Schedule change – February, 2015
Feb. 19, 2015 (Thu) – Lunar New Year
The community mass will be at 7:30 am.
Newsletter – Advent/Christmas 2014
Advent / Christmas 2014
Dear Friend of St. Paul’s Abbey,
Greetings and the abundant blessings of our Lord to all of you in this Christmastime and the New Year of 2015. We thank you for your kindness and help which you showed us throughout the year of 2014. We keep praying for you so that you may always live in the love and protection of Jesus Christ who is the true source of happiness and peace in our lives. Giving thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for his love and grace, I would like to bring you up to date concerning the news from our community.
When we look back 2014, there were many big events such as canonical visitation, the preparation and start of renovation for our retreat house and installation of fire alarms and smoke detectors in the entire monastery buildings. The renovation of our retreat house and installation of fire alarms and smoke detectors have proceeded well since last November. Even though all the buildings are dusty and noisy because of constructions, it is not unbearable when we think about the newly renovated plan of our buildings. We will also change our old boiler into a high efficiency natural gas boiler. The natural gas pipeline passes far from our monastery, but the company will provide the gas line to the boiler room exterior wall. When we change the old boiler to gas, we will save a lot of energy and money. We expect that the construction will be finished at least by March.
I have to say a word about Christmas tree sale. For several reasons, such as lack of tall trees, bad weather conditions and financial stagnation, we couldn’t sell enough trees this year. But we have a positive attitude because every year we keep planting trees and the trees are growing. We believe that with the fresh tree smell, God’s grace and blessing will be delivered to the homes of the people who bought trees. We really appreciate the many volunteers for their good work and help. We also are thankful for the Don Bosco Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes who made Christmas wreaths for us.
In the Newton community, there are 10 Koreans, 3 Americans and 1 Tanzanian from Hanga Abbey. Last December 10, Br. Marinus Kim went to Waegwan Abbey in Korea for around 6 to 12 months to have a monastic experience before taking his solemn vows. Fr. Matthew also went to Korea to renew his visa on November 10, 2014 and will return home on January 13.
We also have had some guests. Fr. Francisco Lee, who was a prior of St. Joseph priory in Korea, will stay with us from November 11, 2014 until February 4 during his sabbatical year. He has given us our Annual retreat for 2014 and helped us with many things. He is a somewhat famous spiritual director in his area of Korea. Many parishioners, especially priests, used to visit him to make confessions. He is also helping many people while he is here. On October 13, Fr. Michael Patella, a rector of the seminary at Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, visited us to introduce his school to us. He also visited Waegwan Abbey last year. Fr. Damian and Abbot Justin came here on October 20 and 21 respectively. Fr. Damian returned to Tanzania on Saturday, Oct. 25. Abbot Justin stayed with us for a couple days and went to Boston. He said that we will come back after our construction. After the canonical visitation last September, Br. Ansgar and Mr. Ballhausen came here to have financial visitation from November 2 to 5. After seeing the construction and checking our financial condition, they encouraged us and gave us much good advice in order to successfully carry out various works and develop our community.
Dear friends and benefactors, we have been here for almost 13 years. We are trying to give witness to Jesus Christ and his words by the motto of our Congregation, “Lumen Caecis – Light to the Blind” even though we are still struggling with many difficulties. I ask you to pray for us to firmly root in this area so that we can successfully spread the true light and essence of Jesus Christ. Once again, we thank you for your prayer and help. I also ask you to keep helping us in our work. May God give you and your family his great grace and abundant gifts throughout the year of 2015.
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2014 대림 / 성탄
뉴튼 수도원을 아껴 주시는 모든 분들께,
지극히 높으신 천주 성자께서 우리를 죄와 죽음에서 구원하시고 우리의 참 빛과 희망이 되기 위해 이 땅에 오신 이 거룩하고 복된 주님의 성탄! 이 기쁨을 뉴튼 수도원을 아껴주시는 모든 분들과 함께 나누고 싶습니다. 아기 예수님의 성탄을 진심으로 축하하며 여러분 모두의 가정에 주님의 크신 은총과 사랑이 풍성히 내려 2015년 새해에는 더욱 기쁘고 복된 한 해가 되길 바라며 기도합니다.
2014년을 뒤돌아보면 연합회 정기 시찰과 피정집 공사 그리고 수도원 전체 건물에 대한 소방 안전 설비에 대한 준비와 시작이라는 큰일이 있었습니다. 또한 지난 소식지에서 알려 드렸듯이 전례 거행에 있어 중심 언어를 한국어로 바꾸는 큰 변화가 있었습니다. 10월 5일부터 낮기도와 끝기도를 제외한 모든 기도를 한국말로 하고 있는데, 특히 저녁기도는 한국의 왜관 수도원에서 하고 있는 “안티포날레” 라는 베네딕도회 성무일도를 위한 그리고리안 성가집을 사용하고 있습니다. 기도를 그레고리안으로 노래하기 때문에 더욱 기도에 전념할 수 있고 참석하는 분들도 쉽게 따라 할 수 있게 되었습니다. 그리고 미사도 수요일과 토요일을 제외하고는 한국어로 거행하고 있으며, 주일 미사는 10시 30분에 드리기 때문에 먼 곳에서도 수도원 미사에 참석할 수 있게 하였습니다.
피정집 공사와 소방 안전 설치는 11월 초부터 시작되어서 지금 순조롭게 진행되고 있습니다. 월요일부터 금요일까지 수도원은 공사로 인해 시끄럽고 먼지가 많이 날리고 있지만 새롭게 단장될 모습을 생각하면 소음과 먼지가 싫지만은 않는 것 같습니다. 내년 2월이나 3월에는 공사가 끝날 것으로 희망하고 있습니다. 많은 분들이 새롭게 단장된 피정집에서 피정도 하며 수도원 전례에도 많이 참석하시어 주님의 사랑과 은총에 함께 감사하며 찬미를 드렸으면 좋겠습니다.
크리스마스 트리에 대한 이야기를 하지 않으면 안 될 것 같습니다. 매년과 같이 Thanksgiving Day 다음날부터 성탄 트리를 판매하고 있는데, 좋고 큰 나무들이 많이 없어 매년 판매량이 줄어들고 있어서 걱정입니다. 그러나 심어 놓은 나무들이 점점 자라고 있어 2년이나 3년쯤 지나면 좋아지리라 예상하고 있습니다. 올해도 많은 봉사자들의 수고해 주었는데, 특히 맨하튼 청년회, 동북부 청년 레지오 단원들 그리고 핫쵸코 판매를 위해 수고해 주신 자매님들과 여러 본당에서 오신 형제자매님들께 진심으로 감사 드립니다. 또한 성탄 화관 (Christmas wreath)을 만들어 준 Knights of Columbus 회원들과 St. Joseph 성당 학생들에게도 감사합니다.
뉴튼의 형제들은 현재 한국인 10명, 미국인 3명 그리고 탄자니아인 1명으로 모두 14명이며, 김 마리누스 수사는 왜관 수도원 본원에서 6개월에서 1년 정도 수도생활을 체험하고 종신 서원을 준비하기 위해 12월 10일에 한국으로 갔습니다. 김 마태오 신부는 비자 갱신과 고국 휴가 차 한국을 방문하고 있습니다. 손님으로는 한국의 성 요셉 수도원에서 원장으로 오랫동안 일해 오던 이 수철 프란치스코 신부가 안식년 기간 중에 11월 11일부터 내년 2월 4일까지 이곳 뉴튼에서 생활하고 있습니다. 그리고 지난 9월에 있었던 연합회 정기 시찰에 이어 11월 2일부터 5일까지는 연합회 재정 담당인 Ansgar 수사와, 함께 일하고 있는 Mr. Ballhausen이 와서 재정 시찰을 하고 돌아갔습니다. 우리 공동체가 현재 진행중인 공사와 수도원 재정에 대해 살펴보고 나아가야 할 방향에 많은 조언을 해주었습니다.
친애하는 친구 은인 여러분, 이곳에 온지 13년째를 준비하고 있는 우리 한인 수도자들은 아직 많은 점에서 부족하지만 “눈먼 이들에게 빛”이라는 우리 연합회의 모토에 따라 참된 빛이신 예수 그리스도를 증거하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다. 우리 뉴튼 수도형제들이 이 지역에 제대로 뿌리를 내려 그리스도의 향기와 빛을 전하고 증거할 수 있도록 많은 기도와 관심 그리고 도움을 청합니다. 현재 피정집 공사는 순조롭게 진행되고 있으며, 내년 2월이나 3월에는 마치게 되리라 생각합니다. 우리 뉴튼 수도원이 좀 더 새롭게 단장된 피정집으로 찾아 오는 모든 분들의 쉼터가 되었으면 좋겠습니다.
다시 한 번 여러분들의 도움과 사랑에 감사드리며, 주님 성탄의 기쁨과 평화 그리고 희망이 여러분의 가정에 가득 넘치기를 바라며 기도합니다. 감사합니다.
Fr. Samuel Kim, O.S.B., Prior
and the monks of St. Paul’s Abbey
Newsletter – Fall 2014
Dear Friends and benefactors of St. Paul’s Abbey,
When we see the deep blue sky and beautifully tinted trees in this season, we can feel God’s grace. Asking God’s abundant grace and gifts for you and your family, I would like to share the news of our community with you.
I. Our Brothers
New face: Br. Barnabas Song came here from Waegwan Abbey in Korea on September 22. When he was in Seoul monastery, he worked as a cellarer and manager of the monastery. Now he is learning English and having his period of adjustment.
Abbot Augustine: On May 25, our beloved brother Abbot Augustine Hinches passed away peacefully and returned to God at St. Catherine of Siena Health Care Center in Caldwell at 3:07am. In spite of his Parkinson’s Disease, he worked hard and made good efforts for the community with his whole strength and heart. He loved Christmas trees and the tree farm so we decorated the altar with Christmas trees at his funeral mass. Around 150 people attended the funeral mass and burial rite.
Sad news: On August 25, Br. Marinus’ father, Mr. Basil Do-Su Kim, passed away because of lung cancer at around 4:38pm. The funeral mass was at the Korean community in Brooklyn, NY at 10:00am. All Korean brothers attended his funeral mass and consoled his family. Postulant Jin-mo Paul Chung, who joined on June 4, left the monastery on September 24 because of his view of the monastic ideal. He wants to live a more prayful life.
Other Brothers: Br. Bernadin and Fr. Odilo went on their home vacation to Korea and Tanzania in June. Br. Bernadin visited Korea for two weeks on the way to Tanzania. He visited Waegwan Abbey and its dependant houses. He had a good time and experience with Waegwan brothers. In June and July, Abbot Joel attended several celebrations such as the 25th Anniversary of Ordination Mass for Fr. Prior Elias Lorenzo at St. Mary’s Abbey, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Profession of Fr. Raymond Studzinski at St. Meinrad Archabbey, the alumni reunion and the 50th anniversary of the class of 1964 at St. Meinrad Archabbey with Br. Luke. On September 8, Abbot Joel went with Br. Luke to St. Mary’s Abbey to attend the inauguration of the 75th anniversary of Delbarton School with Abbot Primate Notker at 5:30pm and on September 23, he went to Cuba and then El Rosal, Colombia for the major superiors’ meeting.
II. Guests
This summer many guests visited our community. On June 12, Fr. Aaron Jang of Waegwan Abbey and Fr. Elias Lee of St. Joseph Priory in Korea came here to learn English and experience some American culture before attending “Study Weeks” in Germany for abound two months. While they were here, they visited some Benedictine Abbeys and convents, and also visited Niagara Falls, New York City, Washington D.C., etc. On June 23, Mr. Bob Lunny, who was one of the crew members of the ship “Meredith Victory” and 5 Koreans visited us in memory of Br. Marinus and his heroic act and humanitarian mission at the evacuation of Hyungnam Harbor during the Korean War. They visited our Abbey cemetery and honored Br. Marinus. On July 28, Fr. Christian Temu, who was a Congregation Secretary, visited us and stayed with us until August 2. On September 6, Abbot Primate Notker visited us and had lunch with us. He came to St. Mary’s Abbey in New Jersey on September 5 for the inauguration of the 75th anniversary of Delbarton School on Sept. 8. In spite of his age, he always looked very energetic and spirited. Abbot President Jeremias and Fr. Stephan Raster came here for the Canonical Visitation from September 16 to 19. The day before, the newly elected prior of St. Joseph Monastery in Korea, Prior Pacomio Choi, arrived with Abbot Blasio Park who came here for the visitation. After the visitation, they went to Cuba and El Rosal to attend the major superiors’ meeting.
III. Canonical Visitation
Abbot Blasio also joined discussions with the visitators. They encouraged and stimulated us to thrive as a community so that we can firmly root the Benedictine monastic way of life in this ground. On the basis of the visitation, Abbot Blasio and brothers made several decisions, after having deeply reflected on where we should focus to realize the goal of the community and its missionary obligations. So we have made the following decisions:
1) Vigils, morning prayer, vespers and Mass are celebrated in Korean. 2) Noon prayer and compline are celebrated in English. 3) However, Mass on Wednesday and Saturday is celebrated in English. In special cases, the language of the liturgy can be determined differently after community notification is announced. 4) The time of the community Sunday Mass changes from 9:00am to 10:30am. 5) We started this schedule on Sunday October 5.
IV. Renovations
The plan to remodel the retreat house is still being promoted. When we submitted the construction proposal to the township on July, the Building committee rejected it because our buildings need fire warning systems and handicap restrooms, etc. Thus, the construction was delayed in order to revise the drawings and prepare for fire equipment, and the cost has more than doubled. Although we asked for help from the congregation at the visitation, we also should pay our own expenses. But it is very difficult for our present financial condition to complete this construction without your help. I humbly and eagerly ask you for help. When we renovate our retreat house, we can accept retreatants and guests in more modern, convenient facilities. Thank you for your prayers and support. May God repay your good deeds with his abundant gifts and grace.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Samuel Kim, O.S.B., Prior
and the monks of St. Paul’s Abbey
R.I.P. + Father Augustine (John) Hinches OSB
Early this morning, Sunday, May 25, 2014,
our beloved confrere and second abbot of St. Paul’s Abbey,
Father Augustine (John) Hinches OSB,
quietly entered into the eternal life and love of the Father at St. Catherine of Siena Health Care Center, Caldwell, New Jersey, at the age of 84 having lived with Parkinson’s for nearly 25 years.
Father Augustine was born on February 17, 1930, in Orange, New Jersey and grew up in Newark. He made his first profession on August 15, 1950 and his solemn profession on August 15, 1953. He was ordained 4 June 1955. In December 1966 he was appointed prior administrator of St. Paul’s Abbey and then on September 3, 1970 elected as the second abbot. After over 15 years as superior, he resigned on March 1, 1982.
Father Augustine served the community as business manager for seven years prior to becoming superior. He was well-known for his management of the Abbey Christmas Tree Farm. His service to the Congregation included translating the present Constitutions into English for the first time and articles for Lumen Caecis.
We will celebrate the Funeral Mass for Father Augustine on Friday, May 30, 2014, at 10:30 a.m here at the abbey followed by burial in the abbey Christ the King Cemetery.
Kindly remember this faithful servant in your prayers.
And may God grant him eternal rest.
Abbot Joel and the monks at St. Paul’s Abbey
May 25, 2014
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Newsletter – Easter 2014
Easter 2014
Dear friends of St. Paul’s Abbey,
Happy Easter! Jesus Christ is truly risen from the dead by defeating sin and death. Let us rejoice at his triumphant resurrection! From now on, we do not have to worry about anything in our lives because Jesus became our true hope as our savior and Lord. We would like to share the joy of resurrection with you. We also wish the abundant grace of Easter to overflow in you so that you can bear abundant fruit in this blessed Easter season.
Brief Monastery News
We brothers of St. Paul’s Abbey have sincerely sought and followed God’s will and made several development plans in order to deeply implant the Benedictine monastic way of life again in this area. As I mentioned last newsletter, we have properly proceeded with the installation project for showers and toilets in the retreat house rooms with the help of a Korean architect.
Visit of Abbot Blasio Park: On February 20, Abbot Blasio visited us and stayed with us until March 3. He met with all the Korean brothers twice for almost the whole day, talked about many things and made some decisions. In particular, we decided to renovate our retreat house mainly for retreatants. However, we also will install showers and toilets in our brothers’ rooms and expand the monastery area a little more. While Abbot Blasio was in the USA, he attended Abbots’ and Priors’ workshop at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama from Feb. 21 to Feb. 25. He asked for some help from the abbots who have colleges and seminaries because he plans to send some Korean brothers to America to study. I also attended the meeting with him.
Our Brothers: Fr. Augustine So, who came here in 2011, returned to Waegwan Abbey in January. Now he works at the Abbey library. On April 25, Br. Mario Kim, who worked at the library in Waegwan Abbey, came here. He will be given his new assignment after having some time to adjust. The second Abbot of St. Paul’s Abbey, Abbot Emeritus Augustine Hinches, moved to a nursing home run by Dominican sisters in Caldwell, NJ on March 4. He worked and made good efforts for our community with his whole strength in spite of his Parkinson’s disease. Our brothers occasionally visit him. I ask you to pray for Abbot Augustine. Br. Matthias Yoo visited Korea for his home vacation for two months. Fr. Odilo also went to Korea for 2 weeks to attend the funeral mass for his sister-in-law. During Lent, Korean priests helped several Korean communities to hear confessions and gave some lectures. On February 6, Br. Luke had eye surgery once again because a fragment of cataract fell into his eye during the last surgery and it was successfully removed. After the surgery, Br. Luke along with Br. Bernardo Lee and Br. Ezekiel Kim attended the celebration of Consecrated Life with Evening Prayer presided by our local Bishop Serratelli at St. Philip in Clifton, NJ. Br. Ezekiel prayed one of the intercessions in Korean. On March 29, Abbot Justin returned to Namibia after having medical treatment for several months in the U.S.A.
Vocation Guests: Mr. Jong-kun Chris John Han and Mr. John Cho visited our community in January and in March respectively. They are both from the West coast. Mr. Jinmo Paul Chong will join our community on June 4. He was supposed to come here in March, but he asked me to postpone his entry until June because of his father’s eye surgery in May.
Guests: From January up to now, many guests have visited us, especially on March 21, the Solemnity of Passing of our Holy Father Benedict. Fr. Edward and Fr. Benoit from St. Vincent Archabbey visited us and stayed with us until the next day. They work at the Saint Benedict Education Foundation for Saint Anselmo in Rome. Around 6 people attended the Easter Triduum Retreat from Thursday, April 17 to Sunday April 20. Fr. Michael Goonan and Fr. Sebastian Lee, who are priests of the Society of St. Paul in Staten Island, visited us and attended the Easter Triduum Liturgy. Several Koreans and Americans attended Easter Vigil Mass and shared the joy and glory of the Lord’s resurrection with us.
Dear friends,
March 15 was the 90th Anniversary of Foundation of Newton monastery. We Korean brothers have lived here for 12 years since we received stewardship from the American community. Soon it will be the 100th Anniversary of Foundation. We have sincerely tried to root our monastic way of life in this area, but it is not easy. There are many problems and difficulties, especially old and worn-out monastery buildings. Last year, we renovated roofing on the retreat house wing. This year, we have a plan to install showers and toilets in the rooms of the retreat house. We expect that our retreatants and guests will stay here more comfortably. I would like to ask you for help in order to faithfully seek and follow God’s will as monks and missionaries. Once again, we thank you for your generosity. May the Risen Lord give you and your loved ones his abundant grace and love.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Samuel Kim, O.S.B., Prior
and the monks of St. Paul’s Abbey
Newsletter – Advent / Christmas 2013
Dear friends of St. Paul’s Abbey,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
As we give thanks for your kindness and help which you showed us throughout the year of 2013 and ask the blessings of Jesus Christ for you, we greet you from St. Paul’s Abbey. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a hopeful New Year of 2014. Asking our Lord Jesus Christ for his love and grace, I would like to bring you up to date concerning the recent news from our community.
Christmas tree sale : Although we could not sell as many trees as we expected due to snowstorms, still many people came and picked up good, fragrant, fresh trees. Many volunteers helped us during the tree sale season, especially the young people from the Manhattan Korean community, the members of Legion of Mary, some ladies who sold hot cocoa and good neighbors in our area. The Don Bosco Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes also came to make Christmas wreaths with the help of children from St. Joseph’s confirmation classes. We really appreciate their kindness and good efforts.
Various plans for the development of the community : From October 28 to November 1, all the Korean brothers except Fr. Matthew Kim made an Annual Retreat at St. Mary’s Abbey retreat house in Morristown, NJ under the direction of Fr. Gregory Lee who is the prior of Waegwan Abbey. We made the retreat in Korean. We, however, attended the Vespers and Mass in the Abbey on Thursday. We also had meals with the monks of the Abbey. Thanks to their welcome and great hospitality, we made a good retreat. Prior Gregory led the retreat enthusiastically in spite of his advanced age of 79. He also celebrated his 50th ordination on December 20.
We renovated three windows in the kitchen and monastery dinning room in October so that we can prevent losing heat. We also are going on with the installation project for showers and toilets in many rooms of the retreat house. We have discussed this regularly and invited a Korean architect to help.
On December 7, we first celebrated our liturgy separately for Korean speakers and English speakers as we agreed to do on the first Saturday each month for 6 months. The Korean brothers prayed compline in Korean with the Korean people who came to help to sell the Christmas trees.
Guests: We always welcome our guests and friends. From October up to now, many guests have visited us, especially priests and religious brothers and sisters. Sr. Angelina Lee came here from Toronto to make a private retreat. Prior Gregory Lee, Fr. Michael Kim who is a priest of Newark Archdiocese, Benedictine Sisters Gaudia Park and Mariael Kang, who study at a Benedictine convent in Norfolk, Nebraska, Fr. Charles Bebe from Congo, who is studying English in Virginia, Abbot Emeritus Basil Ngaponda, who is a monk of Mvima Abbey, Tanzania and Br. Mario Dong-jin Kim, who is a monk of Waegwan Abbey, visited our community. Between visits to his relatives in Chicago, Br. Mario came here for one month to help sell Christmas trees at the request of Abbot Blasio Park. He stayed with us until December 30 and he was a big help.
Brothers: Oct. 20, Br. Luke and Br. Bernardo went to St. Theresa’s Church in Succasunna in the afternoon for Mass with Bishop Emeritus Frank Rodimer for the local diocesan celebration of World Mission Sunday. Deacon Owen made his private retreat at St. Mary’s Abbey retreat house while the Korean brothers made their retreat at the same time. Fr. Samuel went to the Rhode Island Korean community to give some lectures on November 15 to 18, and he was also invited with local priests for dinner by the members of the Knights of Columbus on November 25. The next day he and Deacon Owen also attended the annual meeting of the Superiors of the Diocese of Paterson which was held by Bishop Arthur Serratelli at St. Mary’s Church Hall. On Nov. 24, Abbot Joel went to the Carmelite Hermits in Chester to attend the Installation Mass for a new superior at 11:00 am. In addition, our brothers gave lectures and heard confessions in many places.
New face: Br. Ezekiel, who was assigned to come here, was granted a visa and came here on Dec. 19. He will be given his new assignment after having sometime to adjust.
Vocation Guests: Mr. Jinmo Paul Chong visited us again on Dec. 12. He will stay with us until Jan. 15 and wants to join our community around end of February or early March. Mr. Martin Eo also visited us, using his winter break.
Dear Friends of St. Paul’s Abbey,
Jesus came to us to save us from sin and death and give us true hope. He became our ultimate hope so that we should not despair. He will never disappoint us if we trust him with our whole hearts. Let us take courage because Jesus is here in our midst.
May Jesus Christ give you and your loved ones his abundant blessings and gifts during the Christmas season and throughout the New Year of 2014. Thank you very much.
Fr. Samuel Kim, O.S.B., Prior
and the monks of St. Paul’s Abbey.
Newsletter – November 2013
November 2013
Dear Friends of St. Paul’s Abbey,
The sky of Autumn is pure and high like a deep blue sea. The fruits are getting ripe and the leaves of trees are falling to the ground. We may give thanks to God for his abundant gifts and love. Asking God’s grace for all of you, I would like to bring you the recent news from our community.
Visit of Abbot Blasio Park: On September 9, Abbot Blasio, who was newly elected as the fifth abbot of Waegwan Abbey on May 7, visited us and stayed with us until September 18. On September 11, he visited Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska to give thanks for their financial help for the construction of Waegwan Abbey. The next day, he returned to Newton with Br. Ansgar, Fr. Richard, Fr. Stephan, Br. Victor and Mr. Ballhausen who had a meeting at Schuyler of the congregation mission procurators. They were supposed to go to Niagara Falls on September 12, but they couldn’t go there because of excessive flight delays. The next day, Abbot Blasio and the mission procurators went on a Manhattan tour guided by Fr. Matthew and me. On Saturday, September 14, the mission procurators left Newton. Abbot Blasio met all the members living at Newton Abbey, from September 14 until returning to Korea on the 18th. We talked about many things and made some decisions.
Guests: We always welcome friends and guests. In April, we had a visit frrom Fr. Paul Rubadue, who is a priest of St. Vincent Archabbey in Pennsylvania. Abbot Simon Ri visited here on April 9 and stayed with us for around one month after his resignation as Abbot of Waegwan. Now he is chaplin of the Trappist convent in Su-jung, Korea. In May, Fr. Paul Kasun, monk of the Schuyler Priory, and his two friends, Mr. Richard T. De Luna and Mrs. Diane E. De Luna visited us. Other visitors in June were Fr. Ildelfonce Mapara, Fr. Volker, who is a monk of Schuyler Priory, Fr. Paul Paparosky from St. Peter’s Abbey in Canada and Br. Mark Florianiani from St. Vincent Archabbey. In July, Fr. Peter Ahn, who lived here for 10 years, came back for a visit. Now Fr. Peter works at the Suck-jun parish as a pastor. In September, Br. Herman Kim, who transferred to Assumption Abbey in North Dakota five years ago, came here for his vacation and met with Abbot Blasio.
Brothers: In April, Deacon Owen went to Pinebeach, Bayville, NJ to preside at the wedding of his grandniece. Br. Matthias went on pilgrimage to Mejugorie. I went to Mount Angel Abbey, OR, to attend the evaluation of Br. Marinus and ask for a scholarship. In May, Fr. Matthew, Br. Bernardo and Deacon Owen went to the Motor Lodge in Parsippany to take Pool Water Class and take the course and an exam for the license. Fr. Matthew and Br. Bernardo got their license. Abbot Joel went to Namibia to visit Abbot Justin in the Windhoek Priory and Fr. Peter Blue in Inkamana, South Africa. Fr. Augustine So returned home from Korea after his home vacation. Fr. Matthew went to Detroit Korean community in Michigan to give some lectures for the Charismatic Prayer Seminar. In June, Fr. Odilo took the oath of American citizenship. He became the first American citizen among Korean missionaries. Abbot Joel went to Waegwan Abbey, Korea, to attend Abbot Blasio’s blessing. Fr. Matthew went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem with his seminary classmates. Deacon Owen and I went to Our Lady of the Rosary monastery to attend Deacon Rafael Jose Perez’ ordination. Deacon Rafael is a hermit of Hermits of Bethlehem. In July, I went to Korea for my home vacation for around two months. I returned to Newton with Abbot Blasio on Sept. 9. In September, Br Luke went with Br. Bernardo and Steve to the summer meeting of the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association in Washington, NJ. Abbot Joel, Abbot Justin and Br. Luke went to Good Shepherd parish in Andoverto attend the funeral Mass for Fr. Steiger who was the founder and former pastor of the parish. In October, Abbot Joel went to Africa to visit the Benedictine students studying at Morogoro, Tanzania and at the Langata study house in Nairobi, Kenya. While he was in Tanzania, he visited Fr. Damian Milliken at Mazinde Juu, Lushoto, TZ. Br. Pontiano, who worked in the kitchen and the vegetable garden, returned to Waegwan Abbey on October 14. He took charge of the kitchen in Waegwan Abbey. Br. Ezekiel, who worked as goldsmith, will come here from Waegwan Abbey as soon as he can get a visa.
Events: We purchased a generator for the well and the sewage plant. Although it was rare, in recent years electricity has gone out because of hurricanes and heavy snow. When super storm Sandy hit this area, we lost power and used water from our pond for the toilets. We also installed a new roof on the Retreat House. From now on, we don’t have to worry about blackouts and leaks. We continue to renovate our buildings and our monastic way of life. We have discussed our liturgy, especially how to harmonize English with Korean. We have agreed to the Korean brothers’ proposal to pray the Divine Office separately in Korean instead of English from vigils to vespers on the first Saturday each month. If something happens on the first Saturday, we will do it the next Saturday. We will try this form for 6 months beginning in December, 2013. After 6 months, we will discuss this form and adjust it if desired.
Vocation Guests: Mr. Martin Eo and Mr. Jinmo Paul Chong visited us as vocation candidates. Mr. Jinmo will visit again in December and will decide if he will join our community. He is an American citizen who got a MA and Phd degree in mathematics at UCLA.
We continue to pray for you for your kindness and help. May God give you his abundant blessings and gifts. Thank you.
Fr. Samuel Kim, O.S.B., Prior
and the monks of St. Paul’s Abbey