September 11, 2001, changed our world! Terrorist attacks cannot be forgotten but should be reminders that all life matters. Every day, the human family must take big steps to overcome hatred and division. Let this be our prayer! The Twin Towers of New York City’s World Trade Center are gone! Today, a reflection pool on the original site serves as a memorial. The names of innocent people are engraved on marble slabs as a reminder of that dark day in our history. Years ago, we received a little crucifix that a volunteer used, ministering to the dying found in the rubble of the towers. It has a special place in the office of Br. Tobias.
September 11 is also a special day for the monks of Muensterschwarzach Abbey, the motherhouse of Christ the King Priory. It was on that day in 1938 that the abbey church was consecrated. Amazingly, during the time of the Hitler regime, the monks had the courage to build their church on the spot of three previous churches when Missionary Benedictines returned in 1902 to the place that from 788 on was home to Benedictine communities until monastic life was suppressed by the government in 1803. According to the historians, from the dedication of the first church at Schwarzach, the Sunday after the Feast of the Birth of Mary, September 8, is observed as the anniversary of the dedication of the church which is kept as a liturgical and civic festival.
On September 15, 1964, Fr. Volker Futter, OSB, made his monastic profession at Muensterschwarzach Abbey. He arrived in Schuyler in 1973 where he worked in pastoral ministry at home and many parishes in the area, especially also in Wyoming and Michigan. In 2000, Fr. Volker took on the assignment as mission procurator. The Oblates of the Priory, and many friends, appreciate his compassion for people.
September 17 is the birthday of Prior Anastasius Reiser, OSB, who made his monastic profession in 1991. April 24, 1999, is the day of his ordination to the priesthood. Working in youth pastoral at the abbey prepared him for his future work in Peramhio, Tanzania, and then as Procurator of the Congregation, stationed at St. Ottilien, Germany. In 2023, Fr. Anastasius accepted in addition to the ministry as prior the responsibilities as mission procurator.
Each year, the community of Muensterschwarzach honors its jubilarians on the day when they commemorate the anniversary of dedication of the church. Fr. Volker will give thanks to God for 60 years of monastic life and Fr. Anastasius for 25 years of priesthood. We wish our confreres many graces and blessings for each day to come.
One final date of importance for us monks in Schuyler! Forty-five years ago, the monastery four miles north of Schuyler opened its doors and September 16, Christ the King Chapel was solemnly consecrated by the late Archbishop Daniel Sheehan of Omaha.
To our friends near and far, THANK YOU for the faithful support and prayers so that we can continue our ministry as joyful witnesses of the Gospel and faithful followers of St. Benedict.