Greetings!
I am writing these lines shortly after the Solemnity of the Epiphany when the Church commemorates events of Jesus’ manifestation to the world .
Magi were led by the light of a star to the Newborn in Bethlehem. Before starting out his public ministry, Jesus was baptized by his cousin John at the River Jordan and God’s voice declared: “this is my beloved Son, listen to Him!” The first miracle that Jesus performed was changing water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana.
As I reflect on these stories from Sacred Scripture, I ask myself, “are my eyes open to see the light of the star leading me to Jesus?” We all come up with our unique answers. It is my prayer and hope that we can bring the “Light of Christ” to all the people we encounter in our daily lives. The darkness in the world is overpowered by the light of Christ!
There is a beautiful custom, especially in Europe, when children go from house to house offering a blessing for the inhabitants and then sign the lintel of the door with numbers and letters 20+C+M+B+26
We monks do the house blessing at the monastery on the Eve of Epiphany. The initials can be associated with the names of the three Kings: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar but also with the Latin phrase: Christus Mansionem, Benedicat - that Christ may bless this House in the Year 2026.
This is our wish for you and all your loved ones as we start navigating through the year as it unfolds. We pray for peace, for health, and for protection from any harm, but also that God may shower HIS graces and blessings upon all HIS children, regardless of color or race.
LET US BE A BEACON OF HOPE – A SHINING LIGHT EACH AND EVERY DAY OF 2026
A WORD OF THANKS
You, and so many other friends and supporters gave us Missionary Benedictines a helping hand throughout 2025 as you responded to our various appeals, helping us to build up funds so that we could respond to the applications the mission office received or as requested by the Conference of Mission Procurators:
Appeal Projects and amount raised – thanks to your help!
Our Lenten Appeal assisted us in outreach to graduates of our vocational training centers to give them simple tool kits to start their own careers: $117,761.76
In celebration of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart we asked to help us educate future monastics – sisters, brothers, priests $ 65,269.70
The Novena Appeal in honor of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven dealt with the needs of renovating churches, facilities or building new churches $736,296.84
In commemoration of all the deceased, especially family members and loved ones, you helped us provide funds for training crisis counselors and spiritual directors: $ 66,887.72
At Christmas time, we received through your generosity assistance for any pressing needs and support of our monasteries and convents (as of January 7, 2026) $ 176,537.32
Part of this amount, $9,876.00, helps us with outreach to orphans in our care.
Your contribution brings hope and light!
The grand total in 2025 reached $3,036,053.40
This includes Mass offerings, enrollments in the Mass Association, designated gifts to missions and projects, and bequests.
We are aware of the many obligations that you have and as always, your needs have priority. We pray that the Lord grants you good health, answer your intentions, and shower graces upon you every day of 2026. I assure you that, as promised in the Christmas mailing, the first nine days in January are days of prayer and thanksgiving for your help as we celebrate the daily Holy Mass for you.
Thanks for showing your interest in our work and for reading this long report, giving account of our stewardship in 2025.
On behalf of all the community:
Br. Tobias OSB
Director of Development