October 7,1993
The Record
Page 3
Prodigal Abbot returns home
By Marty M. Wolske
Editorial Staff Writer
For the first time since January, Abbot Primate Jerome Theisen returned home, but this time he brought some guests with him.
Friday, Sept. 24 through Monday, Sept. 27, marked the annual meeting of the Benedictine Confederation with the Abbot Primate, which was hosted this year at the St. John's Abbey.
The Benedictine Confederation, twenty-one presidents or delegates representing Benedictine monasteries from the U.S., Europe, and South America, met with Abbot Primate Jerome to discuss issues facing monasteries today.
One of the many issues addressed by the synod of presidents was concerned an Orthodox monastery that wishes to join the Confederation. There are a number of monasteries in the world which live by the Rule of St. Benedict, but are not Catholic. The synod has not made a decision yet.
A report was given on intermonastic dialogue concerning better communication between Buddhist, Anglican, Lutheran, and other monasteries. Also addressed during this time were the needs of new and struggling monasteries.
Still another concern was voiced about educational, theological and human formation of monks. Some questions asked were: How should monks be educated? Should they continue to pursue educational degrees? Would this help in monastic life and service to the world?
Although these questions still remain to be answered, the Abbot Primate mentioned his concern about monastic education formation.
"I think it [educational degrees] does help us in our service,77 Abbot Jerome said. "Other monasteries feel it is better to be simple. It is something to be talked about in '96."
This exact topic will be the theme of the 1996 Congress of Abbots. The Congress meets every four years and consists of all Abbots from all Benedictine Abbeys.
Another part of the agenda for the weekend included a report by Abbot Jerome on the Abbot Primate's office. The report explained the challenges and activities of the office in the past year.
In addition, there were reports on the Abbot's two special committees. One committee studied the programs and administration of San Anselmo University. San Anselmo is the university for theological degrees in Rome, under the chancellorship of Abbot Jerome.
The other committee report evaluated the office of Abbot Primate and all its subsidiaries.
The final order of business for the three days was to make a decision on what each monastery's contribution to San Anselmo is to be. Each monastery that is part of the Confederation donates a certain amount per member to support San Anselmo. Since the amount to be contributed increased, Abbot Jerome mentioned the impact on the Abbey.
"The way we renovate San Anselmo will definitely have impact on the monks at SJU," Abbot Jerome said.
After takingcare of all the business, Abbot Jerome prepared to do visiting of relatives and just relaxing. He has been home twice since leaving for Rome last September, but each visit was too short to relax and visit. This time, however, he took advantage of his time back.
Abbot Jerome keeps quite busy in Rome, but nevertheless misses life at St. John's.
Tve missed the liturgy, the English, liturgy," Abbot Jerome said, commenting on spiritual life at home. "Our liturgy is very well developed."
Abbot Jerome is not going back alone, which makes him feel a little less homesick. Br. Walter Kieffer is leaving with Abbot Jerome to assist in college maintenance at San
Anselmo.
Abbot Jerome leaves again tomorrow andis not sure when he return. He always enjoys coming back, though, to see all the changes on campus and expressed excitement about
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Abbot Primate Jerome Theisen returned to St. John's with 21 other Abbots from around the world to discuss the process of educating monks and many other issues concerning Catholic Benedictine monasteries, (photo by Ben Knuth)
for people to gather; along with, of course, the church," Abbot Jerome said.
the completion of the new campus center. "I think Sexton will be great for the campus,
Dedication tomorrow for Sexton Commons
By Katie Schmidt
Editorial Staff Writer
The dedication ceremony and blessing of Sexton Commons is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday on the south plaza of Sexton Commons, across from Engel Hall, weather permitting.
The dedication committee, made up of students and staff, planned the program of events, including greetings from Br.Dietrich Reinhart, president of St. John's University, and Sr. Coleman (yConnell, president of the College of St. Benedict. A short prayer service, speakers and a reception will follow the dedication.
The CSB/SJU brass quintet will perform before the ceremony begins. St. John's Abbot Timothy Kelly will open and close the ceremony with a prayer service. Br. Paul Richards will read a psalm and do the blessing of the water. Terry Flynn, president of the SJU senate, will do the prayers of the faithful and Michael Dady, chair of the board of regents for Sexton Commons, will give a short speech,
"Bill and Joyce Sexton will also be at the
ceremony with 22 of their family members and friends," said Jim Hardwick, dean of campus life.
The dedication committee hasinvited about 40 members of the CSB/SJU community, including students, staff and faculty, to bless different rooms of the building, Hardwick said.
This weekend was chosen for the dedication because of the interest in blessing the building after the furniture had been installed and because this weekend is homecoming weekend, Hardwick said.
"We thought it would be a nice way to kick offhomecomingfor the students,"Hardwick said.
Along with the dedication ceremony, the pub and the second floor of the building will be opening this weekend.
In the case of poor weather, the ceremony will be held in the fireplace lounge.
The blessing of the building is separate from the grand opening, which is to be held from April 23-30.
