MONKS OK MAGAZINE Volume 11, Number 2

Publication of the Benedictine of St. Gregory’s Abbey Gaudete!REFLECTIONS FROM LAWRENCE

Like many monastic ty that can afflict persons of any degree of material communities, St. Grego- wealth or social status. These include poverty of edu- ry’s Abbey has a long his- cation, poverty of intellectual engagement, poverty of tory of cultivating creative expression and poverty of spiritual awareness. through , , music and other forms These are the forms of poverty that cause many of the of creative expression. We are, however, somewhat attacks against the dignity of the human person af- unique among monasteries in the Americas because flicting our world today. Such forms of poverty give we are the stewards of one of the most extensive and rise to a materialistic and utilitarian understanding diverse collections of human creativity in the Bene- of the human person that easily denies the inherent dictine world. The Abbey is the corporate founder value of the human person. Such denial of human and member of the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, dignity implies that persons can be used or disposed which this year celebrates the centennial anniversary of at will. This perspective can lead societies to deny of its creation by Fr. Gregory Gerrer, O.S.B., a the value of life. It also can lead individuals to seek of our community. fulfillment or gratification in addictive substances, self-destructive behaviors or even acts of violence. From time to time someone will ask why the Church maintains vast and valuable collections of art To understand why the promotes, and artifacts. The persons asking the question reason shares and preserves all kinds of artistic expression, that the Church would do better to sell such items and one first must recognize that the Church fundamen- use the proceeds to feed, clothe, shelter or otherwise tally believes that human beings are created in the assist those who are poor. It is a well-intentioned and image and likeness of God, and are restored to grace important question. The answer, however, is not so by the incarnation of the Word of God, Christ, obvious. My response takes in a couple of perspec- through whom all things were made. tives. From this truth, the Church affirms that to be human First of all, the question implies an artificial or arbi- is not to be destructive, given to violence or mired in trary choice. But it is not a matter of choosing either sin. No. To be human, truly human, is to appreciate to collect artifacts and pieces of or to come what is good, true, beautiful and full of harmony. To to the assistance of those who are in need. The issue be human is to form life-giving relationships and cul- should not be a question of “either / or,” but rather a ture. To be human is to share in the ongoing act of question of “both / and.” It is possible to accomplish creation, revealing the wonder and beauty of God. both. One can and should do what is possible to alle- viate the physical needs of the poor and to maintain This is why the Church collects, preserves, commis- the cultural testimony of artistic expression. sions and shares the art and creative expression of all cultures of all times. Through such collections, the Secondly, and even more importantly, should recog- Church preserves for all persons and for future gener- nize that we need to address many forms of poverty. ations the testimony of history to what binds human- Along with the great material poverty of so many of ity together in shared dignity that comes from God. our neighbors, we also must address forms of pover-

MonksOK! is published four times per year by the Benedictine Monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey MonksOK! for our friends, , and sponsors. Spring 2019

2- MonksOK In this way, sharing the treasures of art with others can be understood as a means of evangelization. When we help someone to encounter, appreciate and even imitate the noble work of artists, we help that person to encounter both the Creator who inspires such work and the won- drous dignity that all human beings share. And while such encounters are possible for persons of all ages, it is especially important for children to have access to such experiences.

We monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey are privileged to be part of this grand tradition that understands and celebrates Thank you! this role of human creativity in our search for union with God. We are grateful to the dedicated personnel, many Giving through IRA’s volunteers and generous donors who make possible for Are you age 70 ½ or older and are required to take minimum us to share our collection through the Mabee-Gerrer distribution payments from your Individual Retirement Museum of Art. Account? Did you know that a charitable distribution from the account can satisfy the distribution without the tax liability? Committed to “enriching lives through art,” the museum Contact your plan administrator and ask for a charitable distribution to your favorite charity be made today! preserves a collection that represents some 8,000 years of human expression. It annually welcomes over 28,000 visitors from around the world, including some 18,000 Life Insurance Beneficiaries children from schools throughout Oklahoma. Have you updated your life insurance beneficiaries lately? Prayerfully consider adding St. Gregory’s Abbey as a We hope you will enjoy learning more about the museum beneficiary! It is an easy way to leave a financial gift to continue and its mission in this issue of MonksOK! More impor- to work of the Abbey. tantly, we hope that you soon will visit the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. Gifts of Investments Investments such as Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds that have appreciated in value can be donated for the full-market value. Check with a licensed securities broker about how to make this type of gift.

The donation of real estate, mineral rights and crops are another way to support the Abbey. Contact Abbot Lawrence for more information.

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If you have questions or comments about this publication, please address them to: Publisher: Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B. Editor: Theresa Bragg 1900 W. MacArthur Street Shawnee, OK 74804 Photographers: Br. George Hubl, O.S.B. and Theresa Bragg Phone: (405) 878-5491 E-mail: [email protected] www.monksok.com

MonksOK- 3 The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Celebrating a Century

Visitors to St. Gregory’s Abbeyof often are surprisedWonder to discover near the monastery a collection of art and artifacts that is without parallel in Oklahoma. In fact, those familiar with more famous or much larger monasteries in the United States and Europe often are shocked to find such a collection under the stewardship of a relatively small community of monks on the plains of Oklahoma. It’s almost enough to tempt monks from other communities with a spirit of envy!

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (MGMoA) celebrates this year one hundred years of “bringing the world to Oklahoma” through its amazing collections, special exhibitions and ground-breaking educational programs. While most of the collection and its current facilities are owned by the monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey, the museum is governed by an independent Board of Trustees and brought to the public by a small but committed staff of museum professionals.

A Visionary Founder The museum began under the vision and skill of Fr. Gregory Gerrer, OSB, for whom the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is named. Born in the Alsace region of France, he immigrated as a young man with his family in the late 19th century. Ever an adventurer, for sever- al years he explored his new homeland and occupied himself with various capacities, from being a circus performer to serving as organist at St. Mary Catholic Church in the capital city of Guthrie, Oklahoma Ter- ritory.

On Christmas of 1891, he met Abbot Thomas Duper- ou, OSB, who invited him to join the Oklahoma com- munity of Benedictine monks at Abbey. He accepted the invitation and was clothed as a monk in 1892. Eventually he was ordained as a in 1900. After his ordination he was sent to Rome to develop his already significant artistic talent. He studied there for four years. In 1903 he was commissioned to paint the official portrait of the newly elected Pius X, who is now recognized as a . He exhibited this mas- terpiece at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, and painted a copy of it to send to the Vatican so that the original could be kept by the monastic community.

After completing his studies, he returned to Sacred Heart Abbey, where he taught and served as treasurer Top- Fr. Gerrer paints in his gallery studio when it was located near St. of the college. But that was not to be the end of his Benedict's Church in Shawnee. Lower left- Fr. Gregory Gerrer, O.S.B.. adventures and travels to various parts of the world. Lower Right- Fr. Gerrer paints Mt. Sheridan in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma. Through his travels and connections with fellow artists and collectors alike, he gathered the art and artifacts that constitute the heart of the collection preserved and displayed at the museum that bears his name.

MonksOK-4 In 1919, Fr. Gregory moved his collection from his small studio at St. Benedict Church in Shawnee On the Cover. . . to the monumental building con- structed by the monks of Sacred Heart for their new monastery, high school and college northwest of Shawnee. Thus began the offi- A portrait of cial history of what is now known Pope St. Pius X, as the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of painted by Fr. Art. Gregory Gerrer, O.S.B., hangs in Fr. Gregory’s many adventures the Mabee Gerrer continued after this move. During Museum of Art. the difficult financial times of the The following nar- 1930s, he supported the monastic rative was written community and its ministries with by Fr. Gregory and his artistic work, especially with his ability to paint portraits. He hangs adjacent to also served as an art instructor at the University of Oklahoma the painting in the and at Notre Dame University, where he served for fifteen years. museum. During this time he became the first director and curator of the Wightman Memorial Art Gallery at Notre Dame. "I had two long sittings in the Pope's private library. Agins accompa- Fr. Gregory was recognized in various ways by his contemporar- nied me. One of the servants conducted us in. ies outside the monastery. His fellow artists elected him in 1916 No sooner did I get things ready, then in came as the first president of the Oklahoma Artists Association. In his Holiness with a smile on his face, which 1931 he was inducted in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Fr. Gregory made him seem to be the personification of died in 1946 and is interred alongside his fellow monks in the kindness. The room was flooded with light that cemetery of St. Gregory’s Abbey. reflected on my canvas. There were only the three of us in the room, the Pope, the Archbish- op and myself. We moved a large rug on the A “Family” Collection floor which helped some, when I went to close Fr. Gregory never understood his collection to be his own private the window curtain, but did not immediately property, nor did he assemble it for his own personal enjoyment. understand the mechanism of the Italian win- Rather, as a monk, he knew that what he gathered was to be held dows. and preserved as the patrimony of his community of St. Gregory’s Abbey. In many ways, what he gathered has been and remains a The Holy Father noticed my predicament and “family collection,” albeit that of a “monastic family.” immediately came to my assistance, saying at the same time, 'Ah, you Americans do not un- Over the years the art and artifacts were displayed in various lo- derstand how to adjust these windows. Let me cations in the monastery and educational facilities. When his- show you how it is done.' toric Benedictine Hall underwent its major renovation and re- I was very lucky and the work came along in configuration in the 1960s, most of the collection – including its a satisfactory way. There was a pleasant smile treasured mummies – were loaned to the Kirkpatrick and playing gently over the Holy Father's face, Science Foundation at the Oklahoma City fairgrounds. Little which I tried to express, especially around his did those who marveled at the collection during the State Fair of eyes and mouth. It had to be just right! Too Oklahoma know that the priceless treasures were connected to a much one way would make it insipid and too community of Benedictine monks. much the other way would make it severe. In the mid-1970’s, Abbot Robert Dodson, OSB, had the vision Things went on without a hitch the first day and determination to bring the collection back to St. Gregory’s. and the weather was also perfect. The next day During his tenure as abbot (1970 – 1979), he oversaw the con- His Holiness was already in, and came to the struction of a facility to preserve the Abbey’s collection and to door to meet us, telling us to make ourselves share it with the public. The museum was completed in 1979, at home. Pope Pius was an excellent sitter. and the collection was returned to its home in Shawnee. The Though often he came to see what I was doing. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa provided substantial funding for the He made the remark that I painted him wart project, and thus the new museum was named “Mabee-Gerrer.” and all, and was pleased with it." - Fr. Gregory Gerrer, O.S.B.

MonksOK-5 Abbot Robert served as the first director of the new mu- seum and was tireless in his efforts to establish the muse- um as a center for art, culture and education. At his side was Br. Justin Jones, OSB, who served as curator of the collection. In this role, Br. Justin learned the skills of art restoration. Together they recruited and organized the first volunteers who would serve as docents, support staff and chief promoters of this new and wonderful gift to the public. Abbot Robert was actively involved with the mu- seum until his death in 1982, and Br. Justin continued to Br. Isidore serve the mission of the museum in various roles until his Harden, OSB death in 2003. answers ques- tions from Over the years monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey have served school chil- at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in a variety of ways. dren during In 1990, Abbot Charles Massoth, OSB, joined forces with a tour at the museum. Fr. Roethler, OSB, then president of St. Gregory’s College, to raise funds and construct an extension to the have an active presence on its Board of Trustees and on museum. This created increased space for receptions and its team of museum docents. The monastery makes regu- educational programming, and included a performing lar financial contributions to the museum, and for nearly arts center that was used primarily by St. Gregory’s Col- ten years has helped to underwrite free admission during lege and University. Several of the monks helped to in- the summer months of June, July and August. stall parquet floors in the new gallery space and pavers in the sidewalks leading up to the entrances to the addition. A Growing Legacy Other monks served on weekends as reception staff and The monastic community thanks and congratulates the as informal guides to the galleries. For many years, Fr. members of the board of trustees, staff and volunteer so- Francis Simon, OSB, served as a volunteer at the museum, ciety of the MGMoA for their many accomplishments. assisting with installation of new exhibitions and crafting These dedicated persons continue the cultural and edu- wooden baskets that were sold in the museum gift shop. cational mission of the monastic community, and espe- Br. Isidore Harden, OSB, currently serves as a docent for cially the legacy of Fr. Gregory Gerrer, OSB, and Abbot the museum, frequently giving tours for groups of school Robert Dodson, OSB. children. Along with leading the children in “visual thinking strategies,” he often adds music to their visit by The museum holds one of the largest and most diverse playing one of his traditional Native American flutes. collections of art and ethnological artifacts in the state of Oklahoma. Its collections include pieces from ancient Today the monks continue to serve as the “Corporate Siro-Phoenician, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Graeco-Ro- Member” of the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, and man cultures, including Oklahoma’s only Egyptian mum- mies. It houses cultural treasures China, Africa, Europe and pre-Columbian North and South America. Along with this, its collection of paintings and rang- ing from European paintings to contempo- rary artists. It includes works by Ribera, Reni, Tintoretto, Titian, Barbieri, Bouguereau, Gérôme, Whittredge, Rem- ington, Moran, Chase and by many Native American art- ists such as the Kiowa Five painters Monroe Tsatoke and Stephen Mopope.

The museum operates an extensive arts education pro- gram, introducing the importance of art and creativity to children who otherwise would not have such an experi- U.S. Congressman Tom Steed, Abbot Robert Dodson and ence. For the past five years, the small staff of the muse- Shawnee Mayor Roy Sadler cut the ribbon at the museum um has impacted over 18,000 school children each year. grand opening. Photo from Abbey Archives. The educational programs engage the students in

6- MonksOK “visual thinking strategies” and tie various works of art and culture to the subject areas of standardized tests. St. Gregory's Abbey honored by The museum raises money to provide gas for the school buses to make the trips, some from schools over three the National Museum of hours away from the museum. Other arts education programs include after school programs and summer Catholic Art and Library art camps. Along with the programs for school children, the staff and volunteers of the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art or- ganize several events during the year that bring thou- sands of visitors to the museum. Some of these events include Community Art Days, a much-anticipated gala event each December, speakers for exhibit openings, and a festival each April known as Arts Trek.

Be Part of the Story The Centennial Year of the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is a perfect time to be an active part of this story by making a return visit, coming to the museum for the first time, or by subscribing as a member of the muse- um. Special exhibitions and events are scheduled for On May 8, the National Museum of Catholic Art and this important milestone celebration. To learn more Library (NMCAL) conferred on the monks of St. about the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, its collections, Gregory’s Abbey – both those who are living and those programs and opportunities for membership, log-on to who have entered eternal life – a “Lifetime Achieve- www.mgmoa.org. ment Award in Catholic Education and Art.”

The award was presented to Abbot Lawrence by Chris- tina Cox, founder and president of the NMCAL, in Washington, D.C., during the annual gala for the mu- seum.

Abbot Lawrence stated that “the recognition was espe- cially significant this year when we observe the centen- nial of the Abbey’s collection of art and artifacts that is now housed at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art.”

Museum Hours Tuesday thru Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Closed Monday

Free Admission for everyone during June, July and August. Abbot Lawrence addresses attendees of the NMCAL gala, after Sponsored by the Avedis Founda- accepting the award on behalf of the Monks of St. Gregory's tion, BancFirst, St. Gregory's Abbey, Abbey. Ad Astra Foundation and Arvest Bank

MonksOK-7 Reflections from the Cloister Gate by Br. Damian Whalen, O.S.B.

Wisdom! Be Attentive! • Listen: the force of this Latin verb calls for active and This exclamation is used in attentive listening, not just the physical act of hearing. the Byzantine liturgy to call the congregation to pay The verb can be translated as “listen carefully” attention to the Scripture passage that is about to be • Pay Heed: this phrase calls for the engagement of the read. The Scriptures are, for us, the wisdom of God in whole person (head and heart) in the act of attending human language. As such, the Scriptures provide us to God’s word with the guidance we need to live a life that is truly • Accept: this verb identifies the first aspect of our Christian and so, hearing the Scriptures read, or read- response to God – receiving and welcoming the word. ing it ourselves, requires our undivided attention and “Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in focus. you, it can save your souls.” (James 1:21) • Accomplish: the last of the four imperatives is about St. Benedict begins his Rule with a similar call to pay acting on the word – “Be doers of the word and not attention to the word of God. The first few lines of the hearers only…” (James 1:22a) Prologue contain four imperatives that set the tone for the teaching (wisdom) that follows. These imperatives, Listening attentively to God’s word, as contained in in the original Latin, are expressed in the singular so the Scriptures, is an indispensable source of the nour- as to indicate that they are imperatives for the indi- ishment that we need to live as Christians. As with vidual person who seeks deeper union with God. The nourishing food, Scripture must be tasted and savored opening lines of the Rule say to us: Listen (obsculta) and chewed slowly so as to have its effect. Thus it is to the master’s instructions and pay heed (inclina) to important to avoid the fast food approach to reading them with the ear of your heart…accept (excipe) them the Bible, characterized by one 19th century observer and accomplish (comple) them. Thus St. Benedict as “gobble, gulp and go.” What is called for demands a provides us with an urgent call to listen actively and more deliberate and slower reading. God’s wisdom is respond to God’s word. available to us in his word – be attentive!

Do you think God may be calling you to monastic life at St. Gregory's? Come and see. Single Catholic men 18-35 are encouraged to join us for a Come and See Weekend. Please contact Fr. Boniface at [email protected] to make arrangements.

8- MonksOK Vietnamese Students Reunited with Monks of St. Gregory's by Fr. Charles Buckley, O.S.B.

Father Adrian helped me to remember this date: April 30, 1975, the fall of Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City. It was not only the end of the U. S. participation in an awful war, but the end of a country involved in a much longer war, and the end of a country for the citizens of South Vietnam. American civilians and “at risk Vietnamese” were being evacuated by helicopters from the roof of the U. S. embas- sy. As each helicopter landed on the aircraft carrier, peo- European model. There were several levels, based on stu- ple quickly disembarked and the helicopter was pushed dent's entrance tests. The top level emphasized math and overboard to make room for the next one to land. The science, so many of those who came to St. Gregory’s had Vietnamese who found their difficult way to the U.S. were already succeeded in the level of math and science courses processed at one of three holding camps and then found that we offered. places around the country where they would assimilate into the American culture. One of these was Fort Chaffee The weekend was quite an experience to see the success of in Arkansas. these former students. Many had gone into engineering, where their background was strong and they could earn Here begins a significant period in the history of St. Grego- salaries to support their families. Father Adrian com- ry’s College and Abbey. Gary Salwierak of the college’s ad- mented that few people are blessed to see how we have missions office and Father Brendan Helbing (who taught contributed to the benefit of others. In the reunion group French) visited Fort Chaffee to find students who would were several engineers, a teacher, entrepreneurs, a finan- profit from a St. Gregory’s education. The Abbey had set cial planner, and a bank executive. In the larger group of aside $50,000 to make this possible. Eventually around 30 the original 30 there are two , two religious sisters, students came to begin their American education at St. a professor at Virginia Tech, and two with doctorates in Gregory’s in the fall of 1975. This included three brothers mathematics. They were bright, but they worked for their sponsored by Father Martin Leven in Enid and two young achievement. Somebody commented that the brightest of women sponsored by a man in North Carolina. the group used to get up at 5 a.m. every day to start read- ing. This story became refreshed the weekend after Easter, when members of that class held a reunion in Arling- One other fascinating element of the weekend was to ex- ton, Texas, where a number of them currently live. Father perience something of what they must have felt on arriv- Brendan, Father Adrian, and I were invited to join them. ing here, with minimal or no English. They cited some of Father Adrian had taught several in Accounting class, but the difficulties with philosophy, and dealing with difficult also through the work-study program had employed sev- concepts in an unknown language. Two of them cited the eral for menial tasks such as locking buildings, counting expression “See you later.” When someone left a room coins, some gardening work, and even as night watchmen. saying “See you later,” they remained in the room waiting I had taught quite a few in math classes. This was my sec- for the other to return. This weekend, in their excitement ond year of teaching, and they made me think I was a ge- at seeing each other after so long, they would burst out nius of a teacher, setting forth a concept that they quickly speaking Vietnamese. We also ate several meals in Viet- grasped. At this gathering I understood the real story. The namese-speaking restaurants. I begin to understand some high school program in Vietnam had been on the of the lostness they must have felt those many years ago.

MonksOK- 9 News from the Abbey Chronicle

Fr. Patrick McCool, O.S.B. was presented the 2019 Chief Justice Br. George Hubl, O.S.B. was recognized for 25 years of ser- Cane Civic Award by the Knights of Columbus. vice to the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph's in Norman. New shops building blessed on the Memorial of St. Joseph

On the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, Abbot Lawrence dedicat- ed our new shops building. Even though not completely finished, it will soon provide the space needed for our new initiatives and to go about our daily lives here at the Abbey. Oblates gather on Divine Mercy Sunday

Oblates of St. Gregory's Abbey gathered on April 28th in Shawnee and May 5th in Montebello, California for Sunday. Making final vows were Lee Gomez, Mary Kelley, Indiana Landess and David Behara; Mary Bustamante became a novice. Top right- Oblates from Montebello, California after Mass and then gathered for a meal at Salvatore's.

10- MonksOK The Abbot's Table 2019

The 2019 Abbot's Table welcomed nearly 120 guests to the Abbey for an evening of festivities, fine dining and exquisite wines. Proceeds from the evening benefit the mission of St. Gregory's Abbey. The evening was co-hosted by Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, OSB, Beth Nickel, Proprietress of Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, En Route and Dolce Winer- ies, and Richard "Dick" Sias of the Ad Astra Foundation. Pictured clockwise from bottom left- Russell Cleary and John Dimmer visit with Br. Damian during the reception. Co-host Beth Nickel welcomes guests to the Abbot's Table. Special Reserve Patrons D. Wayne and Emy Trousdale visit during dinner. Patrons prepare for the first course.

Discover again the wis- dom of the instruction to "place the oxygen mask over your own nose and mouth before assisting others." Br. Damian Whalen, OSB, presents a very special Day of Reflection for those who teach.

As the new year approaches, you are invited to spend some time reflect- ing on the importance of a balanced approach to the health and well-be- ing of body, mind and spirit. Register by e-mailing retreats@monksok. org or calling (405) 878-5656. Cost is $30 and includes lunch.

MonksOK-11 Holy Week 2019 Photo Essay by Br. George Hubl, O.S.B.