"St. Benedict's hospitality should be like an oasis in the desert of life where people can find spring waters of new life and a place of rest and relaxation in the shadow of God's presence."

St. Benedict Center Newsletter # 41      Winter 2012

Dear Friends,

“The person of love sees deeper.  The person of hope sees farther.  The person of faith sees everything in a different light” (Lothar Zenetti).  Much of what Pope Benedict XVI has written in his encyclicals and apostolic letters is centered on the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love.  The encyclical, God Is Love speaks about how Holy Scripture describes God as the God of unconditional and faithful love.   In Jesus Christ, this Divine way of loving has become visible and tangible to us.  The encyclical, Through Hope We Are Saved shows that all people can hope for heaven and eternal life because in Jesus salvation has come to all.

The Apostolic Letter, The Door of Faith announces the opening of a Year of Faith next year, beginning on October 11, 2012.  It will be exactly fifty years since the Second Vatican Council started, that gathering of bishops and theologians from around the world, which lasted over three years and was, according to the Pope, “the great grace bestowed upon the Church in the 20^th century.”  If we interpret it rightly, we find there “a sure compass by which to take our bearings” (PF 5) in the 21^st century.  For the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 22, 2013, the end of the Year of Faith was determined.  Christ is our King; he is also the Lord of History.  One day he will come back in glory.  Until then, we are meant to live in faith, hope and love under his guidance. 

Next year, it will also be twenty years since the Catechism of the Catholic Church was published, “one of the most important fruits of the Second Vatican Council” (PF 11).  There is a need for us today to get to know our faith better again.  In all four areas that the Catechism treats, there is much for us to learn: the content of the faith itself, bases upon the Apostolic Creed; the Eucharist and the other sacraments; living a life shaped and transformed by the faith; and finally prayer, that ‘umbilical cord to heaven,’ which we can get to know best from Jesus himself.  Our St. Benedict Center Retreat Schedule 2012 offers many excellent opportunities for learning and growing in each on of these areas.  The quietness of the retreat center is very conducive for prayer, reflection and deeper understanding.

On July 11, the Solemnity of St. Benedict, Fr. Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., was installed as our new Prior at Christ the King Priory.  He has, in the meantime, familiarized himself well with his new task.  In October he directed a three-day retreat, which was very well received by the participants.     

Especially worth noting among our upcoming retreats is a day with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Joseph Rizzo from Omaha titled, The Wellspring Within: A Journaling Workshop on March 3, 2012.  Dr. Rizzo will help those participating to find inner clarity and meaning for their lives.  Sr. Marie Micheletto, RSM, will guide retreatants during a weekend on March 23-24 to discover the work of God in their lives even in times of change and transition.  On Saturday of Easter Week, April 14, Mary Jo van Ackeren will share her experiences with Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whom she got to know personally in India.  I am looking forward to seeing you again soon! 

I am looking forward to seeing you again soon! 

Fr. Thomas Leitner, OSB, Administrator

P.S. Please consider our personalized St. Benedict Center Gift Certificate as a present to you family and friends!