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Winter 2022-23
George Maurer
This Issue Do You Believe in Angels?
Abbey Banner Angels from the realms of glory, Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B.
Magazine of Saint John’s Abbey wing your flight o’er all the earth;
T
Winter 2022–23 Volume 22, number 3 ye who sang creation’s story he scriptural accounts we hear during the Advent and Christmas
now proclaim Messiah’s birth: seasons repeatedly describe human encounters with angels who
Published three times annually (spring, fall, Come and worship, come and worship, shape the story of the incarnation. Angels are divine messengers
winter) by the monks of Saint John’s Abbey. worship Christ, the newborn king. of joyous power and magnificence. As a twenty-first century person, do
Editor: Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.
James Montgomery you believe in angels?
Design: Alan Reed, O.S.B.
Editorial assistants: Gloria Hardy; Patsy This issue examines the angelic choirs—those spiritual beings intermediate The twentieth-century French philosopher Paul Ricoeur spoke of our
Jones, Obl.S.B.; Aaron Raverty, O.S.B. between God and humankind, God’s messengers of joy, the heralds of religious faith, language, and ideas as young people as first naïveté.
Abbey archivist: David Klingeman, O.S.B.
University archivists: Peggy Roske,
good news to the shepherds of Bethlehem, our personal guardians. Abbot That is, we take things at face value, not questioning their truth content
Elizabeth Knuth John Klassen opens this issue with a reflection on faith and his own belief or historicity. But as we grow up, as we study, learn, experience, the
Circulation: Ruth Athmann, Tanya Boettcher, in angels. Brother Aaron Raverty outlines the role played by angels in the questions come hard and fast, and we begin to develop a critical dis-
Debra Bohlman, Chantel Braegelmann monotheistic traditions, including the interpretations of Saint Thomas
Printed by Palmer Printing tance from many of these ideas. (At this point, angels are part of our
Aquinas, “the Angelic Doctor.”
childhood, perhaps diligent protectors.) We take the world as it is and
Copyright © 2022 by Order of Saint Benedict
The archangel Gabriel delivered the good news to Mary that she would have a trust the interpretations from science, history, philosophy, economics,
ISSN: 2330-6181 (print) son and name him Jesus (Luke 1:26–38). Dr. Martin Connell presents Mary’s and political theory. We are left with a profound distancing from any
ISSN: 2332-2489 (online) fiat—her assent to be the Mother of God—as interpreted by artist Corita Kent religious traditions. As adults we may become confident that religious
in her screen print Fiat. “When the song of the angels is stilled,” says poet and traditions are part of the baggage that we can safely jettison.
Saint John’s Abbey
2900 Abbey Plaza Box 2015
theologian Howard Thurman, “the work of Christmas begins: . . . to heal the
Collegeville, Minnesota 56321-2015 broken, to feed the hungry, . . . to bring peace among people, to make music Time passes. Things happen in our lives—things we could not have
saintjohnsabbey.org/abbey-banner in the heart.” Father Nickolas Kleespie reflects on Dr. Thurman’s insights and predicted and that we cannot explain. We discover the hard way that
Abbey archives
the challenge to all who encounter the Word made flesh. we may have an overconfidence in the fruitfulness and ability of scien-
Change of address: tific and technological adaptability to meet every new challenge. We
Ruth Athmann A priest, missionary, and monk, Boniface Wimmer came to the United States
P. O. Box 7222 may also become aware that we have an overconfidence in our own
Collegeville, Minnesota 56321-7222 in 1846 from Metten Abbey in Bavaria to establish Benedictine monasteries ability to navigate the modern world and to protect ourselves and
rathmann@csbsju.edu that would serve and evangelize the German immigrants in the New World.
those we love from harm, to recognize mortal, spiritual danger when it
Phone: 800.635.7303 Thirty years later, hundreds of Benedictine monks and sisters were working
and praying in some sixty American monasteries—including Saint John’s
inevitably crosses our paths.
Subscription requests or questions:
abbeybanner@csbsju.edu
Abbey. Brother Eric Pohlman introduces Abbot Boniface, a complex character What Paul Ricoeur called the second naïveté flows from a deep inner
regarded as one of the greatest Catholic missionaries of the nineteenth century Faith is the assurance experience of God, the ultimate source of life, redemption, and mean-
and also reviled for his interference, redirection of funds, and high-handed
treatment of Benedictine sisters. of things hoped for, ing. Within this landscape and horizon, we don’t doubt away what
we learned in other spheres. Rather, we hold this knowledge and these
the conviction of beliefs with an awareness of our fragility and vulnerability—aware
Saint John’s University promotes its educational “brand” as: Inspired Learning.
Inspiring Lives. Benedictine Volunteer and Saint John’s alumnus Mr. Matthew
things not seen. of all the paths/roads we have been on and that our lives could have
Gish inspires us with his heart-warming stories of heart-breaking situations in Hebrews 11:1 turned out very differently, in many cases very badly. How did that
Nairobi, Kenya. happen? Where did that person—that angel—come from? Where did
that impulse of grace, that insight originate?
Cover: Angel study (pencil on tracing What do the critters in the woods do when no one’s watching? Mr. John
paper, c. 1930) by Brother Clement In raising these questions and calling it the second naïveté, Dr. Ricoeur
Geissler shares the antics and adventures of wildlife in the Saint John’s Abbey
Frischauf, O.S.B.
Arboretum captured by motion-activated trail cameras. We also review was being neither dismissive nor ironic in naming it so. Rather, he
Photo: Alan Reed, O.S.B. award-winning publications of Liturgical Press, reflect on the law of love, was trying to describe the faith of a seasoned person, someone who
listen to a Christmas pageant that ends with a twist, and more. has been raised in the tradition and formed by religious language, and
how that language and tradition are repositioned in relationship to
The staff of Abbey Banner joins Abbot John and the monastic community in
contemporary experience.
offering prayers and best wishes for a joyous Christmas season and a healthy
new year. Peace!
Brother Robin Pierzina, O.S.B. At this point in my life, do I believe in angels? Absolutely!
Nickolas Kleespie, O.S.B. in such trust, Mary became the ultimate disciple,
the essence of what it means to follow Jesus. She
E
very once in a while, is the one who surrendered her ego and fears, A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace
within those big stacks of opening her heart to the fullness of divine grace
Every aspect of social, political, and
Christmas cards that so and peace. Her work was not complete in giving
economic life achieves its fullest end when
many of us receive, one card birth to Jesus nor even in the raising of her son.
placed at the service of the common good
stands out because it includes Mary is a witness and exemplar of the meaning of
(§6). May we never yield to the temptation
a great image, a personal note, raising up the lowly and bringing about peace.
to disregard others, especially those in
or a big family update. Rarely,
greatest need, and to look the other way;
however, does the inscription In his address for the 54th World Day of Peace
instead, may we strive daily, in concrete
stand out. But that was not the (1 January 2021), Pope Francis described the
and practical ways, “to form a community
case for me this past Christmas. encounter with the incarnation and its movement
composed of brothers and sisters who
I received a card whose text was toward action as a “Culture of Care.” He wrote:
accept and care for one another” (§9).
a poem by Dr. Howard Thurman “The culture of care thus calls for a common,
Francis, Bishop of Rome
(1899–1981), an American supportive, and inclusive commitment to protect-
author, theologian, civil rights ing and promoting the dignity and good of all, a
leader, and mentor to Dr. Martin willingness to show care and compassion, to work
Luther King Jr. Dr. Thurman’s for reconciliation and healing, and to advance
words capture the real meaning mutual respect and acceptance. As such, it repre-
of Christmas as well as the sents a privileged path to peace. ‘In many parts of
challenge that the incarnation the world, there is a need for paths of peace to
of Jesus presents to all men and heal open wounds. There is also a need for peace-
women of good will. He writes: makers, men and women prepared to work boldly
and creatively to initiate processes of healing and
renewed encounter’” (§9).
When the song of the
angels is stilled, The work of Christmas has indeed just begun.
when the star in the sky Throughout this Christmas season, may we be
is gone, reminded of the actions of the shepherds and
when the kings and princes the example of Mary who guide us today in
are home, establishing a culture of care. Following their
when the shepherds are example, may we go forth in the days and years
back with their flocks, ahead to glorify and praise God as we bring peace
the work of Christmas among people and make music in the heart.
begins: The shepherds in Luke’s Gospel (2:16–20) arrive in haste to find Mary
to find the lost, and Joseph caring for the infant Jesus in the manger. Almost as quickly, Father Nickolas Kleespie, O.S.B., is a faculty resident
to heal the broken, and chaplain at Saint John’s University.
the shepherds departed, glorifying and praising God. What does it
to feed the hungry, mean to have encountered the incarnation—the Word made flesh—
to release the prisoner, and then to leave glorifying and praising God? Dr. Thurman’s poem
to rebuild nations, provides the answer, and it is precisely what we need to do throughout The poem, “The Work of Christmas,” is excerpted from
to bring peace among the Christmas season and every day of our lives: to find the lost, to The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations by
people, heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild Howard Thurman and used with permission of Friends
to make music in the heart. nations, to bring peace among people, to make music in the heart. United Press [https://bookstore.friendsunitedmeeting.
org]. All rights reserved.
Mary shows us the beauty of receiving the Word of God into our lives
and how to trust in our participation in the Word made flesh. Abiding All artwork: Franck Kacmarcik, Obl.S.B.
T
his past spring, I lifted an parents and a national education
uneasy finger and then let system that is too expensive for
it fall decisively onto my many kids to attend even pri-
computer mouse. That nerve- mary school. Yet he perseveres
wracking click delivered an email in his work, pointing to eight
to the Mayo Clinic Alix School pictures of young men and
of Medicine confirming my women, donned in caps and
deferral of matriculation in favor gowns—each is a college gradu-
of a year of service in Kenya ate who came to the center
with the Benedictine Volunteer years ago. Like a proud parent
Corps (BVC). My decision to boasting of the accomplishments
delay medical school for a year of his children, he beams as
was difficult to make—and even he explains that the success of
more so to justify. As I struggled a few kids makes the struggle
to provide explanations to my worthwhile.
loved ones and to my own Mathare slum, Nairobi BVC archives
many people spend their lives assist in the laboratory, the hike many of the tallest peaks in huffing the jet fuel that dulled
building their résumé, but the injection room, and the child- the country. I even have a stand- the pain of his difficult life. He slum and home for many young During my brief service in
wiser ones spend their lives welfare clinic. We teach science ing offer to travel to a rural was blacklisted from rehabili- street kids, I encountered a boy Kenya, I have gained a lifetime
crafting their eulogy. A morbid and math to children at St. village to slaughter a ram! tation centers due to his propen- named Yosef. Tugging my arm, of experiences and insight. I
thought? Perhaps. But in light Benedict’s Primary School. We sity for relapsing. Only after the he pointed to a slab of concrete have learned that the stories I
of Saint Benedict’s exhortation regularly walk deep into the Each day in Nairobi brings Alfajiri program offered him the beneath a porous tin roof and love the most will never be my
to keep death daily before our Mathare slum to Saint Benedict’s experiences that I will treasure grace and patience required for whispered nalala hapo: that is own. Listening to others has
eyes (RB 4.47), we would do Children Centre (affectionately for the rest of my life. I’ve found his rehabilitation was he able to where I sleep. He spoke no deepened my knowledge and
well to ensure that our parting known as Madodo, in honor of that the most impactful stories keep himself sober and excel in English, and my Swahili skills wisdom more than any personal
paragraph be rich with good the signature lunch of cooked come not from my mouth but school. He spoke with a firm are a work in progress. But I adventure. I’m grateful for my
stories. With this in mind, I beans), where we prepare kids from the people all around me. sense of peace and gratitude, observed what words could not education here and for the Bene-
joined the BVC in Kenya, hop- for entry into the Kenyan educa- I’ve had to teach myself not to never expressing anger about the express. The scars on his young dictine Volunteer Corps that has
ing to return with a lifetime of tion system for which they cur- get caught up in my own journey hand that he had been dealt in face confirm his past difficulties, taught me to incline the ear of
experiences to share. rently lack the resources or in Kenya and thus fail to listen his young life. while his unwavering smile my heart (RB Prol.1) so that I
support. We work with Alfajiri, to the incredible people here. I speaks of hope in a brighter may say: Vincent. Rafiki. Yosef.
In only a few weeks, I have a rehabilitation center that uses have learned that simply sitting Perhaps the most powerful con- future. Skipping and dancing Mnasikika. You are heard.
amassed a multitude of stories— art, dance, karate, and other and listening provide more versation I’ve had was expressed through the littered dirt roads,
Mr. Matthew Gish, a biochemistry
some humorous, some humbling, creative outlets to guide street precious memories than days in just two words. While walk- he silently reveals: “I have a joy major from Bemidji, Minnesota,
some inspiring, and many children toward brighter futures. on Mount Kenya. I listened, ing through Mlango Kubwa, a that the slum cannot steal.” is a 2022 graduate of Saint John’s
embarrassing—thanks to the And because the BVC experience for example, to a social worker particularly unruly section of the University.
Martin F. Connell her. Between the two faces is image of the Holy Spirit darts
Gabriel’s dark brown hand, with toward Mary’s head as birds Find the brightness of God’s
N
ot unlike the splotches of animating colors; in flight in the top right corner. glory not just in the past but
message of Advent below it, Mary’s light brown God the Father appears along in each new day.
and Christmas, hand, similarly splotched. The the left edge, a splash of colors
Corita Kent’s screen print Blessed Mother-to-be is in the through a figure with arms
Fiat at first perplexes traditional, if inventive blue, not extended—the giver of the gift
before sharing its promises the celestial blue so common in of Christ, with the guarantee of Advent. For Christians, Mary’s
of brightness to come. nineteenth- and early twentieth- salvation by the incarnation of fiat changed access to God’s life
century devotional art. Gabriel, Jesus Christ in her womb. among us, for the Word became
Corita Kent (1918–1986) Mary’s celestial companion, is flesh (John 1:14) and lives
and her art became widely depicted in bold red, apt for the Modestly scribed at the very among us. Mary’s assent—her
known in 1985 after the bearer of God’s light—the light bottom right is “Sister Mary fiat, her “let it be”—occasioned
U.S. Postal Service issued a bursting between the angel’s face Corita.” The baptized Frances the incarnation, God’s gift in the
20-cent Valentine’s LOVE and spindly digits. Elizabeth Kent received the name past to Mary and still God’s gift
stamp inspired by a bril- Mary Corita when, at age 18, continuing to the present, for the
liant rainbow mural she Barely discernible are God she entered religious life. She incarnation is revealed day by
had painted on a 158-foot the Holy Spirit, to the right of could hardly have imagined that day. Mother Mary’s eyes spark
tall liquified-natural-gas Mary, and God the Father, to her artwork would be pasted us to see Sister Mary Corita’s
storage tank in Boston. the left of Gabriel. The Gospel on American correspondence in brilliant reds, blacks, oranges,
Decades before such of Luke uniquely attributes to years to come! blues, pinks, whites, and yellows
notoriety, decades before Fiat by Coria Kent, 1953. © 2022 Estate of Corita Kent/ Immaculate Heart Community/
Hill Museum & Manuscript Library
the Holy Spirit God’s gift of the as she did.
she would be called “the Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Used with permission. incarnation: “The Holy Spirit Before creating Fiat in 1953—as
Pop Art nun,” she had will come upon you, and the a Catholic school girl as well This Advent, this Christmas,
[In Fiat] I have tried to show the unison of love, faith, and hope by a dis-
been exercising her crea- power of the Most High will as during the decades of her and throughout the new year,
tribution of their three colors, red, blue, and green; shocking the entire
tivity as an artist and a overshadow you” (1:35). The religious life—she would have our Church and society need
combination with something of the excitement this moment of history
teacher of art at Immacu- routinely heard the biblical brightness. We can help realize
carries with it. Corita Kent
late Heart College, Los readings proclaimed and prayed God’s incarnate gift by greeting
Angeles. She was a mem- in Latin. She would have heard people who suffered during
ber of the Sisters of the (a fair man), and who, on hear- Corita Kent’s Fiat, the splay the eventual assent of the virgin, the pandemic, by chatting
Immaculate Heart, 1936–1968. ing that his betrothed was preg- of colors complementing the Fiat mihi secundum verbum with neighbors whose political
nant, but not by him—vóluit expectant parents hearing of tuum—“Let it be done with me views differ from our own, or
The title Fiat is taken from the occúlte dimíttere eam—“wanted the arresting—and so far, not according to your word” (Luke by asking those who worship
infancy narrative of the Gospel to dismiss/divorce her quietly” good—news of pregnancy by 1:38). Corita extracted the in other churches what Bible
of Luke—formerly proclaimed in (Matthew 1:19). Luke’s Mary divine favor. The characters Latin fiat to capture the saving passages were proclaimed or
Latin. There, the angel Gabriel and Matthew’s Joseph responded of the artwork are discernible moment in the life of the world. what their pastor preached
delivers to Mary the news that to the angels’ messages not with by starting with faces and For Joseph’s part, we hear that about. Mary’s fiat and Corita’s
she would have a son and name an immediate “thumbs-up” but hands. At top center right, he did as the angel of the Lord depiction of Gabriel’s annun-
him Jesus (1:31). Mary’s initial rather with words of confusion Mary’s face—under her crown commanded him; he took Mary ciation to Mary nudge us to find
response was not one of eager and concern. as queen of heaven—comes as his wife (Matthew 1:24). the brightness of God’s glory not
acceptance but rather perplexity: forth. At top center left, the just in the past but in each new
Quomodo fiet istud—the virgin’s The Holy Family’s initial angel Gabriel’s face is visible. Luke’s Gospel of the annun- day. Fiat. Let it be.
query in Luke 1:34—“How deflection of God’s gift—Mary’s Both central figures have ciation to Mary is heard twice
is this possible?” So too with “Why me?” and Joseph’s long noses, with Mary’s eyes each year: on 25 March, the Dr. Martin F. Connell is professor of
Joseph whom the Gospel of “Can’t we keep this secret?”— open wide toward the viewers Solemnity of the Annunciation; theology at Saint John’s University.
Matthew describes as vir justus is confirmed in the mottle of and Gabriel’s eyes fixed on and on the Fourth Sunday of
F
or the last few years the are some of my favorite spots
land management staff has to explore for tracks in the
deployed motion-activated winter—especially because I
trail cameras in hopes of captur- can’t easily explore these areas
ing images of the more elusive any other time of the year. In the
and/or nocturnal critters that winter, they are almost always
inhabit the Saint John’s Abbey loaded with tracks. Depending
Arboretum. The trail cameras on the depth of the snow, I will
are strapped to trees in strategic explore the territory with snow-
locations throughout the woods shoes, backcountry skis, or just
or wetlands. Then, after a few my boots on a quest to find and
weeks and with great anticipa- follow some of my favorite
tion, we collect the cameras and tracks. My most rewarding dis-
download the wildlife images. coveries include finding the slid-
A few of the more rewarding ing tracks of a group of otters
highlights of this effort include or the wing prints of a pouncing
pictures and sometimes close- raptor.
up videos of black bear, great
horned owls, flying squirrels, these photos. But this really a week before. When we exam- Whether we are checking trail
fisher, mink, ermine, and otters. happened! ined the photos, we found—to cameras or reading the stories
our great surprise—several of tracks left in the snow, it is
Sometimes there are curious We do, however, have photos to images showing a wolf carrying fun and enlightening to examine
twists to our recording efforts. prove another story—a story the discarded can to the trail the areas utilized by the many
For example, in one of our first that you really do have to see camera, dropping it there, and animals that we don’t typically
attempts to obtain otter photos, to believe. Many years ago, then looking closely at the see. Though somedays it is
we attached our camera to a when I was working in northern camera as if to say, “Here you difficult to leave a warm house
tree near the pond shoreline Minnesota, I was helping a go. Please take this litter out of and venture into the wintry
where we knew the otters liked wildlife researcher set up and here!” world, the rewards of such
to frequent. Unfortunately, the check several trail cameras. As I explorations are many. A
next night a beaver visited this approached one of the cameras, I Trail cameras are limited to treasured mentor of mine repeat-
same site and decided to cut was surprised to see an old beer detecting wildlife in a small edly said: “There is a new story
down the tree to which our trail can lying directly under the trail radius of wherever they are set out there every day. We just
camera was attached! Luckily camera—the can had not been up. A fresh blanket of snow, have to get out there to discover
the tree fell toward the land and there when I set up the camera however, allows the careful it.” I encourage all our readers
not into the water. The comical winter explorer to observe the “to get out there” and regularly
sequence of photos captured by To view activity on a beaver evidence of every critter that explore any nearby natural areas
the camera included a picture of lodge on Lake Sagatagan and walks, hops, bounds, or touches and see what stories can be
the beaver approaching the tree, other summer 2022 scenes, down anywhere on the local discovered.
followed by blurry images as the visit this video compilation snowy landscape. After the first
tree (with camera) fell, and edited by Mr. Kyle Rauch: few snowfalls, I enjoy watching Mr. John Geissler is the land man-
finally an extremely close-up for the small bulldozer trails ager of Saint John’s Abbey and
picture of the ground! Unfortu- https://www.youtube.com/ of the shrew or the common director of Saint John’s Outdoor
nately, I have somehow lost watch?v=sYzvHTB7asE hopping track of the deer mouse University.
that leaves a slight tail impres- Photos: Shy doe by Kyle Rauch. Wolf series by Bryn Evans. Fisher by Kyle Rauch.
Margaret Nuzzolese Conway God” (prayer), the ora et labora Our Core Business
rhythm animates all the other
M
Eric Hollas, O.S.B.
y introduction to Bene- values.
O
dictine spirituality was ne can hardly fault Saint
through a Jesuit! Before This way of being is grounding Benedict for his focus on
moving from Massachusetts to for me. It brings me peace and the interior life. After Prefer nothing whatever
Collegeville six years ago, I was stability, focus and assurance, all, personal and community to Christ.
steeped in the Ignatian world— amid a hectic life. While I often dynamics were Benedict’s major Rule 4.21; 72.11
and have been trying to under- lament not being able to attend preoccupations. But what about
stand what “Benedictine” all the liturgical services with the world on the other side of
means ever since. Learning of the monastic community, I am the monastic gate? Was it of no
my upcoming move, this dear aware that my attention to my concern to him at all?
Jesuit brought me to the nearest kids during these hours is my
Benedict did not ignore the out-
monastery for Evening Prayer own prayer in between the work
side world, nor was he oblivious
and gifted me my first copy of I love at campus ministry.
to the existence of values very
the Rule of Benedict, adding:
different from the ones he hoped
“It’s a little intense on the Have I converted? Tough to
to nurture in the monastery. He
discipline (very Jesuit), but this say. But remembering that first
alluded to the purchase and sale
will help you understand the prayer experience in Massachu-
of goods, for example. He antici-
spirit.” setts—that I found to be slow
pated that monks would go on
and tedious—I now find to be
journeys and that guests would
During my first year here, I asked life-giving.
always come calling. The quality Aidan Putnam
A
ttitudes toward angels are olic Church and, as such, are part
rarely neutral. Some find of its doctrine. (See the Catechism
them intriguing—per- of the Catholic Church, §328–
sonal, invisible, and powerful 336.) By the fourth and fifth
forces to be reckoned with in our centuries, nine ranks or choirs of
modern world—even displaying angels—the angelic hierarchy—
angel facsimiles as part of their were recognized by the Fathers of
bodily adornment. For others, the Church and elucidated by the
they are simply products of an mysterious Neoplatonic figure of
overactive imagination—fanciful Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite
beings, the trappings of children, in his Celestial Hierarchy. These
not to be taken seriously. ranks were derived from Scripture.
Gregory the Great outlines them in
Angels and their kin have been his Homily 34, and they are also
around for a long time. Nine- affirmed by Saint Augustine: sera-
teenth-century anthropologist phim, cherubim, thrones, domin-
Sir Edward Tylor considered a ions, powers, virtues, principalities,
belief in spirit beings (animism) archangels, and angels.
the earliest form of religion in
the genus Homo, perhaps going As messengers, angels are God’s
back hundreds of thousands of communicators; they fulfill God’s
years. Angels fit this category as assignments. They derive their
incorporeal creatures—created agency from God. Within the
by divine beings or force—with Shakko/Wikimedia Commons Shakko/Wikimedia Commons Christian tradition, only arch-
unique personal characteristics, Archangel Michael, eleventh-century mosaic in Monastery of Hosios Lukas, Greece Archangel Gabriel, eleventh-century mosaic in Monastery of Hosios Lukas, Greece angels, that is, those who figure
some of whom are even named. prominently in Scripture as signif-
They are generally coupled with creation, prophecy, spiritual life, from Judaism, and angels also wings (“cupids”). In the Jewish human creatures, though, angels icant messengers with important
theistic traditions. Their very death, resurrection, and the figure prominently in Jewish and Christian Scriptures, angels have been gifted with immor- missives, are given names.
definition, as heralds, derives workings of natural elements.” folklore. are most often anthropomor- tality and do not die. In his
from their association with a It was the archangel Gabriel phically depicted as young men. Homily 34, Benedictine Pope Michael: “Who is like God” (Daniel
belief in God or gods who send (Jibrīl) who revealed the Qur’an Unlike the human creation This makes them easier for mere Saint Gregory the Great empha- 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9; Revelation
and charge them. This narrows to the Prophet Muhammad and accounts in Genesis 1–2, the mortals to single out, recognize, 12:7-9)
sized that angels are defined by
their niche in the universe of acted as his guide during the creation of angels was in heaven, and relate to. Remember the their function and not by their Gabriel: “Strength of God” (Daniel
spirit beings. Their ability to journey from Mecca to Jeru- although it is otherwise shrouded three angels disguised as men nature. Most of them are God’s 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26)
act, most often as messengers, is salem to heaven on the Night of in mystery. As purely spiritual who came to visit Abraham in messengers and are recognized
always divinely directed. the Ascension, Al-Mi`raj. Adher- creatures, angels lack gender; the desert (Genesis 18:2). as such both in Jewish and Raphael: “Medicine of God” (Book
ents of the (non-Abrahamic) they are neither male nor female. Christian traditions. of Tobit)
Angels are associated with all Zoroastrian faith name arch- They do not eat, enjoy sensory In the Judeo–Christian tradition,
the monotheistic Abrahamic angels (“beneficent immortals”), perception (according to Saint angels take on a set of even more In formal academic terms, angel- One can uncover many activities
traditions. According to “Angels guardian angels, and a long list Thomas Aquinas), or reproduce. specific attributes. As created by ology is a section of systematic of angels by searching the Scrip-
in Islam: Creatures of Light” of angels (“adorable ones”) However, in artistic renderings God (creatures) and thus sepa- theology. Angels in the Christian tures. Although the specific scrip-
(IslamOnline), the Qur’an among those whom they honor of the Renaissance and Baroque, rate from the Godhead, angels tradition, derived from Judaism, tural references are too numerous
“speaks of angels as playing a and praise. Christianity inher- the cherubim especially were possess intelligence, will, and became uniquely interwoven into to cite here, we learn that angels
crucial role in processes like ited many of the angelic types depicted as chubby infants with moral agency. Unlike mortal the scriptural account of salva- perform the following functions:
Tara Durheim the mystery of Jesus himself. The book for those new to lectio using deeply personal accounts
parables have been told and divina or praying with the Bible. of family, career, addiction,
A
s we settle into the retold, but this exploration from alienation, romance, aging, and
winter season, the Professor Lohfink helps us to Finally, those lacking the time loss—to show readers how to
long hours of cold look at them as a whole, uncov- to dig deep—but who need to find grace and God’s loving
and darkness (at least that’s ering their deeper meaning. hear that God’s grace can be presence in the everyday.
the case in Minnesota!) are found in the ordinary and not-
an ideal time for deeper For fans of Thomas Merton, so-ordinary struggles of daily May your winter reading warm
reflection in the company the latest book from Gregory life—will want to spend some your soul and bring light to your
of award-winning monas- K. Hillis would be an ideal time with award-winning story- spiritual journey!
tic and spirituality writers. choice for the winter reading teller Valerie Schultz. In her
Those craving contempla- list. Some have questioned new book, A Hill of Beans: The Ms. Tara Durheim is marketing
tive, prayerful reading (in Thomas Merton’s Catholic Grace of Everyday Troubles, Ms. director at Liturgical Press.
any season), need look no identity because of his strong Schultz addresses hard questions
further than this list of commitment to ecumenical with humor and humility—
recent publications from and interreligious dialogue.
Liturgical Press. In Man of Dialogue: Thomas
Abbey archives
Merton’s Catholic Vision, Dr.
Our journey of recom- Hillis explores Merton’s life
mended reads begins somewhat will also delight in learning about Copeland and Laurie Cassidy and thought and shows how Liturgical Press Books
off the beaten path with the Saint Mary of Egypt in Bonnie B. aim to introduce Sister he was both formed and
spiritual writings of a seventh- Thurston’s new book, Saint Mary Constance to a wider audience informed by his deep Catholic Diving for Pearls: Exploring the Depths of Prayer with Isaac the Syrian
century saint—a sage little of Egypt: A Modern Verse Life of people who seek to strengthen faith. In addition to being a by Andrew D. Mayes. Pages, 184. Cistercian Publications 2021.
known to those outside the and Interpretation. Professor themselves on their spiritual substantial introduction to
Eastern Church. In Diving for Thurston’s lively poetry about journey. This book is both Thomas Merton’s life, this book Saint Mary of Egypt: A Modern Verse Life and Interpretation by
Pearls: Exploring the Depths of “the third Mary” shares her story, thought-provoking and hopeful. confirms why his writings on Bonnie B. Thurston. Pages, 136. Cistercian Publications 2021.
Prayer with Isaac the Syrian— one of redemption, as it shows In a review, Paul Lakeland, topics such as Eucharist, prayer,
the power of God’s mercy and professor at Fairfield University, Desire, Darkness, and Hope: Theology in a Time of Impasse edited by
which received the first-place and peace are still so influential
Laurie Cassidy and M. Shawn Copeland. Pages, 480. Liturgical Press
award in mysticism from the love for all of us. This “verse life” asserts: “[this book] reveals how today. 2021.
Catholic Media Association— is accompanied by the author’s prayerful theology needs to be if
author Andrew D. Mayes intro- scholarly prose that helps readers it is to help lead us beyond the For those who are eager to spend The Forty Parables of Jesus by Gerhard Lohfink, translated by Linda
duces us to Saint Isaac’s wisdom further explore Saint Mary’s life many impasses of our times.” more time reflecting on the M. Maloney. Pages, 272. Liturgical Press 2021.
and insights. Isaac’s writings and its theological and spiritual Sunday readings—whether on
will inspire teachers and spiritual implications. Gerhard Lohfink is a German their own or as part of group— Man of Dialogue: Thomas Merton’s Catholic Vision by Gregory K.
directors as it provides material author who has built quite a but are not sure where to start, Hillis. Pages, 320. Liturgical Press 2021.
ideal for quiet retreat days. Rev. Those troubled by the issues of following in the United States. consider Ponder: Contemplative
Mayes also shares reflection the day will not want to miss In The Forty Parables of Jesus Bible Study for Year A by Mahri Ponder: Contemplative Bible Study for Year A by Mahri Leonard-
Desire, Darkness, and Hope: (honored with the first-place Fleckman. Pages, 336. Little Rock Scripture Study 2022.
questions and prayer exercises, Leonard-Fleckman. The author
so readers can be ready to cele- Theology in a Time of Impasse award in Scripture, academic provides readers with everything A Hill of Beans: The Grace of Everyday Troubles by Valerie Schultz.
brate God’s all-encompassing and the work of Carmelite theo- studies, by the Catholic Media needed for an enriching experi- Pages, 152. Give Us This Day 2022.
love and delve more deeply into logian Constance FitzGerald. Association), the author takes ence of lectio divina and biblical
prayer with Isaac the Syrian. The contributors to this book a closer look at each of the par- exploration, including the text To learn more or to order any of these books, visit litpress.org;
apply several of Sister Constance’s ables, identifying the context of the Sunday readings, commen- or call 1.800.858.5450.
Going further back in time but articles to issues such as systemic around the original messages and tary, reflection points, and guided
continuing to engage the riches racism and the COVID-19 pan- situations, and then reflecting on instruction—all of which make
of the Eastern Church, readers demic, as editors M. Shawn what these stories tell us about this an especially rewarding
Eric Pohlman, O.S.B. The city widened his options, be at Saint Joseph’s Church at (Germany) and
and young Wimmer was tempted “Hart’s Sleeping Place,” a log Solesmes (France).
He ploughed the fields to study law instead, and then structure erected by pioneers Some looked to the
and scattered the good seed almost abandoned his studies in 1830. It lay just a few Cistercians of the
on the land. altogether to join the Greek miles from the newly-platted Primitive Observ-
army! But after twice failing to settlement of Carrolltown, ance, and Boniface
T
hree years ago, I joined a meet up with the recruiters, a Pennsylvania—named for the allowed them to
confrere on his family visit timely scholarship notification first American bishop, John try out this austere
to Texas. Our touring kept him on his original trajec- Carroll of Baltimore. It was form of monasticism
included the marvelous missions tory. a disappointment to Father at Gethsemani,
in San Antonio. At Mission San Lemke that Boniface found Kentucky. Not
José, our jaws dropped when He was ordained a priest in the site wanting and instead infrequently the
the guide shared that red-brick 1831 and a year later joined the accepted Pittsburgh Bishop “Trappist cure”
repairs in several of the stone refounded Benedictine abbey at Michael O’Connor’s offer of the worked, and the
Wikimedia Commons
arches dated to the Civil War Metten, making his solemn pro- Ludwig I, King of Bavaria “Sportsman’s Hall” parish near monks in question
era, “when the mission was in fession immediately after his Latrobe, already with a decade- returned to Saint
the care of Benedictine monks novitiate year in 1833. His missionary priest Prince Deme- old brick church named for Saint Vincent, chastened
from Pennsylvania.” That would monastic name, “Boniface,” trius Gallitzin, gave Father Boni- Vincent de Paul. and cooperative.
be the same group of monks who though simply in honor of a face vocational clarity: he would
founded Saint John’s! We had diocesan priest, became most lead a mission to America. It is an understatement to say Boniface Wimmer’s
traveled 1,142 miles from our fitting as Saint Boniface had that not everyone shared Father insistence on mis-
cloister in the North Star State been a monk-missionary to the Convincing his superiors took Boniface’s clarity of vision of sion flowed from
to the Lone Star State, and still Germanic peoples a millennium some time. He also needed to establishing centers of German his understanding Abbey archives
we could not escape the legacy earlier. For a dozen years Father win the support of King Ludwig, culture and seminary education of the historical Boniface Wimmer, undated
of Boniface Wimmer! Saint Boniface was caught up in whose mission society would to supply German-speaking moment: “America is
John’s and the entire American– regional issues but then learned finance the endeavor. He even priests. He clashed with Bishop the turning point in the history ence with Pope Pius IX. The
Cassinese Congregation owe of the plight of German-speaking resorted to anonymously pub- O’Connor when the latter of the world,” he asserted. “[T]o Saint Vincent community was
their existence to the determina- Catholics in America. A pivotal lishing a manifesto, his “Charter wished him to accept English- create an attachment to religion given abbey status, the first inde-
tion of this formidable nine- meeting with Father Peter Henry of American Benedictines,” to speaking diocesan seminarians is more necessary here than any- pendent house in the new
teenth-century prelate. (What Lemke, successor in western drum up support. Such was his and when the bishop, a propo- where else because we have American–Cassinese Congre-
follows, including all quotations, Pennsylvania to the legendary determination that he once nent of temperance, objected to absolute liberty as regards reli- gation. Boniface was appointed
was gleaned from An American declared that if he could not go his investing in a brewery. His gion itself, its practice and the abbot of the former and presi-
Abbot by Jerome Oetgen [Wash- as a Benedictine, “I will go in tragic disagreements with the persons who take part in such dent of the latter. In lieu of the
ington: The Catholic University another habit.” That was not Benedictine sisters, particularly devotions.” Yet, “Because I am customary abbatial blessing from
of America Press, 1997].) Forward, always forward, necessary as permission was Mother Benedicta Riepp an American, I can do as I a bishop, he received a pectoral
everywhere forward! We granted in February 1846. (founder of the Sisters of the please without waiting for the cross and ring personally from
Sebastian Wimmer was born in must not be held back by Father Boniface left in July, not Order of Saint Benedict in the permission of a royal minister, the pontiff. He returned to
1809 in Thalmässing, Bavaria, debts, bad years, or by with other seasoned monks, but U.S.), are referenced to this day. or the president. I am sure of Latrobe, now with a mandate for
on a European continent recover- difficulties of the times. with eighteen untried candidates. Finally, segments of his own success, if I undertake something expansion.
ing from Napoleonic wars and Man’s adversity is God’s The long ocean crossing at least community often worked against good and use common sense.”
the concurrent secularization of opportunity. gave him time to school them in him, the would-be reformers Wasting no time, Abbot Boniface
many religious institutions. the basics of the Benedictine advocating for less missionary Five times he was obliged to wrote to several bishops inter-
Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B.
After success in Latin school and charism and customs. activity and more attention to return to Europe to advocate ested in receiving his mission-
a year of seminary at Regens- ascetic, liturgical, and spiritual for his enterprise. The second aries. The community decided
burg, he enrolled at the Univer- Father Lemke planned for Father practices, after the example of journey, in 1855, included his to commit to the first reply.
sity of Munich to study theology. Boniface’s new monastery to the Benedictines of Beuron first trip to Rome and an audi- Despite his letter having to come
the farthest, the honor went to as providential. Recognizing the American–Cassinese general David Klingeman, O.S.B. On 17 March 1867,
Bishop Joseph Crétin of Saint needs of German settlers there, chapter of 1881 included a sur- the Holy See changed
I
Paul in the Minnesota Territory. Abbot Boniface begrudgingly prise celebration marking the n Worship and Work, the name of the
A five-member founding party agreed to send monks, the foun- abbot’s fifty years of priestly the centenary history of establishment from
settled in what is now Saint dation of what would become, ordination. Two years later Saint John’s Abbey, Father “Priory of St. Cloud”
Cloud in May 1856. From this after many missteps, Saint came his golden jubilee of Colman Barry, O.S.B., notes that to that of “Abbey of St.
seed would grow Saint John’s Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison. monastic profession. When he the chapel of the monastery Louis”—in gratitude
Abbey. learned of plans to fête him established on the banks of for the patronage of
More foundations would follow. again, he tried to have the event the Mississippi River near former King Louis
Meanwhile, Father Lemke, who Some, like the Texas priory, cancelled. A protégé, Abbot Saint Cloud was finished and of Bavaria—and
had joined the Saint Vincent would fold. But eight current Innocent Wolf of Kansas, pushed dedicated on the feast of Saint authorized the addition
community in 1851, bristled at American–Cassinese abbeys trace back: “We must celebrate this John the Baptist, 24 June 1856. of the words “on the
his junior status where he once their origins to the Wimmer era. jubilee, and you must not be a Aware that Saint Benedict Lake” because it is near
pastored absolutely at the After the Civil War, the South kill-joy. . . . We owe you and had dedicated his first chapel a lake. Henceforth,
Carrolltown priory. (Abbot was a focus area; Abbot Boniface your work such an honor.” at Montecassino to John the says Father Alexius,
Boniface considered most every was determined to minister Accolades from Rome followed: Baptist, “the monks decided to “the official name of
parish his monks staffed a especially to the freed slaves. the title “archabbot” and the name their little house of prayer the institution was to
“priory” or potential abbey.) Complaints of a young monk privilege to wear the cappa after Saint John, patron of the be the ‘Abbey of St.
Without permission, Father assigned to this work in Georgia magna. His reaction was mixed: missions.” The monastery never Louis on the Lake, near
Lemke fled for Kansas! Yet with reached the abbot’s ears, whose “All this is very nice and well- completely lost this name, even St. Cloud.’” (The name
hindsight, this too would be seen reply was swift: “[The Negroes] meant. But it does not help me though the foundation received for the college, “St.
are also people get to heaven, and I could easily several titles as it changed lo- John’s,” was retained
and God’s chil- get a few years in purgatory for cations. since it had been
dren, and Christ it. I did not know whether to chartered under that
has also died laugh or to weep, so I did According to Father Alexius Gloria Hardy
name by the Minnesota
for them. There neither. I just let them do with Hoffmann, O.S.B. (History of Saint John’s Abbey coat of arms in the crypt ceiling Territorial Legislature,
fore, under pain me what they wanted to do. Saint John’s Abbey, 1931), Abbot of Montecassino, Italy 6 March 1857.)
of mortal sin, you Now I want to start all over Boniface Wimmer wished to
must love them again trying to be a good monk.” call the new foundation “St. 1864 and 1865, and simply as Abbot Alexius Edelbrock was
as you love your- Louis,” but the monks preferred ‘Independent Priory’ until the upset “that he presided over an
self. That means A kidney ailment slowly took his St. John’s. “It is known as monastery became an abbey in institution bearing two names—
to pray for them health and then his life. Boniface the ‘Convent of the Order of 1866.” St. John’s College and Abbey
and work for Wimmer died at Saint Vincent on St. Benedict, St. Claud’ in the of St. Louis on the Lake.” In
their conversion 8 December 1887, age 78. At Catholic Almanac for 1858; as The acts of the chapter held 1880, on a trip to Rome, Abbot
as much as you Saint John’s he is memorialized the ‘Priorate of St. Cloud’ in at Saint Vincent Abbey in Alexius and Father Peter Engel
can; otherwise with Wimmer Hall, attached to that for 1859; as ‘St. Cloud’s Pennsylvania in September secured authorization to change
you yourself have the quadrangle, and Wimmer Independent Priory’ in that for 1858 mention “St. Louis” as the name from “St. Louis on the
a black heart, Pond, beside the restored prairie. titular saint for the monastery in Lake”to ‘St. John the Baptist.’”
although your Minnesota. But, asserts Father The 1881 Catholic Directory
face is white, and What’s in a name? That which Alexius, “St. John the Baptist states: “St. John’s Abbey
you are no child Brother Eric Pohlman, O.S.B., serves we call a rose was the preference of the Fathers (formerly ‘Abbey of St. Louis on
of God.” as the abbot’s secretary at Saint By any other word would smell in the West, and they clung to the Lake’),” ending twenty-five
John’s Abbey. as sweet. the name. As late as November years of name changes.
Successes and William Shakespeare, 1861 the acts of the local chapter
Saint Vincent Archabbey
Romeo and Juliet
disappointments are drawn up at ‘Saint John’s Brother David Klingeman, O.S.B., is
Painting of Boniface Wimmer, c. 1890, artist unknown the abbey archivist.
continued. The near Saint Cloud.’”
John Meoska, O.S.B. sterling banknote from his as kids, or because their parents
pocket and gave it to the man. did not have a summer home
J
esus, speaking to his disci- The homeless man was filled Hatred paralyzes life; on the lake. We get that way
ples, says that he has come, with gratitude. But then the love releases it. because anger, fear, resentment,
not to abolish the Law or student took it back, lit it on fire or indifference have taken root
Hatred confuses life;
the Prophets, but to fulfill them. with his cigarette lighter, and in our hearts.
He then sets about to tease out said: “How’s that for change? I love harmonizes it.
the deeper implications of the changed it into flames.” That Hatred darkens life; The ancient monastics taught
Mosaic Law, using the now student did not kill anybody, love illuminates it. the importance of nepsis—the
familiar teachings: “You have nor for that matter, do anything constant examination of our
Martin Luther King Jr.
heard that it was said to your illegal. But his action was an thoughts—because thoughts
Strength to Love
ancestors, . . . . But I say to you, assault on human dignity. become attitudes, and attitudes
. . . .” (Matthew 5:21-22). Using become words and actions.
this pedagogical technique, Jesus You have heard that it was said, Thoughts matter. To paraphrase
teaches that God’s ways are . . . . But I say to you, . . . . Saint Paul: If we are thinking
different than the ways of the word; and nobody is shot with a like God, we will never again
world. word who is not first shot with crucify the Lord of glory in the
If Jesus were teaching us today, a thought. The deliberate taking person of a brother or sister
It probably came as a surprise I can imagine him saying to us: of another person’s life is wrong, (1 Corinthians 2:7-8). If we
to many of Jesus’ audience that You have heard the American of course; and we would never want to change the world,
the familiar, divine command, laws and constitution. Everyone do so. We would never shoot change the tenor of our political
“You shall not kill,” would now is guaranteed the right to free someone with a bullet. But do discourse, and return civility and
include such socially normal speech. But I say to you: Do not we take the same moral high charity to our public life, we
and common behaviors as anger misuse free speech by neglecting ground when it comes to what must begin by asking the right
toward a brother or sister, or the attendant demands of charity we say and do? We Americans question. And the right question
calling another person a fool and responsibility. Do not shout like to claim that we are a is not: When are you (or they)
or empty-headed—which is the racial, ethnic, or sexist slurs and Christian country, and we like to going to change? The right
translation of the word, Raqa. epithets at others, or you will claim that we are Christian in question is: When am I going to
Jesus puts his listeners and us on be liable to judgment. Do not our welcome and outreach to change—first my thoughts, then
notice: what was once normal is intimidate or frighten others by others. Is that true? Or do our my words, then my ways of
no longer acceptable. Further, the graffiti you write on the walls words, actions, and attitudes tell acting?
Jesus attaches the same levels of of synagogues or mosques, by another story?
liability to the seemingly lesser the slogans you chant on buses, Civil laws provide some guid-
sins of anger and name-calling or by the flags you wave in eth- You have heard that it was said, ance, and so do the laws of the
that he does to the obviously Alan Reed, O.S.B. nic neighborhoods, or you will . . . . But I say to you, . . . . Church. Laws and the rule of
greater sin of killing. Each trans- be liable to judgment. Do not law are important; they never go
gression leaves the offender gift at the altar, go first and be a pervasive and steady decline demean others by the memes, Nobody is shot with a word who far enough, however. The law
liable to judgment and the fires reconciled, and then come and in civility, decency, and charity comments, and cartoons you is not first shot with a thought. of love compels us to go further
of Gehenna. offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23- occurring across our society post on Facebook, Twitter, and Father Nouwen’s observation and demands more!
24). The integrity of our offering and around the world. A few Instagram, or you will be liable invites us to reflect on the inner
But Jesus also presents us with and worship is directly related to years ago, for example, a college to judgment. thoughts and attitudes from You have heard that it was said,
an opening. “Therefore,” he the integrity of our relationship student in England was asked which spring our words and . . . . But I say to you, . . . .
says, “if you bring your gift to with others. by an unemployed, homeless The author and theologian actions. Those who say or write
the altar, and there recall that man on the street if he could Father Henri Nouwen once said something that is hurtful and Father John Meoska, O.S.B., is a
your brother or sister has any- How does Jesus’ message relate please spare some change. The that nobody is shot with a bullet hateful do not get that way woodworker and a faculty resident
thing against you, leave your to us today? There seems to be student removed a 20-pound who is not first shot with a because they drank Grade B milk at Saint John’s University.
In 1967, while working at Saint for the next two years worked For more than fifty years, Rene the Minnesota Twins, and Emily
Michael Indian Mission in North in the American Indian Culture was a revered teacher and faculty Dickinson. For him, the heaven-
Dakota, Father Bernardine put Research Center at Blue Cloud resident at the university. He ly banquet need have only one
his creative, hands-on skills to Abbey. Upon his return to punctuated his academic career item on the menu: potatoes
good use, helping to construct Guatemala, he resumed his with sabbaticals at the New (pronounced botatoes), drown-
a TV translator and 300-foot efforts at evangelization with School for Social Research in ing in butter. He was a man of
tower so that Indigenous peoples an even stronger focus on New York City, at the Program integrity with a strong moral
could have television. Four community building, adapting for Non-Violent Sanctions at compass. He excelled at Irish
years later, “having learned,” a video on the life of Christ Harvard University, and at Ox- Catholic guilt. His homilies were
he said, “to listen and let others for people who had never seen ford University. It was during typically dark: every silver lining
help do what needs to be done,” television. His essential service these leaves that he cultivated his was surrounded by a cloud.
he traveled to Guatemala to was to share his own charism— unique philosophical approach
begin ministry at Blue Cloud’s wisdom, good humor, and to and justification for peace Like the prophets of the Old
foundation, Resurrection Priory appreciation of other people’s studies—a program he assisted Testament, he annoyed his
in Cobán, Alta Verapaz. He talents and needs—the fruit of a in creating for the undergraduate listeners as he vigorously pro-
did not know Spanish nor lifetime of care and concern for colleges in 1987. Among stu- moted social justice, peace, and
the native Q’eqchi’ language. others. dents, he had the reputation for concern for the poor. He chose
Nonetheless he proceeded to being excellent and demanding, protest and civil disobedience
build a shortwave radio station These same gifts were to make earning two teaching awards, over violence and war. He gave
Abbey archives
that broadcast news, music, and Bernardine warmly welcome
Abbey archives
in 1986 and 2007. His contri- up bacon and pursued a vege-
F
the Sunday celebration of the at Saint John’s Abbey in 2013 ather Rene McGraw, O.S.B., butions to the monastic com- tarian diet to support sustain-
T
he first of two children of Word in their native language to when he joined our community was born in Litchfield, munity were equally noteworthy. ability.
Alvin and Marian (Diegel) dozens of villages that had no following the closure of Blue Minnesota, on 19 June He served as formation director,
Ness, Father Bernardine Sunday Eucharist. Cloud Abbey. He continued 1935, the second oldest of five 1987–1993, was a confessor or After a serious fall in June 2021,
(Alvin John) Ness, O.S.B., was his service to local Latinx com- children of Joseph and Lucile spiritual director for many, and Father Rene spent the rest of his
born on 16 February 1938 in Radio was not Bernardine’s only munities and assisted in the (Ryan) McGraw, and baptized a ready volunteer for any com- days in Saint Raphael Hall, the
Minneapolis. He grew up in work. He helped establish a development of the Messenger Thomas William. He received munity service or task. abbey healthcare and retirement
Wayzata, Minnesota, before human development program Program that sent human- his elementary schooling in center, where he died on 20 No-
enrolling at Saint John’s Prepar- at Resurrection Priory, from itarian aid as well as dozens Litchfield and Little Falls, Rene lived simply and frugally. vember 2022. Following the
atory School. He developed his which a diocesan evangelization of computers, refurbished by Minnesota. He was influenced He liked chocolate, swimming, Mass of Christian Burial, he was
lifelong interest in radio at the project was launched. A three- Bernardine, to the missions of by Benedictines throughout his laid to rest in the abbey cemetery.
prep school, where he was day initiation enabled people to Guatemala. A gentle giant, a formative years: from the sisters
president of the radio club and celebrate the liturgy of the Word humble learner, a monk mis- of Saint Benedict’s Monastery With little money in the family An advisor, mentor, and spiritual
earned his ham radio license (elementary school) and his treasury, we manufactured most director to generations of stu-
in their communities. He also sionary, he just kept going,
future confreres (Saint John’s of our entertainment at home. dents, colleagues, and confreres,
under the tutelage of our con- visited patients in a local hospital learning, trying things, raising It kept us together and under
frere Father Fintan Bromen- dressed as a clown, bringing a money, developing projects, Preparatory School and Saint Rene leaves behind a long line
the influence of our parents.
schenkel before graduating in smile and comfort to the sick. and evangelizing. John’s University). He made his Family prayer was a part of our of friends and admirers. As his
1956. first monastic profession on 11 daily schedule, and the family health declined, he was cheered
In all, Father Bernardine After years of struggling with July 1956 and was ordained to rosary is among my earliest by the steady stream of visitors
Bernardine entered the novitiate would spend forty years in Parkinson’s disease, Father the priesthood in 1962. Father recollections. who acknowledged how much
at Blue Cloud Abbey in Marvin, Guatemala, many of them lived Bernardine died on 26 August Rene continued his education, My contacts with my teachers they appreciated his insights and
South Dakota, in 1958, pro- in fear of summary execution 2022. Following the Mass of earning a master’s degree in and prefects [at the prep school] wisdom, his care and attention,
fessed his first vows as a Bene- by military forces who were Christian Burial, he was laid to philosophy at Duquesne Univer- exerted an incalculable force his willingness to listen. He
dictine monk on 15 August sity, 1966, and a doctorate in driving me to the Benedictines. inspired learning. He inspired
hostile to the Church and its rest in the abbey cemetery. Rene McGraw, O.S.B.
1959, and was ordained in 1964. ministers. In 1991 he returned philosophy from the University lives.
home after twenty years, and of Paris-Nanterre, 1972.
L
The daily routine within the LOST to glory soon (or wherever abor Day in Collegeville was A native of Seoul,
cloister is enlivened by the Volume III of the History of Godfrey will go when he goes) cool, but not cool enough South Korea,
antics of the “characters” of the Vatican II, I asked him if I could read the to stop the monks from Novice Augustine
community. Here are stories Editors: Giuseppe Alberigo and book. I promptly lost it. enjoying their annual cookout in completed a master
from the Monastic Mischief file. Joseph Komonchak. Kilian, osb the monastic gardens. Summery of arts in liturgical
temperatures and high dew music degree at
Fraternal Support It belongs to Father Godfrey, The Three Stages of Life points returned the next day and Saint John’s School
Brother, you’re the most who wrote on the inside cover Young kept reappearing throughout of Theology and
enjoyable difficult person I know. that I was to receive the book Middle age September. A light snow covered Seminary.
after his death. Since Godfrey “My, you’re looking well.” the landscape on 14 October,
Father or Brother did not show any signs of going and a mixture of rain and snow • A gigantic Nor-
Before he became a Benedictine fell throughout the afternoon. way spruce (126
monk, Brother Kevin had been Three days later, a morning temp years old) that
married. He and his late wife Minnesota, Hail to Thee of 24 ended the growing season. had dominated the
were very proud of the couple’s I came. I thawed. I transferred . . . . The Halloween trick or treaters monastic gardens
only daughter who had joined If you love Minnesota, raise your right ski. were blessed with comfortable throughout its
a religious community. At the Minnesota: where visitors turn blue with envy. temps in the 60s as were those mature life was
monastery, whenever visitors Save a Minnesotan—eat a mosquito. who gathered in the abbey cem- cut down in mid-
encountered Brother Kevin and One day it’s warm. The rest of the year it’s cold. etery to remember the faithful August, another
inquired whether he was a father Minnesota: home of blonde hair and blue ears. departed on the feast of All victim of climate
or a brother, he had a ready Minnesota: come fall in love with a loon. Souls. Strong, blustery winds change. The iconic
response: Land of many cultures—mostly throat. (with gusts up to 50 m.p.h. in Norway spruce
I am a brother who is a father Where the elite meet the sleet. Minnesota) and temps in the were introduced
who has a daughter who is a Land of two seasons: winter is coming, and winter is here. 30s on 6 November signaled to Saint John’s by
sister. Minnesota: glove it or leave it. that winter had arrived. Four pioneer monks.
Minnesota: have you jump-started your kid today? inches of snow produced a According to The
Home Cooking There are only three things you can grow in Minnesota: colder, winter wonderland in mid- Nature of Saint Alan Reed, O.S.B.
[Mother’s] cooking experiences older, fatter. November. A taste of January John’s: “Fr. Adrian Schmidt, father and brothers. They sent
were punctuated with billows Many are cold, few are frozen. arrived on 19 November with O.S.B. (1864–1940), descendent him conifer seeds by sailing ship,
of smoke and occasional small Land of 10,000 Petersons. brisk winds, temps in the teens, of foresters from the Black and Adrian established a nursery
explosions. In our house, as a Land of the ski and home of the crazed. and subzero windchills. Lake Forest (Schwartzwald) in Baden, of thousands of seedlings by
rule of thumb, you knew it was Sagatagan froze over on the eve Germany, wrote to his forester Stumpf Lake. He also gathered
time to eat when the firemen Christmas Pageant of Thanksgiving, 23 November. white pine seed, probably from
departed. Strangely, all this Little Jimmy had been cast to play the innkeeper for the parish school’s the Sartell or Little Falls areas.
suited my father, who had what Christmas pageant. During the last rehearsal, Jimmy was in tears, Cold days, long nights, penance Starting in 1896, Father Adrian
might charitably be called rud- unable to bring himself to turn away Mary and Joseph. Jimmy’s services, holiday baking, and and his confreres planted seed-
imentary tastes in food. His mother rescued the show, talking him through the matter and offering Isaiah’s hope-filled verses are lings of red pine, Scots pine, and
palate really only responded to words of consolation. She agreed that if Jimmy had been the innkeeper heralds of Christmas. O come, Norway spruce across ten acres,
three flavors—salt, ketchup, and in Bethlehem, there might have been a different ending. “Everyone O come, Emmanuel! near today’s prep school”—and
burnt. knows you would have found space for Mary and Joseph. But that’s throughout the monastic gardens
Bill Bryson, I’m a Stranger Here the way the story is written, honey, so it’s o.k. for you to tell Mary and August 2022 and abbey cemetery. The com-
Myself • Novice Hang Geum Augustine munity is now planting more
Joseph they can’t stay here.”
(Joseph) Oh, age 46, was clothed white pine, which seem to be
How Cold Was It?
On Christmas Eve, when Joseph knocked on the door, Jimmy replied, in the monastic habit and began more resistant to the stress
It was so cold yesterday that the
without hesitation: “I’m sorry. There’s no room at the inn. But would his yearlong discernment of brought on by global warming.
fundraising staff had their hands
you like to come in for a beer?” monastic life on 16 August. Robin Pierzina, O.S.B.
in their own pockets! Novice Augustine Oh
Excerpted from Confrere, newsletter Breuer, “the complete designer— Homemade Hummus Basic Hummus
of Saint John’s Abbey: of everything from kitchen (Yields about 4 cups)
cabinets to entire cities.” The Ælred Senna, O.S.B.
• 1/2 lb. dried chickpeas (or 2 15-oz. cans, drained and rinsed)
26 October 1972 abbey and university church is
I
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
Proposals for a program to dove- pictured among such Breuer love making and serving my • 2 cloves of garlic, or more to taste, minced
tail the last year of high school creations as the UNESCO own hummus. This popular • 1/2 to 3/4 cup sesame tahini
with the first year of college have headquarters and the Whitney dip originated somewhere in • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
been studied by Saint John’s Prep Museum in Manhattan, with the the Middle East, though the • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
School staff during the past year. following comment: “Majesty precise origin is difficult to pin • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, or more to taste
New impetus to forge ahead has and strength shine in Saint down. The word hummus • 1/3 to 1/2 cup very cold water
John’s Abbey and University of (Arabic, meaning “chickpeas”) • Optional garnishes: whole chickpeas, olive oil, ground sumac
come from Dr. O. William
Perlmutter, Saint John’s Univer- Collegeville, Minn. The project’s should not be confused with the If using canned chickpeas, skip to Step 3.
sity academic vice president, who bell tower, a mighty raised slab English word “humus,” meaning 1. Soak chickpeas overnight in water to cover by double to triple the
has worked for years at setting of raw concrete, is among the dirt! The full name of this dish volume of the peas.
up advanced placement courses best pieces of sculptural archi- is hummus bi tahini, that is,
2. The next day, drain chickpeas and transfer to a deep saucepan.
and programs with the College tecture this side of Le Corbusier’s “chickpeas with tahini.” Hum- Place on stove over medium heat and add baking soda. Stir
Entrance Examination Board. Ronchamp church.” The second mus gets its distinctive flavor continuously for 2–3 minutes. Add 6 to 8 cups water and bring
Addressing a gathering of prep piece is more subtle. The from ground sesame seeds to boil. When boiling, skim off any foam that forms. When
school parents, Dr. Perlmutter December 11 issue has a feature (tahini) along with any added foaming stops, cover and lower heat to simmer for 45 to
Alan Reed, O.S.B.
said he sees opportunities for a on Don Shula, coach of the spices, such as cumin. 90 minutes, until beans are very soft. Allow to cool.
more meaningful educational Miami Dolphins. One of the personal insights simply from 3. Place all but a handful of the chickpeas in the bowl of a large food
experience at Saint John’s pictures shows Shula at Mass, the experience of being a few When making hummus, I insist processor along with other ingredients, except water.
because of the close relationship and the book he is holding is thousand miles from home and on starting with dried chickpeas.
4. Blend to a smooth paste. With the processor running, drizzle in the
of the prep school and university, Celebrating the Eucharist, the their normal learning environ- I prefer them to canned for both water through the top opening to achieve desired consistency.
both of which are tied together missalette published by Litur- ment. Besides that, the wine and flavor and consistency, though Adjust seasonings to taste.
by the common thread of the gical Press. LP ad men are schnitzel are terrific! the canned ones will suffice if
5. To serve: Spread the hummus on a plate and garnish with reserved
monastic community. waiting until after the Super you’re in a hurry. I used to
chickpeas—drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with ground sumac,
Bowl to re-title the publication 25 January 1973 include olive oil in my recipe,
if using. Serve with pita wedges or other items for dipping.
27 November 1972 “The Missal of Champions.” The 25th anniversary of the until I discovered the preferred
Abbey gas. Several confreres founding of Saint Anselm’s technique of famed chef Yotam
and novices took ten tons of Deacon Thomas Andert, director Parish and Priory in Tokyo was Ottolenghi, who uses only water
California grapes, added 1900 of the prep school’s Melk commemorated on December 3, to thin his hummus. This tech-
pounds of sugar and other exchange program, reports from 1972. Father Hildebrand Yaiser nique avoids altering the flavor
essential ingredients, and let Austria: remarked that former Prime of the dip with oil but benefits
nature take its course. Twenty- I have really enjoyed the roles Minister of Japan Tetsu Kata- from the oil as a garnish.
eight barrels of Mass wine of tour guide, chauffeur, prefect, yama, who had helped in find- Throughout the Middle East,
(45 gallons per barrel) and 39 teacher, and surrogate mother. ing the land for Saint Anselm’s, ground sumac is found in every
barrels of table wine will be I think we have established a had honored the day by visiting kitchen—not to be confused
ready for final filtering sometime group image and a sense of with his wife. Father Hildebrand with the toxic sumac that grows
in January. togetherness that allows for the also recalled that General throughout the U.S.!
expression of each individual. Douglas MacArthur had helped
18 December 1972 The essential value of a study- obtain a bank loan to pay for Enjoy your own homemade
Time magazine twice featured travel program like ours is the land. The abbey helped by hummus. I recommend making Ælred Senna, O.S.B.
Saint John’s this month. In the exposing curious teenagers to building the church, parish hall, it with the dried chickpeas at Brother Ælred Senna, O.S.B., is publisher of Give Us This Day
December 4 issue, a section on a variety of cultures and peoples. and rectory. least once. You won’t be sorry! and abbey refectorian.
architecture highlighted Marcel The preps are gaining many
Please join the monastic community in prayerful remembrance of our deceased family members and friends: Timothy Backous, O.S.B.
T
Marvin George “Marv” Bates Gerard Albert “Jerry” Jenniges Rev. Maurice F. “Maurie” Peterson hose lucky enough to have grown up in a house that had an attic
Shirley Ann Bloch Maxine Elisabeth Kaiser John Emanuel Povolny know how blessed they were. They were able to spend countless
Benjamin “Ben” Bockey Adeline Karels, O.S.B. Elizabeth Ra hours in that “crawl space” looking at things hanging from hooks
or stashed away in old trunks, where they could dig through boxes
Kevin R. Borgert David H. “Dave” Keller Lee-Anna E. Raverty
marked with vague references to their contents like “photos,” or
Honoré M. “Marc” Catudal Thomas A. “Tom” Keller III Rev. Jerome D. “Jerry” Rogers “kitchen,” or the wildly popular “junk.” There likely were photo
Sharon L. Davis John Krebsbach Vivian Catherine Rowe albums filled with ghost-like images of people who had to be related—
Khalic Dennis Balvin “Bal” Laubach Gertrude Josephine Rowers but heck-if-I-know who they are!
Rosella Dentz, O.S.B. Clarence Farrelly Madsen Luis Sanchez
Delores Dockendorf David Paul Malone Jerome H. “Jerry” Schoenborn This was entertainment before Meta allowed us to strap on a pair of
Calvin J. “Jack” Eichhorst Paschal Martin, O.S.B. Gerard L. “Jerry” Schwieters visors and be transported into a fantasy world. For today’s children,
Ervin L. Eiynck Malcolm W. McDonald Donald Senior, C.P. attics are simply the first stop for things on their way to the dump, if
mom and dad get up the energy. That’s a shame because those magical Artifacts tell a story.
Sandra Fleischhacker, O.S.B. Rene McGraw, O.S.B. Mary Theckla Sieben
places are, in fact, family museums that hold a treasure trove of
Don A. Fultz Thelma Victoria McWeeney Nancy Marie Starbird information and artifacts that tell a story.
Ruth M. Gramke Jan Miller Donald Thene
John F. Grobe William Paul “Bill” Muldoon, Obl.S.B. S. Herman Tschida, O.S.B. When my classmates and I were novices in the 1970s, the entire fourth
Edmund Roman “Ed” Harren Bernardine Ness, O.S.B. Edward L. “Ed” Turley and fifth floors above the novitiate were fascinating places of sights
Irene Ann Head Andrew Taegon Oh Metropolitan Kallistos Ware and smells. Strangely, the space was open to anyone who wanted to
George Bernard Hickner Sr. Susan Mary “Sue” Oldakowski Damian J. Warnock, O.S.B. put something away or search for something. To try to list what was
up there would be futile—it would be easier to say it had everything
Vernon A. Holtz, O.S.B. Deanna Olsen Michael Weber
except bushels of cash. Those who needed a table, lamp, desk, or even
Mary Claire Inhofer, O.S.B. Rodney George “Rod” Olson Bishop Howard “Howie” Wennes a typewriter (complete with ribbon) would find it there. I once discov-
Douglas F. Jackson Sr. Donald G. Orne Kathleen Ziegler ered a beautiful 10-foot antique wooden table that had fallen to pieces,
Robert “Bob” Pauly so I glued it back together with tools loaned to me by the saintly
Brother Hubert. After I finished sanding and staining the table, it was
used in the monastery library for years (though it has since disappeared
—I hope for another useful purpose).
Precious in the eyes of the LORD is the death of God’s faithful ones. Having an attic over the novitiate also meant that we had to suffer
Psalm 116:15 through the unsettling sound of footsteps or something being dragged
across the floor above at 2:00 A.M.—thanks to some nocturnal monk
who chose that time to be productive. We could only pull our pillows
over our heads—and say a prayer that it was a monk! However, the
value of exploring so many strange and perhaps historic items far
A Monk’s Chronicle surpassed the nuisance of the middle-of-the-night interruptions.
Father Eric Hollas, O.S.B., offers spiritual insights and glimpses into the life of the
Benedictine community at Saint John’s Abbey in a weekly blog, A Monk’s Chronicle. Alas, most of those treasures are gone now, as the space was renovated
Visit his blog at: monkschronicle.wordpress.com. and the contents pitched or sent to rummage sales. What remains of
the attic is locked up, catalogued, and surely itemized in computer files.
Father Don’s Daily Reflection Nonetheless, it is still fun to dig around there, wondering how long ago
Father Don Talafous, O.S.B., prepares daily reflections on Scripture and living the life of a the owner of those things departed this life—and perhaps say a prayer
Christian that are available on the abbey’s website at: saintjohnsabbey.org/reflection/. of thanks for the gems (junk?) someone left us.
38 39
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Married Couples Retreat: Real Presence in a Virtual World: Keeping Marriage Real
10–12 February 2023 Presented by Jim and Maureen Otremba
Winter Retreat: Images of the Trinity
17–19 February 2023 Presented by Father Timothy Backous, O.S.B.
Lenten Retreat: Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart
17–19 March 2023 Presented by Ms. Becky Van Ness
Triduum Retreat: Songs of the Soul: Psalms, Sacred Music, and Prayer
6–9 April 2023 Presented by Brother Jacob Berns, O.S.B.