MFP 2002: Review of the Program

As the first year of the Program got underway, the whole group - staff (myself as Director working with Fr Mark Butlin from the UK, and Sr Theodora Ntuli from South Africa) and participants - gathered with a sense of anticipation and hope at what the experience would bring.

Being in Rome, the heart of the Church, was itself symbolic for our gathering. Rome has long been a focus and a meeting place for different cultures and traditions in the Church. As we began the course it was evident that the group broguth with themselves a rich experience, and this alone provided for a fruitful exchange over the three months ahead. We gathered with 28 participants from 20 countries forming an international community. We represented many different monastic traditions but over the three months found a common bond in our following of Christ in the way of Benedict.

The course began with an exchange amongst ourselves, the telling of our own monastic journeys, and of our hopes and expectations for the three months. Under the guidance of the former OSCO Abbot General, Dom Ambrose Southey we identified the formation issues and questions to keep before us during the course.

To help us in the process of leaning together, there was a fine array of contributors - too many to be listed - but those who gave extended contributions included Sr Aquinata Böckmann OSB (on Earthing Benedict), Fr Benoît Standaert (on Scripture and Lectio Divina), Dom Augustine Roberts (on Vita Consecrata), Fr Michael Casey (one week on Communicating the Monastic Tradition, a second on the Cistercians), Mother Martha Driscoll (Dialogue as a Sacrament of Mercy), Abbot Matthew Leavy (on Stages of Monastic Growth) and Fr Thomas Acklin (on Human Development), Fr Columba Stewart (on the Rule as a Handbook of Formation) as well as the teaching staff of Sant' Anselmo including Fr Mark Sheridan, Fr Maciej Bielawski and Fr Jeremy Driscoll (covering the monastic sources such as John Cassian, Evagrius and the Eastern Tradition). Each brought their scholarship and insight, gave teaching material, and helped the group reflect together on the issues.

While going through the programme all of us had one eye on our work as formators, but another on our own need to be formed, to be renewed in our monastic living. Some described the experience of the course as being like a second novitiate. I think for all involved, participants and staff alike, it was a time of personal renewal that came through our studying and sharing, by our liturgy and prayer, by our community living and friendship: by our simply being together for these privileged three months.

My hope is that those who participated in the 2002 Programme, and those who will take part in future years, will return to their monasteries encouraged in their work of formation, and with a greater confidence to live and share this great monastic way of following Christ.

As director of the programme I am grateful for all the support that communities have shown in making this first MFP take place and so appreciated by those who were able to take part, not least to the Benedictine Missionary Sisters of Tutzing who gave us our first home in Rome for the Program. Fr Brendan Thomas OSB, Director of the Program

MFP 2002: Views from the Participants

The MFP 2002 has exposed me to a host of experiences which has deepened my personal commitment to the monastic way. The lectures challenged me to live authentically and gave me tools to pass on the monastic charism to others, particularly those in formation. Our visits to key sites of monastic, ecclesiastical and historical importance helped me to root what we learnt in the classroom. The experience of living together with a very diverse group of monastics also enriched my appreciation of the global nature of Benedictine Monasticism. I feel enriched, invigorated and energised to return to my community and to be at their service in fostering a greater appreciation of monasticism in my country.
Fr John Pereira OSB, Oour Lady of Exile, Trinidad and Tobago

For men and women preparing to take on the role of formators, and those already engaged in this ministry, this three month course is an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the process of formation within the Tradition, to engage in cross-cultural dialogue around formation issues and perspectives, to attend to any “gaps” in their own formation, to acquire skills, methods of communicating the tradition to others, to sit at the feet of some “wisdom figures”; to be enriched personally to be “stronger” monastics.
Sr Bernadette Corboy, sgs, Good Samaritan Community,Republic of Kiribati, Central Pacific.

I would definitely recommend this Program to (future) formators. I found that it paid close attention to the sources of the monastic tradition in a way that is very helpful for communicating these sources to particular novices and juniors.
Fr Casey Bailey OCSO, Oour Lady of Guadalupe, Lafayette, USA

The experience of the whole programme was for me like going through my Second Novitiate, which helped me to fill up the gaps of my own formation. Being in a multicultural group was for me a challenging invitation for growth. The experience and content of the course is something indispensable for our mission as formators. There is a need to go back to the roots in order to appreciate more, and make good sense of what we are embracing as monastics.
Sr Paula Wanyama OSB, Sacred Heart Priory, Nairobi, Kenya

The uniqueness of this Program lies in the depth of exposure to the sources of monastic tradition, while keeping this content in close relation with the lived experience of those participating in the course.
Fr David Bock OCSO, New Melleray , Indiana, USA

I am very grateful to all who have helped and supported this Programme. May they not grow tired of helping it for God’s sake, and for the love of the monastic life.
Sr Raphaela Mlwilo OSB, St Scholastica’s Convent, Peramiho, Tanzania

I recommend this Program because it helps us appreciate more our vocation and the richness of our monastic tradition, and the challenge to be a formator. The sharing of faith and life experience of brothers and sisters from different cultures strengthens each other to keep on going: they are not alone.
Sr M. Bernadine Maminta OSB, St Benedict Priory, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

Having lived in a "new community" for three months makes me a "new monk" along with my brothers and sisters of St Benedict
Fr Klemens Silatama Hananta Tur OCSO, Our Lady of Rawaseneng, Indonesia

I would recommend this course because it gives formators around the world the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from each other. The course gives me more confidence in my task as a formator. MFP is an experience of joy, prayer and community life!
Fr Bernardus Peeters OCSO, Abdij Koningshoeven, The Netherlands