The Oblate
A Newsletter for Oblates
Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota 56321-2015
Saint John's at 150
A Portrait of This Place Called Collegeville
Hilary Thimmesh, OSB, Editor
As Saint John's prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary, Liturgical Press announces the upcoming publication of Saint John's at 150. The story of this spiritual community is told in a 160-page book that features compelling essays by a variety of writers and striking black-and-white and color photos.
Launched to coincide with the celebration of Saint John's Sesquicentennial, Saint John's at 150 includes a glimpse of life in Minnesota and the nation as background for the Saint John's story. Personal essays about Saint John's first 150 years are provided by writers from Saint John's monastery, the university faculty, and friends around the world. They focus on such topics as the missionary lifestyle of the first monks to cameo images of college professors.
The full-page photos by photographers such as Greg Becker, Lee Hanley, David Manahan, OSB, and Placid Stuckenschneider, OSB, make the book a visual feast. More than 30 authors contribute sidebars and special features on a variety of subjects: Katherine Powers remembers her father, J.F. Powers; Bill Kling reminisces on the founding of Minnesota Public Radio; author Jon Hassler recalls his college days and his professor, Steve Humphrey; Thomas Merton reflects on the beauty of a summer afternoon and the chapel across the lake.
Edited by Hilary Thimmesh, OSB, professor of English and president emeritus at Saint John's University, this volume also includes numerous photographs of campus life in the monastery and the university, as well as images taken by Peter Engel, OSB, before he became abbot in 1895. Through these compelling essays and images, we learn that the first contingent of Benedictine priests who arrived in Minnesota in May of 1856, were sent to found a new monastery, but their primary task was to offer pastoral and educational ministry to the rapidly growing German Catholic immigrants. And we come to appreciate the monastery's timeless role as a strong anchor and its influence on pioneer missions, international foundations, and the liturgical movement. Though not a comprehensive history, Saint John's at 150 references the surprising number of people, places, and events that comprise this exceptional place called Collegeville.
Published in hardcover, 160 pages, 9 x 12 @ $39.95, Saint John's at 150 will be available in February 2006 at religious and trade bookstores or directly from Liturgical Press. To order Saint John's at 150, call: 1-800-858-5450; fax: 1-800-445-5899; or e-mail: <sales @ litpress.org>. A complete catalog is also available online: <www.litpress.org>.
Oblates Meet in Rome
by Ford Royer, OblSB
Over 300 Oblates from all over the world converged on the Salesianum Center in Rome for the first ever World Congress of Benedictine Oblates which was held from 19 to 25 September 2005. This unique gathering, the first in the history of Benedictines, is in recognition of the enormous amount of spiritual energy underway in the Christian world today. Thirty-five countries were represented.
The number of Oblates attending was limited to just over 300 due to the capacity of the accommodations available at the Salesianum. Each country was allotted a set number of "seats" and a national coordinator was appointed for each country. The United States received 65 positions, the largest delegation at the Congress. Our national coordinator was Fr. Pascal Morlino, OSB (second from left below), of St. Vincent's Archabbey, Latrobe, PA, and Rector of St. Benedict's Church in Baltimore.
Three Oblates from Minnesota attended: Ford Royer (far right above), representing Saint John's Abbey, Anne Pierskalla, representing St. Benedict's Monastery, and Mike Lawson, representing St. Brigid of Kildare Monastery. The Organizing Committee in Rome was chaired by Saint John's own Fr. Luigi Bertocchi, OSB (center above). The Congress was presided over by Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, OSB, of Sant'Anselmo. It was he who had made the suggestion, over two years ago, to the National Council of Italian Benedictine Oblates that they should organize the first World Congress of Benedictine Oblates
The theme of the Congress was "Communion with God, Communion with the World." Linking to this theme, the following presentations were given over the course of the first three days:
The Monastery: A School of Communion;
The Oblate and Prayerful Dialogue with God;
Communion Iinside the Family;
Communion in the Workplace;
The Oblate and Inter-Religious Dialogue;
The Oblate and the Mission of Peace, Justice and Care for Creation.
More than one speaker mentioned that although traditional forms of monasticism are not growing in most places and though they remain a stable center, the growth of the number of Oblates in the past ten years has been tremendous. This suggests that there is something about the Benedictine charism that is very important in the world at this time. The tremendous hunger among Christian laity throughout the world for affiliation with Benedictine monasteries could be from a thirst to understand more clearly what is going on in this bewilderingly complex world and how to respond to it as Christians.
Presentations were given in the morning and early afternoon, and then we all broke out into small groups arranged by language. The small groups were given a list of questions that pertained to that day's presentations, and these were discussed in an open forum. A summary of what was discussed was submitted, and the results from all groups was condensed and distributed to the delegates the next day.
In accordance with The Rule, each day began with Lauds, then Holy Eucharist at noon following the morning session, and finally Vespers in the evening following the afternoon session and just prior to dinner. Recognizing that this was a world-wide ecumenical gathering, each individual service was said and/or sung in a different language each day and a number of services were presided over by clergy of different denominations.
The Friday morning session was a summary of the previous three days' presentations with a question and answer period. The afternoon was free time and most delegates headed into downtown Rome to do a little sightseeing and shopping. Saturday morning began very early with a pilgrimage to Montecassino Abbey. Sunday was a special day with a trip to Castle Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. We joined in the public audience with Pope Benedict XVI for the Angelus. Following prayers, Pope Benedict recognized our group with "Welcome, my Benedictine Family."
In the closing remarks of this most successful Congress, Fr. Luigi asked the delegates if they felt that additional world oblate congresses should be organized. There was a resounding "YES" from the audience. Fr. Luigi suggested that Congresses could be held once every four years. We pray that this will be accomplished so that other Oblates can experience what we were honored and humbled to receive.
Every Oblate who attended this magnificent Congress came away with a higher understanding of what it means to be an Oblate of the Order of St. Benedict and the importance of keeping this knowledge with us in our daily lives. The fellowship bonds that were forged with Oblates from around our country and from other countries will long endure. God was faithfully with us, in us, and beside us during this divine gathering. One could only sense that our Holy Father St. Benedict was pleased with what he saw and looked down on us with a big smile on his face.
The Parable of Gus
by Dan Walsh, "Blue Collar" Oblate Candidate
Parable: A story or tale with a purpose.
With a title like "The Parable of Gus," my chances of writing again for The Oblate may not be good and even less when you hear that Gus was our cat. Let me explain. God reveals much to his people and sometimes through an unusual messenger. Gus may have been such a messenger.
I have not always been a cat person, while Judy, my wife, has always been fond of cats. Except for a few months during our 33-year marriage, we have always shared our home with at least one cat. Due to rapidly failing health, we had Gus put to sleep, and now we are caring for only four house cats. As popular as pets are in our society, I am certain many others have had similar end-of-life pet experiences. With Gus' death, Judy and I spent an evening reminiscing about him, and here are our thoughts:
First of all, we are called pet owners, but "temporary care givers" better describes our true relationship with our animal companions. Just as we don't "own" any of the other gifts God gives us -- we don't own our pets either. Make no mistake -- a pet is a gift -- a gift that enables us to show our humanity, compassion and love. Judy and I believe Gus was God's gift to our family.
Gus brought a special dimension to our family. He accepted us as we were, always forgave us and was there for us everyday -- always. Gus was usually ecstatic to see us return home even when we didn't see the wisdom in his latest social indiscretion committed during our absence. The world would be a better place if we could relate to each other as Gus related to us. In his way, Gus brought us an important message -- accept and forgive one another. These are Benedictine messages.
Life is change. We change neighborhoods, jobs, parish communities and social organizations. Mature adults can be frightened by such change. On four occasions, Gus was introduced to three new "brothers" and one "sister." As best he could, Gus welcomed his siblings and tolerated the antics and endless energy of four kittens over his 15 years. He shared his home, food and self with four busy invaders and took it all in stride.
Gus actively embraced his new siblings and must have made them feel welcome
because they still live with us. Gus didn't understand the concept of
hospitality, but he lived it. As humans we understand hospitality but struggle
to live it. Gus never read The Rule, but in his way, he practiced hospitality.
For Gus, life was simple. Winning, owning and consuming were not important. He enjoyed a simple life stripped of complexity and claimed no property. Gus shared his "box," his favorite places to take a nap and a communal dry, crunchy cat food dish. Gus shared all the important things in his life. Benedict suggests we do the same.
Food was important to Gus, and he was always excited to receive one small spoonful of canned cat food twice a day. Note that Gus didn't expect two spoons of food, because he was satisfied with one spoonful. Gus' excitement and pleasure over this simple act was total and complete. We should live so simply, be content with less and exuberantly thank God for His gifts. Once again, Gus delivered a Benedictine message.
Gus was dependent on his family for food, water and a clean "facility." We took care of his simple needs -- and lacking thumbs -- Gus counted on us to meet his needs. In this exchange, we became dependent on Gus for his gifts of acceptance, affection and constant comforting presence. I think we got the better deal from an adult cat that we adopted from the Humane Society.
When Judy went to the Humane Society to view cats available for adoption, understandably she was interested in a kitten. Kittens are cute and easy to bond with as they awkwardly move through the early stages of their lives. Under these circumstances, why would Judy be drawn to an abandoned or lost adult male cat? As the saying goes, "Only God knows." But Judy connected with an adult cat we named "Gus."
Now that Gus is gone, we miss him and his Great Escape attempts. Like us, Gus always looked for greener grass on the other side of the fence. Even as a senior-citizen house cat, he managed a successful jailbreak one evening this past spring. Judy discovered his escape when World War III began outside our front door.
Except for a new haircut (courtesy of a neighbor cat) and a racing heart, Gus was unhurt. Judy was fearful that Gus' aging heart couldn't handle the stress. When she rescued him, his heart was racing. She held him till he calmed down. Judy knew Gus would be fine when he began to purr.
Even in his last escape attempt Gus delivered a message. Life is pretty good where we are. We need to take care of each other. Helping sooth life's troubles, calming one another and sharing what we have to offer. This sounds like St. Benedict's concept of community.
In Gus' final moments, he purred at our touch -- even the touch of our vet as he administered a fatal injection. Gus showed love for his "community" to the end.
Benedictines, Oblates and Oblate candidates do God's work by trying to improve the lives they touch. Gus didn't know he was doing God's work, but he certainly improved the lives he touched. God is mysterious and works wonders -- perhaps even through a cat named "Gus." I know God created Gus. I also believe God brought a fat, frumpy, adult, long-haired, grey cat into our family for a reason.
Well, I've got to go. It is 9:00 PM. It's treat time for Allie, Kitten, Calvin and Barkley. Gus would approve and so would St. Benedict.
Coming Events
OBLATE LENTEN DAY OF RECOLLECTION
12 March 2006
ANNUAL OBLATE RETREAT
7-9 July 2006
"Praying with Images"
using the Apostles Creed by Nathaniel
Hauser, OSB
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