Publication of the Benedictine of St. Gregory’s Abbey GAUDETE! REFLECTIONS FROM LAWRENCE Everyone knows that Many have encountered this type of change change is an unchanging when hearing the news that St. Gregory’s University aspect of the human would cease operations at the end of the 2017. experience. We as Students experienced an interruption in their individuals constantly educational plans; members of the faculty, staff and experience change: our administration faced unknown implications for bodies grow, develop, their families and the realities of unemployment and flourish and decline; our career displacement; donors wondered about their intellects expand by perceiving our surroundings and investment in this worthy cause; alumni worried about giving meaning to the experience of our senses; our an institution that had had a profound impact on their souls develop in response to all the above and to the lives; monks prayed for all involved. All these groups promptings of divine grace. All around us changes in have something in common: all now are challenged to society, governments and cultures mark the passing discern the presence and will of God in the middle of of human history. Even the natural world in which we profoundly changing circumstances in life. live changes – through the cycles of day and night, the rhythms of the seasons, and the fundamental level of Truth be told, this is something that everyone global climate. is challenged to do from time to time. Rather than being frozen by anxiety and fear in the face of change, We usually experience anxiety in the face of persons of faith are challenged to discern how God is change. This is especially true when we encounter present in the middle of uncertainty and change. Even changes that are beyond our influence or control. In when changes are not of our choice or are borne of the face of uncertainty and change, our first instincts tragic events, we are challenged to discern how God is often assume that the change we face will have calling to us amid the chaos that seems to surround us. negative consequences. We can be filled with dread or fear. This is somewhat natural because change In such times we can reflect on Mark 4:35-41. involves letting go of that which we know. Even when On that day, as evening drew on, [Jesus] said to the situation we know is difficult, or even destructive, them, “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, it can be hard to embrace something new and they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And unknown. other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and Change is especially difficult when it involves waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already letting go of someone who has helped us to grow, filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. or leaving behind something that has provided They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not us purpose and meaning in life. It is in such care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the circumstances that we long for answers and resolutions wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind that are not immediately clear or easy to find. ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

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

2- MonksOK They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” Like the disciples, we can feel as though THANK YOU! we are drowning in the turbulent waters of change. We can feel as though we are The Monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey express our Gratitude to all overwhelmed and sinking fast, and that those who have made our work of Catholic education possible God is somehow oblivious to our peril. over the course of 140 years. But just as Jesus was calmly resting in that Beginning with the Citizen Nation, we thank all boat along with the frantic and frightened American Indian Peoples for their support, their collaboration disciples, so also the Lord is with us when and for entrusting their young people to our care. we are frantic and frightened by change. Like the disciples, we are called to discover We thank the incredible colleagues and volunteers who have that the power of Christ is far greater than labored alongside us, giving of their time, talents, expertise, the waves that appear so threatening. Jesus resources and prayers to our mission. is even greater than the fear that can be so We thank the countless donors who have invested their gifts of paralyzing. every kind to the support of our mission. The cycle of Lent and Easter provide We thank the Knights of Columbus of , who an extended season of grace in which we have been faithful partners to St. Gregory’s from its very can discern this saving power of God in beginnings, especially in their efforts to provide scholarship our lives. The discipline and failures we support for students. experience in Lent help us to recognize what we need to change in our lives. The We thank the alumni who have continued to be part of our glory and joy of Easter then proclaim to us lives – whether or not they were able to complete their degree that such change is possible in Christ our program. Lord. Whether the storm waves strike us And finally, we thank the students and families who chose to from outside circumstances or arise from a attend our schools and thus let us be part of their lives. tempest within us, we can call upon Jesus to calm the waters and fill us with hope. It is Be assured that we will continue to pray for all of you each out of the peace that only he can bring that day. We ask that you continue to pray for us, and to be part we can discern and arrive at the welcoming of our ongoing life at St. Gregory’s Abbey. May God bless you shore on the “other side of the lake” that is with the greatest gifts of faith, hope and love! the goal of our journey with him. Peace, Abbot Lawrence and the Monks

If you have questions or comments about this publication, please address them to: Publisher: Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, OSB MonksOK is published four times per year by the 1900 W. MacArthur Street Photographers: Br. George Hubl, OSB and Theresa Bragg Shawnee, OK 74804 Benedictine Monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey Phone: (405) 878-5656 Graphic Designer: Nicole McCoy for our friends, Oblates, and sponsors. E-mail: [email protected] Contributor: Joshua Young or visit us on the web at: www.monksok.com facebook.com/monksok

Visit us at www.monksok.org- 3 End of an Era for St. Gregory’s

In January 1876, just three months after they arrived and academic programs. For various reasons, these in , Fr. Isidore Robot, OSB, and Br. strategies did not come to fruition. In fall of 2016, Dominic Lambert, OSB, worked with a “Miss Atchison” officials pursued a final opportunity through a USDA to open a day school in Atoka, Indian Territory. Even rural development bond program. This was done before they had located a permanent home for the in collaboration with the Community Development they would found, the thus Corporation of the Potawatomi Nation, the Citizen inaugurated Catholic education in what eventually Potawatomi Nation and the City of Shawnee. For nearly would become Oklahoma. Eventually the monks a year, university, tribal, monastic and civic leaders established schools for Native American children at worked to secure this refinancing option. On October Sacred Heart, Pawhuska / Grey Horse, and Anadarko, 31, 2017, word came from the USDA that St. Gregory’s schools for African American children near Lehigh, at would not qualify for the program. Because of critically Langston and in Chickasaw nation, and finally at St. low cash reserves, the SGU Board made the decision to Gregory’s in Shawnee – which over the course of 100 “suspend operations” at the end of the fall semester. years was home to a high school, college and university with several graduate degree programs. In the final weeks of the semester, great efforts were made to provide students with a variety of opportunities For 142 years, the monks of Sacred Heart Abbey / to complete their educational goals in a timely fashion. St. Gregory’s Abbey have been dedicated and untiring Dozens of other universities came to campus to look at champions of Catholic education. They have served smooth academic transfers and financial aid offerings. as founders, teachers, administrators, deans, residence Naturally, the many dedicated employees of the advisors, staff members, grounds keepers, coaches, university also were faced with the loss of their jobs and housekeepers, cooks, fund-raisers, donors, nurses, interruptions in their careers. builders, librarians, chaplains, mentors and advocates. Throughout all of this, the monks have been Pray-ers: With the suspension of operations and the effective maintaining the daily celebration of the Eucharist and closing of St. Gregory’s University, the monastic the Divine Office. community also experienced deeply the end of an important era in the history not only of the Abbey, On November 8, 2017, the Board of Directors of but also of the in Oklahoma. For St. Gregory’s University came to the painful realization the first time in the history of the monastery and of that time had run out for the university to secure the the Church in this region, the Benedictine monks of finances it needed to continue. In the preceding five St. Gregory’s Abbey no longer are directly involved in years, university officials had explored many strategies Catholic education. While the fundamental charism to recapitalize the university’s assets, leveraging them of their monastic life remains, one of the foundational to stabilize long-term finances, to make needed campus “missions” of the community – that of Catholic improvements and to invest in human resources education – had come to an end. 4- MonksOK What’s Next for St. Gregory’s University? visitors a year, including over 18,000 school children from across Oklahoma. It continues to organize St. Gregory’s University filed Chapter Seven temporary exhibitions, to invite artists to speak, to hold bankruptcy on December 23. Through the bankruptcy festivals and to provide summer arts programs for young process, a federally appointed Trustee will use the assets people. Visit www.mgmoa.org to learn more. of the university to satisfy financial obligations to former employees, creditors, vendors and various other entities. The National Institute on Developmental Delays, These assets include approximately 85 acres of land, the founded by Fr. Paul Zahler, OSB, continues to buildings and the equipment used by the university. provide invaluable services to persons of all ages with Interested parties will be given the opportunity to developmental differences and their families. “NIDD” purchase these various assets according to a timeline and continues to organize monthly weekend camps for adults process completely overseen by the Bankruptcy Trustee. with developmental handicaps and works with affiliated agencies to provide support services for the entire cycle A of St. Gregory’s Abbey now serves as the last of life. NIDD maintains its offices in the Mabee-Aerobic official “employee” of the university. In December the Center and is exploring options to purchase the facility. Board of Directors appointed Br. Damian Whalen, OSB, PhD, to serve as Executive Administrator. Br. Damian is Finally, the monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey continue charged with the tasks of finalizing university business, their day-to-day rhythm of monastic life, seeking God answering the questions and responding to the requests in community through shared prayer, work and service. of many constituents and representing the university in The monastery certainly must make some adjustments legal processes. He also provides the Bankruptcy Trustee and already has reduced the number of its non-monastic with the materials and information needed to work personnel. But the monks continue to put into action through what is a very complicated process. Assisting Br. the strategic plan they developed three years ago, Damian is Theresa Bragg, whom the Abbey has retained seeking to enhance their prayer and spirituality, engage as his Executive Assistant. Although Br. Damian is in meaningful common life, develop common work working for the university, his services are being donated strategies, create a sustainable future and strengthen by the Abbey in honor of the legacy of the university efforts to attract vocations to the Abbey. community. While the mission of St. Gregory’s University has What about the Abbey, Museum and NIDD? come to an end, the monks look to a new era in which they will have wonderful opportunities to seek God and Still going strong are the other entities and programs serve others. They invite all who have loved St. Gregory’s that have long shared the campus with the university. to continue to be part of its unfolding history.

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, its facilities and collection are not affected directly by the suspension of the university. The museum now attracts over 25,000

Visit us at www.monksok.org- 5 St. Gregory’s Valedictory

Good evening, brothers and sisters, I would like to start by Thank you to my reading something that I predict fellow students! Thank you many of us will find difficult to for allowing me to serve you as your forget: president and thank you for serving each other After much prayer, discernment, in a lot of what you do. Thank you for finally learning and deliberation, it is with great how to pick up your trash; thank you for staying up late sadness that I tell you the Board and studying all night. Thank you for dancing, acting, of Directors today has voted to singing, and cheering. Thank you for playing your sport suspend operations of the University after this semester. and for playing it well! Thank you for all that you have done. Hopefully, your experience at St. Gregory’s will This is from the letter which was read to the students on inspire you with the desire to serve others to the best of Wednesday, November 8th. For most of us, these words your ability, no matter where you end up. will be forever burned into our minds. I would also like to thank our wonderful staff. Whether That Wednesday afternoon is a moment I know I will you worked in the office of the registrar, financial aid, never forget. For many of us that day meant that a big part student life, facilities, the library, or the mail room, I of our lives was coming to a close. This news was very would like to thank you. No matter what your job was hard to hear and I’m sure it was even harder to give. here, you have helped us students. Thank you all for demonstrating the qualities of a true servant, in the spirit These past few weeks following the announcement of Christ. Thank you for inspiring us to give 100% in all have included a great deal of stress, sorrow, and worry. that we do. However, they also have been filled with much peace, happiness, and joy! For us students, we are forced to find Thank you Monastic Community: for founding, the answer to several questions. The most obvious being, leading, and accompanying St. Gregory’s all these years. “where should I finish my education?” And for employees, “how will I provide for my family now?” Another way of I want to recognize the wonderful faculty of St. looking at these important questions is, “how will WE Gregory’s University. Though I did not personally have begin anew?” These questions can be answered through each of you in a class, I am grateful to each member of much faith and prayer, because we know Christ renews all the faculty. I do not think it is possible to find the words things, and can bring good out of everything, even these to properly thank you, but I will certainly try. Thank hard times. you for your passion and continual drive. People teach because they have a love for the students, the school, and I have never felt so close to the people here as much their vocation. This has been profoundly evident in my as have the last three weeks. Times like these can either experience at St. Gregory’s. Thank you for making classes tear people apart or bring them closer together. It is in both enjoyable and fruitful. I never thought that I could times like these when the true character of a person is laugh so hard while learning as much as I did. Thank you revealed. The community of St. Gregory’s has used this for caring for us, students. You not only helped prepare time to come together more than ever. This experience is us for the next 10 years, but you have encouraged us to something I hope none of us will ever forget! Thank you! prepare for the rest of our lives. Thank you for all the

6- MonksOK by Duncan Tiemeyer

greatest hope that everyone else here at St. Gregory’s has gained this knowledge as well. Hold on to your faith: it is more valuable than you think! wisdom you have given us! Thank you for all that you did. You have all impacted the lives of us in ways that If someone had told me a year and half ago that this we may not even understand yet. You all will truly be was how my time here was going to end, I wouldn’t missed! Finally, thank you to anyone I have missed, change it. I would willingly relive these last few weeks, everything you did is greatly appreciated. if that was the cost of my time here. St. Gregory’s has become a family to me, especially in these past three Now I would like to talk about the next 10,000 years. weeks. I was moved by the fact that I couldn’t ask Let me explain. My first class here was Sacred Scripture someone how they were doing, without seeing they first with Dr. [Jason] Fugikawa. When I met him, I thought focused on someone else’s well-being. I am truly going to that he was super weird. And it turns out he is, but in miss you all. a good way! Dr. Fugikawa asked the class about our 10,000-year plan: “What about our next life? How are we Although this unknown may seem scary, it is living in this one? Are we living it in such a way that we important that we look to the future with open arms. can get to the next one?” Pope Saint John Paul the Great said, “Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly This is something that I will never forget. It was at this knowing that God is with you, therefore no harm can moment when I finally understood the value of a liberal befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith arts education. For a professor to care enough about his and confidence.” Face the unknown in complete faith students to ask questions that go beyond education and and confidence! Have no fear! This is what we all must refer to the state of their souls, was mind blowing. What do. I ’t believe that this is the end for St. Gregory’s. It is the point of this life if not to prepare us for something may or may not re-open one day. But until then, all of us, greater? as faculty, staff, and students, are St. Gregory’s. It is our duty to take this community with us wherever we go and You know the instant gratification that we get when remember that once a Cavalier, always a Cavalier! doing things we think will make us happy? It doesn’t last. We do it because we are still searching for the highest Publisher’s Note: Duncan Tiemeyer, from The Woodlands, good, which is what we were made for! We were made to , was a senior and serving as Student Government be united with Jesus Christ in Heaven, our true home. President when the suspension of the St. Gregory’s University was announced. In the final days of the fall semester, Duncan organized fellow students to promote a “GoFundMe” initiative In my short time at St. Gregory’s, I have gained the which eventually raised over $14,000 so members of the staff knowledge not only to grow in my career but also to and faculty losing their jobs could celebrate Christmas with their grow in my faith. Mother Theresa once said, “God children and families. Duncan has been accepted as a seminarian does not require that we be successful only that we for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. He delivered this be faithful.” St. Gregory’s has taught me that I can be Valedictory Address at the final SGU commencement exercises on successful in this world by choosing to do good. It is my December 1, 2017. Visit us at www.monksok.org-7 From the very first time I drove up the drive to St. Gregory’s Abbey and University in May 1991, I felt I was home. I was enthusiastically welcomed by the monks of St. Gregory’s, particularly Monastic Values Fr. Victor Roberts, Fr. Theodore Senechal, and also Sr. Veronica Sokolosky, OSB. I was bestowed the full at Work gift of Benedictine hospitality. I immediately felt a sense Melody Harrington, M.Ed., LPC of belonging. God had called me to this place. From that moment on, I was steeped in Benedictine values and spirituality with all of the monks here today and many of the now deceased monks. It is an experience that I will treasure all the days of my life. What joy it was to work in a place where Benedictine values were at the center of everything we did. We were united in a common cause. I didn’t even know what department I belonged to, because there were no lines drawn, we all just Fr. Paul always asks about my children and has warmly worked together. In the early days, I was able to go to Mass welcomed Svetlana into the Child Development Center when every day, prepare the altar and join my fellow faculty and she has come to volunteer on occasion. He always remembers monks in this daily prayer. I had never been so involved in the our family and my father. Mass. In the spring of 2001, Abbot Lawrence gave me the And Fr. Charles. I had advocated for years that he be wonderful opportunity to attend the Benedictine Institute in my office suite mate, and finally my prayers were answered. I New Jersey. What a wonderful way to truly understand the don’t remember how long it’s been, but I am so very grateful continuity of the Benedictine order and its values and practices. to have been with him all these years. His quiet wisdom, his nurturance and commitment to be of service to all and his At the time, I was in the process of adopting my first child reliability have been truly inspirational to me. I truly miss from Russia, and I met a woman there who had adopted a child seeing him every day. also. Her experience and unparcelled love for this child was inspiring and reassuring. Abbot Lawrence played a key role in I consider Br. Damian a faithful friend and associate. my adoption of my daughter, Svetlana, by writing me a letter We have a tendency to see things and work in similar ways. I supporting the adoption. I am so very grateful for that letter; first met Br. Damian on one of the first enrollment days in the it enabled me to achieve accomplishment of my life. In 2007, summer before I began the Fall semester. I was excited to meet Abbot Lawrence then again provided a letter of support and him, because he was the piano teacher. Learning to play the encouragement in the adoption of my second Russian child, a piano is one of two life goals I have (the other is to be tall). I son, Genya. The adoptions of my Russian children are the most still don’t know how to play the piano; it just got lost in the important thing have I ever done in my life, and I am so very shuffle of all the work that was to be done. grateful to the Abbot for his support and continued prayers for our family. And to Fr. Patrick, Br. Benet, Br. George, Br. Isidore, Br. Kevin and all the monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey, I thank them And Fr. Nicholas has pretty much taken it from there. Fr. all for their endless kindnesses. They all have a place in my Nicholas has always treated my children with such kindness heart and prayers always. and love. He always prays for them, brings them prayer cards and medals. My father would always seek out Fr. Nicholas What a profound blessing I have been given to be part after Mass at St. Philip Neri. He was always so very kind to of this community. I hope that I can be found worthy of this my precious father. When my father passed away in November blessing as I and the monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey worked 2013, I asked Fr. Nicholas if he would preside at my father’s daily in service to this amazing community for the glory of wake and Mass of Christian Burial. Again, in typical Fr. God. I am absolutely heartbroken to be leaving my beloved Nicholas way, he graciously agreed. What a great comfort St. Gregory’s Abbey and University! I cannot fully express my to me. I have told him that I have it in my will that I would profound gratitude and love for all the monks. They have been like for him to preside at my funeral. He always thinks of an integral part of my life and family for over 26 years. We can me, making sure that I get copies of the Word Among Us, the never be separated. Catholic devotional magazine, that is so helpful in directing my daily prayer and meditations. I often joked that I had lived through 10 presidents and 3 popes in my tenure at St. Gregory’s University. Throughout it all was the stable presence of the monastery. They were always there, through thick and a lot of thin, with incredible Publisher’s Note: Melody Harrington, M.Ed., LPC., served generosity and passion for its mission to be of service to all. on the faculty of St. Gregory’s for nearly twenty-seven This has always been a holy place for me, and I recognize and years. In addition to teaching in the social sciences, Melody appreciate all the good work that has been accomplished here served as Director of Counseling, Director of Testing, and to build the Kingdom of God. on numerous university committees. She was instrumental in designing and implementing both the BS and MS degrees I am heartened by the fact that St. Gregory’s Abbey is in counseling at St. Gregory’s. She continues to serve as the alive and well, living out the Benedictine values of stability Chairperson of the External Review Board for St. Gregory’s and hospitality and will continue long in the future to live its Abbey. mission. St. Gregory’s Abbey is and will continue to be in my daily prayers as I thank God for the incredible gift he has given me to be part of this blessed community. 8- MonksOK The Mission Continues: My name is Dr. Jeff Johnson and I have been an oblate at St. Gregory’s Prayer and Spirituality for nine years. I am an ordained elder Dr. Jeff Johnson, Oblate OSB in the Free Methodist Church USA and I serve as the overseer for Oklahoma, and Southwest Missouri, plus Guatemala. It was my privilege and honor to be a part of St. Gregory’s faculty and to work with the monks meet for guidance, in ministering to students, faculty, staff and families. council, or even Over the past eight years I taught social science classes prayer, spiritual including pastoral care and counseling, cross-cultural direction is born ministry and ethics. The mission continues for St. (see Matthew 18:19- Gregory’s Abbey with the monks and oblates through 20). It is through prayer, worship, spiritual direction and spiritual relationships that God formation. The university was only one aspect of St. moves the human heart and creates a place to reveal Gregory’s ministry, but the mission continues. his word.2 Come to the Abbey and join in the ministry of prayer. Every day the monks start their prayer ministry at Spiritual direction involves a great amount of 6:00 a.m., with prayer services offered throughout the humility and holy listening. Disciples must submit day. Please check out their schedule services on their their lives to another person and let that person enter website: www.monksok.org. into the realm of the heart. Disciples simply share their stories with honesty and transparency while Besides prayer, the monks and oblates will another person listens with grace and truth. Direction continue to promote spiritual direction through moves beyond confession by giving the person the classes, one on one sessions and retreats. Throughout authority to speak into the lives of disciples. Where the last 140 years the monks of St. Gregory’s have confession offers forgiveness s and restitution, helped a great many Christians through spiritual direction offers vision and movement. Disciples see formation and adding to their faith. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 beyond themselves and are able to dialogue with we read: For this very reason, make every effort to add the person about the next step. Because the hearts to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; of disciples are opened wide, there can be a greater and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, vision and a greater capacity for things of God. As perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to disciples submit direction, there can also be a greater godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, expression of their relationship with God.3 The love. The mission continues. mission continues.

The spiritual discipline of direction is an important aspect of formation and follows closely to holy Communion. Disciples leave the table of God and enter a world that is lost. Along the way, they will encounter people who want spiritual direction. They 1Peterson, Working the Angles, 103. must be attentive to everyday life and to the things of 2Foster, Celebration of Discipline, 160-161. God in order to give spiritual direction. Disciples must 3Willard, 188-189. also be attentive to everyday life and to the things of God in order to receive spiritual direction.1 Spiritual direction comes from the divine working in two or more hearts. Jesus said that when two or more are gathered together, he is there. When two disciples

Visit us at www.monksok.org-9 Reflections

The Irish Connection by Bro. Kevin McGuire, OSB

Little did I know that - as a HS Junior Of course, I had also explored the -mostly - when they came to me with in the Fall of 1955 when I joined my "Powerhouse" and farm, and gotten "car trouble", or to do repairs that older brother here at St. Gregory's acquainted with Brothers Andrew included welding, etc. Especially in - it was the beginning of a lifelong and Gregory. I was especially the 70s and 80's, I built a lot of props commitment for me!! God's grace attracted to the simple, work-a-day for student drama productions, and has been FABULOUS throughout life of the brothers, so I became an repaired laundry machines in the my charmed life!! Having grown "adjunct" to the school by joining the dorms. I got to know kids of many up loving the outdoors, mowing monastery just after graduation. different cultures and from all parts lawns with my of the country!! Definitely, the brothers for a I have held many 'support' greatest beautifier of our campus is summer job and jobs over the years. the many hundreds of trees I have loving mechanical Perhaps the most colorful planted over my lifetime here. And, things, I was much and memorable was I've been pleased that we have had more interested working full-time under great and lasting impact on very in "practical Fr. John; constructing many young lives!! projects" than in the dining hall and schoolwork. Fr. Mark Braun dorm It is "too bad" that Catholic higher Robert Dodson was then the "Rector" simultaneously. Two major buildings education in this area took such a of the high school, but soon drafted up in 11 months in 1960!!! – a real hit recently with our closing of 140 me into 'climbing the ladder and feat even nowadays with much- years in the educational ministry. getting shocked' while he held it! - improved equipment and methods!! With such, we have become 'part renewing classroom lighting fixtures We likewise put up of history', which throughout the high-ceilinged Ad the Shops building has seen myriads building. At the time, the main that year. I next of "openings, building housed every aspect of apprenticed under flourishings, and campus life except sports and the a local Catholic closings" over the Chapel: classrooms, all dorm space electrician for centuries. May our for 250 students and the residence that trade, and many beneficiaries . for the Monks, and the kitchen and took the entire . . fondly remember dining facilities were in the basement. wiring contract us and keep us in The Monastery building was just on the Pool building. Especially after their Prayers!!! We at the Abbey being completed, and a small group being appointed to take over the . . . remain both indebted to and of Mexican Benedictine sisters was Mechanic's shop by Spring of 1967, PRAYING FOR – you!! cooking for the entire campus. I became good friends with students

10- MonksOK Planning for a Lifetime Br. Damian Whalen, OSB, Ph.D. There is a Chinese Proverb that says: “If you are planning thirty plus years in the classroom. for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant Whether it was in directing the trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.” choir or in helping students to This saying serves as a good summary of the way that the understand the principles of managing organizations, my monks of Sacred Heart and aim was to guide them as they endeavored to develop the St. Gregory’s have approached skills that they would need for the whole of their lives – their mission of education “lives of balance, generosity and integrity” (from the SGU for over 140 years. Although mission statement). no rice has been planted in all of that time, the monastic This legacy of Benedictine education now lives in the community has demonstrated students that we helped to educate, the students that to generations of students the necessity of following St. we had the privilege of walking with for a part of their Benedict’s injunction that “we must do now what will journey, the students who have been a blessing to us in profit us for eternity” (Prologue 42-43). our own journeys. The way of St. Benedict takes the long view and strives for the balance that is necessary for living as a whole Publisher’s Note: Br. Damian Whalen, OSB, Ph.D., professed person-body, mind, spirit-who is created in God’s image. vows as a monk on August 20, 1976. He began teaching at St. This is the legacy of Benedictine Gregory’s College in the fall of 1982, and since then has taught in education that I received as the areas of fine arts, business and humanties. He also has filled a student and young monk, several administrative positions and was provided key leadership learning from my monastic in designing and implementing the first graduate degrees at the elders and mentors and that university and the recently accredited nursing program. He currently I worked to implement in my serves as the Executive Administrator of St. Gregory’s University. A Place to Seek God’s Will Fr. Martin Lugo, OSB I believe that I would not be a "Greek" to me. At St. I was always encouraged and assisted priest today if it were not for the Gregory’s College I in my studies and in my efforts to Benedictines of St. Gregory’s Abbey. had great professors ‘catch up’ with my peers. Never was As in California, such as Fr. Richard I asked or pressured as to how I was they founded my home parish, Sneed, OSB, for ever to pay for my excellent education Our Lady of Lourdes in East Los English Literature, Fr. Anthony here at St Gregory’s. It would have Angeles. It was there in 1953 that Bumpus, OSB, who combined been practically impossible for me to Fr. Robert Dodson, OSB, and Fr. two years of Latin in one course, fulfill my vocation if it were not for Matthew Brown, OSB, offered and taught me geometry and the Benedictines and the education me the opportunity to attend St. trigonometry after I had only general they offered. Gregory’s minor math courses in LA. seminary. Attending Fr. Joseph Murphy, Now our focus will be primarily on St. Gregory’s High OSB, taught Ancient living fully our calling as Benedictine School as a senior History. I completed Monks here in the local Church. St. I was guided by Fr. four years Theology Gregory’s Abbey is always a place of Lawrence Spencer, at St. Gregory’s under the guidance of peace, community prayer, reflection OSB. We was an English teacher Fr. Denis Statham, OSB, Fr. Amando and openness to the promptings and presenting Beowulf and Chaucer’s DiVincenzo, OSB, and Abbot Philp guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here we Canterbury Tales, which were Berning, OSB. are Lord, to do your Will! Visit us at www.monksok.org-11 A Monk’s Perspective Fr. Charles Buckley, OSB, Ph.D.

I finished College in 44 ½ years “No question is a dumb question.” I can see the classroom: room 406. The student was sitting in the back row. He asked My life with St. Gregory’s began in the fall of 1957 when I a question in the identical words to the question I had just entered as a high school freshman at the suggestion of my finished answering. “Go away. Get out. You will be marked 8th grade teacher that I could benefit from the interaction absent, because you were obviously not here today.” I don’t with a larger group of my peers. I finished in 1961, off to think I actually spoke that last sentence, but I should have. college to study mathematics at Notre Dame. Deciding my And the questions I got in class were usually much better, future, I looked back asking for the hint to go on to the next step, or about the at the monks at the insight that would unify the whole process. Abbey and thought “If they can be the In one of my stints as Dean of Students, I was about to head kind of good people over to the Commons when Brother Andrew called me. they are living that “Would you be interested to know there’s a student up on life, I need to give the water tower?” I was, so I stood at the base of the ladder it a try.” And I did. leading to the top, waiting in the shadows for the young man Novitiate. Formation to come down. He was startled at my “Hi!” He had gone up and profession. Theological studies and ordination. Doctoral there to paint over some graffiti left by some students earlier studies in mathematics education. And in Fall 1973 I stepped that week. “You see,” he explained, “some prospective students into the College Algebra classroom (and some others – I was were visiting the next day and he didn’t want them to have a working on my dissertation). And 44 ½ years later, after a bad impression.” great variety of math classes and different positions within the college/university I submitted my last grades this past When the theater and music folks produced a musical, December. it often involved up to half the student body and others. Barnum, Damn Yankees, My Fair Lady, etc. One I particularly A lot came to mind as I cleaned out my office with “artifacts” remember was Working. I got to be in the pit band for that. from all those years. Some examples: The material for the play was from a book by Studs Terkel of Geography”. Similarly, the intellect Attending with the Ear of the Heart was located where we might easily Prior Boniface Copelin, OSB – Vocation Director imagine—in the head. As such, the heart, which is ideally I am often asked how one discerns We must understand what Benedict located halfway between the brain his or her vocation. The best way I means when he speaks of the and the viscera, was seen as the place know comes from the Prologue of the heart. Benedict’s anthropology, his where the intellect and the emotions Rule of St. Benedict. In the very first understanding of man, is based upon were integrated. A person with a good sentence of the Prologue he writes: the scriptures and classical culture. heart was one who was able to properly “Listen carefully, my From both of these sources order these two important aspects of son, to the Master’s comes the idea of man, as his personality. The heart is, therefore, instructions and a being endowed both with that place where each person is the most attend to them with powers of intellect and emotion himself—i.e. the core of one’s being. It is the ear of your heart.” and that the ideal of human life here, in the heart that God speaks to us. It is a beautiful line, is when these two essentially This is the understanding of the heart but I believe that we human components are in which Benedict brings with him in the must go beyond any harmony. Now, contrary to our Rule. notion of poetry and look at the text modern notion, the ancients located Now, to attending. The Latin text reads and understand if from Benedict’s the emotions not in the heart but in the “inclina aurem cordis tui”. That word, perspective. In doing so, we will come viscera. I remember reading a book in inclina—incline, lean-in—is crucial to see how this applies to vocational which the author referred to the study here to my way of thinking. Years ago, discernment. of which emotions were located in which internal organs as “Anatomical I was attending a sales seminar where 12- MonksOK interviews with a variety of folks doing different jobs. The it; And back in the two-year college days when so many music was written by lots of good folks: James Taylor, Steven students would transfer into engineering programs, needing Schwartz . . . The set was a multi-level construction scaffold. more math here. There was one semester when I learned And the band pit was underneath the scaffold, and we could the differential equations I didn’t learn in my own college look out between the planks of the scaffold to see the actors course, with a class of a dozen students that was more like a and audience. But the genius of the play was the casting; so graduate seminar, when I could walk into class and ask “Any many of the actors matched the story of the characters they questions?” and if there was no response I would know there were portraying, so that a were no questions. great amount of maturing, personal growth occurred Growing close to students, colleagues, a whole world: I that month. brought into this a talent for mathematics and some patience and what I received was much more. It was good to witness Retreats with campus those aha moments, but the real rewards have been in seeing ministry and the Buckley the students mature into real persons, friends I enjoy meeting Team, at Robbers over the years. Cave, Camp Goddard, the Guthrie lake lodge – enjoying the enthusiasm and Publisher’s Note: Fr. Charles Buckley, OSB, professed vows inventiveness of these folks, trying to search for the depths of as a monk on August 15, 1966. He completed a PhD in Math their experiences. Education from Columbia University. Along with his many years as a professor, he served in many leadership positions, including I think of individual students whose background didn’t as Dean of Students, Chaplain, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Interim President and on the Board of Directors. He predict success who surprised themselves with what they was the only monk employed full-time at St. Gregory’s University accomplished. I think of the several years with a crop of when the suspension of operations was announced. He offers young men & women escaping the Vietnam, and I thought these reflections that came to him as he was clearing his office myself a genius teacher – of these folks who had earned along with many treasured colleagues. degrees in Vietnam but didn’t have the documents to prove the speaker was telling us that if we want to make sure that our client was hearing us we should lean across the table when speaking with him. If the client leaned in also, he was paying attention and focused. I have noticed since then that when I was in class as a student, I was most Come and See Weekends focused on the instructor when I was leaning over my desk to hear him speak. Similarly, as a teacher I noticed that the students who Have you ever wondered if God is calling you are leaning-in (inclining, if you will) are the ones who are to the Benedictine way of life? Do you know a concentrating on what I was saying. And so, when Benedict young man who is discerning his vocation in life? says attend—inclina—he’s saying “lean-in, focus” on what your heart senses. Abbey ‘Come and See’ Weekends are open to single Vocational discernment is not something which Catholic men 18-35 years of age who would like to know happens as if by magic or by instantaneous what it is like to be a monk of St. Gregory’s Abbey. inspiration—though there are moments when a degree of clarity appears in an instant. Weekends are Scheduled for Rather it is a matter of paying attention February 23-25 to and examining our abilities, April 20-22 motivations, expectations, desires, June 22-24 and feelings regarding a particular August 10-12 way of life and taking those steps to investigate and test their validity. For more information or to register contact: Fr. Boniface – [email protected]

Visit us at www.monksok.org-13 ABBEY NEWS

“Giving Tuesday” a Success for the Abbey

St. Gregory’s Abbey has been blessed by an outpouring of support through its “Giving Tuesday” Challenge. An anonymous donor issued a $5,000 challenge grant. Donors from around the nation stepped up to contribute over $20,000 to the Abbey, tripling the original challenge grant. To all those who contributed to the Abbey on “Giving Tuesday,” the monks say: “Thank You!” Turkeys Harvested for Thanksgiving On Saturday, November 18, Prior Boniface and Br. Isidore harvested some twenty-five turkeys with the assistance of student volunteers. This year’s flock of turkeys began with thirty “heritage breed” poults, and were raised in a protected free-range setting. Twenty-five of the birds were pre-sold for Thanksgiving and two were reserved for the Abbey. Unfortunately, several birds were lost in a single night to predators in the last week before their scheduled harvest. Although the monks were not able to enjoy these Thanksgiving birds, those who did report that they were a special treat.

Br. Andrew Cultivates Poinsettias Br. Andrew once again successfully cultivated dozens of pots of beautiful red poinsettias to grace the Abbey Church during the Christmas season. The deep-red blooms and dark green foliage of the plants filled not only the sanctuary, but also lined the side aisles of the Abbey Church. Abbot Lawrence observed: “We would never be able to purchase this number of beautiful poinsettias in the commercial market. Beyond their commercial value, however, our poinsettias are most beautiful because of the love and care that Br. Andrew gives in their cultivation for the glory of God and the inspiration of the monks and of all visitors to the Abbey.” Br. Andrew now turns his attention to the cultivation of lilies for Easter! 14- MonksOK Special Committee Meets at St. Gregory’s The “Mutual Assistance Committee” of the American-Cassinese Congregation of met at St. Gregory’s on January 16-17. St. Gregory’s Abbey is one of twenty monasteries in the American-Cassinese Congregations, monasteries located in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with dependent communities in other parts of the world. Along with Abbot President Elias Lorenzo, OSB, of St. Mary’s Abbey in Morristown, NJ, the members of the Mutual Assistance Committee serve as coordinators of efforts to promote collaboration between the various autonomous monasteries. The committee originally was scheduled to meet at the Abbey of San Antonio Abad in Humacao, Puerto Rico, but had to relocate the meeting due to the damage at the Puerto Rican monastery. Br. Damian of St. Gregory’s serves as a member of the committee and was the principal host for this meeting.

On a related note, the monks at San Antonio Abad are still rebuilding after Hurricane Maria. Monasteries from around North America were able to collect some $350,000 to send to the rebuilding effort. On top of this, students from Benedictine elementary, middle and high schools raised over $35,000 to send to the students in the Benedictine schools of Puerto Rico. The school sponsored by the monks of San Antonio Abad was the first in Puerto Rico to reopen after the hurricane!

Fr. Eugene Celebrates 95th Birthday Annual Spring Oblate Gatherings Fr. Eugene had two celebrations for his 95th All Oblates are invited to gather for our annual spring Oblate birthday in December. Days! Members of his family Oblates are men and women of various faith traditions who paid him a surprise visit at affiliate themselves formally with a Benedictine community. lunchtime, bringing with them They seek to incorporate Benedictine prayer and spirituality a beautiful cake. The monks into their own lives in a way that is proper to their state in life. honored their eldest and Any interested in learning more about what it means to be a most senior confrere with a Benedictine Oblate of St. Gregory’s Abbey is invited to attend delicious ice cream cake after one of our Oblate Gatherings. supper. Congratulations Fr. Eugene! St. Gregory’s Abbey, Shawnee, OK Divine Mercy Sunday – April 8, 2018 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

St. Benedict Parish, Montebello, CA Sunday – April 15 Mass at 3:00 p.m. Dinner at 4:30 p.m.

Registration in advance is appreciated. For more information or to register, please contact Lynda Hail at 405-878-5490 or [email protected].

C-SPAN Visits Abbey In conjunction with its cable partner, Vyve Broadband, C-SPAN producers visited Shawnee on February 6-7 to produce a story on the history and non-fiction literary life of Shawnee on the network’s non-fiction book channel BookTV and history channel American History TV. During their visit, the producers visited various literary and historic sites, interviewed local historians, non-fiction authors and conducted educational and community outreach. The Mabee- Gerrer Museum of Art and St. Gregory’s Abbey were part of this visit and interview process. Producers interviewed Abbot Lawrence regarding the history of St. Gregory’s Abbey and its cultural and educational work among American Indian tribes and the City of Shawnee. Footage was taken of the Abbey facilities and grounds. The special Shawnee features should air on C-SPAN2 and C-SPAN 3 the weekend of March 3-4. Check your local listings! Visit us at www.monksok.org-15

A Reflection for Holy Week Fr. Nicholas, OSB, Oblate Director “At noon darkness came over the whole land until three This Psalm 22 is, indeed, “the great psalm of in the afternoon. And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in suffering Israel,” but it is also the great psalm of a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which is suffering Jesus. And it is the great psalm of you and translated, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me and of all suffering humanity. Who among us is so me?” fortunate as never to have endured betrayal, calumny, humiliation, anguish and pain? Psalm 22 is ours Both Mark (15:33-34) and Matthew (27:45- because we suffer, too. Benedict XVI believes that 46) record this cry of Jesus from the cross. I have when Jesus prays this psalm on the cross, he is also quoted Mark’s version because it is Mark’s account pleading our case before the Father. Moreover, Jesus of the Passion that we will read on Palm Sunday this “is taking upon himself all the tribulation, not just of year. This lament from Jesus later became one of the Israel, but of all those in this world who suffer from traditional Seven Last Words of Christ. Although the God’s concealment. He brings the world’s anguished bystanders at the crucifixion failed to understand the cry at God’s absence before the heart of God himself” meaning of Jesus’ words, the early Church interpreted (214). this cry from the cross in the light of the Resurrection.

It is the belief of the early Church that Pope But Psalm 22 does not end in despair, and neither Benedict XVI used as the basis for his interpretation does the Triduum. As the psalm moves from anguish, of these verses. Between 2007 and 2012, Benedict to hope, to praise, we come to understand how it wrote three books in a series he entitled, Jesus of actually anticipates the events of Holy Week. Nazareth. In the second volume, Benedict presents “All who see me mock me” (verse 8). a detailed account of Holy Week. In this reflection, I “You relied on the LORD – let him deliver you” (verse 9). will draw from Benedict’s explanation of these verses. “I can count all my bones” (verse 18). “For my clothing, they cast lots” (verse 19). “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Despite his plight, the outlook of the psalmist then What the early Church realized was that this was no shifts. ordinary complaint. It is the second verse of Psalm 22, “But you Lord, do not stay far off; my strength, come a prayer that Benedict XVI calls “the great psalm of quickly to help me” (verse 20). suffering Israel” (214). It is jarring to hear these words “Then I will proclaim your name to the assembly” (verse from the mouth of Jesus, as every earthly reason for 23). trusting in the Father’s love is progressively removed. “The generation to come will be told of the LORD, In the course of less than 24 hours, Jesus is betrayed that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn by one of his closest followers, and he is abandoned by the deliverance you have brought” (verse 32). the rest. He endures false testimony and public scorn as he is condemned to death. He is scourged and The early church, writes Benedict, interpreted that mocked and forced to carry his own cross. Even after shift in outlook with our hope in the Resurrection. he is finally nailed to the tree, his passion continues Psalm 22 may begin with a lament at God’s absence, as he is ridiculed and taunted by bystanders. Even but it ends with the promise of deliverance. Because the sinners mock him. Jesus was crucified with of that movement, Psalm 22 not only “pervades the two other men, but the Gospels do not describe the whole of the Passion story,” writes Benedict, “it points scene quite the same way. There is no “good thief” beyond it” (214). Jesus takes Israel’s anguished cry in Mark’s Gospel. We find the repentant thief only with all its feelings of abandonment and helplessness. in Luke. In Mark and Matthew, these men are called He takes that anguish and places it before his Father. “revolutionaries,” the same word that John’s Gospel And in that act our anguish is transformed. The uses to describe Barabbas (18:40). It is within the Father’s answer to Jesus’ cry, says Pope Benedict, “is realm of possibility that Jesus took the place meant for the certainty of salvation – not only for Jesus himself, Barabbas on Calvary. The humiliations affect every but for the ‘many’” (214). Have a blessed Holy Week. aspect of Jesus’ being. The indignities are meant not simply to kill him, but to destroy him. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”