YEAR END GIVING
During this last quarter of 2021, individuals and couples examine their financial resources, deciding how to make an impact on ministries of a charitable organization they like to support.
Thank you for considering the Benedictine Mission House – Christ the King Priory and Saint Benedict Center as beneficiaries.
Congress has incentives in place how your IRA can be of help. Please consult with your financial advisor. Make a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) work for you! Special legislation passed that there would be no RMDs in 2020. This year, the RMD is back for everyone age 72 years and older. Most people do not like to take money from their IRA. The preference is to let it grow and have funds available as needed. However, if you take the RMD, you pay income tax on that distribution.
The IRA Charitable Rollover is an Annual Break for your IRA
While you still must distribute money from your IRA if you are 72 or older, you can do it in a tax-advantage way. Talk with your IRA administrator to determine the best way. Instruct the financial institution to send your IRA donation to the Benedictine Mission House. Your full name and address should be provided so that a proper acknowledgement can be directed to you personally.
• You do not pay income tax on the distribution
• You receive gift acknowledgement for the full amount of the distribution
• You satisfy your RMD up to $100,000
• If you and your spouse have your own IRA, both of you can use the IRA charitable rollover
Do not consider this block post as legal advice since I am no lawyer nor do I claim to be an expert in tax issues. Always consult with the experts.
We Missionary Benedictines truly appreciate your friendship, prayer, and financial support whenever possible.
God’s choicest blessings!
Br. Tobias, OSB
Mission Procurator and Director of Development
Disclaimer: above information is based on legislative information provided by The NonProfit Alliance and the Office of Stewardship of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Summer Message from Bro. Tobias
Summer 2021
It has been some time since I gave an update on fundraising appeals to which our friends so generously responded in spite of the uncertainty what needs might come up due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.
The healing touch of Jesus is at work and we thank God that vaccination and other precautionary measures have kept our community safe. Sure, we too deal with occasional health issues and pray that by the grace of God we can continue our ministries. Work at the retreat house is going well with more groups attending programs and individuals seeking assistance for the spiritual journey through the Sacrament of Reconciliation or a session in spiritual direction.
In late June, I facilitated a program with the title “Jesus the Divine Healer.” It was a powerful experience as we shared in Lectio Divina and Visio Divina – the prayerful reading of a Gospel passage and using the images of “The Two Cures” from The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition that is on permanent display at St. Benedict Center.
On the Solemnity of St. Benedict, July 11, we welcomed back the faithful from the surrounding area and retreatants to celebrate Eucharist with us. After 18 months of no congregation for liturgy, it sure was a blessing to be together with others, yet observing social distancing and voluntary mask recommendation.
A word of thanks!
Our friends from near and far reach out to us so that we can help others. This is so evident in the appeals that we mailed earlier this year and posted on our website. As a fundraiser for the various ministries of the Missionary Benedictines around the world, and as directed by the Conference of Mission Procurators, our office raised during Lent $140,000 to help our monks in Tororo, Uganda. The Sacred Heart appeal mailed in May gives us the opportunity to help the monks of St. Theresa Priory in Katibunga, Zambia, with $140,000 for the poultry project and the needed financial support towards self-sustainability. In an email, dated August 25, I was happy to bring greetings to our friends from the monks of Hanga Abbey stationed at Coland Secondary School and their students for the support of their renovation and expansion project.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO DO SO THAT WE CAN HELP OTHERS
As of August 25, we raised $84,000 for Coland Secondary School in Tanzania. The budget for the project presented to the Conference of Mission Procurators estimated the total cost at $94,000. I am confident that we can reach the goal eventually. I encouraged our confreres not to give up hope!
On the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, August 15, we concluded the Nine Day Novena of Prayer and Holy Mass for the intentions of the benefactors. Our heavenly Mother Mary, I am sure, will intercede with her Divine Son for you and your loved ones.
Outlook
In early September, the pre-chapter conference series will take place as a virtual event at which I will represent our office. This video conference series brings members of our international Congregation of Missionary Benedictines together. The promoter for the General Chapter 2022 is aware of the various time zones involved so that representatives from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas can meet together. Technology makes such meetings possible. I hope that international travel without too many restrictions is possible by the time the General Chapter 2022 will take place at St. Ottilien, Germany.
Occasionally professional experts reach out to us offering their services. I decline such services since it is our policy that all funds raised go 100% to the project or as directed by our friends and supporters. Unfortunately, ways of finding new friends is an expense we have to absorb. For this, we rely on the help of a reliable vendor and friend. We cover our expenses with the income of an endowment fund established many years ago.
Even with the new postage rates going into effect on August 29, we will continue communicating with you, our friends by sending our acknowledgements as soon as possible and as personal using first class postage. You deserve this and this is our promise to you!
Our world is in great need of God’s healing touch so that nations can live in peace. We are witnesses of the ongoing acts of terrorism and ethnic divisions. Let us pray for peace and for the Church as it experiences many trials. In one of my favorite hymns, written by Sr. Delores Dufner O.S.B. of St. Benedict Monastery in St. Joseph, MN, we sing:
Then let us go to serve in peace, the gospel to proclaim,
God’s Spirit has empowered us; we go in Jesus name.
Soon you will receive the invitation to send us the names of your departed loved ones for the daily remembrance at Mass during November. The departed loved ones are our intercessors with God.
In the meantime, stay healthy and know that we think of you and pray for you!
Gratefully,
Bro. Tobias, OSB
Project Update from Bro. Tobias
Dear friends!
Br. Cassian Mhawa of Peramiho Abbey, on behalf of the community, and especially the administration and staff of Peramiho Hospital expressed again appreciation for the support received from the friends of the Benedictine Mission House. After learning of the murder of a visiting mother in one of the staff houses associated with the hospital, the Conference of Mission Procurators agreed to help with a safe housing project. The pictures show the work in progress made possible in 2020 by our friends, especially in memory of mothers. We monks pray that our Lord shower many graces and blessings upon you as we continue to reach out to others, in the spirit of Jesus and that all lives matter.
Gratefully:
Br. Tobias, OSB
Mission Procurator
A Message from Bro. Tobias in the Mission Office
Dear friends!
Words fail me in expressing the gratitude for your faithful financial and prayerful support whenever a project is presented to your attention.
Today it gives me great joy communicating to you a word of gratitude of Abbot Pambo of Holy Spirit Abbey in Mvimwa, Tanzania, and his community.
His Excellency, Archbishop Marek, Papal Nuncio to Tanzania, consecrated the new abbey church, assisted by Abbot Pambo and several bishops and abbots, monks from Ndanda, Peramiho, Hanga and Katibunga and a multitude of religious sisters and faithful.
The Conference of Mission Procurators was represented by Br. Dr. Ansgar Stuefe, OSB, former Procurator of the Congregation but still in charge of overseeing the work at our hospitals in Africa.
Abbot Pambo renewed the solemn promise to keep all the benefactors of our various mission offices in Europe, United States and Asia in prayer. With the generosity of so many, Mvimwa Abbey developed to its present status in the Church of Tanzania with its pastoral ministry, social outreach and education services.
With deep gratitude for your support, in the name of Abbot Pambo and community
Br. Tobias, OSB
Project Update - Peramiho!
Br. Cassian of St. Benedict Abbey in Peramiho reports that the staff housing for which we asked for financial assistance in May of last year are now being constructed. These houses will provide safe shelter in a gated complex with guards on duty. Unfortunately this project was initiated following a robbery and murder before safety measures were in place.
Thank you to all our friends who helped us in funding the housing project in honor of Mother’s Day, remembering also mothers who have gone to their eternal reward.
Blessings and Peace for Holy Week and Easter
Br. Tobias, OSB
The Benches are Fixed!!
The monks of Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House, rejoice with the community of Holy Spirit Abbey in Mvimwa, Tanzania, at the completion of their church to be dedicated on Pentecost. The original plan called for the Feast of St. Benedict, March 21. The pews and choir stalls came from the shops of Ndanda Abbey. The construction of the church and furnishings were made possible through the generosity of many friends and donors in the United States and Europe. To the benefactors of the Mission House in Schuyler a special thank you for your prayerful and financial support even in times of the corona pandemic.
On behalf of Abbot Pambo and community: ASANTE SANA – THANK YOU
Br. Tobias, OSB
A Message from the Mission Office & Bro. Tobias
Blessings for the Lenten Journey!
I am writing this message in the hope that you and yours are doing well during these days of winter.
On February 10, we celebrated the Feast of St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, we cancelled our annual pilgrimage to be with our sisters of Immaculata Monastery in nearby Norfolk. No doubt, we remembered all Benedictine women in prayer and gave thanks to God for their witness to the monastic life and the ministries in church and society, especially education and healthcare.
February 11, World Day of the Sick, the Church honored Our Lady of Lourdes. During this time of pandemic, we asked our heavenly Mother for her intercession so that the healing touch of Jesus will restore the sick to better health and that they receive the graces to cope with health related issues.
By now, you may have received our Lenten appeal seeking financial assistance for our brothers of Christ the King Priory in Tororo, Uganda. Thank you for giving this appeal your attention and as your financial situation allows, contribute in response so that the community can continue their important ministries. God will bless and reward you!
In Chapter 49 of The Rule of St. Benedict, we read in verse 7 “…and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing.” Let us trust that God grant us a time of spiritual renewal that reaches out to the people we encounter and thus bring a new springtime to Church and society.
Pope Francis dedicated this year to the special patronage of St. Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus, and Patron of the Universal Church. I invite you to seek his intercession as part of your Lenten practices. The prayer over the gifts on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, paraphrased here and expanded, may serve as an inspiration:
O God, just as Saint Joseph served with loving care your Only Begotten Son, born of the Virgin Mary, may we be worthy to reach out to all brothers and sisters, near and far, with a sincere and pure heart.
Saint Joseph,
… foster-father of Jesus, watch over all families;
… protect all workers, especially those who struggle to make ends meet;
… help us to accept the stranger, especially refugees and immigrants;
… bring us closer to Jesus and obtain the grace for a peaceful hour of death.
Saint, Joseph, pray for us!
Blessings for the journey from all the monks of Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House in Schuyler.
~ Bro. Tobias, O.S.B.
PS: For more details of our “current appeal”, check the website at www.missionmonks.org. Website donations are welcome and appreciated. Consider consulting your financial advisor how to make a direct donation from your personal IRA account to the Benedictine Mission House. We kindly ask that the financial institution that handles your investment give us your name and address. Do not hesitate contacting us with any questions.
A Message from Br. Tobias in the Mission Office
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you and give you peace!
Greetings!
The first week of 2021 is already history and what a week it has been! My prayer is that our country and each one of us will experience God’s loving protection as we move on. The uncertainty of what the future has in store could be scary. However, we have the assurance that the Lord is with us at each moment.
On Saturday, January 9, we completed the celebration of the Novena of Nine Holy Masses for your intentions and in thanksgiving for your friendship and support of our ministries at home and wherever Missionary Benedictines are represented.
As I look at the statistics of our fundraising efforts in 2020, I have to admit that in spite of the many challenges the covid-19 pandemic brought upon us, our friends have been loyal and supportive whenever possible. Thank you for standing with us so that we could help others.
As part of our commitment of transparency and of being good stewards of the donations entrusted to us I can report the first results for the projects we submitted to our friends for their consideration of support.
Lenten Appeal 2020 – new addition to the convent in Chipole, Tanzania $115,000
Sacred Heart Appeal 2020 – safe staff housing in Peramiho, Tanzania $103,000
Novena Appeal 2020 – new convent at Litembo Hospital, Tanzania $107,000
Poor Souls Appeal 2020 – renovation and addition to house in Lome, Togo $ 90,000
Christmas Appeal 2020 – support of African & Asian monasteries and
ministries of Christ the King Priory, Schuyler $194,000
Total income from five “house appeals” towards specific projects $609,000
In addition to the support of our appeals, we had income from daily correspondence, requests for celebrating Holy Masses, our birthday greetings and acquisition mailings, a program that targets prospective donors. We added new donors to our database and these too have become loyal supporters and friends. We are grateful to God for all the friends who identify themselves with our ministries and support these whenever possible.
I am happy to state that on average it costs us only $0.15 to raise $1.00 and the mission office has financial resources that cover all our expenses so that every donation given for a specific purpose or general mission is credited 100% as designated.
In 2020, we raised the Grand Total of $1,912,000. People in Africa and Asia benefited from your generosity. As stewards of the funds entrusted to us, we support ministries and projects that will benefit all brothers and sisters whom we Missionary Benedictines serve.
God bless you with good health! We in turn include your intentions in our daily prayers.
Bro. Tobias, O.S.B.
Director of Development
Happy Thanksgiving from the Mission House
Thanksgiving - 2020
Sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts,
always thanking God the Father for all things
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The celebration of our national holiday, Thanksgiving, overshadowed by the corona virus and the various challenges we encountered in the course of the year, will certainly take a new approach that calls for difficult decisions especially when it involves family gatherings.
May I suggest spending time in conversation with God in preparation for Thanksgiving?
Let me share with you my personal reflection in the course of a quiet Sunday afternoon and a sleepless night that turned into a powerful time of prayer. These challenges came to mind:
• Covid-19 and the ever climbing rate of infections worldwide, but also in Nebraska and all of the United States;
• the loss of lives due to the corona virus and no known cure of the disease or when a vaccine may be available to break the infection rate;
• concerns for healthcare professionals: doctors, nurses and first responders performing their duties under much stress, yet putting the safety of others ahead of their own;
• Covid-19 demanded finding new patterns for interacting socially; for attending worship services with a faith community, precautionary action when a visit to the grocery store or any other business is necessary, taking advantage of online shopping or dining yet considering safe “local options” that prevent closure of small businesses or restaurants;
• learning institutions on all levels shifted to online models and as soon as in person classes were possible, the infection rate rose;
• natural disasters: hurricanes and wildfires threatened lives and property in many parts of the country, and let down farmers expectations for a bountiful crop;
• the death of a dear friend and not being able to visit earlier in the year due to travel restrictions – and many names come to mind of people I know who are dealing with many sicknesses;
• we claim to be “One Nation under God” but tension and riots burdened our living together in “the land of the free.” The challenge is to overcome systemic racism that is so evident in society and then making efforts for adopting the culture of life, showing respect for others, even of opposing political conviction, but especially to immigrants and refugees. The message of Jesus found in the Gospels is the guideline for all people of good will.
Then I asked myself “Where has God been in all of this?”
A time of prayer of pleading for the gift of wisdom and understanding followed and it turned into intercessory prayer for the wellbeing of all our friends and benefactors, for the coworkers of the mission office, monastery and retreat house, for my brother monks and for our families.
As I became quiet, great peace overwhelmed me. Words from Sacred Scripture assure me that we are never alone. Our God is with us! He reaches out to us in so many ways. I only have to open my eyes and my heart. With gratitude for the guidance of the Holy Spirit during this prayer experience, I now can focus on giving thanks. I share with you this:
Creator God,
on Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks for the gift of life, for family, community, friends and acquaintances who journey with me daily.
I give thanks…
... for being at my side in challenging moments and joyous times;
… for the labor of farmers, gardeners, and all who assist with harvesting;
… for wheat, grapes, fruit, and produce of gardens that will nourish us;
… for our readiness to share with the less fortunate;
… for the many supporters of the Missionary Benedictines who enable us to help others;
… for all whose friendship and ongoing prayer support sustains us;
… for the assurance that YOU are always with us;
… for signs of hope for the days ahead and the promise:
“I will be with you always!”
On behalf of the monks of Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House extend greetings to all our friends near and far. Be assured that you are included in our prayers and we thank you for going with us the proverbial extra mile by supporting our ministries financially whenever possible and for praying for the success of our work.
“The earth has yielded its fruits;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him.”
Psalm 67, 7-8
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
from the monks of Christ the King Priory
Br. Tobias Dammert, OSB
Director of Development
A Message from Brother Tobias
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
