Annual Appeal

On September 8, Subiaco Abbey witnessed a sign of blessing in the temporary profession of Novice Luke Petree, now known as Br. Irenaeus. It has been a wonderful year of welcoming new men to the monastery and seeing those in formation advance in their commitment of service to God and his Church. Special thanks to all for your continued support and prayers for our monks and those who are discerning a vocation to religious life.  

Dear Friends of Subiaco,
 
As we approach the end of the Year of Mercy, we continue to ask God for mercy for the world in which we live.  The conflict in the Middle East does not seem to be close to being resolved.  Various places in Africa do not seem to be safe places to live. Tensions seem to be rising in the Far East.  In this country, crimes against persons seem to be on the rise.  We were saddened in August by the murder of two nuns in Mississippi, female nurse practitioners who were dedicating their time and service to helping others.  We want to pray for our world, also for our country; and likewise that, after the November elections, the political rhetoric will cease and all will pull together for the good of everyone.

As bad as this picture seems, we are able to see that we also have been blessed.  At Subiaco we are currently caring for six residents in the Health Center, we have four monks in the seminary or in advanced priestly studies, and several others pursuing various degrees in other subjects.  Two monks made solemn profession in August, one made simple profession this month, and we admitted one man to the novitiate, thus beginning monastic formation here at the Abbey.  Health Care and Monks’ Education are two of the areas helped by the recent Capital Campaign, and we thank those supporting us in this way.

The Academy started the school year with 199 students enrolled.  The renovated Heard Hall and the recently completed Fuhrmann Hall, both student residence centers, seem to have helped attract applicants.  The Academy administration and staff have dedicated themselves to having a good school, continuing, and hoping to better, the improvement shown in the last two school years. 

My point is that as bad as things seem to be worldwide, there are bright spots and signs of God’s blessings.  We want to thank all of you for the aid you have given to us, and we ask you to continue to pray for us at Subiaco as we daily pray for you. We ask for your support in this year’s Abbey Annual Appeal so that together we may keep God’s work at Subiaco alive and keep it one of those bright spots in our world. You may also contact our development department directly at 479-434-1001 or subiaco@subi.org  or click on the Paypal link to donate directly.

Sincerely In Christ,

Abbot Leonard Wangler, O.S.B.