Novena Appeal
Greetings from all the monks at the Benedictine Mission House in Schuyler, Nebraska.
““The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.””
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the end of the American Civil war and the end of slavery in 1865. Let us remember with gratitude the changes our nation embraced. People from many cultures shaped society throughout our history. The goodness and generosity of our citizens is especially evident in times of natural disasters. We reach out to our brothers and sisters in need! And the journey continues!
The Missionary Benedictines, in their history of 142 years, accomplished much in building up the Kingdom of God. Many churches in Africa and Asia could only be constructed because of the financial aid of donors in Europe and the USA. The seed has been planted. The seed has matured. The harvest is great, yet much more needs to be done.
The quote from the Gospel of Luke is not only a metaphor that inspired the previous sentence, it is an invitation to continue being witnesses of God’s unconditional love and the presence of Jesus in our lives.
Last July we told you about the need for renovations of churches, rectories and parish facilities in Africa and construction of new and larger churches due to the growing number of faithful. Thanks to the generosity of many, we raised $750,000 which the Conference of Procurators allocated to projects after reviewing the applications.
Fr. Anastasius, our mission procurator, reported on the life of the Church in Tanzania and what he observed in monasteries and parishes. Clergy and Religious, sisters and brothers, carry most responsibilities. However, women and men from within the parish family are needed to help with social outreach, e.g. helping the poor, teaching new methods of farming and animal husbandry, visiting the sick, teaching the faith, etc.
Together with our African confreres we envision to reach the younger generation through youth ministry that unites, not only for social activities, but to teach and empower them to be future leaders. Programs will be offered by enthusiastic local facilitators, eager to work with young people and at the same time be evangelizers. This program deserves our subsidy.
“We are Church!” Together we can implement the vision for youth ministry in Africa, but also to bring hope to our own neighborhoods by our witness and action. We count on your prayers! I am also bold enough and ask for your financial help as your own resources allow.
Together let us make a difference!
From August 6 through 15, we monks of Christ the King Priory – Benedictine Mission House will offer a Nine-Day Novena of prayer and Holy Mass for the intentions of our friends and supporters. This Novena goes back to a solemn promise our pioneer monks made before coming to Schuyler in 1935. We keep their sacred promise alive. Please let us know your intentions.
May our heavenly Mother intercede for you at the throne of her Divine Son.
Gratefully yours:
Bro. Tobias, OSB