The weekend of July 10 -11, 2010 was the culmination of two years of planning and spiritual preparation for the monks of Schuyler. The monastic community celebrated 75 years of prayer and work in Northeastern Nebraska with several hundred friends, Oblates, clergy, religious, and fellow Benedictine men and women. The events at Saint Benedict Center were celebrations of God’s faithfulness and blessings over three quarters of a century and of hope for the future of the monastic community.
On Saturday, July 10th, clergy and consecrated men and women of the Archdiocese of Omaha gathered in Schuyler to celebrate with the monks. The Eucharistic Liturgy of Thanksgiving was presided by Abbot Michael Reepen, spiritual father of Muensterschwarzach Abbey and its priory of Christ the King in Schuyler. In his homily, Abbot Michael not only highlighted the tireless work of the early monks of Schuyler, but also the continuation and expansion of these efforts by the current monastic community. Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss shared a few words at the end of the Liturgy, thanking the monastic community for their involvement in the life of the Church of Omaha. Following the Mass of Thanksgiving, all enjoyed a delicious lunch and time for fellowship. A program followed lunch, featuring music by our friends Virginia and Morgan Semerad, and a keynote address by Abbot Leo Ryska of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Benet Lake, Wisconsin. Abbot Leo spoke of the prophetic call of all Christians and the importance of the Benedictine witness in the life of the Church and in the world. The program ended with the premiere of two new short films highlighting the life and work of Christ the King Priory and Saint Benedict Center. All gathered at the end of the afternoon in Chapel for the celebration of Vespers.
The monks of Schuyler were blessed to celebrate the Feast of Saint Benedict, July 11th, with Benedictine men and women from around the world. Six abbots, several priors and prioresses were present with monastics from as far away as South Korea and as near as Norfolk, Nebraska. Also present were the Oblates of Christ the King Priory, our co-workers, volunteers, and friends. Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Eucharistic Liturgy. After an appetizing lunch, all were treated to a musical performance by the Summit String Quartet of Lincoln. The keynote address was given by Archabbot Jeremias Schroeder, the Abbot President of the Missionary Benedictine Congregation of St. Ottilien. Archabbot Jeremias traced the history of Benedictine missionary efforts, highlighted the work of the Benedictine Mission House, and shared a glimpse of new mission projects taken on by Missionary Benedictines in various parts of the world. After additional time for fellowship, the day ended with the celebration of Vespers, with the assistance of the Schola Cantorum of St. Cecelia Cathedral, who also sang at the morning Mass.
The Missionary Benedictine monks of Christ the King Priory give thanks to God for the many blessings received in the past 75 years and look forward to many more years in God’s service. We appreciate the support of countless friends and benefactors who have sustained our ministries with spiritual and material sacrifices over the years.
Photos of the celebration, by Omaha photograph Mark Kresel, can be viewed at our Facebook fanpage or at our Picasa web album. Archabbot Jeremias Schroeder’s keynote address can be viewed as a PDF here: archabbot’s jubilee keynote. Abbot Leo Ryska’s keynote address can be viewed as a PDF here: abbot leo jubilee keynote.
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