Annual Appeal

Dear Friends,

FAITH OVER FEAR: This slogan has popped up on various items since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clothing, coffee mugs, and home décor from a variety of manufacturers sport the saying. It’s perhaps the most important piece of “news” we should take to heart, particularly for those severely struggling in these uncertain times. Keeping our focus on faith and suppressing the fear-factor is not easy, but it is exactly what God asks of us. In Hebrews 11:1, we are told “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

On our journey to grow in faith, we are first called to practice the flow of faith. Learning to talk to God through prayer helps build trust and assures the inner conviction that he is in control of ALL things.

As we work to increase our flow of faith through prayer and good works, we are modeling the essence of The Rule of St. Benedict, that is, we are finding the balance in our lives that brings about peace. And isn’t it true that when we experience peace, our faith feels stronger? We are usually less concerned about the “stressful” things in our own lives and are moved to think of the hardships and needs of others first. There again is that balance; keeping the fears at bay and allowing our increased faith to steer us toward the deeper relationship with God while practicing care and concern for his people.

Facing the final months of a year that has been filled with peaks and valleys of emotional, financial, and perhaps even spiritual strain, let us take a few minutes to examine our own flow of faith. As the monks of Subiaco join together daily, thanksgiving to our benefactors is a common prayer. Our faith in your continued support, both prayerfully and financially, brings peace and balance to the work we are called to do. We are ever-mindful that we need not fear: God is in control and he puts amazing partners like you in our path to aid us.

Your support of our Abbey Annual Appeal will sustain our ministries and allow us to better serve God and his people. We invite you to make a gift for this appeal, but more importantly, we invite you to join us as together we grow in faith.

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. With much gratitude, we ask that God will bless you always! May your lives be balanced and your faith be strong!
 
In Christ,

Abbot Leonard Wangler, O.S.B.