“A Time of Change” was the title of my last post, reflecting not only on the changes in nature or liturgical seasons, but also on the change of leadership at Christ the King Priory.
On January 11th, the community welcomed Fr. Joel Macul, O.S.B. to Schuyler who arrived the previous evening at the train station in Omaha. Check out the website section “Meet the Monks” to learn more about Prior Joel. An update on his predecessor Fr. Mauritius was posted on the blog page of Christ the King Priory.
Being part of the international Benedictine Congregation of St. Ottilien connects us with confreres from around the world. Occasionally African or Asian monks find their way to Schuyler. Fr. Benedict Amusala O.S.B., a monk of Prince of Peace Priory in Tigoni, Kenya, and Fr. Benedict Obbo O.S.B. from Christ the King Priory in Tororo, Uganda, spent time with us. Cold temperatures, snow and ice added to their Nebraska experience.
I am happy to report that construction of the girls’ hostel at the Ndanda Vocational Training Center, Tanzania, is now underway. Last August we invited our friends to assist financially with this project. We exceeded our expectations of raising $75,000 for the construction project. The balance of the total amount raised, $138,130.00, will be added to the scholarship fund administered by Ndanda Abbey.
Preparation of Building Site and Foundation for Girls' Hostel - Ndanda Vocational Training Center
Asante Sana – Thank You for giving young women of Tanzania a place to stay while attending the trade school at Ndanda in addition to providing funds for poor teenage girls who otherwise cannot afford school fees.
In the name of my confreres and missionaries I thank you for your friendship and support of the various projects we present in the course of the year. I am bold enough to say “stay tuned for the next appeal coming your way” in time for the Lenten Season beginning on March 1st.
As we journey through 2017 I invite you to pray with us:
for unity among Christians
for peace in the world
for respect for all human life
for our nation and its elected officials
for social justice
for respect for all people, especially for minorities and ethnic groups that make up the American society
I assure you that your intentions are also included in our prayer and the daily celebration of Holy Mass.
Br. Tobias, O.S.B.