Lent Appeal
Greetings and Blessings for the Lenten Journey!
You are invited to prayerfully consider the advice Jesus gives his followers concerning fasting and almsgiving (Mt. 6:1-6, 16-18). What can we do individually and as a faith community in observing this time of grace? Let us look forward to holy Easter with joy! (Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 49).
Br. Tobias addressing students of Mvimwa Abbey Primary School
Benedict and his sister Scholastica had a deep love for the spiritual journey and the formation of followers in the “School of the Lord” as Benedict calls the monastery. Throughout the centuries, monastics exemplified the values (vows) of obedience, stability, and conversion of life. May God grant us the grace to grow in Christian values, following the teachings of Jesus.
Wherever we Missionary Benedictines settled, with a few exceptions in Europe and the Americas, we got involved in educating young people, helping women to acquire knowledge and skills in home economics, also introducing farming methods that include care for the land. The history of the Benedictine Mission House never envisioned a school as a local ministry but embraced as one of its mission the support of education at all levels of society in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Education is not only what we learn as children at home, in kindergarten, or subjects taught in grade school, college, trade school, or university. Results of education: skilled laborers, educators, nurses, doctors, clergy, just to name a few professions. We cannot ignore farming, animal husbandry, and reforestation. Education remains important despite advanced technology. It transforms a nation!
We have a vision!
Fr. Anastasius visiting a farm
To help our confreres and mission partners in Africa and Asia to operate their schools reliably, especially with the upkeep of buildings, care for the students, fair wages for teachers and employees associated with a particular monastery, convent, or diocese.
Occasionally our workshops need a financial boost for upgrading equipment to meet the standards of a teaching facility. Practical work and classroom education go hand in hand.
Our vision focuses on families who cannot afford school fees or the cost to cover room and board. While Fr. Anastasius served in Tanzania, he often was confronted with such situations.
What can we do together?
Fr. Anastasius, as mission procurator of Christ the King Priory, in cooperation with the members of the Conference of Mission Procurators, will disburse your contribution earmarked for education. Your gift will make a difference by providing education assistance to the less fortunate enrolled in our schools. The Conference of Mission Procurators will monitor that funds are being used as designated and wherever tuition assistance is needed.
Thank you for embracing our vision, for trusting in our approach of outreach to those in need and support of projects. God bless you for your friendship, prayers, and financial help as your resources permit.
We wish you a grace-filled Lenten journey and a joyous celebration of the Feast of Feasts: the Resurrection of Jesus!
Gratefully yours:
Br. Tobias, OSB Fr. Anastasius, OSB
Director of Development Prior & Mission Procurator
