ABBEY OF JESUS CRUCIFIED  DE ESQUIPULAS
Tel (502) 7943-1108 and (502) 7720-7050, Fax: (502) 7943-1381
www.osb.org.gt    E-mail: basilicaesq@yahoo.com
Esquipulas, February 1, 2010

All monastic communities and every religious congregation, have constant need of new members
to remain dynamic and prepare for the future. This is the  law of life.

1. The Benedictine Community of Esquipulas was founded in 1959, so last year (2009) turned 50 years of foundation. From the time that the  Benedictine monks settled in Esquipulas, there have been young people interested in monastic life. This fact causes us great joy and we thank God that there are young people with a desire to devote their lives to God in the monastic life. But we all know that a vocation needs to be cultivated to reach its completion and fulfillment. Such cultivation is achieved by accompanying interested youth in the vocational discernment and training. This work of accompaniment demands time and dedication for human and spiritual training – and finances are needed to do this work of accompaniment.

2. Currently at the Abbey of the Crucified Christ of Esquipulas we have 30 aspirants -  4 living in the community and 26 studying at the College of St. Joseph Minor Seminary, Quetzaltenango. It is also a joy for us to bring to your attention that we also have in our community 8 postulants and 1 novice – for a total of 39.

3. Most of our candidates to the monastic life are young people from low income families. Sometimes, some young people would like to enter into this  process of discernment and training, but  are not able to do so  due to lack of resources; expenses are  shared between the Benedictine Community and parents.

4. The financial situation of many  parents makes it difficult for them to be able to go to the Minor Seminary School in Quetzaltenango because of the  high costs of everything; they must pay registration fees,  airfare, equipment, shoes, clothing and personal expenses. At the beginning of this year, in order to cover all such expenses each family had it cost each family $ 400 (Q 3,200);  the average family in Guatemala earns $150; this means that at the beginning of each school year a family, in order to pay the $400, they must make a loan with high interest. Then during the school year, parents must pay all the personal expenses as they come due.  

5. The Benedictine Community, meanwhile, covers the cost of tuition is $ 175 (Q1, 400) per month for each candidate. This year, for tuition only,  we will pay $45,500 for 26 applicants;  this amount does not include  other expenses such as laboratories, workshops, extra courses.  In addition, we will spend about $ 6,000. to cover tuition and board for four candidates currently in our Community studying in Colegio San Benito.

6. The reality presented above, is a challenge for our  Benedictine Community of Esquipulas. We need  more monks to serve thousands of pilgrims visiting the Shrine of the Black Christ of Esquipulas. So we are looking for donations from people of good will.
 

The interest and commitment of the Benedictine Community of Esquipulas, coupled with the kindness of those who collaborate with us with financial  donations, can  make it possible for us to provide the support needed by candidates to the monastic life. And so one day in the future we will have more monks dedicated to God who in their witness of life and service will  God’s love and presence to His people.   Thanks for your attention to our needs. . . .More about this can be found at our website: www.osb.org.gt

Brother Daniel Perez OSB
Formation Director

Benedictine Community in Esquipulas
E-mail: osb.daniel @ yahoo.es

Brother Jaime Rosa OSB
Vocation Sponsorship Director
Email: osbjimmyrosa@hotmail.com