In the Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 53 is dedicated to “The Reception of Guests.” Let me quote:
“All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Proper honor must be shown to all, especially to those who share our faith and to pilgrims.”
As Benedictines we take hospitality serious. We reach out to guests who come to the monastery and retreat house for a visit, for programs, or for a private retreat, taking a much needed break from the regular routine. St. Benedict is aware of human needs and thus puts emphasis on spiritual care for guests, proper housing and meals.
The monks of Saint Benedict’s Abbey in Peramiho, Tanzania are in need of financial assistance!
The Guesthouse of the Abbey was built in 1964, originally as a house for “lay helpers” who lived in community and worked with the monks and sisters of Peramiho. The building has seen several renovations since in order to provide 20 guestrooms, meeting space and a dining room. The guesthouse is open for groups, but also for visitors of Saint Benedict’s Abbey, St. Scholastica Priory (the monastery of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters), and guests of the hospital and schools.
The 20 available rooms fill up easily. The dining room, adjacent to the guestrooms, is rather small to accommodate all guests. Meals have to be served in shifts. The dining room’s location within the guesthouse is not ideal for a facility where guests wish to experience peace and quiet.
The service kitchen and dining room do not meet hygiene standards set by government agencies for guesthouse accommodations. Yes, even in Tanzania facilities are inspected by officials. It sure would be bad for our reputation of “hospitality.” There are no retreat and guesthouses in the surrounding villages.
The only solution is building a separate dining hall with service counter, pantry, and toilets. The master plan for the new facility includes also a meeting room. The estimated cost comes to 160,000,000 Tanzania Shilling, a total of approximately $85,000.00
All the work will be done by the monks and employees of the various workshops of Peramiho Abbey to keep the cost as low as possible. The projected cost includes all plumbing, electrical work, furniture and kitchen equipment.
Dear friends, can we count on your assistance? For your anticipated help we thank you!
As Benedictines we try to live the admonition of St. Benedict that “in all things God be glorified.”We trust in HIS providence and that HE will bless our work with success.
Eighty years ago, when our pioneer monks traveled to the United States they made a solemn promise to observe very year from August 6th through 15th a Nine Day Novena of Prayer and Holy Masses in the intentions of the benefactors who support the work of the Missionary Benedictines. During these days we will especially ask our heavenly Mother to intercede on your behalf at the throne of God and to obtain from her Divine Son Jesus the graces you and your loved ones are in need of.
The monks of Peramiho Abbey and all the visitors to the guesthouse of Saint Benedict’s Abbey are deeply grateful for your financial support.
God’s Peace and Blessings!
On behalf of the monks of Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House:
Bro. Tobias, O.S.B.