Y L R E T R A U Q

Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, OSB, reads and signs the oblates’ Bona Opera cards at the start of Lent.

Fidelity: The challenge to remain faithful

“Christmas in July” is abhorrent to me. usual celebrating routine. We strained to Taking a holy feast that celebrates the find faithfulness in prayer by coming fidelity of God choosing to become one with together in new ways. humanity and turning it into not just one occasion for rapacious consumerism, but a I thought of the first Passover. God told the second event in the middle of the year, Jews to stay home! They were to mark their leaves me exasperated. homes and eat their meal in a way not done before. We had to do that. We found Remaining faithful to the intention of our communion in distance and desire in holy days and not the hype with which our separation, and we felt a loss over not being culture surrounds them is one focus for able to receive the sacraments. fidelity. Lent was about to begin as I first wrote this. The chocolate bunnies were Examining what is truly important in our already in all the stores. celebrations became a discussion. St. Paul puts it, “May the God of steadfastness and Walter Brueggemann states, “As Paul spoke encouragement grant you to live in …, he knew about a world of fickle harmony with one another, in accordance deception and betrayal, as do we. The world with Christ Jesus, so that together you may of advertising, of ideology, of euphemism with one voice glorify the God and Father offers us endless phoniness that coerces and of our Lord Jesus Christ” ( Romans 15:5f ). manipulates and invites into a virtual world that has no staying power.” Beyond society’s ephemerality is our God of fidelity, who makes and keeps promises. And then we faced a fidelity challenge This issue of the Benedictine Oblate beyond our imagining. Our lived faith got Quarterly will examine fidelity and its grace upended in a way not experienced in our in which we are all called to dwell. lifetimes. Being faithful demanded new forms and inventive intention. Fidelity Kathleen Polansky, oblate forced us to dig deeper than following our New Salisbury, IN

QUARTERLY FOR BENEDICTINE OBLATES OF SAINT MEINRAD Summer 2020, Volume 26:3 A POINT TO PONDER FROM Fidelity: I know it when I see it

Asked to define Saint Meinrad, Fr. Theodore died in 2009 fidelity, I wouldn’t at the age of 108. He “retired” at the age The Rule first turn to the of 70, but then spent the next 19 years as dictionary. I’d turn pastor of one of our small country When they are to be to my memories. parishes. Then he kept on learning. And received, they come I’d turn to some of reading. And praying. Things he felt he before the whole the memorable had to do. He knew what he was doing. community in the people I have known. Asked to define fidelity, I’d think oratory and promise Archabbot Kurt especially of so many of our medical Stasiak, OSB stability, fidelity to the Asked to define professionals during this pandemic. How monastic life, and fidelity, I’d think first of my Dad. He many stories have we come across where, and Mom were married for 43 years. asked by others what keeps them going obedience. This is done Other couples have been married longer, into the hospital “battle zone” day after in the presence of God of course. But my Mom and Dad were day, at ever-increasing risk to themselves, and the saints to impress married as long as possible – right up to they answer, “I’m a doctor; I made a my Mom’s stroke and her death in promise to do my best to heal.” “I’m a on the novices that if intensive care some six weeks later. nurse; it’s what I do.” These people know they ever act otherwise, what they are doing. they will surely be My Dad visited her in the hospital every day. He would read her the paper. He I’m still not sure how I would define condemned by the one would say the Liturgy of the Hours with fidelity. But I know there are certain they mock. her. He would go through the mail. Was virtues I’ll always associate with it. Duty. she aware of what he was doing? We Selflessness. Sacrifice. Love. Sanctity. Rule of St. Benedict, 58:17 don’t know. But it was something he Define fidelity? I know it when I see it. Our hearts are laid open to wanted to do. Something he had to do. He knew what he was doing. be reformed in the tradition Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, OSB of monasticism. Fidelity Asked to define fidelity, I’d think also of Saint Meinrad Archabbey allows our failures to become Fr. Theodore Heck, OSB. A of steps of growth toward holiness. Fidelity: How we are faithful to our promises

As oblates, our The oblate who needs to be at the office promise of “fidelity by 8 a.m. may need to have an abbreviated Ben edictine Oblate Quarterly is published to the spirit of the morning prayer. four times a year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey. monastic life” can Editor: Mary Jeanne Schumacher be perplexing to We are not promising fidelity to the Designer: Tammy Schuetter some because it monastic life, but to the spirit of the Oblate Director: Janis Dopp isn’t black and monastic life. And what is that “spirit”? It Oblate Chaplain: Fr. Joseph Cox, OSB white. There isn’t isn’t about fleeing to the and Editorial Staff: Kathleen Polansky, Brenda one right way of hanging out there. It is about looking at Janis Dopp Black, Angie McDonald doing it. For each the place we call home and realizing that Send changes of address and comments to oblate, the demands will be different, is our monastery. The Editor, Development Office, because for each of us, our lives have Saint Meinrad Archabbey, demands that are specific. It is the sacred space God has provided us 200 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, IN 47577, and where the community of family and (812) 357-6817, fax (812) 357-6325 A woman with small children will have friends keeps us honest and committed to or email [email protected] to view the requisite daily prayer with a a life of holiness. It is where our time is www.saintmeinrad.org more flexible eye than the one who is not our own, but rather belongs to God. ©2020, Saint Meinrad Archabbey living a more relaxed life of retirement. 2 So many times, we think of fidelity as The “how” of those 50 years is as permits. While it will look a bit what we have, rather than what we crucial as the initial promise of different for each of us, the promise is do. Fidelity is defined as how we are faithfulness itself. Have I been open to the same, made within the real hope faithful to our promises and duties. a life of changing possibilities and that, as one year melts into the next, My husband, Jack, and I recently realities? Have I been steadfast in my we will become the promise that we celebrated our 50th wedding loving? Have I been forgiving? have made. anniversary. It is no mere hope that is realized in that celebration. We make a promise to stay true to our Janis Dopp commitments as our state in life Oblate Director Musings from the Chaplain: A life of fidelity

If we are living a This faithful undertaking is good and oblates. As oblates, you are called to life of fidelity, is blessed by God. If we make be faithful to your promises and duties then we are mistakes and do not live up to what and other responsibilities. faithful people. the quest requires of us, then we ask It means that we for forgiveness and apply ourselves Fidelity has to do with perseverance, are “doing what again. If we learn something from our because sometimes it is difficult to be we are supposed mistakes and become more faithful faithful. Doing the same things day to be doing.” people, then we are better able to help after day, we confront challenges and This concerns others to be faithful. setbacks. When we persevere and Fr. Joseph Cox, OSB important continue being faithful, we affirm that undertakings such as vows, promises Whether married or single, monk or ultimately our lives have meaning; and other commitments we have oblate, we are all called to be faithful. that what we do or don’t do matters; made. To be faithful is to invest our I am called to be faithful to my vows that we are virtuous people. hearts, our souls and our lives in a of obedience, stability and conversion supremely important quest or journey of life. I am also called to be faithful Fr. Joseph Cox, OSB through life. to my brother and to the Oblate Chaplain Notes for Novices: Finding fidelity in uncertain times

Fidelity binds us quarantining. Recall how Benedict in world history. Whether you are to God in good insists that members of a monastic praying Lauds or Vespers in private, and uncertain community should be mutually watching Saint Meinrad’s Mass over times alike, but obedient to each other ( RB 71 ). the internet, or encountering the it also binds us divine presence when washing dishes, to each other so Just as we are mutually obedient to God’s grace has been abounding all we can be each other so that we can lead each the more ( Romans 5:20 ) during our Christ to one other to God, so should our vows and less-than-willing quarantine. another in those promises be mutually obedient to each Br. Stanley Rother same good and other. Being faithful to prayer enables The fidelity that we are learning and Wagner, OSB uncertain times. us to be aware of God throughout practicing each day is guiding us on The COVID-19 pandemic has each moment of the day, thus the Way that leads to eternal life. May showed all of us how fidelity can be allowing us to be obedient to all, God continue to give us the grace to lived even in the most mundane and which gives us stability, even in the remain faithful to the good news of quotidian circumstances. most uncertain of times. the Kingdom, so others may see the joy of the gospel in our obedience, A constant theme from your oblate As Benedictine oblate novices of Saint stability and fidelity. novice lesson responses has been how Meinrad Archabbey, you have had the obedience to your prayer has helped distinct opportunity to experience Br. Stanley Rother Wagner, OSB to stabilize your life amid God’s grace during a unique moment Oblate Novice Mentor 3 Notes from Novices: First step to fidelity is remembering

As an oblate And in verse 12: “... take care not to holidays. But we remembered even as novice, I forget the Lord.” Throughout the we lived our separate lives. wondered how I passages of the giving of the covenant, could make a we hear God pleading, “Remember, It was in her death that I realized how commitment to remember, remember, and if you our fidelity to one another endured a monastery so forget, remember again.” the time and space that had separated far from where I us. We remembered what God had live. How could I met Celeste in 1978 when we were done for us; we remembered our love I be faithful to a in our 20s, she a recent convert and for one another; we remembered not Karen Dwyer monastic way of me a cradle Catholic. Two years later, to forget the goodness of the Lord. life living in the world, so far away I moved to the Midwest; 40 years Our shared love of the Lord, of one from my confreres who were living the later, the friendship endured. Through another, the small acts of friendship, life? I found an answer while mourning good times and sad, hard, difficult the remembering was what fidelity is the death of my friend, Celeste, who years. all about; it is how fidelity is lived. died at the end of February. The first step to fidelity is in remembering. We remembered. She helped me buy Friendship with Celeste over a 40-year my house when I was going through period from California to Indiana is a In Deuteronomy 4:9, when God my divorce and annulment. I repaid faithfulness that overcomes time and proclaimed his covenant, He added a her during a time she was unemployed space. Yes, it can happen. caveat: “However, take care and be and struggling. There were many years earnestly on your guard not to we barely spoke, maybe sending Karen Dwyer, oblate novice forget ....” belated greetings on birthdays or on South Bend, IN Be gentle in inviting others to join the journey

“Did you make list of jobs for each of us, assigned oblate, whom I met just once, shared this up?” my 13- each Sunday and lasting for the with me a beautiful piece of advice. year-old coming week. I also decided that our While recognizing and accepting that I daughter asked family would have a reader to read cannot control my family, I can – as she rolled her for us at mealtimes. Thank you, gently, lovingly – invite them to join eyes, and St. Benedict. me on this journey. probably thought to As I continue to step forward While I long, at times, to live the herself, “My faithfully and with trust on this path prayerful, structured and balanced life Debra Hansen mother is so we walk with Jesus, my heart also within a monastery, I remember that I strange.” It was just Week One of our longs to bring my whole family along am called to fidelity, not only to my shuttering in time in March and with me! Sometimes my promises made at my novice already my mind was on fast forward, encouragement to pray together and to investiture, but also to the promises I looking to the weeks, possibly months, bring Jesus into our home and each of made to my husband and my children. of our family being together 24/7. our lives is probably perceived as I try to be patient and gentle with Our middle son had just returned control (they are probably right). myself, as God always is. from college in Iowa to finish up the semester at home and online. So I ask God to give me the grace to R. Debra Hansen, oblate novice let go, to trust Him and to keep me Worthington, OH Knowing it was important for us to faithful to my commitment to my establish some new routines while husband, my children and to Saint adjusting to our new reality, I made a Meinrad as an oblate novice. A fellow 4 Ways to be vigilant in the oblate life This is the last of a four-part series on vigilance.

On a Holy society, the unfortunate recurrence of them. Could a chapter do the same, Saturday night mass shootings has given expression to especially for parishioners of the in fifth-century spontaneous vigils of shocked, angry, oblates? Hippo, St. concerned and determined citizens. Augustine told Images of crowds gathered at the sites Then there is the possibility for a his people, who of shootings – sometimes in silence, chapter to gather in a church the had come almost always with candles – flood the evening before a great feast, such as together for the internet and the news reports. that of St. Benedict, or even before an Great Vigil of important event for one of the chapter Fr. Justin DuVall, OSB Easter, that on They value life and they mourn its members, such as a surgery or a this night they kept watch because it loss and they hope for a better society. wedding anniversary, and pray the is “the Mother of all vigils.” That was Vigilance brings together strangers, Office of Vigils together. It can then. Now, the Easter Vigil is more telling them who they are as human demonstrate a solidarity in love and like the widow of all vigils. beings and helping them uncover support that is more than just a meaning in the face of senseless acts in thoughtful card or phone call from an Soon enough in the Church’s history, the world. individual. the practice of liturgical vigils other than the Easter Vigil started to fade Certain civic occasions might provide When it comes to personal practices, from common observance. Remnants an opportunity for members of a the options are much more fluid. remained in monastic houses with the chapter to assemble in solidarity with Office of Vigils, and individual others in sorrow or in concern. Should If there is an illness in a family, or Christians kept various vigils as a any civic tragedy – not necessarily a even a neighborhood, “keeping vigil” private practice of piety, but it is mass shooting – happen in a place with someone at the hospital or in hardly a common experience today. where an active chapter is located, and hospice can become the occasion for a vigil of solidarity happens in prayers for healing or for strength, or At the end of the previous article, I response, the silent presence of an when appropriate, for a peaceful wrote that, while oblates are not oblate chapter can be a witness to death. Our culture fears illness and expected to duplicate the structures of hope as well as a show of solidarity wants either to hide it or to conquer monastic life, they promise to share in with those affected. it. Vigilance is instead a way of the values and the practices of it. In transforming it and allowing God’s this final piece, I want to suggest a Here I am not talking about political presence to pulse through a silent few possibilities for practicing marches or any specific cause; but accompaniment from one who keeps vigilance that would fit in with the God stands with all who lose loved watch. oblate promises. ones in a tragedy, and a vigil goes beyond differences to embrace our Certainly, any oblate can pray the To do so, I will look at a few things common humanity. It can help tell Office of Vigils, or in the Roman that might be communal practices for that chapter’s members who they are, Liturgy of the Hours, the Office of a chapter, and then at a few things and how they can show compassion at Readings, as a regular practice. If it that would be personal practices for human loss. Vigilance is more than a proves difficult, then perhaps it can be individuals. The present personal act of piety. done as a weekly spiritual exercise on circumstances of the COVID-19 Saturday evening, in anticipation of pandemic have all but eliminated Tragedy need not be the sole driver. the Sunday remembrance of the group gatherings, but, God willing, at Some parishes have an Arimathean Lord’s Resurrection. A seasonal some point we can return to collective Society, named after Joseph of opportunity would be on a weekly activities, even if limited. Arimathea, who arranged for Jesus’ basis during Advent, the liturgical burial. It is a group of men who time of expectation. We might begin by taking a lesson attend funerals of parishioners, from our own times, though it is a especially those who might be without harsh one. In current American many relatives or friends to mourn Continued on Page 18 5 Workers in the Vineyard Fidelity means staying true to more than ourselves

It implies the As oblates, when we made our final want. The ears to hear the sighs and unfailing oblation, we promised stability of sorrows of our brothers and sisters” fulfillment of heart, fidelity to the spirit of the (Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB). A love one’s obligations monastic life, and obedience to the that is true and faithful to the will and and strict will of God. We defined our heart of God. A heart full of love that, adherence to commitment to the Benedictine once lit by God, continues to burn vows and community by reminding ourselves brightly, powering the promises we promises. It that we are not a world unto ourselves. made at our oblation. defines a quality As oblates, we are members of a John Brooks or state of being community devoted to prayer, study True to our promises and the heart of faithful. It and living a life that mirrors the true God, “We must learn to complete in implies a steadfast and devoted heart of God. It is a life with a heart faith what we began in enthusiasm; attachment that is not easily turned for prayer, study, sacrifice, service and we must learn to be true to ourselves; aside. It was once applied to the dedication. We are to plant the seeds we must continue to become what we obligation of a vassal to a feudal lord. of love in a world often blinded by our said we would be, even when It is the degree to which the wave own self-importance. accommodation to the immediate output of a system, such as an seems to be so much more sensible, so amplifier or radio, accurately The rocks of self-importance, greed, much more reasonable, so much reproduces the characteristics of the pride and jealousy cause resistance to easier” (Joan Chittister, Spirituality for input wave. the waves of our expression of love. A the 21st Century ). love that is the umbra of our heart All these definitions can be used to and soul radiating true waves of So that every day, we live a life describe fidelity. Fidelity is often compassion, joy, kindness, caring and centered in prayer and a desire to see replaced with words such as loyalty, forgiveness. The waves crashing on Christ everywhere and in everyone we faithfulness, reliability, the beaches of life can wash away the meet. It is only then that we are true trustworthiness, dependability, sadness of loneliness and the to the promise we made at our devotion, commitment and loneliness of grief and comfort those oblation – “fidelity to the spirit of the conformity. It is used when defining suffering and in pain. monastic life.” For if we are only and describing relationships, oaths, living for ourselves, we are not living vows, promises and the commitments It is a love that “has the hands to help the monastic life St. Benedict we make. others. The feet to hasten to the poor envisioned. and needy. The eyes to see misery and John Brooks, oblate Columbus, IN Reflections from the Wilderness

To every mother around the world, They will need it their first day of They will need your love if they are in I wrote this poem for you. school, to help them concentrate. trouble to help them overcome. You are always doing those extra They will need it their senior year, They need your love and support no things you don’t really have to do. when it’s time to graduate. matter what they have done. Giving birth to a son or daughter is a They will need it when they find a To all the mothers around the world, gift from above, job and move out on their own. I write this poem for you. And no matter what road your child They need to know that you love We want you to know that all the may choose, they will always need them when they feel all alone. children love their mothers too! your love. Ron Lewis, oblate Greencastle, IN

6 Considering the Psalms: Psalm 15(14): Prepare to enter sacred space

1 LORD, who may abide in your tent, who may dwell on your holy hill? 2 Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; 3 Who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors; 4 in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the LORD; Who stand by their oath, even to their hurt; 5 who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved. —Psalm 15(14)

I wonder what it quarantine, God increases a desire for and remain accountable to one was like for the faithfulness to the gift of the another. Hearing of so many who are Israelites sacraments and to become what it hungry and unemployed, of an experiencing means to be a sacramental people of economy that leaves the most exile. I wonder God in our relationship to God and vulnerable among us in great need – what it was like each other. and realizing that those hurt the most for them to see are most needed to keep our society the temple, their Approaching Psalm 15/14 in this time running – should give us pause to place to meet of isolation and separation took on reflect on our relationship to one Kathleen Polansky God on earth, greater urgency. This psalm was another and the importance we place destroyed. I wonder how they felt probably used as an entrance into a on the work of people in our society. being separated from God’s promises holy place. One asks, “Who may enter of land and presence. for worship?” Preparation to “Food insecurity” became a catchword encounter the holy presence is that underlines the day-to-day struggle This past spring has called us to a important. This psalm warns the to eke out a living that so many fidelity we have seldom known. community to take care when experience. Our lowest paid Facing a deadly virus has required approaching sacred space because God professionals became the first to step being faithful to one another. We is accessible but also holy. There are up and care for the health of people were asked to practice “social 10 entrance requirements in the and provide and make available food. distancing.” It was distressing to be set psalm. The concerns are about how “The last shall be first ….” apart from celebrating Mass as a we are in relationship. It is about how community and to be cut off from we are faithful to God, to our Our exile and our separation were not receiving the sacraments. neighbor and to ourselves. from the God in the sacraments as much as they were from our blindness Knowing the importance of our The psalmist is aware that there is evil to the ways in which we live in God’s liturgical prayer, we found ways to in the world. As believers, we are to domain and take for granted those include each other in prayer. It was a reflect the holiness of the God we with whom we share this planet. blessing and a means of remaining worship. Our actions, words and “Lord, who may abide in your tent?” faithful during a time of great anxiety. thoughts must not separate us from We have just discovered what happens Churches came online. At home, we the community of worship or from when we continue to live as people joined in prayer with the monks each being worthy to enter this holy place. who care nothing for our neighbors, day. That connection made the Our deeds must always be in for truth, for doing what is right. distance and isolation seem less lonely. relationship with one another so as to care for one another and never do Kathleen Polansky, oblate Our exile and our separation from the anything that harms another. New Salisbury, IN sacraments gave an opportunity to reflect upon what it means to “abide Our isolation, our separation, is an in God’s tent.” In the midst of opportunity to re-evaluate how we live

7 Our vows challenge us to constant spiritual growth

The Rule of St. As we mature, we embrace that Attending retreats and workshops at Benedict fidelity requires spiritual growth. We Saint Meinrad allows us time to listen prescribes at fall down and get up; it is a dynamic to the wisdom of the monks and of oblation the process. Growth is confusing, painful our brother and sister oblates. The triple promises and comes with a high price. St. Seminary and School of Theology of stability, Benedict warned the road “would be offers classes on theology and fidelity and narrow at the outset … (but then philosophy to feed our minds and obedience ( RB turn) to everlasting joy” ( RB Prol. souls. Inspired writings by scholars 58.17 ). A close 48-49 ). such as Merton, Kardong, Chittister David W. Miller look at and de Waal fill us with answers to Benedict’s term translated as “fidelity” Thomas Merton wrote on his 25th questions we never knew existed. reveals a deep teaching. anniversary: “I find that I certainly do not believe in the monastic life as I The sacraments, the Divine Office, In the original Rule , St. Benedict did when I entered here – and when I lectio and Mass attendance are wrote the vows as “... stabilitate sua et was more sure I knew what it was. Yet indispensable. We are moving in faith, conversatio morum suorum et I am much more convinced I am toward Christ or away from Him, but obedientia ....” The terms “stability” doing more or less what I ought to do, we are rarely static, and the right and “obedience” are visible. But what though I don’t know why and cannot growth requires teaching. We do not is to be made of “ conversatio morum ”? fully justify it.” get there on our own. Is it easily translated into “fidelity”? This is complicated by the fact that, Most of us are not at the same place We reconcile the apparently for 1,000 years, Benedict’s word on our spiritual journey we were 20 conflicting promises of stability and “conversatio ” was written as years ago, nor as we will be in 10 constant conversion, or fidelity to the “conversion .” The former means “a years. Many of us question what God monastic way of life, by realizing that way of life” and the latter “a constant wants us to do and where we are commitment to our community is a turning or change.” going. These questions are wonderful lifetime embrace and a spiritual because they tell us God is at work in progress of growing toward God. It was not until the 1920s that us. As creatures of habit, we prefer The monastic life, as we live it in our scholarly work revealed the copying predictability and comfort. God ordinary lives, is one of constant error from the 8th century. The error confronts us with new challenges. transformation, over and over again was corrected, but interpretation has That to which we cling is taken away returning to Christ. been difficult. Some scholars suggest and we must learn to let go. David W. Miller, oblate the phrase does not translate into South Milford, IN, and Venice, FL English and is better left in the Latin. We are turning and changing. Thanks But what does the lack of clarity mean be to God! Our promise of for us? Perhaps the controversy itself is “conversatio ” is to accept and embrace a gift of growth. that slow growth, that gradual conversion. As St. Paul said, “We must The promises at oblation are not forget what is behind and look forward frozen in time. As we age, mature in to what is ahead” ( Phil 3:13 ). Always life’s wisdom and grow in faith, we be open to surprises and know that change. Our time commitments to God is leading us where we need to go. family and job evolve. The oblate at 40, with a spouse, children and an Sources of growth are all around us. A expanding career, looks very different monk grows, changes and learns from from the 60-year-old widow, retired the community. Sr. Joan Chittister and with an “empty nest.” In the wrote about how “in community we intervening years, the oblate has get our edges rubbed off.” So, our certainly “turned” in relationship with Saint Meinrad oblate community, and God. Hopefully grown, but the its chapters, are a force in our turning Find EPISODES AT relationship has changed. and growth. www.saintmeinra d.edu/echoes 8 Meeting the Monks: Br. Kim Malloy, OSB

worship and life.” This broader context of what it means to be a member of the Archabbey shows clearly in the enthusiasm and energy Br. Kim brings to whatever task he is given – including his art.

And what of his approach to sticking with his profession for 62 years?

“It’s a day-to-day challenge, as it always has been,” he reflects. “Living in community, you rub shoulders and share meals and prayers with the same people, people of all ages.” The monk’s vows of stability, obedience, and pursuit of monastic perfection – Br. Kim Malloy, OSB fidelity to the monastic way of life – must be pursued and renewed daily, he says. While all the priests of Saint Meinrad pieces in its liturgies and has done so Archabbey are monks, not all monks to this day. A 2018 exhibit at the This daily routine of morning and are priests. Br. Kim Malloy, OSB, Archabbey Library showcased many evening prayer, holy reading, and celebrated 62 years of monastic pieces used by bishops and for ongoing study and application of the profession on April 16, 2020. At the pontifical Masses, including a special Rule of St. Benedict gives monks – age of 82, he is still going strong as miter designed by Br. Kim. and oblates – a structure that not one of the community’s senior only directs, but encourages, their brothers. An artist and a natural teacher, Br. conversion of heart. Kim has shared his love of the craft After his first profession in 1958, he with others over the years. In the fall Br. Kim, the weaver, reflected on began work in the Archabbey bakery. of 2009, he hosted a weaver’s colloquy what it all means. The tapestry, The wine cellar soon followed. Over from Mineral Point, Wisconsin. For a including all those loose ends, the years, he also has put his shoulder week, these artists saw firsthand how clashing colors, and varied weights to the harness in the motor pool, at this craft has enriched the daily and textures, is a work in progress – the guest house, and in numerous liturgical and prayer life of the until it is cut from the loom. roles as refectorian, house prefect and Archabbey. Still the enthusiastic Archabbey Council member. teacher, Br. Kim currently has four “Only then is the tapestry finished.” students learning the ins and outs of Woven throughout this multifaceted the loom. Angie McDonald, oblate monastic career has been a literal Huntingburg, IN common thread. Early in his monastic Since becoming custos of the life, Br. Kim attended art school and Archabbey Church in 1986, Br. Kim developed a love for the craft of has overseen its maintenance, repairs weaving. That creativity soon and budget. That task expanded in the blossomed into making such practical 1990s to include the role of sacristan, items as rugs and placemats. an assignment he had already shared Smugmug off and on with other monks before It was only a matter of time before Br. going solo. Kim began to design and craft For more photos of handwoven vestments for liturgical “I don’t have a vocation to the Saint Meinrad events, visit: use, beginning in the 1970s. The priesthood,” Br. Kim says. “I assist the http://saint-meinrad.smugmug.com Archabbey soon began using these monastic community in our common 9 The Busy Benedictine: On fidelity

The Busy Benedictine is an occasional column about trying to be like a monk when you’re working and taking care of kids.

Children to attending the Feast of the for them. I must remain true to the eventually see Assumption of Mary on August 15 at Catholic Church because my Holy the parent’s 7:30 a.m. We do not live up to these Mother holds me accountable when I hypocrisy. While fully. Mary often gets herself Assumed hurt her feelings. She offers free and young, they are with very little audience. perfect reconciliation through the told again and rituals of confession. again to wash This is partly a fault in ourselves, but their hands, keep mostly a fault in our promises and The Church serves us a complex meal: their mouth vows. The fault is not that these oaths Encouragement to strive for behaviors Edward Castronova closed when are bad. On the contrary, making we do not yet master, accountability chewing, and not interrupt. My kids tough oaths is the sign of a person with for failings along the way, got that last reminder many times a hunger for righteousness and justice. reconciliation to give us hope for because Daddy, you see, is a Big Tough oaths are good. But they are doing better. These flavors blend well Important Person and his feathers get also hard. Good oaths, those worth and give us the food we need to live a ruffled when his audience does not sit making, are hard to follow perfectly. good life. rapt, hands folded, hanging on every word. Everyone with a moral code worth the My kids will be better people – better name will fall short of living up to it. than me – if they wash their darn And so, it came to pass that the That I interrupt people, and that it is hands before meals. It was good that I children aged and eventually noticed so very annoying to others, only passed along that rule, even if I can’t Daddy interrupting others, talking with confirms the importance of promising seem to follow it myself. Because I’m his mouth full, and failing to wash not to do it. Only by making promises not a hypocrite. I’m a Christian, hands before dinner. Small things. to behaviors we haven’t mastered can trying to stay loyal to my promises. we grow in the spiritual life. We’re also hypocrites in big things. Edward (Ted) Castronova, oblate We don’t stay true to our We grow by trying and falling. Bloomington, IN commitments. As oblates, we commit Through it all, we have to maintain to honoring God above all else, to fidelity to the institutions that receive loving our neighbors as ourselves, and our promises and hold us accountable Your Oblate Council Connection Memphis Oblate Chapter relies on technology during COVID-19

The Memphis on March 16. We have used the had to postpone their investitures. Oblate Chapter Liturgy of the Hours for Benedictine There is no doubt that we will look has expanded its Oblates supplemented by appropriate back on this time of quarantine as one time together Lenten and Easter hymns. of deepening the bonds of our through the chapter. wonders of And we have enjoyed the broadcast technology. liturgies from the monastery, Jennie D. Latta, chapter coordinator especially during the Triduum. Memphis, TN Jennie D. Latta We met together by Zoom for Our one sadness has been that two of Morning and Evening Prayer since our number who planned to be the churches were closed in Memphis invested as oblate novices in March

10 Opening doors to deeper faith: Silence

Editor’s note: This is the first part of a three-part series on spiritual direction.

When I attended Psalmist, “I will put a guard on my Third, “silence teaches us to speak.” our novice mouth. I was silent and was humbled, It’s a paradox to say silence makes retreat, Oblate and I refrained even from good speech powerful, but God spoke a Director Janis words” ( RB 6.1 ). St. Benedict’s word from silence that created the Dopp “esteem for silence” ( RB 2 ) was world. Jesus withered a fig tree with a mentioned to influenced by some of the earliest word. Paul told a crippled man to me that some spiritual directors, starting in the walk in a word. This power emerged oblates seek third century. They were the Desert from the ebb and flow of work and spiritual Fathers and Mothers who fled the prayer. Beverly Weinhold guidance, but clamor of Rome for the quiet of the don’t have access to spiritual Egyptian desert. None of our words are as powerful as direction. While this ancient charism God’s or a saint’s. But we have stories is classically a one-on-one relationship When Desert Father Arsenius prayed, about the still-speaking God who with a seasoned guide, it’s also an art “Lord, lead me into the way of spoke to our souls, giving us words defined as “help given by one believer salvation,” he heard a voice saying, when we knew not what to say. These to another that enables the latter to “Be silent.” 3 But these early pilgrims words were steeped in power. Like a pay attention to God’s personal didn’t think of solitude as an escape word spoken in season that gave grace communication, [and] to grow in from noise, but rather being present to the hearer ( Proverbs 15:23 ). intimacy with God.” 1 to God. They didn’t define silence as not speaking, but as listening to God. Elijah didn’t hear God speak in the In this wider sense, I was asked to Like our forebears, the Holy Spirit earthquake or the fire, but in “sheer write small articles drawing from beckons us all to be pilgrims by silence” ( 1Kings 19:12 ). We don’t spiritual direction practices that open turning off technology, dialing down have to go to Mt. Horeb to hear God. doors to deeper faith. Not easy, but devices and opening space to divine We can intentionally carve out 10 well worth the try. silence. minutes a day of quiet, uninterrupted silence. We can light a candle, letting Seeing a spiritual director for 12 years Second, “silence guards the fire the light draw us to the Divine and then becoming one myself, I see within.” The inner fire refers to both Director. sitting in silence as a doorway to the heat of the Holy Spirit and the deepen faith. Fr. Henri Nouwen, my passions of human personality that We can unburden our hearts and give patron saint, was a priest, psychologist need to be tended. The first, to our gathered fragments to God. We and spiritual director. His life and provide warmth to weary travelers, can open our hands in a gesture of legacy profoundly formed my faith. and the second, to protect emotions thanks. Rhythmically returning to this that harm others. spiritual discipline opens space, In his book, The Way of the Heart , creating a portable cell where we can Henri names silence as a primary Living in a wordy world, sparks fly pause and pray throughout our day. practice for growth in intimacy with when feelings define our identity and Pope Francis sums it up: “Only in the God: “Silence makes us pilgrims. mar the true self, created in God’s silence of prayer can you learn to Silence guards the fire within. Silence image. Our words are weighted with listen to the voice of God.” teaches us to speak.” 2 Reflecting on history and can trigger core wounds. these movements, I offer the following. It’s healing to step back, gain Beverly Weinhold, oblate novice perspective and ask the Holy Spirit to Louisville, KY First, “silence makes us pilgrims.” shift our emotions. Simply said, silent St. Benedict puts great emphasis on space invites us to be more reflective silence in his Rule . He quotes the than reactive.

1 Wm. Barry & Wm. Connolly, (1982). The Practice of Spiritual Direction , 8. HarperCollins: NY. 2 H.J.M. Nouwen, (1981). The Way of the Heart , 49. HarperCollins: San Francisco. 3 The Sayings of the Desert Fathers , The Alphabetical Collection (1984). Trans. B. Ward, SLG. Cistercian: Kalamazoo. 11 Liturgical Chant: A Benedictine legacy

One of the first musical genre. This Benedictine legacy which retained the character of the things that is an essential part of the Church’s ancient chants. In other cases, he comes to mind treasury of sacred music. The Second modeled his melodies closely on when thinking Vatican Council decreed, “The Gregorian originals, skillfully adapting about Saint Church acknowledges Gregorian them to English texts. An antiphon Meinrad is the chant as specially suited to the Roman for Vespers of January 1, O Wonderful liturgical chant liturgy: therefore … it should be given Exchange , is of the latter type. The heard in the pride of place in liturgical services.” 3 scores below illustrate how the Charles Thatcher Archabbey contour of the English melody closely Church. Chant St. Pope John Paul II called it “a follows that of its Latin counterpart. is one of the hallmarks of the cycle of unique and universal spiritual heritage prayer at the heart of monastic life. which has been handed down to us as Visitors find the chant beautiful, but the clearest musical expression of sacred it also can seem foreign. This article, music at the service of God’s word.” 4 the first of a series about chant at Saint Meinrad, is intended to lay the At Saint Meinrad prior to Vatican II, groundwork for a greater the music sung at Mass and the understanding. Divine Office was almost exclusively Gregorian chant. When the Council The first word, “O,” an expression of Singing is an integral part of liturgical permitted vernacular languages in the wonder, is rendered musically by an worship, powerfully expressing sacred liturgy, the monks chose to switch to extended 5-note neume (a neume is a texts and aligning the body, mind and English – a bold decision, since there note or group of notes over a single spirit. Song is really the beginning of was virtually no English chant syllable). With the Latin word all music. The U.S. bishops have repertoire to draw on. “admirábile ,” a 2-note neume is placed stated that, “of all the sounds of which over the accented third syllable. This human beings … are capable, voice is Fortunately, at that time, Fr. neume, read from bottom to top, the most privileged and Columba Kelly, OSB, had returned indicates a delicate rise in pitch on the fundamental.” 1 from studies in Rome, where he gentle Latin accent. earned the doctorate in sacred music Singing was part of Christian worship under the direction of the eminent Since the accent of the corresponding from the beginning. Some of the texts chant scholar, Dom Eugène Cardine, English word, “wonderful,” is on the of the Eucharist were chanted in an OSB, of the of Solesmes. first syllable, Fr. Columba placed the elevated tone, as was the case in melodic accent at the beginning of the Jewish worship. Over time, the Fr. Columba had learned of the word, using a 3-note neume that humble chants of the early Church intimate connections of text, melody, reproduces the heavier accentuation of changed and developed, coming into mode and rhythm that exist in the English. full flower in Benedictine Gregorian masterpieces. Using this of the Middle Ages. These chants, knowledge, as well as his skill as a The QR code on pg. 13 accesses a composed during the latter centuries composer, Fr. Columba began his recording of O Wonderful Exchange . of the first millennium and almost lifelong work of creating English One can hear how deftly the antiphon exclusively in Latin, constitute what is plainsong for the community’s melody expresses the text: “O called Gregorian chant. 2 worship. 5 Other monks have also wonderful exchange! The Creator of contributed to this monumental task. the human race assumes our human Comprised of thousands of works of nature, choosing to be born of a exquisite beauty, expressiveness and Many of the chants composed by Fr. genius, Gregorian chant is a unique Columba were entirely new melodies, Continued on Page 13

1 Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (USCCB, 2007) 86. 2 For more information, see www.saintmeinrad.org/the-monastery/liturgical-music/history-of-chant/ 3 Second Vatican Council, Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963) 116. 4 John Paul II, Address to the International Congress of Sacred Music (2001) 3. 5 Plainsong is the proper term for these chants. Gregorian chant refers to the chant corpus from the Middle Ages. 12 Beautiful example of fidelity: 76+ years as an oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey

I recently visited He grabs the Ordo next to him that John yelled out with a big wave, my friend and he receives from Saint Meinrad every “Vaya con Dios ” (Go thou with God). fellow oblate, year and reads out loud some names I will, John. John Campbell, of the monks there. He said to me, “I in his apartment was there sometime when Fr. Ignatius Congratulations on being an oblate in Cincinnati. Esser was the (1930-1955). A for 76 amazing years and, yes, we all His first words very holy man!” will pray for you. to me as I sat Ronald DeMarco down were, “I’ve John has a scrapbook of old picture Ronald DeMarco, oblate been an oblate postcards of Saint Meinrad. He Cincinnati, OH since 1944!” Wow. It’s hard for me to pointed to one in the scrapbook inside imagine that even before I was born, the church showing the chair where before so many of us were born, John Fr. Abbot Ignatius would sit. “I pledged the promises of an oblate and remember him sitting there. And back has prayed as one for 76 years now. then the Mass was all in Latin. I miss the Latin,” he said. He also had a Through all the changes in the postcard with a photo of young people monastery and in his world, he has in a rowboat on the lake at Saint lived his life faithfully as an oblate. Meinrad dated 1907. His hearing and eyesight are not what they used to be, and he can no longer John is a member of the Cincinnati remember so many things, yet he Oblate Chapter and until age 92 he proudly remembers he is an oblate of was still driving himself to the Saint Meinrad Archabbey. In fact, his meetings! He didn’t want to miss any. oblate name is Patrick! I asked John how being a faithful oblate has affected his long life. He Recently John celebrated his 95th said being an oblate “brings us closer John Campbell birthday. He was born on February to God.” He offers this wisdom, “I 18, 1925, in Pony Township, don’t worry about what other people Switzerland County, Indiana. After do. I just pray to God for them.” Continued from Page 12 studying Scripture at a young age, virgin, and by becoming flesh bestows John became interested in becoming He picks up his Liturgy of the Hours divinity on us. Alleluia!” Catholic after he realized that our for Benedictine Oblates book to show Lord founded the Church on St. Peter me. At night, he prays Compline To listen, hover your the Rock. knowing that, even though he can’t smartphone camera over leave his apartment too much, he is this code. With encouragement from his still a part of the Benedictine Presbyterian mother, he spoke to his oblate/monk community. “When I St. Benedict’s Rule clearly states that family doctor and a local priest and pray, I pray for all those at the nothing is to be preferred to the went to live at the Saint Meinrad monastery, our oblates, and for all Work of God ( RB 43:3 ). monastery to learn more about being those who have passed away.” of all ages have used artistry to Catholic. He can’t recall how many enhance this work, offering their best years he lived at Saint Meinrad, but I asked if there was anything special to the Creator of all beauty. Saint says he probably has outlived everyone he would request from all the oblates Meinrad Archabbey is a shining else who lived there with him. “I stay and monks of Saint Meinrad example of this venerable tradition. in touch with Fr. Joseph Cox at the Archabbey. He just said, “Pray for monastery as much as I can.” me.” As I walked to the door to leave, Charles Thatcher, oblate Winter Springs, FL

13 What does St. Benedict mean by good zeal?

The penultimate chapter of St. Benedict’s Rule is titled, “Of the good zeal which monks ought to have.” He writes: As there is an evil zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from vices and leads to God and life everlasting. Let monks, therefore, practice this latter zeal with most fervent love: that is, let them in honor anticipate one another; let them bear most patiently one another’s infirmities, whether of body or of character; let them endeavor to surpass one another in the practice of mutual obedience; let no one seek that which he accounts useful for himself, but rather what is profitable to another… 1

Most of us tend books and other scholarly writings. is that there is a way of listening which to distrust others An excellent summary essay is his is a way of giving, and another way of who are filled “On the Ontological Mystery,” 2 listening which is a way of refusing, of with great zeal. which originally appeared in 1933. refusing oneself” ( OM 40 ). We see zealots as rigid, Marcel begins with the key concept of Over and over again throughout my uncompromising “presence” and distinguishes real university teaching career, that very and fanatical in presence from mere physical presence. description lay at the heart of many their views – Physical presence is neither necessary students’ complaints about instructors Bill Hamrick people nor sufficient for real presence. It is whom they disliked. Yet it is also true untempered by rationality, unable to not necessary because, for example, a that that same scenario gets admit the legitimacy of other people’s loved one far away can be more instantiated in many types of opinions, and incapable of criticizing present to me than the strangers who relationships devoid of life and hope. their own from third-person surround me in, say, a crowded Think of unfeeling bureaucrats whose perspectives. So, what is good zeal? subway car. jobs have been reduced to enforcing rules with no concern for the welfare The key word in St. Benedict’s text is It is not sufficient because those of their clients. “anticipation.” I do not have the physically present can fail to be “with original Latin text at hand, but the me,” as Marcel puts it. They have no Think of long-married couples who word in that language for meaningful connection with me, as “listen” to each other without giving “anticipation” is expectātiō , literally a exemplified by the edgy tolerance I themselves in the experience, as in this “looking out,” and St. Benedict’s feel in other passengers at a congested first verse of Simon & Garfunkel’s sense of the word is to look out for airport gate. “The Dangling Conversation”: others to help. Real presence, on the contrary, It’s a still life water color, What anticipation solicits and implies “permeability” ( OM 38 ), Of a now late afternoon, nourishes is two senses of which signifies openness and the As the sun shines through the responsibility. The first and most ability to establish true relationships curtain lace basic sense is response-ability, the with the Other. It is the opposite of And shadows wash the room. capacity to respond to the needs of building walls and barricades, whether And we sit and drink our coffee others. In turn, that sense underlies physical, emotional or symbolic. In Couched in our indifference, our moral responsibilities not only to any relationship, be it between monks Like shells upon the shore others, but also for others (being one’s in a monastery, teachers and students, You can hear the ocean roar brother’s keeper, etc.). This is one of family members, workers in an office In the dangling conversation the basic ways in which Judeo- or other workplace, there can be And the superficial sighs, Christian ethics differs from those of perceptible differences between mere The borders of our lives. Western philosophy, from the ancient physical presence and real presence. Greeks to our own times. Marcel articulates the notion of real Thus, Marcel points out correctly, presence using the concept of How can we best understand St. “The most attentive and the most “disponibilité” (OM 39) – Benedict’s sense of anticipation? The conscientious listener may give me the “disposability.” This does not mean to 20th-century philosopher Gabriel impression of not being present; he be disposable in the sense of putting Marcel (1888-1973) made significant gives me nothing, he cannot make something in the trash. Rather, it progress in that direction in his many room for me in himself …. The truth signifies being at someone’s disposal.

14 Thus, “the person who is at my Other. It is a question of an active conformist actions. It implies disposal is the one who is capable of receptivity animated by hope, which faithfulness, but that faithfulness is being with me with the whole of is “not a kind of listless waiting; it also creative. “Creative fidelity” is one himself when I am in need; while the underpins action or runs before it, but of Marcel’s most important concepts. one who is not at my disposal seems it becomes degraded and lost once the Within a monastery, a home or merely to offer me a temporary loan action is spent” ( Ibid., 33 ). workplace, “So little is fidelity akin to raised on his resources. For the one I the inertia of conformism that it am a presence; for the other I am an What “runs before” the action, the implies an active and continuous object” ( Ibid., 40 ). disposition, can be better understood struggle against the forces of interior by taking apart the word. To be in a dissipation, as also against the sclerosis Disponibilité means “total spiritual position is to be set, to be established. of habit” ( Ibid., 35-36 ) – as pictured availability” and “pure charity” ( Ibid., It is no accident that we speak of being in “The Dangling Conversation.” 39 ). Contrariwise, “To be incapable in a “fixed position.” However, to be of presence is to be in some manner dis-posed is to be knocked off-center, Because it requires effort, it consists not only occupied but encumbered to lose that fixedness, so to speak, to of an achievement, and is therefore with one’s own self” ( Ibid., 42 ). be dis-posable. In that way, we are not also necessary for anticipating the closed in on ourselves, but actively needs of others “in honor,” as St. Disponibilité is, I submit, what St. attuned to others who need us. Benedict advised. Benedict had in mind by anticipation. Disponibilité means to be available to, St. Benedict’s notion of anticipation is Bill Hamrick, oblate and actively await the needs of, the therefore the very opposite of rote, St. Louis, MO

1 The Holy Rule of Our Most Holy Father Saint Benedict , eds. The Monks of St. Meinrad Archabbey (St. Meinrad, IN: Grail Publications, 1956), pp. 89-90. 2 In The Philosophy of Existentialism , trans. Manya Harari (New York: The Citadel Press, 1956), pp. 5-46 (hereafter: OM). The original French title is Position et approaches concrètesdu mystère ontologique . Home Bound

Just when you think your world is in balance and everything is placid and unruffled Along comes something that is pandemic and shakes you from your roost Because we live so close to others and that of the world and have freedom to travel The larger and more confining is the living habitat, the greater the dissemination of disease. Home Bound

The more humans race ahead of their moral obligation and social responsibilities The greater will be the physical disaster that will result from these negative behaviors The possibility of pandemic disaster will cause fear and hoarding of essential household items The super structures of communities, states and nation will be forced to unprecedented action. Home Bound

Unprecedented actions will include a lock-in of many places where people closely interact To stop a pandemic virus is to stop all work, places of entertainment, even to be home bound The threat of possible death is a greater motivator and promotes acceptance of self-isolation All nonessential workers are urged to stay at home, in an effort, to contain the virus. Home Bound

To stop all activities both at the local and national levels is not always a bad thing It brings families together and family activities become more interactive Being home bound forces family members to take time to pray and play with each other With praying and with the Lord’s omnipotent love survival in a tough time is possible. Home Bound Thomas J. Rillo, oblate Bloomington, IN 15 How Saint Meinrad battled the 1918-19 Spanish flu epidemic

Note: These excerpts from the Chronicles of Saint Meinrad tell of the 1918 flu epidemic and its effects on the monastery and schools. Edited for length, these journal entries give us a peek into the past at how a similar situation to our modern COVID-19 was experienced. Reading over these four months of 1918-19, it seems that many of the decisions made today were requested and effective in the past.

October 8, 1918: This morning Dr. October 13: The Abbey Church is Lauds till after Vespers in order to Loumax receives official orders to closed to the parish owing to the “Flu.” expel the epidemic of flu from the close all churches, schools, theatres, diocese and that priests may remain and picture shows in the town as a October 15: First case of the Spanish immune in the future, since three caution to ward off the “Spanish Flu is reported today in the town of priests of the diocese already became Influenza (Flu).” After Vespers Father St. Meinrad. victims thereof. Also to preserve the Instructor informs the fraters of the monastery and seminary from its nature of this disease and suggests October 20: At the request of Bishop ravages. some preventive cautions. Chartrand, we had Exposition from 16 November 2: All Souls Day. The Indianapolis Board of Health removed the ban on the closing of the churches. The monastery, major and minor seminaries remained closed.

December 4: The flu claims her 1st victim. A 12-year-old girl died.

December 5: All the students of both departments make a pilgrimage to Monte Cassino to implore the Blessed Virgin to avert the plague.

December 6: Rev. E. Hoelger of Wichita, Kansas, ordained here last Clockwise from the top, Br. Stanley Wagner, OSB, Janis Dopp, Br. Michael Reyes, OSB, and Brenda spring, breathed forth his soul ... Black prepare the Season of Hope mailing in the Oblate Office on April 23. R.I.P. In town 2 more victims and cases of the flu. January 4: The shocking news arrives January 28: Another attack or relapse December 11: The influenza certainly that another of our classmates and of the flu. This seems to be the third demands her victims. Our bulletin confreres, Rev. Edward Dean, dose. The Doctor (Loumax?) says he board testifies to this. 10 to 15 death Deacon, died today of the flu at has patients with periodic cases or notices. Indianapolis. spells of the flu. Fr. Stephen has the “walking flu.” He is not in continual December 19: Great excitement in January 13: Pilgrimage to Monte association with his bed. the Seminary. Everybody wishes to Cassino. wear masks. Windows and doors are January 29: Though the conventual open in the classrooms. Some leave January 18: All our organists are in two are at matins, at Mass the choir during the lectures to obtain bed. swells with more Fathers and three overcoats. Fraters. At 11 am and 5 pm the weak January 19: After dinner two trained and convalescing Fraters line up for December 28: The flu dares to enter nurses arrive from Evansville to take their tonic with its iron strength and the very precincts of the monastery. care of the students, of whom about quinine aftertaste ... all out of one Many seminarians, now at home, are twenty are reported sick. bottle. Surely family style! reported to have the flu. January 20: Between 30 and 40 are The approximate total of flu victims December 30: Fraters make a reported sick in the Minor Seminary. may be given as: 30 in the monastery; pilgrimage to Monte Cassino. 25 in the major seminary; 65 in the January 23: Religio depopulata in choir. minor seminary. January 1, 1919: The duty devolves One frater on each side of choir. upon me to record the death of our beloved classmate and confrere in January 25: Do not envy the sick who major orders, Rev. Vincent Ciaccio, got chicken broth and ice cream. This Deacon, who entered upon his reward was prescribed by the trained nurses today (Jan. 1) at St Anthony’s for the students. The untrained nurses Hospital, Terre Haute, Indiana. He in the monastery prescribed a warmer died of the flu. The deceased was of a and bitter dose. very conscientious and dutiful character.

Photos, opposite page, starting at top, left to right, Archival photos circa 1918 - Novice Br. Joseph (Alexius) Margolis, Br. Meinrad Hoffman, monk in Music Library, Fr. Cyril Gaul, Fr. Maurus Ohligslager, Fr. Anselm Schaaf and Fr. Placidius Kempf.

17 The Oblate Toolbox Set your roots deeply in God’s word

“These, then, are the tools of the spiritual craft … the workshop where we are to toil faithfully at all these tasks is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community.” – Rule of St. Benedict 4:75, 78

Consider the feed the woodland wildlife and The current pandemic acorn. For such replenish the grove. An oak tree is the has made temporary monastics of all a small nut, it very picture of fidelity. believers. The Lord has invited us to packs a big intensify our prayer while waiting to wallop. If the Like this tree, we oblates set our roots return to corporate worship. blue jays, down deep into the soil of God’s squirrels or word through the Liturgy of the Our faithfulness to our oblate chipmunks don’t Hours and lectio divina . This source disciplines keeps us going – continuing eat it, it may of mercy and hope is always available to convert our hearts, buffer our Angie McDonald have a chance to to us. extremes and solidify our faith. sprout. If the other plants around it don’t crowd it too much, it may have We lift our lives toward Christ, taking Angie McDonald, oblate a fighting chance to make it to the his light into every cell of our being. Huntingburg, IN sapling stage. He permeates us with his Presence, generating new energy for vigorous From there, the young tree will growth and prosperity in our souls. continue to add rings of growth through the years. In time, it will As we meditate on his mighty works Online Store reach its mature height and take its and tender care, Christ’s life within us place among the dominant members produces the acorn that will grow into of the forest canopy. abundance, ripen and fall to the Visit the Scholar Shop’s ground, feeding others and producing online store From the beginning, the oak tree sets new vocations to the oblate life. http://store.saintmeinrad.edu its roots down deep to draw up Shop our website for Our regular encounters with God moisture and nutrients in the soil. It the latest books from sustain us through our lives, through lifts its foliage toward the sun to Saint Meinrad authors, clothing times of joy and sorrow, plenty and receive life-giving energy. It produces and other items. thousands of acorns every year that scarcity, togetherness and solitude.

Continued from Page 5 Lastly, if an early hour is impossible, beautiful meditation on vigilance. An theme, but vigilance ought not fade there is always the late hour. Compline old man at the end of his days – away. I hope that along the journey can be an expression of vigilance. The holding in his arms the Child who is you will have found ways to welcome regular practice of the daily examen of the Ancient of Days – Simeon is an it into the familiar patterns of your conscience helps an oblate “keep a emblem of vigilance rewarded. To life, and it will be your companion as careful watch over all you do” ( RB make Simeon’s vigilance one’s own is you “hasten towards your heavenly 4.48 ), not out of fear, but out of love an act of the truest piety. home” ( RB 73.8 ). May Christ bring of God and desire for heaven. us all alike to everlasting life. Amen. So now this year-long journey through And the Nunc Dimittis , the Song of the land of vigilance draws to a close. Fr. Justin DuVall, OSB, monk Simeon that closes compline, offers a The coming year will have a different Saint Meinrad Archabbey

18 Oblate News

O BLATIONS & INVESTITURES The ceremonies scheduled at Saint Chapter Meeting Information Meinrad Archabbey for March 28 and June 13, 2020, were canceled. N Chapter meeting dates will be set and sent to Chapter Coordinators as we determine the viability of regular chapter meetings during the DEATHS pandemic. While we assume that we will be able to resume chapter Elisa M. Testa of Landing, NJ, July meetings in September, we must wait for confirmation from Abbot 30, 2019 Kurt regarding the travel of monks to those meetings and the Margaret Schroder of Bronx, NY, feasibility of groups of oblates to congregate. December 17, 2019 Carlos Gallegos of Farmingdale, NY, April 9, 2020 Prayer for the Canonization of Charles Wilson of Columbus, IN, April 18, 2020. His oblation was Servant of God Dorothy Day received on March 28, 2020, in God our Father, Your servant Dorothy Day exemplified the Catholic Columbus, IN. faith by her life of prayer, voluntary poverty, works of mercy, Norman Burkett of Fort Wayne, IN, and the justice and peace of the Gospel of Jesus. April 23, 2020 Mary Ann McMullen of Dayton, May her life inspire your people to turn to Christ as their Savior, OH, May 2, 2020 to see His face in the world’s poor, and to raise their voices Abigail McFeely of Connersville, IN, for the justice of God’s kingdom. N May 27, 2020 I pray that her holiness may be recognized by your Church UPCOMING EVENTS and that you grant the following favor that I humbly ask through Canceled due to the COVID-19: her intercession: (mention your request) Oblate Council and Finance I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Committee meetings , July 17-19, 2020

ANNIVERSARIES 50th : Oblates Paul and Margaret We want you and your articles! Cash celebrated their 50th wedding The Benedictine Oblate invites you to submit news and information anniversary this spring. They were about your chapter, write an article about your Benedictine journey, married March 29, 1970, in Baltimore, MD. N submit a book review for the Reading Room column, or send in photos of you or your chapter engaged in oblate activities. ANNOUNCEMENTS All submissions must include your name, city and state, and an Fr. Guerric DeBona, OSB, began a explanation of how it connects to the theme. Submissions will be sabbatical on June 1 that will edited and published as they fit the theme or need of the newsletter. continue through mid-January 2021. While he is gone, Fr. Joseph Cox, Articles of 500 words or less are suggested. OSB, will serve as the acting novice- Please send all submissions to Kathleen Polansky at junior master. [email protected]. Br. Joel Blaize, OSB will begin a one- Upcoming themes and submission dates: year master’s program in ritual chant and song, focusing on Gregorian Fall 2020 – Obedience (Final date of submission Aug. 1) chant, at the University of Limerick, Winter 2021 – Humility (Final date of submission Nov. 1) Ireland. N 19 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE QUARTERLY PAID Permit #3 St. Meinrad, IN 200 Hill Drive St. Meinrad, IN 47577

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Reading Room

Thomas Merton’s Encounter with Buddhism and Beyond: The author of this book is a member of St. Benedict His Interreligious Dialogue, Inter-Monastic Exchanges and Abbey in . Fr. Jaechan Anselmo Park, Their Legacy , by Jaechan Anselmo Park, OSB. OSB, presents and analyzes the influences of Buddhist Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2019. theory and practice on Thomas Merton’s contemplative spirituality. As oblates, it is easy to focus only on immersion into Benedictine We profit from learning about Merton’s transformation spirituality and fail to view the through his contemplative experiences. With this book, we commonalities between other can journey with Merton as he explores Zen and Tibetan religions and our own. Buddhism and Christianity. The book delves into the process of Merton’s spiritual transformation through these Thomas Merton recognized the value encounters. and possibility of contemplative dialogue between monastics and Oblates find in Merton’s legacy true depth in different contemplatives of other traditions, religions coming together to dialogue. This book would be and he hoped that, through such dialogue, monastics an excellent reference should oblate chapters move to inter- would strive for inter-monastic communion and a religious dialogue with other denominations or traditions. bonding of the larger spiritual family.

Merton strongly believed that this bonding would serve to Thomas J. Rillo, oblate demonstrate the basic unity of humanity to a world that Bloomington, IN was becoming more and more materialistic and significantly divided.