All Souls Appeal

We remember…

…those who went before us to be with the Lord, especially family members, friends, acquaintances, and all whose life has touched us in a special way. We pray for those who lost their lives due to natural disasters, wars and acts of terrorism. Grant them eternal rest and peace and console all who mourn. O loving and merciful God, grant us peace!   

Praying for peace is not only a pious practice. In late August, the Vatican published a book with discourses from the first months of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate with the title “Let there be Peace!” Following the recent shooting tragedy at Annunciation School in Minneapolis, Pope Leo joined faith and civic leaders calling for prayer of healing, unity and peace. He expressed his deep sorrow on the death of two young students and the injuries many suffered while attending Holy Mass marking the beginning of a new academic year. Our Holy Father offered words of consolation to parents and the faith community of Annunciation parish.

Shootings, natural disasters, wars, and terrorist attacks claim innocent lives! People from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds pull together providing help. When we are confronted with tragedy we turn to prayer. We raise the question “why?” or “where is God in all of this?” No one has the answer. We turn to faith. Our challenge is to reach out to survivors with compassion and actions that instill hope and bring the assurance that we have a merciful and loving God.

Crisis Counselors and Spiritual Companions are asked to assist!
Seminarians, or future monastics, attend courses in counseling and spiritual direction to assist people in need. However, for situations that call for long-term accompaniment, referrals to well-trained  psychologists are highly recommended. Only by God’s grace, and with professional help and spiritual guidance can pain be eased, obstacles dealt with and, as a result, assurance be given that restores a sense of comfort and peace.

We Missionary Benedictines enroll monks and sisters in programs where they learn how to deal with crisis response, train as counselors, and/or spiritual companions. These courses are not cheap, concluding with a supervised practicum!  Several confreres of the Schuyler community offer spiritual direction on a regular basis to people from all walks of life. It is a humbling experience assisting others in their encounter with Christ.

In the course of history, dark moments, yet even years, changed society, especially when innocent lives were lost. Pain and grief are overwhelming whenever a loved one dies. The void remains!  However, life goes on! God gives the strength for a new start. Let us never forget and let us remember…

As in years past, the daily Holy Mass during the month of November at Christ the King Priory/Benedictine Mission House will be celebrated for your departed loved ones. God knows their names!

I invite you to partner with us in educating future spiritual companions, in addition to training school or crisis counselors and therapists. May these qualified monks, sisters, and lay people respond to those in need and with God’s help resolve issues at hand. Your anticipated donation is a gift of love and will be very much appreciated in support of our educational and evangelization efforts.

Blessings and be assured of our prayers for your loved ones and for your intentions.

             Br. Tobias, O.S.B.