has been with us for a while from his assignment in Rome, preached. +++ Our "Monastic Observance" program, which began the day after Christmas, officially concluded, although two of the five men who participated in this opportunity to experience monastic life are staying with us for another day or two. Several monks were involved in working with or presenting conferences to our observers; Br. John Mark oversaw the almost week-long program. (2) The Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord. An O.A., with Father Archabbot Justin presiding. Father Cyprian preached. We again enjoyed colloquium at our noonday meal. (3) Father Tobias began his week as our Mass Heb. +++ At a meeting of the Monastery Chapter this evening, our two novices, Michael Luckett and Timothy Wymore, were approved to profess their temporary vows, which they will do on January 20, during I Vespers of the Solemnity of St. Meinrad. +++ Twenty-eight college seminarians from Bishop Simon Brute Seminary in Indianapolis arrived to begin a week-long retreat with us. They are directed by the Most Rev. Carl Mengeling, the former bishop of Lansing, and an alumnus of our seminary. (4) The January Interterm session begins in our seminary tomorrow, and so the seminarians, like students around the country, are beginning their "slow-but-willing" return to their school. Most of them, anyway: about 15 are enjoying the special travel-study session in England and Italy, accompanied by Fathers Denis and Thomas. (5) We received an e-mail from Father Harry in Korea: the ordinations of our two former seminarians, Pan and John, were beautiful! (6) A quiet day on the hill, all things considered. Our housekeepers are getting ready for a lot of retreatants (see below), and we're keeping an eye out for the winter storm that's supposed to hit us sometime this evening. (7) The retreatants are definitely coming! Arriving today and staying the weekend are 13 guests of the "Maker's Dozen" retreat from Carmel, Indiana. Father Sean is their director. +++ Also, the "Epiphany Retreat" begins this evening and goes into Sunday morning. This is a discernment retreat in which 28 young men from the dioceses of Louisville, Lexington and Evansville are participating. The "Epiphany Retreat" is hosted by our Seminary with Father Brendan as the coordinator; he is assisted by Louisville Vocation Director Father Jeff Shooner and Lexington Vocation Director Father Steve Roberts. +++ Our confrere, Father Raymond, on the staff of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., celebrates his feastday today. We offer him our prayers! (8) Fifty-one guests arrived from St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bloomington, Indiana, today, to begin their Confirmation Retreat. Carl Wertin, a first-year theology seminarian from the Diocese of Pueblo, is their director. The retreat, which concludes tomorrow, is organized and facilitated by Mrs. Janis Dopp, an alumna (class of '98) and friend of the Archabbey. +++ Brother Matthew is directing about 15 Boy Scouts from the Diocese of Evansville, who are on the hill making a one-day vocation retreat. +++ And we welcome 30 young parishioners from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntingburg, who are making their confirmation retreat. Michelle Fisher is the facilitator and organizer, and the retreat is led by Alan Carter, a second-year theology seminarian from the Diocese of Lexington. (9) Feast of the Baptism of our Lord-the "official end" of the Christmas season, according to some calendars. Father Sean began his week as our Mass Heb by presiding and preaching at our Conventual Mass, which began with the monastic community gathering at the west doors around the holy water font for the blessing of the water. We then processed into choir and continued Mass as usual. +++ We've been getting snow flurries on and off this weekend; so far it's been, at worst, a minor annoyance for travelers and, at best, some winter beauty for our many guests. +++ Father Adrian, celebrating the feast of his holy patron today, was our "coped presider" at Second Vespers. (10) After thousands of miles, dozens of time zones, and even a trip across the International Date Line, Father Harry has returned from his Korean travels. He landed in Louisville yesterday evening and is fine-tuning his recovery from jetlag by spending a few days with his mother in Bardstown, Kentucky. (11) The snow began overnight and continued throughout the day-steady, if not always heavy. It is beautiful, but it-and the weather throughout the Midwest-has also stranded some of our traveling confreres in places such as Wyoming, St. Louis and even Louisville. (12) The snow continued to fall and blow around, but our physical facility crews are doing an excellent job keeping the on-the-hill roads clear, and the state and county seem to be doing pretty well at cleaning off the main routes around us. Our juniors and novices were not about to be overcome by such a thing as weather: they left for Evansville shortly before noon today for a brief outing, planning to take in lunch and a movie. +++ We offer special prayers for Father Aelred today, who celebrates the feast of his holy patron. (13) We received word today that our Father Gregory is one of eight pastors in the country who will be honored by receiving the National Catholic Education Association's Distinguished Pastor Award! The awards will be given in April when the NCEA meets in New Orleans during Easter week. Congratulations to Father Gregory! Many of our alumni will remember Father Gregory from his many years in our College (1965-1991), when he taught French and served as Dean of Students. Father's first parish assignment was in August 1989, as administrator of St. Henry Parish, St. Henry, IN. He became pastor of St. Benedict's Parish, Evansville, and, subsequently, St. Benedict's Cathedral, in August of 1991. (14) It was announced this morning that Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Father Christopher J. Coyne as the auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Bishop-elect Coyne is a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston. The date for his episcopal ordination is scheduled for March 2. (15) Today we celebrated the patronal feast days of Brother Maurus and Father Micheas. +++ Delta Chi "A"s' Academy, from Iowa City, IA, are with us again for their annual retreat. We're happy to greet all 155 of the participants and their leaders. (16) Father Eugene is our Mass Hebdomadarian this week. There were almost as many guests in the Archabbey Church as there were monks. Today is one of the major "Saint Meinrad Sundays," and so about a dozen of our priest-monks were spread throughout the state presiding at a parish's Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses, giving the parishioners a brief report on the works of Saint Meinrad, and asking for their continued assistance prayerfully and financially. We do a lot at Saint Meinrad, thanks to a lot of generosity and support offered by our many friends! +++ Father Harry celebrated today the feast of his holy patron. (17) Today we celebrated the feast day of Saint Anthony, Father Anthony's patron. Known by many of our guests for his work in our apiary, Father Anthony serves as the administrator for the parishes of St. Meinrad and Fulda's St. Boniface. (18) A gray and drizzly day, all day. The weather people tell us a lot of snow is on the way. +++ We are preparing for the temporary profession of Novice Michael this Thursday, the 20th. His classmate, Novice Timothy, has decided to extend his period of novitiate for six months. We continue our prayers for both of these men. As we conclude our main meal each day, we add the following to our grace after meals: "May the example of our fraternal charity and our good zeal draw many others to join us in the monastic way of life." May all those discerning our way of life know God's guidance and peace! (19) A quiet Wednesday-it seems everyone is getting ready for the coming snow. (20) Novice Michael professed his temporary vows at I Vespers of the Solemnity of St. Meinrad this evening, taking the name Brother Elijah. His guests joined us for the evening meal, and then for a reception in Jack's in the Commons after Compline. (21) Solemnity of our patron, and the sixth anniversary of the blessing of Father Archabbot Justin. We monks enjoyed a rare "social half-hour" following Midday Prayer, after which we were treated to a fine meal in our refectory. After II Vespers, we joined our seminary community for burgers 'n stuff in the Newman Dining Room. +++ And, a happy feast day to Father Meinrad! (22) We joined the Universal Church in observing the "Day of Prayer and Penance for Violations Committed against the Dignity of Life." Father Eugene, our Mass presider for the week, put things into context nicely in both his introductory remarks and his homily. The Mass prayers were taken from the "Mass for Justice." +++ Father Vincent, the manager of our Guest House and Retreat Center, celebrated the feastday of his holy patron today. As we are fond of saying on these and similar occasions, " Ad multos annos ." (23) Third Sunday of Ordinary Time. Father Joseph is our Mass Hebdomadarian. +++ About 105 of our seminarians are in Washington, D.C., preparing to take part in the annual Right to Life March tomorrow. They left the hill early yesterday morning in 10 vans; while in the Washington area, they will stay with families of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Potomac, Maryland-all this carefully organized and arranged by Linda Budney, a member of our Board of Overseers. +++ Closer to home, Brother John Mark is wrapping up his offerings on "Human Development and Christian Maturity" for the first of this semester's weekend courses. Other resident faculty who are teaching over the weekend are Dr. Keith Lemna, Dr. James Helmer and Dr. Robert Alvis. (24) As referred to in yesterday's entry, most of our seminary community participated in the annual Right to Life March this afternoon. They'll start working their way back to the hill tomorrow. The official "Opening Day" of the semester is tomorrow, and second semester classes begin Thursday the 26th. +++ Here on the hill the guests of Brother Francis have begun to arrive for his profession of solemn vows tomorrow. Until then, he is celebrating the feast of his patron-St. Francis de Sales-today! (25) Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, and the Solemn Profession of Vows by Brother Francis de Sales Wagner. Formerly of the Diocese of Toledo, Brother Francis professed a life of obedience, stability and conversion during our morning Eucharist, at which Father Archabbot Justin presided. We congratulate Brother Francis and welcome him as our newest full-fledged member of the house! +++ Today is Father Paul's feast day; he's celebrating in Rome, where he continues his studies leading toward a doctorate in sacred Scripture. (26) The Seminary had its "Opening Day" for the second formation term, marked especially by the annual Bishop's Dinner in the evening. The Most Rev. Leonard Blair, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo-in-America, was the guest and speaker. He spoke on the forthcoming new translation of the Roman Missal. (27) We celebrated the feast day of Father Timothy, who presided at our Eucharist this morning. +++ Tomorrow the "World Priest Workshop," which began this past Monday the 24th, draws to a close. Five international participants were here for this five-day workshop, organized by our Institute for Priests and Presbyterates. (28) This afternoon we welcomed about 45 fourth graders from New Hope Academy of Franklin, Tennessee, for a 24-hour retreat. They are certainly making the best of their short time with us: it was nice, and rather unusual, to have so many guests join us for Compline! +++ In the evening, Brother Zachary gave the first of his conferences to 43 participants from Good Shepherd Parish in Evansville. His theme is "Praying the Bible." (29) About 35 monks feasted on 14 large pizzas at The UnStable-the first of three such "monk lunches" over these next few months. The pizza-makers were Fathers Prior Kurt and Patrick, Brian Lederer (a third-year theology seminarian for the Diocese of Duluth) and Tim Wyciskalla (a first-year theology seminarian studying for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis). +++ Today and tomorrow Father Timothy is giving a retreat to 29 members of the St. Xavier (Louisville) Alumni Reunion. +++ This evening at Vespers, our newly-professed Brother Francis assumed for the first time his duties as our Office Hebdomadarian. (30) Father Harry is our Mass Hebdomadarian for the week. His homily included some relevant descriptions and comments about his recent trip to the ordinations in Korea. +++ A southern Indiana delicacy-squirrel-appeared on the serving line in our refectory this evening. The treat was obtained, prepared and delivered by Rich Niehaus, a co-worker in our Physical Facilities Department. (31) We received the oblation of Robert and Tina Searcy of Fisherville, Kentucky, after Noonday Prayer. May God's blessings be upon all our oblates, friends and benefactors! +++ After Compline this evening, the monastic community proceeded to the Chapter Room, where we had the Aperitio Oris for our new solemnly professed Brother Francis. This "opening of the mouth" ceremony, consisting of prayers and a brief commentary on the role and responsibility of a capitular (monk in solemn vows), is the official welcome of the monk to the Chapter, the deliberative body of the monastery. Question of the Month Our Question of the Month comes from Carney Strange, a High School class of '65, College class of '69, alumnus: So, what is a "Mass Heb." that you refer to in your monastic log entries? That's a new phrase for me. I received this question from Carney just a few days ago. It's great timing since, as I look over this month's "About the House," I see that I refer to "Heb" directly or indirectly in the entries for each of the last three days (and, as usual, here and there throughout the month). Hebdomadarian comes from the Greek hebdomas , which means "week." A lot of our life in the monastery is structured according to "the week." Our praying of the psalter, for example, is based upon a four-week cycle. Also, many of the housekeeping and serving assignments in the monastery are scheduled on a weekly basis. We take turns by the week waiting tables, setting out and cleaning up after breakfast and lunch, reading at Mass, Office, and during the main meal, and the like. These weekly services are assigned by the Prior. Traditionally, the monk who leads the Divine Office for the week (or presides at that week's Eucharist) is called the Office (or Mass) Hebdomadarian. At Office, the Heb intones the introduction, regulates the praying of the psalms, and prays the intercessions and the concluding prayer. The Mass Heb, as mentioned, presides at the Eucharist and, according to our custom, preaches on Sunday and at least one other day during the week. Sometimes, but not always, a monk who is ordained will be both Office and Mass Heb the same week. The service of Hebdomadarian is reserved to those monks who have professed solemn vows-hence, my mention on the entry for January 29th of Br. Francis' first time as our Office Heb. Quote of the Month We conclude this month's log with a section from the Rule of St. Benedict : You should become a stranger to the world's way of acting. Prefer nothing to the love of Christ. Chapter 4, "The Tools of Good Works," vv. 20-21 Translation by Fr. Terence Kardong, OSB, monk of Assumption Abbey http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/january-2011/ http://www.saintmeinrad.edu/blog/about-the-house/posts/2011/january-2011/ Mon, 31 January 2011 00:00:00