OLP News Update
(This is “a team effort by our
Novices … first attempt at journalistic collaboration…. –Abbot
Fil.)
My First
Temporary Vow*
After 2 years
of novitiate, I’ve learned about…
-My own self-
To forgive a lot
myself and my brother monks, I gained knowledge praying without ceasing and
mental discipline thru constant study.
-God-
That God is
love. I love God and He loves
me. I know this because God has
given me signs and wonders for my vocation. As in the Apostle’s creed, I
believe that the living God is truly present among us.
-Community-
To
be always flexible especially with other monks because each of us has unique
character. Flexibility is my idea of being
responsible to God and the community.
I will continue
to deepen my prayer life and strengthen my community life. I will persevere in being more humble
and kind to all. I also hope to
complete my 2 years theology. -- Br.Anselm
*God willing Br. Anselm will make 1st profession of
monastic vows on 11 July 2006.
After 3 years in Novitiate formation he is being evaluated and the vote
will hopefully be positive.
A Lenten/Easter
Liturgical Observance
St. Stephen
Harding, third abbot of Citeaux, introduced
modifications in altar and church furnishing so that everything be simple, plain and becoming. Superfluous ornamentation for him
outrages religious simplicity and is a distraction. It is timely in this Lenten season to
remember St. Stephen because the abbey church altar, nave and surrounding
precincts are stripped of all ornamentation. If St. Stephen were to appear to us now,
during Easter, he will gladly permit the
Natural Farming
Technology
Farming methods
usually apply a conventional system for increased productivity – use of
commercial fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides. This technology has its
disadvantages. Yes production is high but productivity of soil deteriorates.
And lifespan of livestock gets short. Also it is dangerous to health and
environment. Its high cost is also a drawback. There is a need for solution.
Last March 21,
Father Abbot Fil and Br Delfin,
our farm head, met with agriculturist, Rene Jaranilla,
about “natural farming” technology. This uses indigenous materials,
right time to plant by observing a bio-dynamic “agricultural
calendar” which assures rich harvest and healthy livestock. There are no
harmful effects, brings back soil to original form and it is beneficial to the
ecosystem. Br Delfin is applying it to our rice field
for a 60-sack per hectare yield. It will also help our poor farmers living
nearby. -- Br Conrad
The Buried
Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
For five years
I was with the Society of the Divine Word.
It was not until my second year in theology that I realized my calling
was for contemplative life. So I spent three months as observer at OLP Trappist Abbey.
In the enclosure, where solitude and silence is a way of life, I found a
treasure. This treasure is Christ
Himself buried in the field of monastic life. Thus on March 4, 2006, I entered
monastic life as postulant. I am
beginning to sell everything or detach from everything, even from my very self,
in order for me to possess this treasure or even more to be possessed by this
treasure. -- Br. Rodney
_________________
Make us
instruments of your Easter promise of unwearied happiness and untainted
bliss. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus. Alleluia! -- Br. Justin
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