Benedictines – Communio

Br. Benedict Maria ordained deacon at Portsmouth Abbey

Today my friend, Brother Benedict Maria, a Benedictine monk of Portsmouth Abbey, was ordained to the Order of Deacon by the Bishop of Providence, Richard G, Henning, STD.

He’s doing his seminary studies at the major seminary in Florida.

The Portsmouth Abbey family is blessed to have him among us.

Deacon Benedict Maria’s family came from India and countless friends from around the USA came to the ordination including the many members of the impressive ecclesial movement, Jesus Youth.

May God grant Benedict Maria many years of fruitful ministry.

Santiago meet Portsmouth 2024

For nearly two decades plus some years the Manquehue Apostolic Movement (MAM) has been active ministering at Portsmouth Abbey and School and the Priory School at St. Louis Abbey. The lay men and women of the MAM some of the best people I’ve met over the years who are part of a group at the service of the Gospel and the Benedictine charism.

For those who don’t know the Manquehue Apostolic Movement it was founded in 1977 first as an Association of Lay Faithful according to the Code of Canon Law (1983) in the Archdiocese of Santiago de Chile. By 1994 the Movement was granted a firmer position in the Church by becoming a juridic personality in Law.

The Movement is composed of laity. There are no clerics who are members of the Movement. Yet they have had a strong and influential presences of Benedictine monks who have given good witness to the Benedictine way of proceeding. In many ways one can say that members of the Manquehue Apostolic Movement are lay Benedictines, similar but not the same as an Oblate’s call to relate to a monastery.

I have met over then years several members of the MAM at both noted abbeys but have been in touch with them mostly at Portsmouth in years. This year I had the privilege of meeting the men seen in the above picture: Martín, Mattias, Nico and Vicente. All four these guys inspire me. All graduates of the MAM school in Santiago and currently doing university studies having just finished two months of missionary work among the students at Portsmouth Abbey school. They are great young men who made an impact on many of us.

The work of the of the Movement is the prayerful reading of sacred Scripture – also called Lectio Divina. This is closely linked to the teaching and witnessing to the spirituality of St Benedict and 1500 years of life of monks, nuns, sisters and laity. In Santiago de Chile, Manquehue runs three schools and guides more that 100 weekly Lectio Divina groups. And probably one of the most impressive charitable works is a hostel for homeless women. You can find the Movement also at the end of the world –or near the end of the world– in Patagonia, in the south of Chile where there’s a retreat house. I am scheming to have a Manquehue community in the Providence, Rhode Island Diocese and close to Portsmouth Abbey.

Some members of the Manquehue Movement make an oblation to live the charism of the movement more intensely. Some are married couples, some are single, all centered on the Lord. Many of the graduates of the Manquehue schools do missionary work to deepen our love for Scripture.

May God abundantly bless the Manquehue Apostolic Movement and Martín, Mattías, Nico and Vicénte. May Our Lady and St Benedict intercede. AMEN.

Portsmouth Abbey Oblates meet

The Portsmouth Abbey Oblates meet several times a year for prayer, a good meal, communio, and a presentation. This time we heard the witness of Dionne who represented the Portsmouth Oblates at the International Oblate Meeting in Rome back in September 2023. I think it was the 5th time an international meeting of Oblates met in Rome.

The Portsmouth Oblates follow the Benedictine charism of a 1500+ year tradition bequeathed by Saint Benedict and the venerable monastic tradition of monks, nuns, sisters and lay people: prayer, work, and reading (study).

Olivier-Marie Sarr awarded doctorate honoris causa

A doctorate of honoris causa bestowed on Abbot Olivier-Marie, O.S.B.

On November 16, 2023 in celebration of the Founders’ Day Convocation, Saint Vincent College (Latrobe, PA) awarded Dr. Olivier-Marie Sarr, O.S.B., Abbot of the Abbey of Keur Moussa (Senegal) the degree of Honorary Doctor in Humane Letters.

Read all about it here.

Having known about Father Olivier-Marie for a while, I recently met him at the abbatial blessing of the newly elected abbess of the Westfield Abbey (Vermont). He is a terrific person. Pray for his ministry in Senegal and Rome, and his Benedictine community.

The Savior and the honey bees

Great and Holy Friday seems like a day to post this intriguing picture of the crucified Lord, St Bernard and honey bees. Surely you can connect the dots. The Passion of the Lord –a supreme act of love, is called to mind and hence by the Cross we are saved. Particular thanks to Aurelius Belz, a researcher in the cultural history of musical instruments, for publishing this “find” on his blog.

From the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great we are educated: “… He [Jesus] surrendered himself as a ransom to death by which we were held captive, sold into slavery under sin. Descending by the cross into Hades to fulfill all things in himself, he freed us from Death’s despair, and rose on the third day, preparing the way for the resurrection of all flesh from the dead…”

Honey bees ascend to the side wound of Jesus.

Mr. Belz writes: “It should be noted here in relation to the medal that the encounter of a bee colony with the Savior has a significant precursor. Both on an altar sheet (private property, Germany) and in Josef Meglinger’s Cistercineser Year, published in 1700 in print, we see Bernard of Clairvaux –who received the epithet doctor mellifluus due to his honey-flowing sermons– with a beehive in front of an altar with the crucified. The bees ascend to the side wound of Jesus and on a banner we find the text. “Nil cogitatur dulcius quam JESUS Dei Filius”, nothing sweeter can be thought of than Jesus, the Son of God. The flowers on the altar are symbolic bearers of meaning, so the lily stands for innocence, the rose for love and the sunflower, which always turns to the light, for permanence in faith. (Josef Meglinger, Cistercienser Year, 1700)

St. Bernard is the famous abbot of the Cistercian Benedictine reform. He’s the patron saint of beekeepers as well as the patron saint of bees and candlemakers. The image connected with this post is Bernard of Clairvaux, circa 1090 – 20.8.1153, French monk, saint, full length, copper engraving, Germany, circa 1700, Marienthal Abbey library.

On a personal note, St. Bernard has been invoked as one of the patron saints of my apiary.

2 profess solemn vows at St Walburga’s

A few weeks ago two of the nuns at the Abbey of St. Walburga in Virginia Dale, CO, professed solemn vows. Terrific news to receive in this era. This abbey is among a few in the USA where traditional monasticism exists (and I am not referring to the praying of the TLM): community life, obedience, praying the Divine Office in common, the habit and work.

Read the story coming from the Denver Catholic newspaper.

Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus

Today is the liturgical memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus. As Benedictines we have been celebrating all three together for a long time. They are models of the virtue of hospitality. A good application is the guesthouse at the Petersham (Mass.) Benedictines is named in honor of today’s saints.

Chapter 53 of The Rule of St. Benedict has two crucial lines: “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt 25:35). Proper honor must be shown to all, especially to those who share our faith (Gal 6:10) and to pilgrims.” The Father of Western monasticism sets the stage to how we receive the other.

In January 2021, a Decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship on the celebration of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus (26 January 2021) was issued.

The Decree

In the household of Bethany the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the One who humiliated death.

The traditional uncertainty of the Latin Church about the identity of Mary (the Magdalene to whom Christ appeared after his resurrection, the sister of Martha, the sinner whose sins the Lord had forgiven), which resulted in the inclusion of Martha alone on 29 July in the Roman Calendar, has been resolved in recent studies and times, as attested by the current Roman Martyrology, which also commemorates Mary and Lazarus on that day. Moreover, in some particular calendars the three siblings are already celebrated together.

Therefore, the Supreme Pontiff Pope Francis, considering the important evangelical witness they offered in welcoming the Lord Jesus into their home, in listening to him attentively, in believing that he is the resurrection and the life, and accepting the proposal of this Dicastery, has decreed that 29 July be designated in the General Roman Calendar as the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

Mass collect

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the example of your Saints may spur us on to a better life, so that we, who celebrate the memory of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, may also imitate without ceasing their deeds.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Saint Benedict: A Wise Guide for Living Well Today

In preparation for the feast of Saint Benedict today, Sunday, July 11, the Benedictine Primate of the Confederation of Benedictines, Abbot Gregory, reflects on the wisdom of Saint Benedict.

It was published in today’s Osservatore Romano: https://bit.ly/3AOTlPS

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Saint Benedict: A Wise Guide for Living Well TodayAbbot Primate Gregory Polan, O.S.B.

Can a text which dates back 1,500 years be practical for living well today? The Rule of Saint Benedict stands as a classic text of spiritual insight and humane behavior. Such classic texts often give us a brief word which has much to say to us. We live in a world and a culture that bombards us with words. Often there are so many words that shower and flood us each day that we have little or no time to take in their meaning and impact. The early monastic tradition understood the value of well-chosen and well-spoken words, as well as silence. In a moment of excitement or reaction to the comments of someone, how often have we regretted our immediate or less measured response? While we may have a well cultivated language, we often have a less cultivated sense of what is best left unspoken, or said in a measured and reflective way.

The opening words of The Rule of Saint Benedict offer an instruction that calls for an interior discipline. The text of the Prologue to the Rule reads, “Listen carefully, my child, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.” As language has developed through the centuries, so have the number of words and their distinct nuances. The more words that bombard our hearing, the less intent we are in carefully appreciating their meaning, their impact, and their power. Yet in contrast to this, a few words, well spoken can touch the heart, lift the human spirit, transform the mind, give direction in life’s choices, and remain within us as a guide to fruitful Christian living.

We can carefully distinguish the difference between “hearing” and “listening.” We can hear words that are spoken; and they quickly pass on, often unnoticed and hardly considered. In contrast to this, when we truly listen to what a person is saying, this act implies our reflection on the impact of what is said, a careful consideration or rumination on the impact and meaning of these words. If we are truly listening with the ear of the heart, these words pass from the ear to the mind and to the heart. Often when we honestly listen to what is said, it asks something of us. Should I ponder these thoughts more seriously, question my motivations for what I am doing, reconsider what I am doing? And sometimes this contemplation assures me of the values I am trying to live. That command to ponder seriously is how Saint Benedict begins his Rule; this initial command serves as motto for the monastic life, “to listen with the ear of the heart.” But isn’t that also an invitation to anyone of us in the movement of our lives, our daily living?

In the Scriptures, particularly in the Old Testament, the heart was understood to encompass a process and reflection of both the mind and the heart together, working in tandem. This was understood to be an endeavor of the whole interior of a person. Too often our reactions arise from an initial thought that comes to mind; rather, to begin with thoughts of the mind and then to reflect from the posture of the heart brings together a better and fuller expression of what is best. “What does this mean … what are the implications of what is being said … how does this challenge me to think differently?” Saint Benedict could challenge us in our own day to take on this process of “listening with the ear of the heart” in our decision making, in our relations with one another, and in our responses to the variety of situations and questions that come before us. What a difference this would make on every level of our human existence: within the family unit, within a business operation, among families and friends, among world leaders, among warring nations, among countries seeking peaceful resolutions.

Pope Francis presents to us an important challenge with his announcement of the forthcoming Synod of Bishops; the focus will be on creating a synodal process for the Church as it moves into the future. One of the key elements which can have an impact on this process of involving the whole Church in this endeavor is the act of listening. And Saint Benedict has something very worthwhile to offer to this – that this process will include a “listening with the ear of the heart,” as he begins his Rule. This calls for a great humility and openness to what another has to say, to offer as a suggestion, to seek a peaceful resolution. Could this person be an instrument of God’s will being manifested to us? A synodal process calls for great sincerity and a true sense of listening deeply, profoundly, lovingly, openly, and receptively.

This year the feast of Saint Benedict, one of the patrons of Europe, falls on Sunday, 11 July. His teaching in the Rule offers us a profound way of renewing our hearts through the manner of our listening – that is, whole heartedly. Imagine the blessings of peace and hope that could resound throughout the world if his instructions on the manner of our listening to one another could become a reality. Whether this special kind of listening is between struggling nations, warring political parties, religious leaders, and even within families, our ability of listen with a depth of respect for one another as children of God holds the promise of peace and blessing for all. Even in our day-to-day lives, “listening with the ear of the heart” holds out to us the promise of peace and hopes as we move forward into each new day. Saint Benedict, pray for us; help us to listen to one another with the ear of our heart (“Prolog 1, The Rule of Saint Benedict).

The Traditional Latin Mass at Portsmouth Abbey

Today marks a beautiful turning point in the history of the abbey and high school at Portsmouth Abbey in Portsmouth, RI, with the first celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). It is very likely the first TLM since Vatican II reform of the Liturgy. Today’s TLM came from the desires of some of the students in the School. Father Prior Michael agreed to have one of the monks, Dom Edward, celebrate the Mass of the Ages; Dom Sixtus was the server and Abbot Matthew attended guide the students. We are grateful to the Prior for his insight and willingness to provide for spiritual needs of those under his care. Likewise, we are grateful to Dom Edward for learning the Mass and Dom Sixtus for serving and seeing to the liturgical details in making the Mass possible.

This is no small thing for the monks or the school, and God willing, the TLM will continue. Join me in praying to the Holy Spirit the He will pour out His Seven Gifts for the salvation of souls through this sacred rite of Holy Mass.

Sadness serves only to destroy

“Do not surrender to the sadness that only serves to destroy our best energies … expand your heart and let the sun that gives life to joy enter into it. Joy, but with so many trials? Look what I tell you: who have you seen yet without a cross? The cross follows us wherever we go and we must carry it; and, if we do not want to lift it generously and carry it in our arms for embraces, that is to say; with all the ardor of our heart, which will make it more light, we will have to take it behind us, dragging it.”

~ Bernardo Vasconcelos, OSB