A Message From the Mission House
Greetings!
In these final days of summer 2020, many thoughts go through my mind especially as I look out of the windows in my office, overlooking the Platte River Valley to the south and farmland between the monastery and the City of Schuyler. Christ the King Priory is located on a hill and all around us is farmland with all its beauty, decked out in autumn shades of nature. The harvest season has started. It is my hope and prayer that, in spite of lack of moisture in recent weeks, our hardworking farmers can expect a decent crop.
The wildfires in the western part of the United States and the impact of the major hurricanes Laura and Sally cause concern for the people of the affected regions. I heard from our confreres in Tororo, Uganda, that a severe storm caused damage. It reminded me of tornadoes that are so common in the Heartland of America.
On our website, we posted the most Current Appeal seeking help for our monks of the Abbey of the Incarnation in Agbang, Togo. Over a year ago, one of their monks, Fr. Jacques, accepted a new assignment to Christ the King Priory and we are happy to have the ever-smiling confrere in our midst. Due to the current pandemic, his outreach to the Hispanic community is limited to phone calls and emails. However, working outdoors caring for our garden and harvesting the produce and apples from our small orchard keeps him busy.
We monks are aware of the challenges that you and all of us are facing these days. We greatly appreciate your friendship and your prayerful and financial support of our work whenever possible. Together with my brother monks, I pray that the Lord grant you strength, graces, and good health for each day to come.
Soon we enter the month of November. The Church invites us to focus on the communion of saints, the living and the deceased, and especially those who left an impact on our own journey of life. We will again celebrate daily Holy Mass for all the deceased whom God called from this life into the never ending Easter glory of heaven. God knows all your departed loved ones: parents, spouses, children, relatives, teachers, friends and acquaintances, etc. They are with God, we pray, and intercede for us. With each year, the list gets longer, especially when we add the thousands of people who lost their lives due to the current pandemic, riots, and/or natural disasters. On September 11, we commemorated the victims of the terror attack on the United States in 2001, which claimed the lives of 2,977 women, men and children.
In checking statistics, I notice that as of September 20, our nation mourns 202,409 victims due to Covid-19 and globally the report shows 958,314 deaths. I assume that the death rate is even higher. In some countries, it is more challenging to keep track of the number of infections, recoveries, and deaths. We turn to our Creator God in prayer for the living, for all those dear to us, and throughout November, we pray especially for those who have gone before us to their heavenly reward.
Life in Community, Aidan Hart with contributions from Donald Jackson
© 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, used with permission
The monks of the Benedictine Mission House – Christ the King Priory send prayerful good wishes!
Bro. Tobias, O.S.B.
Mission Procurator
A Message from the Mission Office
Greetings!
There are times when I procrastinate intentionally…
There are times when I claim that the Holy Spirit, on whose inspiration I depend in my work of communicating with donors or in writing appeals or acknowledgement letters, seems to be on vacation…
At times a gentle push is needed to get me started.
Once I have discovered text from Sacred Scripture, or found an inspirational quote, or a message by one of our many missionaries with whom I correspond, then I am relieved and pressure which I imposed on myself slowly disappears.
It has been some time since I posted on the Mission House blog. I can come up with excuses. However, today I just wish to check in with our friends near and far.
We are not alone!
How are you doing these days? What impact has the corona virus in your personal life? How have recent events in our country and around the world affected you personally?
Such questions have been asked of me by the facilitators of my ongoing spiritual direction formation group but also by Abbot Michael with whom the community had a zoom conference on Friday, June 12. All monks of Christ the King Priory shared their personal reflection. No one can predict what the future holds in store and how long the corona virus will ravage among society. My response was and still is: “live in the present moment and have a positive attitude!”
Of course there are worries and feelings that emerge. There may be fear; uncertainty how all of this effects one’s personal health and economic security. When will we be able to interact more freely with family members and friends? Even though we see restrictions easing up, we still need to take the recommended precautions serious. There are daily reports of new cases in the United States and around the world.
Thank God, the community and our coworkers are well. We take precautions of social distancing and not all employees are on site every day. As soon as we have to leave for doctor appointments, shopping, or the daily business errands in town, we wear a mask. In chapel and at table we sit apart, keeping the social distancing. Thank God, now that the weather is nice we can have daily recreation outdoors and still keeping the suggested distancing.
The daily routine of prayer and work is not interrupted. However strange as it is, we celebrate Eucharist without retreatants or the faithful from the area. We remember the intentions of our friends. Please let us know your intentions to be included. Our daily Eucharist and Vespers are livestreamed on Facebook. Like us on Christ the King Priory and unite with us in prayer. Thank God that the Church is not confined to a building. We are the living stones – we are Church!
What did we learn in these first 6 months of 2020?
I personally believe that the corona crisis and world events have drawn us to a closer relationship with our Creator. I can find solace and strength in Sacred Scripture and in prayer. Jesus tells us clearly: “I am with you always!”
All life matters!
We claim that we are a Nation under God! The sacredness of life from conception to natural death is our Christian belief. World history and our own nation’s history document dark periods that claimed lives as result of wars, natural disasters, health pandemics and social unrest. We have been made aware of the struggles that ended slavery in our own nation, the injustice imposed on our Native American brothers and sisters. The United States of America is a “melting pot” that has brought together people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. We claim to have equal rights. Can we also acknowledge that as a nation and individuals we have, at times, failed to uphold the dignity of each human being?
The Rule of St. Benedict opens with the word “Listen!” I believe that this is the lesson for us today: listen to the voice of the underprivileged of society, especially of ethnic minorities. As people of God we can take the first steps and bring about change! Together we can move forward.
A word which gives me encouragement and hope for the days ahead:
Abbot Notker Wolf, O.S.B.
Abbot Notker Wolf, O.S.B. who served our Congregation as Archabbot and Abbot President from October 1977 to September 2000, and then as Abbot Primate of all Benedictines in the world until September 2016, shared this insight on the occasion of his 80th birthday recently:
“Always take life seriously, but not too serious!
Enjoy life! Joy is important.
This is the best medicine which helps even to reach old age!”
I wish us God’s choicest blessings for each day to come and the inner peace which will guide us even in times of uncertainty. God is with us!
I welcome your comments, thoughts, and/or experiences with the challenges of our time!
Thank you for your friendship! We monks remember you in our daily prayer!
Br. Tobias, O.S. B.
Director of Development
Progress report from Mvimwa!
Dear friends!
Abbot Pambo of Holy Spirit Abbey in Mvimwa, Tanzania, informed on June 24 the members of the Conference of Mission Procurators that the abbey church will soon be completed. It is a very exciting time for the community. The carpenters of Ndanda Abbey are currently working on the furniture for the church. The dedication is scheduled for March 21, 2021 – the Transitus of St. Benedict – the Anniversary of Benedict’s entry into eternity. A special thank you goes to the many friends of the Benedictine Mission House who contributed so generously towards this project.
Br. Tobias, OSB
COVID-19 affecting the work of the Missionary Benedictines
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.
A Prayer from Bro. Tobias
Be Not Afraid . . . A Message from the Mission Office
Greetings!
The monks of Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House extend prayerful good wishes and greetings.
The events of recent weeks have a drastic impact on life’s journey and on the economy of our country and the world. Let me assure you that in our daily prayer we lift up all our friends and benefactors, our families, coworker, oblates and confreres around the world. May our merciful and loving God grant us strength to cope with the challenges and at the same time not to give up hope! On the feast of St. Joseph, we heard in the Gospel the message of the angel: “Be not afraid…” We can find in Sacred Scripture consolation and words of encouragement. It is my prayer that you and your loved ones are well.
We are using Facebook posts (Benedictine Mission House) to keep our friends informed of happenings at the monastery and in the missions. For the time being, all public liturgical prayer and the celebration of Holy Mass are suspended. The retreat house, St. Benedict Center, remains closed until further notice. The community does continue its daily round of common prayer and remembers all at the Eucharistic table.
On March 16, the Mission Procurators of the Congregation held a Skype conference. Our work must continue and the needs are many, especially hospital support and clean water. Eventually I will communicate to you about projects and other developments.
We do understand that the corona virus also affects the financial resources of our benefactors. Always remember: your personal needs and those of the family have priority. We do appreciate your prayerful support and your financial help whenever possible.
In the meantime, I invite you to communicate with me via email with any concerns that you have. Please address your emails to monastery@missionmonks.org
Be safe and know that we journey with you! God’s choicest blessings!
On behalf of all the monks of Christ the King Priory and united in prayer, let me remain:
Br. Tobias, O.S.B.
Mission Procurator
Project Update! Mvimwa, Tanzania
Abbot Pambo and the monks of Holy Spirit Abbey in Mvimwa, Tanzania, gratefully acknowledge the help received through the generosity of the friends of the Benedictine Mission House and from our own resources to assist with the solar power project. The panels were installed in late 2019 and a protective wall was constructed to keep intruders and animals away.
New Oil Press
In order to move forward with the masterplan of the community to achieve sustainable living – sources of income to provide for the needs of the community – an oil press could be purchased. Sunflower seeds will be pressed into oil which will be available for sale.
The community is active with social outreach projects, especially Aids prevention education , with farming projects and with teaching. The also sponsor schools in Mvimwa and Sumbawanga.
The monks of the Mission House in Schuyler are grateful for all your help with the various projects we present to the attention of our friends .
Br. Tobias, OSB
A Message from the Mission Office
All around the globe, the transition from 2019 to 2020 was celebrated with parties and fireworks as the news media, especially TV stations, reported.
It was a quieter event at Christ the King Priory. We have the custom of thanking God for the year during a special Year End Devotion. We reflect on the graces we as a community and as individuals have received. We certainly remembered also the challenges we encountered during the last year. Following the service we enjoyed each other’s company and the midnight hour signaling the beginning of 2020 passed without fanfare.
The Year 2020 has already presented new challenges: natural disasters, political unrest and dispute among elected officials, and even controversy that spread into the hierarchy of the Church. In addition there will be interesting developments coming our way as our nation prepares for the November General Election. Needless to say that one has to be very careful in sorting out true stories from fake news.
As we journey through this year let us turn in prayer to our Creator God and ask especially for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let me share with you a prayer that I wrote many years ago and may we all draw strength from it as the year unfolds.
Blessings!
Br. Tobias, OSB
COME HOLY SPIRIT – VENY CREATOR SPIRITUS
Voice of the Creator!
Enter the hearts of God’s people.
Never abandon the faithful
Imploring your guidance.
Comforter in times of affliction;
Reconciler in times of brokenness;
Enlightenment in times of uncertainty;
Aid in times of inner struggle;
Truth in times of doubt;
Ointment in times of sickness;
Radiance of God’s unending love, light and grace.
Source of our being, we pray:
Pour forth your sevenfold gifts
Inspiring us for life’s journey;
Responding to Christ’s message
Inviting us to be witnesses.
Timeless and ever present Spirit,
Unite us in harmony, peace, and love
Singing the Creator’s praise.
by Br. Tobias
A Message from the Mission Office
Thanksgiving
Signs of the Cycle of Seasons:
Winter:
Barren soil resting under the blanket of snow and ice, waiting to be awaken by the rays of sun according to Mother Nature’s timing.
Spring:
Crocuses, daffodils, tulips and blooming trees announce that the long darkness of winter is broken. Earth gives way for new growth, unfolding the splendor of nature.
Summer:
Relief of summer’s heat: life giving rain; a fascinating heavenly lightning show and the boom of thunder invites us to rest.
Autumn:
Ripened fruit, fields being harvested brings a sigh of relief: in spite of nature’s challenges God is providing food to be shared.
Let us be grateful!
Each and every day we are invited to express our thanks to God for the manifold gifts we often take for granted. On Thanksgiving Day let us unite our prayers and acknowledge the goodness of the Lord. Let us also pray for farmers and all who are involved in processing the fruits of field, garden and forest so that there is food for all.
Let us be mindful of so many who go without the basic necessities of life and reach out to them through trusted organizations who help distributing food and clothing, assist with affordable healthcare for the most destitute of society and provide shelter for the homeless.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones let us raise our voices in prayer, thanking God for the gift of life, the gift of friendship, and especially for food and water that nourishes us for the journey of life.
The monks of Christ the King Priory, together with our coworkers and missionaries, wish you a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving. We are grateful for all that you do for us so that we can help others.
Blessings!
~ Br. Tobias, O.S.B.
UPDATE! Benedict Nursing Home - Seoul
Another successful update!!
The donations sent to us during the Lent 2019 Appeal made the construction and renovation of Benedict Nursing Home in Seoul possible. Thanks to Sr. Michele for sharing pictures of the dedication and a very special thank you to the many friends who responded to our appeal for help. God bless and reward you. ~Br. Tobias
9 Day Novena
Ever since the arrival of the Missionary Benedictines in Schuyler, Nebraska, the annual Novena of 9 days of Prayer and Holy Mass takes place in August, culminating with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven.
Be assured that your intentions are included in our prayers. We ask Jesus to keep you in HIS loving care and to grant your petitions through the intercession of Mary who, as our faith teaches us, was taken up into heaven. We wish you a blessed and joyous Feast of the Assumption of Mary and the experience that Mary too is keeping you and yours under her protection.
Novena Prayer:
Virgin, Jesus’ Mother mild,
Keep me ever as thy child,
Thine in life and thine in death,
Thine in sorrow, gloom and dread,
Thine in pain and crosses sore,
Thine today and evermore;
Virgin, Jesus’ Mother mild,
Keep me ever as thy child! Amen
It is not too late to let us know your intentions. Learn more about our work and Current Appeal by visiting our webpages at www.missionmonks.org.
We thank you for your prayerful and financial support of our ministries.
On behalf of all the monks:
Br. Tobias, OSB
PS: Thursday, August 15th, Evening Prayer and Eucharist at the monastery chapel at 5:30 PM
Sunday, August 18th, Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 AM at St. Benedict Center Chapel.
Project update: Seoul, South Korea
Renovation of Monastery Wing to Assisted Living for elderly Sisters and addition to Benedict Nursing Home getting closer to completion.
Sr. Michele Lee, OSB on behalf of Sr. Rosa Marie, Prioress, and Sr. M. David, Business Office, and all the Sisters of the Priory extend their thanks to the friends of the Benedictine Mission House in Schuyler for the generous support of the project. As the pictures document, finishing touches on the outside of the new addition and monastery are in progress while the inside still needs work with covering pipes, flooring, and walls. Interesting: design of floor heating elements. The Sisters hope to complete the project later this year.
Our office transferred a total of $200,000 towards the project thanks to the generosity of so many friends. The Sisters are grateful that a major part of the renovation cost is covered with gifts coming through the Mission House. Additional funding was provided from financial resources the sisters had invested for this purpose, and from friends and benefactors of the Seoul Priory in South Korea. As more funds become available in months ahead, we certainly will not forget the needs of our Sisters in Korea.
Br. Tobias OSB
Message from the Mission Office
Greetings!
Memories of the celebration of Pentecost in the Archdiocese of Omaha still linger on as I reflect on the message that I heard over and over while attending the ArchOmaha Unite celebration on Saturday, June 8th.
One Church – Encountering Jesus – Equipping Disciples – Living Mercy
This is the vision the Archdiocese of Omaha has embraced and will focus on in years to come. This vision certainly applies to all the faithful no matter where we live.
As Missionary Benedictines we are “bridge builders” – reaching out to those in need wherever we serve. The various appeals coming from the mission office reflect this. Whatever we do, we do not for our own gain but to the “Glory of God” as St. Benedict admonishes his followers.
We are in the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May we all experience HIS love and mercy on a daily basis! The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is a major feast for our Congregation. I invite you to let us know your intentions to be included in prayer on this special day, June 28th. At Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House we will celebrate Holy Mass that day at 11:00 AM. Should you be in the area, come and join us.
We truly appreciate your friendship. You also assist us in our ministries with fervent prayer and, whenever possible, with financial support. Thank you and may God bless and reward you!
Bro. Tobias, O.S.B.
P.S.: Check us out at www.missionmonks.org.
The current appeal supports farming projects of our confreres in Tanzania, Zambia and Egypt.
Below: The latest pictures supplied by Sr. Michele in Seoul, Korea, where funds from the Lenten appeal have helped with the renovation of the monastery wing into assisted living for the sisters and the addition to the nursing home, a sponsored ministry of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters.
An Invitation
From Brother Tobias in the Mission Office
Easter Season 2019
All over the world, Christians celebrated the Feast of Feasts – Easter – on April 21st and our Orthodox brothers and sisters followed one week later, celebrating the same mystery that unites us, the Resurrection of Jesus. For 50 days the joyous sounds of Alleluia dominates hymns that the community of faith sings celebrating Eucharist or the Liturgy of the Hours.
The merciful love of the Lord fills the earth;
by the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia.
Psalm 33, 5-6
We have entered the month of May. Looking through a daily devotional for the month, I am reminded of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1st), Jesus the Good Shepherd (4th Sunday of Easter – May 12th), Julian of Norwich (Mystic who lived in England from 1342 – 1416), St. Joan of Arc (1412 – 1431), the Ascension of the Lord (May 30th), the Visitation of Mary (May 31st) just to name a few that caught my attention.
The month of May is dedicated to our heavenly Mother Mary. May she who followed her son Jesus so faithfully intercede for us so that we too may come closer to HIM as we journey through life!
It sure is a wonderful custom to observe Mother’s Day each year on the second Sunday of May. The love of a mother influences a child and spouse; the care of a mother knows no limits. Much can be said but I invite you, the reader, to spend time in reflecting on the role of motherhood and what you learned from the example of your mother.
On Mother’s Day, May 12th, Holy Mass at Christ the King Priory will especially be offered for all mothers, living and deceased. Let us be united in prayer and ask our Blessed Mother and Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to reward all mothers for their dedication to family life.
Easter Blessings!
Bro. Tobias, OSB
and all the monks
Online donations in honor or memory of mothers towards our work, especially for the care of the elderly entrusted to our Sisters in Seoul, Korea (Lenten Appeal) or towards the clean water project in Peramiho are greatly appreciated.
From Brother Tobias in the Mission Office
A Lenten Reflection – Ash Wednesday 2019
The First Reading for Mass on Monday and Tuesday of the 8th Week of Ordinary Time, the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, were taken from the Wisdom Scriptures found in the Book of Sirach, Chapter 17:20-24 and 35:1-12. These verses are filled with solid advice that certainly spoke to me. The sacrifices, small as these may be, are pleasing to God. One sentence struck me especially: “The Lord is one who always repays and he gives back to you sevenfold.”
On Ash Wednesday we heard from the Prophet Joel the invitation: “return to me with your whole heart…” The directives of praying, fasting and almsgiving are well-known and preachers and fundraisers extend “invitations” to put these into action at least during the 40 Days of Lent by supporting a special project with charitable contributions and/or prayers for success. Another familiar Scripture passage says: “God loves a cheerful giver!”
The Lenten appeal and acknowledgement message coming from the mission office brings another aspect of the Lenten journey to mind when I quote from a verse from the Rule of St. Benedict found in Chapter 49 “On the Observance of Lent” where Benedict says: “…and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing.”
It took me many years of my monastic journey to grasp this “positive advice” for Lent. For many years the word Lent had a sour aftertaste with rules and regulations I had difficulties accepting. Finally, I was given the grace of understanding. Joy is a keyword for the journey. Joy transforms – joy empowers – joy eases the burden of daily living.
Therefore let me wish you a joyous, blessed and grace-filled Lent! On Easter Sunday let us unite our prayers and voices in a joyous Alleluia as we celebrate the Feast of Feasts, the Resurrection of Jesus!
Bro. Tobias, O.S.B.
P.S.: The ministry of “fundraiser” takes courage in asking for help. Please check out our Current Appeal on the website at www.missionmonks.org. You know how far you can stretch your financial resources to make a charitable contribution. We in turn keep the solemn promise to remember you in daily prayer
Happy New Year!
At the end of a civic year we look back on the events of the past 12 months. The Year 2018 had its challenges, but also its joy and graces.
I selected this image of a natural bridge and the wide open space that is beyond the opening. We step out in faith into a new year not knowing what will lie ahead.
It is my wish and prayer that throughout 2019 and beyond we will experience the Lord’s presence and guidance. May HE give us strength to deal with personal challenges and health issues and the wisdom to make the right decisions that affect the future!
God’s peace be with us and may peace reign in our world!
Happy New Year
Bro. Tobias, O.S.B.
and the monks of Christ the King Priory/Benedictine Mission House & St. Benedict Center
New Year's Message from the Mission Office
Construction Begins! Mvimwa - 2018
Through the generosity of so many friends and benefactors here in the USA and of our European mission offices, the dream for a church for Holy Spirit Abbey in Mvimwa becomes reality. Abbot emeritus Anastasius, assisted by Abbot Pambo of Mvimwa and community members lays the foundation stone for the church and blesses the building site.
