July
2007
A Double Celebration
The annual observance of July 11 is truly the “Big One”, the Solemn Feast of our Holy Father, St. Benedict. It is commemorated by the universal Church and solemnized by the followers of St. Benedict throughout the world. Our own community observed the feast with a solemn morning Mass interspersed with chant and song. In the evening we gathered for Vespers, then for a fittingly celebratory meal prepared by our “chef”, Br. Marty Singer.
Three days later, on Saturday, July 14, our newly formed group of Benedictine Oblates came together for a late morning Eucharist presided over by Oblate director, Fr. John Martin Shimkus. It was hoped that this special Oblate celebration of St. Benedict’s feast would allow for more of the working men and women in the group to participate. The Mass was followed by a potluck picnic lunch (we had to eat indoors due to the “iffy” weather situation), which was also shared in by a number of family members.
Whether monk or oblate, it is our desire not only to remember St. Benedict in our communal worship and meals but especially in the way we express his love and holiness in our lives.