Daily news reports and updates by representatives of local and national government agencies keep us abreast of the COVID-19 status especially as regulations are changing after weeks of lockdown. However, there are strict guidelines in place.
I was asked how our monasteries around the world are dealing with the crisis. Here is a brief summary based on information which was provided in newsletters and personal messages.
St. Benedict Monastery – Digos, Philippines
The monks are pretty much in quarantine and their outreach work is suspended. The retreat house is closed. In addition to the corona virus, the region still experiences tremors following the December 2019 earthquake. Two monks living at the study house in Davao are not allowed to travel to Digos.
St. Maurus and St. Plazidus Abbey – Waegwan, South Korea
Our confreres had to deal with isolation and total shutdown of the monastery and schools already in March. No further information is available at this time.
St. Benedict’s Monastery – Shuanghezhen, China
The home for the elderly, operated by the community, was shut down by the government. The monks try to stay in touch with the faithful. They will provide space for priests and religious who are in need of spiritual and physical renewal once it is safe to welcome outsiders.
Priory of the Epiphany of the Lord – S.Jose de las Lajas, Cuba
The monks had to dismiss employees. They take care of the farming operation in this remote location. They still live in their “container monastery.” Fr. Aaron is the only occupant of the house in Havana at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, while a German confrere is on home-leave waiting for permission to return to Cuba.
Christ the King Priory – Tororo, Uganda
Due to travel restrictions, no patients can be treated at the eye clinic sponsored by the community. The monks have to pray and eat together in small groups of five as required by the local authorities.
Holy Spirit Abbey – Mvimwa, Tanzania
Abbot Pambo assigned groups of monks from his large community to dependent houses, especially at Kipili, Sumbawanga and Pugu.
St. Benedict Abbey - Peramiho
Monks cannot leave campus. Schools and workshops are closed. Water buckets and soap are strategically placed at all entries to follow hygiene recommendations. One of the doctors at the hospital is concerned about needed relief supplies to treat patients. All international flights are suspended and mail service has stopped. Can supplies reach Tanzania from neighboring countries? Radio Maria is one source to keep the general public informed of the pandemic.
Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House - Schuyler, Nebraska
Our retreat house is closed since March 16 until furhter notice. We hope that by the end of May we will have a better idea when it might be safe to welcome retreatans and groups again. St. Benedict Center, our retreat and conference facility, has no regular income at this time and is supported by the priory and generous friends.
Our coworkers at the mission office and priory work on alternate days as directed by the administration team. All our doors are locked and social distancing is practiced in chapel, dining room, and in the interaction with employees. Puplic worship is suspended. We lifestream daily Mass and Evening Prayer on Facebook. Follow us on our page at Christ the King Priory. Don’t hessitate contacting us with questions or prayer requests. We may not be as prompt as in the past, but we are here for our friends.
We received requests for emergency help through the Conference of Mission Procurators for communities in Africa who struggle financially. Thanks to the generosity of friends and supporters we could respond, in addition to adding funds from our own resources.
This is a short list! All our monasteries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and in the United States are dealing with the situation as best as they can. As monks, our daily routine of prayer and work continues – maybe with new twists and adjustments!
We pray with you and for you. May God grant us strength for each new day! Let us implore the intercession of the Blessed Mother, St. Benedict, the African and Korean Martyrs of the Missionary Benedictines, and all the saints. We are not alone!
God’s blessings during this Easter Season 2020
Br. Tobias, O.S.B.