PAROQUIA – Nossa Senhora do ROSÁRIO
Residência Nssa. Sra. de Fátima 8 August, 2014 XLIV:II
Trav. Carlos Portes, 171
62.900-000 Russas, Ceará e-mail: [email protected]
BRASIL http://www.egfbenya.com
Dear Collaborators, Family, Benefactors Colleagues & Friends:
Numerical sequence offers measured count of direction that is more exact than simple sequence order. Whether in units or multiples of single units, such sequence attracts attention because of the constant unitary or multiple counts that dominate and highlight otherwise unrelated events.
The past half century of my life presents a numerical sequence in five-year intervals having reference to my life and vocation. In 1964 I graduated high school (secondary studies). The year 1969 saw me enter active military service of the United States of America. In 1974 I entered the Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order). By 1979 I had received a residency visa from the Brazilian Government and thus immigrated to this nation. In 1984 I was ordained a presbyter in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Faith. Then in 1989 I completed “Tertianship” (Third Probation), a formation endeavor specifically associated with the Society of Jesus. Finally (thus far), this year of 2014 I became member of the “Central and Southern Province” of the Jesuits as the New Orleans and Missouri Province merged.
This semi-decadal sequence of 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25 and now 0 tracked over this semi-centennial period is nothing particularly significant considering historical events during that same period, but it may reflect something of Almighty God’s Call to me, or my prowess (or lack thereof) in discerning the Divine Will. This run is further enhanced, or complicated, by the fact that by November of this year (God willing) I will become applied to the still emerging “Provincia do Brasil” of the Society of Jesus, the 10th such province (or vice-province) to which I have been or do “belong”, am “placed”, “applied” or “loaned”. It lends a certain credence to the question within the Order “Where do we put Benya?”
Such sequences tend to arise in the lives of all of us. Completely unplanned, they help focus attention and understanding on apparently unrelated, even irrelevant events allowing a sometimes hidden trend or picture to emerge. Many times that trend or trends can be most enjoyable, highlighting simple, delightful directions in sport, work or personal interest.
Other trends may be more profound, highlighting orientation of benevolence, strength, weakness or vice. Trends of virtue reflect one’s personal transcendence. Those of vice can be symptoms of degeneracy. Neutrality is rare or impossible. Trends always call for attention; not for judgment, but for evaluation. This semi-decadal sequence in my life may reflect something of my indolence in perceiving and obeying the Will of God. Yet it may also reflect something of the virtue that all of you, as a diverse community of faith, friendship and benefaction contribute to this life and vocation. I sincerely hope that it is the latter as I thank Almighty God for His presence IN you, TO you and THROUGH you to me at definite steps in this half century; continuing, hopefully by the Grace of God for all, to Eternal Life.
Gratefully in Christ
Pe. Ed Benya, S.J.