August 2016 Norbertine Celebrations at St. Norbert Abbey

St. Augustine
St. Augustine

On Saturday, August 27, 2016, at the First Vespers of the Solemnity of St. Augustine, Johnathan F. Turba and Anh Q. Tran will be vested in the white habit of the Norbertine Order. Rt. Rev. Gary J. Neville, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, will preside over the vestition ceremony.

On Sunday, August 28, 2016, the Solemnity of St. Augustine, Frater Michael J. Brennan, O. Praem., will profess Solemn Vows, forming a mutual lifelong commitment to the canonical life between himself and the entire professed community. Abbot Neville will preside over the solemn rite.

On Monday, August 29, 2016, Frater Brennan will also be ordained to the diaconate by Most Rev. Dale J. Melczek, DD, Bishop Emeritus of Gary, Indiana.

Read more about vestition and the Norbertine religious habit »

Please Note

This year the Solemnity of our Holy Father, St. Augustine, falls on a Sunday—August 28, 2016.

We would like to inform our regular worshippers that this Mass will include the Solemn Profession of Vows of our confrere, Frater Michael J. Brennan, O. Praem.

Given these special rites, this liturgy will be longer in duration than most Masses celebrated at the abbey, and we will welcome many of Frater Brennan’s friends and family from out of town.

We are grateful for your prayerful presence at St. Norbert Abbey; we welcome you to that Sunday’s celebration, as well. However, we wanted to inform you of the unique and blessed rituals that the Sunday, August 28, liturgy will include!


In the News

Abbey Celebrations
Fall/Winter 2016
St. Norbert College Magazine

First Vespers & Solemn Vows (page 15)
Fall/Winter 2016
Abbey Magazine

Local faith briefs: Norbertine celebrations this weekend
August 25, 2016
The Green Bay Press-Gazette

SMSA alum to be vested in Norbertine Order Aug. 27
August 22, 2016
Fond du Lac Reporter


August 27, 2016 — First Vespers of the Solemnity of St. Augustine

Vestition of Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., and Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.

An Outward Sign of an Inward Spirit


August 28, 2016 — Solemnity of St. Augustine

Bishop and Doctor of the Church | Author of Our Rule of Life
Celebrating the Solemn Profession of Frater Michael Brennan, O. Praem.

A Lifelong Commitment to Canonical Life

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo


August 29, 2016 — Mass of Diaconate Ordination of Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem.


Frater Michael Joseph Brennan, O. Praem.

Profession of Solemn Vows and Ordination to the Diaconate

… I have found my way home here at St. Norbert Abbey.

—Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem.
Frater Michael Brennan, O. Praem.
Frater Michael Brennan, O. Praem.

Frater Brennan, 39, is the son of Michael and Dorothy Brennan of Michigan City, Indiana, and a son of Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Michigan City. His parents now belong to St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger, Indiana.

Frater Brennan was vested in the white Norbertine habit in August 2011 and professed Simple Vows in August 2013.

A 1995 graduate of Marquette Catholic High School, Michigan City, Frater Brennan graduated from St. Norbert College (SNC) in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and psychology and a minor in religious studies.

In 2001 he received a Master of Education degree from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He was also named Teacher of the Year at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, White Castle, Louisiana (1999-2000), and at Ascension Catholic Middle School, Donaldsonville, Louisiana (2001-2002), and received the Young Alumni Award from SNC (2005).

Frater Brennan anticipates completing his Masters of Divinity in May 2017 and an M.A. in Scripture in the fall of 2017. Both degrees will be granted by Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. Frater Brennan will be ordained a Norbertine priest on May 27, 2017.

“As I shared with our guests on the occasion of these celebrations, I have found my way home here at St. Norbert Abbey. I am most grateful to God, to my fellow Norbertines, family, friends, and all those I have met along this journey. I owe much to those who have prepared me for these joyful moments of solemn profession and ordination. I look forward to my ongoing growth and formation as I serve the People of God as a Norbertine deacon at Old St. Pat’s in Chicago and here in our local community. Thank you to those who have supported me, challenged me, and prayed for me. I ask for your continued guidance as we all strive ‘to be of one mind and one heart on the way to God.’ ” —Deacon Michael Brennan, O. Praem.


Frater Johnathan Fredrick Turba, O. Praem.

Vestition

I feel incredibly blessed to be joining the Norbertines.

—Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.
Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.
Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.

Frater Turba, 28, is the son of Michael and Patricia Turba of Platteville, Wisconsin, and a son of Immaculate Conception Parish in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

Upon completion of his high school studies in Platteville, Frater Turba graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in choral music education, emphasis in voice and piano.

Since graduating from college Frater Turba served as an elementary, middle, and high school teacher of general music and as a choral director for the Iola-Scandinavia School District in North Central Wisconsin. In 2016 Frater Turba received the Outstanding Young Conductor Award from the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association for his dedicated work in the schools.

The first-year Norbertine novitiate (in which Frater Turba will participate) will take place at St. Norbert Abbey.

“Upon my vestition, walking into the abbey church clad in a white habit of my own was a joyous and humbling experience. When everyone applauded to welcome Anh and me into the community, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. I feel incredibly blessed to be joining the Norbertines. As I begin my novitiate at the abbey, I look forward to learning more about the Norbertine heritage and about the surrounding community while also growing in my faith.” —Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.


Frater Anh Quoc Tran, O. Praem.

Vestition

God’s merciful heart and compassionate love have guided my wandering heart to the new adventure …

—Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.
Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.
Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.

Frater Tran, 26, son of Linh Van Tran and Son Thi Nguyen, is a son of Hien Linh Parish in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

After graduating from St. Mary Springs High School, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Frater Tran studied at St. Norbert College. He graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in global business.

Since graduating from college Frater Tran earned two master’s degrees in servant leadership and business administration from Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he served as house coordinator at A Place of Grace Catholic Worker House.

The first-year Norbertine novitiate (in which Frater Tran will participate) will take place at St. Norbert Abbey.

“To me, the vestition was absolutely a blessing from God, especially having my parents from Vietnam here witnessing this initiation of my new beginning. God’s merciful heart and compassionate love have guided my wandering heart to the new adventure which is full of hope and yet beyond my imagination. Because of that, I thank you, Lord!” —Frater Anh Tran, O. Praem.

Newly Ordained Son of Norbertine Parish Returns Home

On June 12, 2016, newly ordained Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem., returned to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in De Pere, Wisconsin, to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish. His beautiful homily was a tribute to God and the faithful at our vibrant Norbertine apostolate.

Mass of Thanksgiving Homily of Fr. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem.

from St. Norbert Abbey on Vimeo

Video courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Read “Reflections on a Restless Heart” by Fr. Vanden Branden, as seen in the Fall/Winter 2016 issue of Abbey Magazine (pages 16-17).

View the June 2016 celebrations at St. Norbert Abbey »

De·con·struct·ing the Habit

As seen in the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 3)

By Fr. Stephen Rossey, O. Praem.

With its roots in thrift, practicality, and symbolism, the four-piece Norbertine habit has a fascinating history.

  1. The tunic is the basic garment of the habit. It originates from the everyday vesture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Worn as an outer garment over street clothes, it is a great equalizer; in it, everyone has the same status.
  2. The scapular is essentially an apron, such  as was worn by manual laborers. It consists of a piece of cloth spanning nearly the width of the body and reaching to the feet in front and behind. It keeps the tunic clean.
  3. The sash, or cincture, is a long, narrow strip of cloth that confines the loose, flowing tunic and scapular, preventing them from impeding the movement of the wearer. It circles the waist and is tied in a knot at the side.
  4. The elbow-length shoulder cape fastens at the neck. It originally was worn only in choir but today is an essential part of the habit. Its small “hood” is a symbolic leftover of the full monastic hood worn during the medieval era.

Why White?

The Norbertine Religious Habit
The Norbertine Religious Habit

The choice of the Norbertine religious habit caused some lively disputes in its 12th-century day. Monks then wore unbleached wool dyed black. Canons regular—members of ministry-oriented rather than cloistered orders—wore fine white linen. St. Norbert himself wore a tunic, belt and cape of undyed wool, a poor man’s garment made from the cheapest material available in his native Germany, where flocks of sheep were numerous.

This unorthodox combination of a traditionally monastic fabric with a traditionally clerical color spawned great controversy and set the Norbertines apart. While no longer controversial, the Norbertine habit still does distinguish clearly members of this ancient order.

Read More

  • Habit By Mary
    By Kevin T. Di Camillo
    November 8, 2017
    Catholic Digest

Canons on the RunCanons on the Run

Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., are co-hosts of St. Norbert Abbey’s biweekly podcast, Canons on the Run. In episode 008, compellingly and with a bit of humor, they discuss their habit, the conversations that have occurred because of it, and their continual witness to God’s call.

Listen now »


Honoring Our Catholic and National Identity In Sacred Spaces

By Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.

FlagThis is a busy time of the year for U.S. flags. If I gaze upon my parish’s five cemeteries and our abbey cemetery, I am likely to see a number of flags posited around Memorial Day (May 30). And, our country celebrates Flag Day on June 14 and Independence Day on July 4 (and who has not seen flags on display during parades or at baseball games on Independence Day?).

The Catholic Church does recognize the opportunity to acknowledge civil holidays during the celebration of the Mass. For example, according to The Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and Celebration of the Eucharist (2015), Catholics in the United States can use texts for an optional “Mass for Peace and Justice” on Memorial Day and an optional “Mass for Independence Day” on July 4.

When celebrating Mass on national holidays, how do we strike a balance between honoring our country (and those who died in defense of the United States) and the sacred space reserved for the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist in our church sanctuaries?

As I have discussed with several people this spring, we can honor the U.S. flag and our war dead by placing the flag in the church vestibule and/or installing a plaque commemorating the war dead outside of the worship space. Thankfully, there is room for patriotic symbols on our churches’ property without encroaching upon the symbols of the Liturgy of the Word (such as the ambo) and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (such as the altar). I love our flag and everything for which it stands, but also hold that sacred space where we celebrate the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist must not be expected to share its predominance with secular symbols.

DISCLAIMER: This blog represents Br. Herro’s own opinions and experiences. It does not represent an official position or opinion of St. Norbert Abbey or of any other Norbertine.

Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem.

Born to Be a Priest

Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem.
Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem.

Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem., made sports headlines in 1970 when he shot a hole-in-one on the number four hole at North Brook Country Club—the second in the club’s history. While hardly the highlight of his vocational religious life, to an avid golfer it counts as one of his more exciting moments. Nevertheless, the accomplishment pales alongside his many other achievements since priestly ordination in 1958.

Except for nine years as abbot (1992-2003), his ministry was almost exclusively in education. He graduated from St. Norbert College (SNC), De Pere, in 1955, then taught at Abbot Pennings (formerly St. Norbert) High School. After ordination he served Prémontré High School as teacher, then as registrar for five years. Next came a two-year stint as superior at Holy Spirit Priory, Chicago. He returned to De Pere and St. Norbert College to be dean of students (1968-72) and for two years also taught part-time in education.

After a sabbatical year at UCLA, it was back to Prémontré to serve as principal for nine years. During this time he was named to the SNC Board of Trustees, held leadership positions on several state education committees, and was active in various professional organizations.

Nine years later, SNC reclaimed him—this time as director of teacher education. He administered programs leading to the certification of nursery-kindergarten, elementary, and secondary educators for nine years until his confreres elected him abbot of St. Norbert Abbey in 1992.

“I was abbot for nine years; I was principal of Prémontré for nine; I was director of teacher education for nine; and dean of students for five,” he recalls. “After retiring as abbot I lived for a few years at the abbey. I then decided that I might be of some help at our priory in Mississippi. My tenure there continues to this day and thus I have finally occupied a position for more than nine years.

“During this time I have been a chaplain at two Federal prisons and a VA hospital. I have also assisted at various parishes when called upon, however this past year I became the sacramental minister at St. Stephen Parish in the small town of Magee, Mississippi. Also during most of this time I have had the privilege of serving as superior (prior) of our Priory of St. Moses the Black in Raymond, Mississippi.”

Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem., at a VA hospital in Mississippi
Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem., at a VA hospital in Mississippi

During and between assignments, Abbot De Wane achieved graduate and post-graduate degrees in education administration from Marquette University and the University of Chicago, respectively.

He enjoyed everything he did, but liked being principal most; dean of students was “the most challenging.” His ministries were fulfilling and kept him “quite busy.” These experiences of satisfying, fulfilling apostolates contributed to Abbot De Wane’s unwavering commitment to religious life. His work was satisfying, he was doing what he wanted to do, and he made a lot of friends along the way.

“I really never look back at a point in my life and say, ‘Oh, I wish I would have done this or that or done something different,’” says Abbot De Wane. “When I entered the order, I did so because I wanted to and I love it. I was blessed by having this journey.”

The Norbertines have been part of his life since he attended St. Willebrord grade school in his hometown, Green Bay. “Every priest I knew was a Norbertine,” he says.

As far back as he can remember, he wanted to be a priest and was encouraged in his vocation by some of the sisters who taught at St. Willebrord. One in particular suggested, “‘You were born to be a priest, weren’t you?’ I can remember her saying that, and it came out that she was right. I don’t think that I ever felt seriously about doing anything else. And my parents hadn’t ever encouraged me to go in that direction; I got it all from either the Spirit or the sisters.”

He remembers the Norbertines at St. Willebrord and at Central Catholic High School as very friendly. “There was a constant interface with them—not necessarily for the purposes of vocation, but because I saw them all the time. I did become good friends with some of them. We played sports and tennis; we played in the school yard.”

St. Norbert College alumnus and educator Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem.
St. Norbert College alumnus and educator Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem.

Abbot De Wane took classes with Norbertines at Central Catholic. He liked high school; his desire to be a priest solidified there. When he told his dad that he was thinking about becoming a priest, “He said to me, ‘Don’t you think you should go to college first?’ and I said ‘No, I’m going straight to seminary,’ and that was the end of that. It’s always been a mystery to me because I was always kind of a homebody.” He left home for seminary and never looked back.

Abbot De Wane entered the Norbertine Order in August 1950 after graduating from Catholic Central as salutatorian (second in his class). In the half-century since, he has witnessed a dramatic decline in religious vocations. He also experienced major cultural and liturgical changes brought about by Vatican II, especially many affecting religious orders. Among these, a more relaxed structure has made for a better community.

“It is definitely not as strict as it was; it has made for a greater freedom,” he says. What members do now they do from choice.

“It hasn’t always been like that. I think it makes for happier members of the community. I think that people are doing what they want to do, and what they feel best equipped to do.” Rewarding as this aspect of community is, “The problem is, that doesn’t always fit into the chess match. Sometimes things get stretched; when you have a job that needs to be done, there is not always someone readily available to do it. Right now I am sure that we can do it all, but there may be a day when we can’t.”

The struggle to maintain community while engaging in active ministry is ongoing; balancing action and contemplation, the same. “Like everybody, it all goes into the nature of community. No one escapes it. Everybody does the best they can. On the apostolate side you are quite busy, you do the best you can. I can hope now that when I am finished (with my term as abbot) I will have more time to devote to contemplation,” he explains.

With any discussion of change within the order, Norbertines invariably define some aspects of the life as “the untouchables”: contemplation, ministry, and a community bonded by common prayer, common table, and common recreation.

In the words of Abbot De Wane, “our apostolates can change,” but how much change is needed so the community is healthier, holier, and happier is debatable. “My view of improving things is not to zero in on changing things, so much as doing what we are doing better. We can always do things better.”

Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem. (right), in the chapel at the Priory of St. Moses the Black
Abbot Emeritus E. Thomas De Wane, O. Praem. (right), in the chapel at the Priory of St. Moses the Black

There is much about Norbertine life to attract young people, says Abbot De Wane. “Part of canonical life is the mixture of contemplative community and apostolate. The right person for here has to be prepared for all three parts of our traditions (community, contemplation, and ministry). I think canonical life is part of a special blend of life.” Typically, the blend calls for the desire to be a priest. And, although historically the order is predominantly priests, “We also have a place for brothers.”

Life is good; the abbot feels blessed.

“I have been told that in my life I have a gentle wind behind me. In a certain sense, I have had an easy way of life. I haven’t had many tragedies. I never had any deep depressions, and I’m not quite sure that I have ever been depressed. I have had a fairly steady life. I have done what I have had to do. Others have had great family problems and difficult times, but it hasn’t been the story of my life,” he reflects.

Though never a great athlete, he loves sports (especially golf), enjoys spectator sports, and swims often. And he has the kind of personality that adjusts well to community living.

“I think I am a friendly person, and I am not a judgmental person. This helps in friendships, and I have a good sense of humor; I can laugh about jokes, so I think I am a good community member, and I enjoy community.”

A fulfilling life as priest and administrator has taken him to worlds never dreamed of as a novice back in 1950—India, South America, Australia, and most of Europe.

“I never would have had the occasions to travel as I have if not a Norbertine. All I can say is that I’m grateful to the Lord, and blessed. His will has brought me into this whole thing, with a wonderful family, and a great community. We are still some to some extent capable of going farther, but we will continue to do great things.”

I Wonder What Water Flint Used for the Easter Vigil This Year?

By Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.

Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.
Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.

I recently commented that the 2016 Easter Triduum was a blur for me. Twelve-hour days Wednesday through Saturday; balancing mastering ceremonies with recruiting, training, and overseeing liturgical ministers; learning the ins and outs of the ceremonies and the props for three distinct liturgies; trying to figure out how to receive the holy oils and bless Paschal candles and holy water at one site but transferring them to two others before Sunday morning; overseeing the confirmation and First Communion of an adult Catholic; the list goes on.

Perhaps the corker was Saturday morning, when the pastor, one of the art and environment volunteers, and I realized that we did not have a suitable supply of water to be blessed later that night for three different worship communities AND that the village’s water was avoided by some for drinking and washing. I jumped in the car, returned home to fill an eight gallon water thermos jug, and returned to my parish to fill three receptacles of water to be blessed of which two would be transferred to remote worship sites.

While feeling sorry for myself over the apparent lack of planning and basic liturgical supplies and properties, I had to remind myself of a 1979 prayer on ministry composed by the late Saginaw Bishop Kenneth Untener. It begins, “It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.” Though I had to travel 25 miles round trip at the last moment to acquire a few gallons of water, at least my community had passable running water.

The manager of Flint, Michigan, had decided that its water supply was too expensive, so the city contracted with another source for cheaper water…though city leaders knew that it was not safe. The city’s antiquated purification system failed to protect many of the citizens from lead in water. And the majority of the consumers affected by his decision were underrepresented and often neglected or forgotten residents of Flint. How do you say, “government negligence” and “environmental justice”? How does a Christian community reflect on the blessing of living water at the Easter vigil when civil leaders poisoned the poorest people in the community by allowing city faucets to produce unsafe water?

DISCLAIMER: This blog represents Br. Herro’s own opinions and experiences. It does not represent an official position or opinion of St. Norbert Abbey or of any other Norbertine.

The Habit: An Outward Sign of Inward Spirit

As seen in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 14)

An interview with Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem.
By Gina Sanders Larsen

Managing Editor, Abbey Magazine

Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., wears his habit on the streets of Chicago.
Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., wears his habit on the streets of Chicago.

During a recent academic break, I sat with Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., 26, to discuss a seemingly simple idea—whether or not to wear the ankle-length white habit of the Norbertines when he is out in public in Chicago, the city where he studies for the priesthood at Catholic Theological Union.

What is it like wearing a habit in a secular environment?

The most important thing is that when you are wearing the habit, everything you do reflects not only on you, but also on every Norbertine. The habit elicits a lot of emotion, both good and bad, yet it expresses my Christian faith and vocation. Am I hiding it, or am I on fire? It’s an outward sign of inward spirit.

Tell me more about that phrase, “an outward sign of inward spirit.”

If I choose not to wear the habit, I am choosing to blend in. In the streets, the white habit is a visible witness to Christ. It’s like when Jesus called himself “the door” and no one can come to the Father except through Him. I am certainly not Jesus, but I choose to be present and visible to people. At times some religious or priests hide behind a collar or habit. You have to remember that what counts is a person’s true character, and no article of clothing can change that. For me, the habit is a call to authenticity.

You said the habit elicits both good and bad responses from people. Can you give me some examples?

People often ask me, “What are you?” and I tell them I’m a Christian in formation for the Catholic priesthood. Many people ask me to pray for them, or they are intrigued by the idea of a priest. I’ve helped people who need a bus ticket or something to eat, but I’ve also provoked feelings of hatred. It is an imitation of Christ: trying to do good but realizing even the Son of God was not accepted by all.

Will you continue to wear your habit in public?

Yes. Even for people who do not approach me, wearing the habit shows them that someone is still interested in Christianity and Catholicism in a secular world. I hope that in wearing the habit, it is a visible sign of Christ in me and through me, and that it fosters Christian hope in a city plagued by poverty, violence, and racism. I am putting myself out there—humbly, I hope. The streets have a way of keeping you humble.

Read More

  • Habit By Mary
    By Kevin T. Di Camillo
    November 8, 2017
    Catholic Digest

Canons on the RunCanons on the Run

Frater Jordan Neeck, O. Praem., and Frater Johnathan Turba, O. Praem., are co-hosts of St. Norbert Abbey’s biweekly podcast, Canons on the Run. In episode 008, compellingly and with a bit of humor, they discuss their habit, the conversations that have occurred because of it, and their continual witness to God’s call.

Listen now »


Rev. Joseph Sabbas Rékasi, O. Praem.

August 28, 1921 – March 26, 2016

As seen in the Fall/Winter 2016 issue of Abbey Magazine (page 21)

Fr. Joseph Rékasi, O. Praem.
Fr. Joseph Rékasi, O. Praem.

Fr. Rékasi, a member of Gödöllő Abbey, Budapest, Hungary, residing at St. Norbert Abbey, was born on August 28, 1921, in Jaszbereny, Hungary. His home parish was in Jaszbereny.

In 1940 Fr. Rékasi graduated from Jozsef Nador Realgimnazium, Jaszbereny. He received degrees in philosophy, theology, and French, including a doctorate degree in French in 1960.

Fr. Rékasi was vested as a novice on August 15, 1940. He professed Simple Vows on September 9, 1941, professed Solemn Vows on September 9, 1945, and was ordained to the priesthood on March 25, 1946.

He began his teaching assignments at St. Norbert College, De Pere, in 1953 as an associate professor of French and Latin. He had numerous assignments at the University of Detroit as an associate professor of French. After retirement, he continued various ministries at Old St. Joseph Church and St. Joseph Priory.

Fr. Rékasi will be remembered for his love of the language and culture of France, and without a doubt the city of Paris. He loved to converse about his travels, his remarkable early life, and escape from Hungary due to political unrest. He enjoyed showing his collection of personal pictures, carefully organized and identified.

Gospel Passion and Resurrection Stories and the Current Political Environment

Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem., outside the Brown County Courthouse in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem., outside the Brown County Courthouse in Green Bay, Wisconsin

By Br. Steve Herro, O. Praem.

While preparing for Easter Sunday by diving into the Scripture readings for Easter Sunday morning, especially John’s description of Peter and the beloved disciple’s visit to the “empty tomb,” I stumbled upon the article “The Great Unsettling,” by David Maraniss and Robert Samuel (yes, Packers fans, this is the same Maraniss who has written one of the most comprehensive biographies of Vince Lombardi!). The article opens:

“So much anger out there in America.

“Anger at Wall Street. Anger at Muslims. Anger at trade deals. Anger at Washington. Anger at police shootings of young black men. Anger at President Obama. Anger at Republican obstructionists. Anger about political correctness. Anger about the role of big money in campaigns. Anger about the poisoned water of Flint, Mich. Anger about deportations. Anger about undocumented immigrants. Anger about a career that didn’t go as expected. Anger about a lost way of life. Mob anger at groups of protesters in their midst. Specific anger and undefined anger and even anger about anger.”

Are we looking for anything to be angry about? Heck, we are angry about anger and angry about both sides of the same coin: “Anger at President Obama” and “Anger at Republican obstructionists.” Are we such lost souls?

Read on Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, one week before Easter Sunday and 15 days before the Wisconsin primary, I was struck by how linked this emotion was to the Scriptures of the coming weeks. There is lots of anger in the crowd that wanted to put Jesus to death; mob mentality seemed to rule the day. How different is this from the mob mentality surrounding the issues listed above by Maraniss and Samuel?

Does the true follower of Christ, believer in the Resurrection (that’s Resurrection, not insurrection!), succumb to so much anger about national and world events? To be honest, I don’t expect the anger meter to drop dramatically because of a conversion to joy and hope based on Easter 2016. But as my home state rises to national attention due to its presidential primary, just nine days into the Easter season, I hope that Wisconsinites do vote based on hope for the future and not current anger and frustration. Do Wisconsinites need to stand back and do some good ole’ fashioned theological reflection before pulling the lever on April 5?

DISCLAIMER: This blog represents Br. Herro’s own opinions and experiences. It does not represent an official position or opinion of St. Norbert Abbey or of any other Norbertine.

International Meeting Fosters Associate Ties

Numerous statues line the world-famous Charles Bridge in Prague, including St. Norbert (center), St. Wenceslas (“Good King Wenceslas”), and St. Sigismund (Martyr and Duke of Burgundy). Standing below are St. Norbert Abbey’s Norbertine Associate representatives (left to right): Mike Hermans, Marlene Mapes, Sue Pankratz, and Mike Pankratz.
Numerous statues line the world-famous Charles Bridge in Prague, including St. Norbert (center), St. Wenceslas (“Good King Wenceslas”), and St. Sigismund (Martyr and Duke of Burgundy). Standing below are St. Norbert Abbey’s Norbertine Associate representatives (left to right): Mike Hermans, Marlene Mapes, Sue Pankratz, and Mike Pankratz.

In July 2015, four Norbertine Associates from St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, Wisconsin, joined nearly 50 other Norbertine Associates at the third Norbertine Associate international meeting held at Teplá Abbey in the Czech Republic. The focus of the conference was to learn about Norbertine history and present-day efforts to follow St. Norbert’s work to share Christ’s message with the world.

In a setting filled with rich Norbertine history, they covered topics that included Conversion (Fr. Ambrose Samal, O. Praem., Strahov Abbey, Prague), the Year of Consecrated Life (Abbot General Thomas Handgrätinger, O. Praem.), and Evangelization – Pope Francis’ letter, “The Joy of the Gospel” (Fr. Joseph Serano, O. Praem., Daylesford Abbey, Pennsylvania).

There was plenty of time to contemplate the messages of these presentations. Many insights were gained, as well as the opportunity to pray with and learn from fellow associates from across North America and Europe. While their goals may be the same, the needs of different areas of the world demand different approaches. St. Norbert Abbey’s Norbertine Associates returned home with new ideas and new enthusiasm for assisting their own Norbertine community.