PAROQUIA – Nssa Senhora do ROSÁRIO
Residência Nssa. Sra. de Fátima 27 June, 2024 LIV:2
Trav. Carlos Pontes, 171
62.900-000 Russas, Ceará http://www.egfbenya.com
BRASIL e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
Dear Family, Benefactors, Friends, Colleagues and Collaborators,
Navigating the United States at this time, this letterhead still serves as a reminder of my geographic residence in this world.
With 20-20 HINDSIGHT I can say that the passage never was slow. Each step, unique in itself, seemed to follow a prescribed interval of timing that appeared quite normal. The specifics leading to these celebrations (50 years of religious life and 40 years of ordination) are to be found in previous postings. Presently the emphasis seems to be on confirmation, perseverance and renewal. Half a century has passed; another half century begins; subtle and rapid.
Since the initial dynamic was never slow, I must admit that its continuation seems even more rapid especially as my age continues to mount. Surprises are most abundant; some pleasant and some unpleasant.
Events of a sobering, animating, enlivening, challenging and invigorating nature were present from the beginning and will continue. Among these is a public denouncement that implies a lack of sobriety and/or addiction, or some other degeneracy on my part. Received and accepted by at least one superior, objective medical examinations disproved these implications and accusations. I am grateful for these findings but the denouncement stands and must still be judged.
Among the more pleasing of surprises are those of an unexpected public interest in publications and presentations whose viable presence, I had assumed had placed them in a “literary ditch”. Regional, national and international attention and publication being rather mysterious, one never has exact certainty what is acceptable, will be acceptable or will draw much interest. Surprises are plethora!
Most blessed also as retirement makes its presence felt, is a gentle yet definite shift in ministries. Daily Eucharist continues to dominate my life, but the ministry of Anointing of the sick, elderly and infirm plus the ministry of Reconciliation, all receive new emphasis at this stage of my life. These know no bounds; as the Spirit of God calls, directs, indicates and sustains.
The MOST pleasant of surprises are students, former students, family, friends, benefactors, colleagues, collaborators; all of you who have been and remain with me these decades of years.
The formal celebration will be in September in Saint Louis. I invite you and your families to join us in spirit iff you wish. With praise and gratitude I remain humbly
in the Love of Jesus Christ
Pe. Ed Benya, S.J.