Volume 21 | Winter 2017 GESTA MONASTICA News from the Abbey of Our Lady New Clairvaux Welcome! Requiescat in Pace: Br. Joseph Knapp (1925-2016) Brother Joseph arrived to Vina in 1955 when the Abbey of Gethsemani sent monks to establish Trappist-Cistercian monastic life in California. Brother was 91 years old when the Lord called him. rother Joseph was a had a major stroke from which Paul Mark Schwan, OCSO | ABBOT simple, down-to-earth he never recovered but quietly OUR ABBEY’S Bmonk with a good sense ebbed away. The community MISSION STATEMENT of humor. While not denying gathered for the anointing a stubborn streak, Brother of the sick and later offered Seeking God at this place of Joseph was a humble the Commendation New Clairvaux, we are a com- and obedient monk. for the Dying. The munity of Cistercian monks living This was evident in last four nights the Rule of Saint Benedict. We his last days by the before his death the witness God’s love for the world compliant, docile brothers kept vigil according to the Gospel of Jesus spirit with which he by his bedside. He Christ by a life of prayer, labor cooperated with his peacefully crossed and sustainable stewardship of our caretakers. He was over into eternity the resources in simplicity and openness also quite well read morning of November to the signs of the times. Our mon- in areas of philosophy 25, 2016, in the astery welcomes all people in a spirit and theology with a keen, active presence of a nurse-attendant of hospitality, and engages others mind eager to understand eternal while the brothers were at the in collaborative relationships. truths. He was devoted to his Conventual Mass. patron Saint Joseph, always wearing a medal of St. Joseph. “But when we shall have progressed in this An icon of Saint Joseph held a manner of life and in faith ... persevering in prominent place in his monastic the monastery until death, we may share cell. now by patience in the sufferings of Christ” On November 2, 2016, Brother ~ From the Rule of Saint Benedict 2 Volume 21, Winter 2017 3 ABBOT’S DESK A word from our Abbot and encourages a monk, and our master-site plan possible. Father Paul Mark Schwan all believers, in the daily chal- We owe so much to him and lenges that are sure to come know he continues with us in life. People are born, grow, as we move forward through mature, age, decline, and die his appointed successor Den- but God’s Providence enve- nis Thompson. This is part of lopes each moment of life to God’s Providence. provide hope, sustenance, You too are part of God’s love, joy, etc. Providence pro- providence for us monks in vides meaning to life. your friendship and prayer. Christmas came and went, Here we live in total trust May God grace you with a the New Year followed and that God will provide abun- Lent in the joy of the Holy now we prepare ourselves for dance though the deadness Spirit to celebrate an Easter Lent. The temporal and litur- of winter would appear to of even greater joy. Thanks gical seasons create a rhythm mock our belief. Some of for reading, to our lives. When we ac- the signs of God’s providen- knowledge this movement of tial largesse bursting into our time as a friendly part of our lives here at the monastery existence we learn so much include Brother Luis who pre- Fr. Paul Mark Schwan, OCSO from this “Divine clock.” We pares to make his solemn pro- Abbot discover the harmony that or- fession this spring, young men ders our days, the symphony who continue to seek out the governing the universe. monastery as a vocation, the In our Christian belief God daily charity of the brothers creates and orders all things in the care given for one an- according to the plan we other and in receiving guests, name Divine Providence. A the projects completed to number of the psalms speak maintain the monastery as a of the enveloping love encir- worthy house of God, and the cling our existence and all cre- continuation on construction ation. Psalms 34 and 139 are of our permanent church. particular favorites of mine We lost our beloved archi- that constantly remind me tect Dave Richen to cancer in that God is here, God-with- October. His love of beauty, us, in Hebrew Emmanuel. his ability to listen, and his gift It is this Truth that comforts to inspire others has made Capital Campaign Prayer Blessed are you, God of all creation. You know our hearts and our plans. Guide all that we do for your glory. Bless the gifts that we offer for this Capital Campaign as you blessed the loaves and fishes, making them abundantly fruitful for the glory of your Name. We entrust this campaign into your hands, O Divine Architect and Builder, that through your guidance we may use our strength, resources and talents to make visible your Kingdom. May those who enter this sacred space find a resting place in your Son as we find our own hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 2 Volume 21, Winter 2017 3 Behind the Scenes: Housekeeper Extraordinaire Paula Spangler’s dedicated work as housekeeper of the abbey’s guest quarters help provide retreatants with a sense of monastic simplicity. We honor her contribution with this article written by Michelle Nagy. can only begin by saying that Their services were Paula Spangler contributes always in demand. I in tremendous ways to When John was offered the everyday function of the another opportunity Guesthouse at the Abbey. As for employment, Paula week and weekend retreats decided to accept continuously ebb and flow the housekeeping throughout the year, a great position at the Abbey. deal of the success of these Paula’s expertise Paula feeding our koi fish at the abbey . retreats is based on the however, far exceeds to care for the many cats experience of those who keeping the guest rooms, who have found their way stay. Paula’s care enhances dining room, chapel and to the Abbey. They make that experience with her Welcome Center, clean sure that these felines warmth and intelligence. and ready for use. She is receive health care and a Paula brought with her continually observing any safe place to call home, since a plethora of knowledge needs which may arise the Guesthouse can really almost fourteen years ago in the Guesthouse. This only accommodate the three when she first began working may include anything from cats present at this time. at the monastery. This was monitoring and making sure As a porter at the Abbey, due to having an exceptional all supplies are available, or I cannot express enough cleaning business with her caring for any stray animals the appreciation of those of husband John, taking care which may need her loving us who are fortunate to be of regular clientele who had attention. This might be a her co-workers in the guest large homes or businesses good time to mention Paula area, recognizing the ongoing and who expected a certain and John’s generous hearts contribution Paula makes to standard of maintenance. spilling over in volunteering help assure that everything (continued on page 4) ABBEY CHRONICLES 2016 November - Brothers Stephen and Guerric December - Father Paul Kao was elected to were ordained to the transitional diaconate become abbot of our daughter-house of Our by the Most Reverend Myron Cotta, Auxiliary Lady of Joy Abbey in Lantao, Hong Kong. Bishop of Diocese of Sacramento . 4 Volume 21, Winter 2017 5 (continued from page 3) runs smoothly. We, along at the Abbey, but with paid to all, but especially to the with all visitors, are blessed hospitality being a key aspect household of the Faith and to to reap the benefits of her of the Cistercian charism, the strangers.” hard work and dedication. monks want to acknowledge ~ This article would not the vital part Paula plays From the Rule of Saint Benedict be complete without in assuring that all will be conveying the appreciation well in the Guesthouse. of the monastic community for all Paula does to help “Let all guests coming to the facilitate an efficiently-run monastery be received as Guesthouse area. It can be Christ Himself for He shall one an often overlooked position day say: ‘I was a stranger you in the everyday workings took me in.’ Let due honor be Guesthouse - Scheduling a Retreat Michelle Nagy - Porter of the Abbey If a time of retreat is something which may be of value to you, please contact the Abbey Porter, Michelle Nagy, at 530-839-2434 or email at [email protected]. Due to limited number of available rooms, please schedule in advance. 4 Volume 21, Winter 2017 5 Farewell, David Richen (1940-2016) David Richen, architect and consultant for our Master Site Plan, passed away last year in November. Over the years Dave met with the monastic community to prepare the building plans for areas needing development. It became apparent that the monks needed a new church. The 12th-century Spanish Cistercian Chapter House seemed to him to be the ideal place to start. While the interior of the Chapter House did not immediately lend itself as a “church” space, Dave was able to design it so it can function as a church where our daily liturgical services can occur. Although Dave may no longer be around to witness for himself the fruit of his labor, his spirit lives on in the architectural designs of our new church at the Abbey of Dave addressing our donors during the Our Lady of New Clairvaux.