Circular No 769

Newsletter for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

Caracas, 31 of July 2016 No. 769

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Dear Friends,

A very short note on the “pool”.

I arrived at The Abbey School in September 1955, and there was no pool.

In the area selected there was a flat ground and the scouts used it for their annual rope and bamboo marvellous construction projects.

The last one was a tower about 50 feet tall.

You can browse through the blog to see the photos.

The pool was constructed in 1956 and was to be inaugurated for the new fall term.

All students were advised to learn to swim during the summer holidays.

The pool effectively was ready to be filled during the month of September which was a long process due to the shortage of water from the river during summer.

Behold, when the pool was full, one side was about 6 to 8 inches lower than the other lateral side. The physics teacher was consulted as to the phenomenon. His answer was that standing water is always horizontal, even at Mount.

Fr. Ildefonse was at his time doing practice measurements around the football field aiming to master topography measurements and was placed in charge to review and solve the problem.

The pool was emptied and he placed the teodolite in the middle of the pool, after levelling measurements this difference was noted and the lower side was increase to make that side of the pool level.

The contractor did the extension and before December the pool was inaugurated with a competition.

Naturally only after the green water was chlorinated and filtered, it was beautiful blue.

Those who spent their time in the shallow end would notice that the bottom of the pool was not level.

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Father Harold Imamshah <frharold12@gmail.com>

Apr 10 at 9:58 PM

Thanks Nigel;

a fantastic appreciation of the joys Fr. Benedict Voosh brought to so many. 

Thanks to Joe, thank you for your brilliant recognition of the uniqueness of the Abbey School, Dutch model.

Hope we can reflect, on providing an alternative education, sometime soon.

Fr. H

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On Apr 10, 2016, at 10:02 AM,

GEORGE MICKIEWICZ <amickiew@att.net> wrote:

Hi David,

Good to hear from you. 

Unfortunately, after 54 years, my little computer brain has pretty much “deleted” the Trini accent and talk. 

I try to read your columns but the Guardian no longer makes them available for us foreigners for free. 

Do miss your words of wisdom.

As a paediatrician, are you starting to see little ones with Zika related issues that are being experienced by neighbouring Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, etc.?....a terrible virus.

Congratulations on your weight loss…..noticed it from your current versus past photos in your columns. 

I do envy you as it is a daily challenge for me and I am heading in the opposite way.

Stay healthy, mi hermano,

George

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From: David Bratt [mailto:dvd_bratt@yahoo.com]

Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2016 8:20 AM

Subject: Re: The MSB Pool - Who Paid for It?

Lovely to read that you remember that exceptionally descriptive Trini expression, "yuh feeling meh up", Mickiewicz............it's still in use............

Notice also Prada, Serrette, Date and me posing before a football match (not sure what that has to do with the pool especially since neither Manuel, Owen or myself were ever known to use the pool much), at 48 seconds into the clip. 

Thanks.

Bratt

David E Bratt CMT, MD, MPH

Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies

(868) 622 9146

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bratt-Office/450946188262802

Twitter: @docbrat1

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On 10 Apr 2016, at 8:09 AM,

GEORGE MICKIEWICZ <amickiew@att.net> wrote:

Hi Folks,

(Perhaps an entry for the next circulars.)

When I first arrived at the mount in September 1956……there was no pool……..then……..

With the recent posting on FB of the pool video, I remembered that our parents paid for it…..those of us attending the school at the time it was built. 

I remember Father Bernard asking us to write to our parents to financially support this project. 

A letter was sent to each parent requesting a donation toward building the pool.  

I remember my parents telling me that they contributed to this project….but do not recall the amount that they gave. 

Does anyone else remember this?

I also recall some kind of a fund raiser held at our school…..but my memory is very foggy on the details…..a car raffle plus???

Thinking back, the project must have cost several tens of thousands of T&T dollars to build and maintain. 

It probably also resulted in a raise for the cost of attending the school….but also made it more attractive to attend…..good strategy by the monks.

All in all, the pool certainly added a significant dimension that we all enjoyed very much….

it has been recognized by scores of entries in the circulars, FB, e-mails and the media.

Some personal memories:

·         If you swam in the pool you did not have to shower

·         Being asked to swim when there were draughts

·         Nearly drowning by being pushed into the deep end by another boy….then being “saved” by Juan Marini…..this event forced me to learn how to swim.   Gracias Juan por salvarme la vida!!!!

·         Cannon balls off the diving boards

·         Trying to swim underwater the length or breadth of the pool

·         Never winning any of the many races that I entered

·         By 1962, for some reason, the pool attraction diminished….fewer boys swam….algae built up and the water appeared as a dark green in the deep end due to the algae

·         At some point after I left it appears that there was a “resurrection” and the world renowned “Aqua Lads” were born!!!!!

·         Do regret not seeing a single bikini nor a single young lady taking a dip in our pool…..had it happened……a riot would have probably resulted

·         Last but not least…..almost being expelled…..another boy falsely accused me to Father Bernard of “feeling him up” in the pool…..I was talked to in the office….my parents were informed……I prayed a lot……and, thank God, did survive to graduate.  The act involved the pushing, horse play, shoving and dunking that we all did to one another in the pool.

Please share your memories so we can provide Ladislao some new material for his circulars……thanks

May God bless us all and let’s stay healthy, safe and sound,

George Mickiewicz (Shis, Yury, 1956-1962)

PS – Those of you who are not in the MSB FB page, this is the recent pool video reminiscence posted by Father Harold

http://www.cnc3.co.tt/sports/sport-insight-abby-swimming-pool                            Thanks for the memories, Father Harold

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Nigel Boos <nigelboos@gmail.com>

Apr 10 at 5:58 PM

Just to add to the fun, here is a little story I’d put together in honour of our dear old Fr. Benedict, “VOOOOOSH” to those of us who knew him.

I recall this piece only because of his unforgettable involvement with the old swimming pool, and I thought you guys might also relate to some of what I remember.

Enjoy.

Nigel   read 765

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Father Harold Imamshah <frharold12@gmail.com>

Apr 10 at 9:33 AM

May the soul of Scipio Soodeen rest in Eternal Peace;

Today Winston Ramsahai had arranged to have Abbot John Perreira celebrate a Mass with Abbey School alumni, this morning at the Abbey Church @ 8:30am, now finishing, I guess;

This Mass for those deceased alumni, Staff and monks to be followed by a Brunch at the Seminary with the monks.

I will remember Scope this evening at my 6pm Mass in Petit Valley.

Fr. Harold Imamshah

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George Mickiewicz <amickiew@att.net>

Apr 10 at 10:44 AM

Thanks for your reflections, Father Harold.  

Greatly appreciated 

George

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Donald A Goddard <dgodda1@lsu.edu>

Apr 10 at 11:11 AM

It's a situation similar to what happened in Venezuela: lousy government, money gone, everything falls apart.

Result: no one responsible, no one to blame, and all that is left are "good ole memories" about what it was like "in dem good ole days."

Don G.

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EDITED by LadislaoKertesz: kertesz11@yahoo.com,  if you would like to be in the circular’s mailing list or any old boy that you would like to include.

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Photos:

35UN0001EDIMASB, library

15LK0684FBAFA, Anthony Farfan

64TF0012RFA, Richard Fakoory

12LK4153FBAZAWFE, Arturo Zavarce and wife

Circular No 768

Newsletter for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

Caracas, 24 of July 2016 No. 768

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Dear Friends,

The email from Kazim is the follow up to Circulars No. 762, 764 and 766 a discussion under the name The Mount as I see it.

This is the last of the series

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Abasali <empowerwithart@gmail.com>

Apr 13 at 7:17 AM

Thank you, Jon, for sharing with us what you experienced first-hand in your time at the Abbey, MSB.

And thank you for sharing how you felt as the Boys do and somehow wish for some semblance of return

However, as you pointed out, those days are long gone and the Boys’ longing that is in their hearts should cherish the past memories.

Times are different now, as are circumstances.

And the Abbot, through no fault of his, did not share our past experiences of life at the Mount in our time.

So, be honest with him, we should understand from his point of view having no connection with our past.

And more importantly do not blame him.

Jon, I personally thank and appreciate you for sharing these thoughts about your time at the Mount.

It gives us a greater perspective.

I value your wisdom in thinking through the process from tender schooldays at Mount, to your volunteer time to assist the Abbot, and now. 

And last but not least, the training we acquired in school should be applied here.

To pray and pray for everyone involved past and present.

Personally, I cannot add anything to this sage advice.

And although, I too have always sought to pray that God's will be done, not my will, I have been here reminded by you that this is the divine path we should take.

Blessings to you, our Abbot, and all our Boys.

May we continue to work in love and unity for highest good for all concerned.

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On Wed, Apr 13, 2016 at 11:18 AM,

Jon Golding <jon@goldings.net> wrote:

Thank you, Fr Harold,

For your appreciation of the big picture of the past which we are fortunate that you were part of.

It is great that you can be a link to that era which many/most of the later post-Dutch staff and students would not have any depth of understanding for.

Not their fault.

For us earlier-days old boys we have tended not to want to let go of the past and only blame the poor Abbot, including myself, my apologies to this forum!

Any new initiatives need a totally fresh and different 2016 outlook with close appreciation, respect and cooperation for the Church-appointed Head of the monastery, Fr Abbott, whoever he may be. 

Not what we old boys wish thru pure nostalgia, and in some cases ego and personal politics.

God is in charge so let's ask Him to lead the way and try to become aware of His response in prayer, as we were taught by our School and Church.

Amen, and let's continue our camaraderie in good Faith and giving.

Keep well.

Jon

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Jon Golding <jon@goldings.net>

Apr 13 at 7:34 AM

Thank you, Kazim.

Much appreciated and let’s look to the future with the benefit of our past experience!

God bless

Jon

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On 13 Apr 2016, at 02:15,

Father Harold Imamshah <frharold12@gmail.com> wrote:

Thank you, Jon, 

You have put into perspective and described a beautiful past and Abbey School legacy.  You have helped us understand the present Abbot's inability to appreciate a wonderful Institution which was in its last year when he joined in 1984;  the very same year I had brought the CXC O'level Art Class to complete its Form 4 level and found a Teacher who would replace me and bring the boys through Form V O'level Art after I left in July 1984.

I have an interest because I gave 5 years as a monk/Teacher and saw some fruits of having been there, so, yes, it's understandable that I can maintain some interest and the present Abbot can't.

I agree with you, let's move the blog into an appreciation of the years that all of you received and keep our eyes and ears open to what we can donate to, whether it's a building's upkeep or whatever might be needed currently.

If Joe can help start another Institution with a unique approach to Formation, it would still be a tribute to what you just described.

To Life, to the Future, and to the Past, 

Sincerely,

Fr. Harold

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GLEN EVELYN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X17MTeiKnxQ,

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Van Duin, Adelbert (Rt. Rev.) - O.S.B.

Lord Abbot, Mount St. Benedict

NATIONAL AWARDS

HUMMING BIRD MEDAL GOLD

1972

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Old Abbot van Duin, from Holland, once the man in charge of Abbey at Mount St Benedict, had suffered with his heart.

When he retired he was succeeded by Abbot Hildebrandt, then Abbot Francis.

Anthony Milne <anto@ttemail.com>,

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Under the leadership of Abbot Adelbert Van Duin (1947-1972), the impulse of liturgical renewal had already begun at Mt. St. Benedict.

By November 1960, the altar already faced the people, (much to the discomfiture, I understand, of Archbishop Finbar Ryan who could do nothing about it since the Abbey was outside of his jurisdiction) and, with the help of Frs. Ildefons Schroots, Augustine Schreurs and Bernard Vlaar, the so called Dialogue Mass was in place, and the people were singing the Missa de Angelis.

Thus, when, in #11 of the Constitution on the Liturgy, Pastors of souls are told that: it is their duty also to ensure that the faithful take part fully aware of what they are doing, actively engaged in the rite, and enriched by its effects. such was already in effect at the Abbey, and continued during and after the Council.  deVerteuil Chairman of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission.]

2. The Seminary: The Benedictines were responsible for the Seminary at Mt. St. Benedict.  In order the better to equip those who taught at the Seminary, Fr. Augustine Schreurs was sent to St. John’s Collegeville, USA, in 1963, and in 1964 Fr. Hildebrand Greene was sent to the Benedictine University, San Anselmo in Rome to study Liturgy.

In this way the decision of the Council was fulfilled:

15. Professors who are appointed to teach liturgy in seminaries, religious houses of study, and theological faculties must be properly trained for their work in institutes which specialize in this subject.

16. The study of sacred liturgy is to be ranked among the compulsory and major courses in seminaries and religions houses of studies; in theological faculties it is to rank among the principal courses.

It is to be taught under its theological, historical, spiritual, pastoral, and juridical aspects.

Both these men absorbed the liturgical ferment centred around Fr Godfrey Diekmann, at Collegeville, and Fr. Augustine Mayer, at Sant Anselmo, and, upon their return, transmitted learning, insights and enthusiasm to both Seminary and the home Community.

3. The Vernacular: The Constitution on the Liturgy recognised that there could be a distinct advantage in praying in one’s own language: #36.

1. Particular law remaining in force, the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.

2. But since the use of the mother tongue, whether in the Mass, the administration of the sacraments, or other parts of the liturgy, frequently may be of great advantage to the people, the limits of its employment may be extended.  At Mt. St. Benedict, the need to pray the Liturgy of the Hours in English arose primarily because fewer and fewer candidates for the monastic life had a sound formation in Latin.

When the Constitution, promulgated in December 1963, opened the possibility of praying in the vernacular, the Monks seized on the opportunity.

This coincided with the return from studies at the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem of one of the Monks, Fr. Francis Friesen in 1965.

At once the Community was given copies of the 1953 Grail Translation of the Psalms, and those in formation were encouraged to have this English translation alongside their Latin breviaries.

Subsequently, through the untiring efforts of Fr. Augustine Sehreurs, an in-house edition of the Monastic Breviary in English appeared between 1967 and 1969, in a series of booklets for the Seasons of the Liturgical Year.

In 1970, the Abbey chose to adopt the Interim Roman Breviary in English, so that all who joined them in prayer – clergy, religious and laity – could pray with understanding.

Thus, from 1974 to the present, we have used the Roman Breviary in English.

The appearance, in 1969, of the Missal of Paul VI meant that, from then onwards, English was used in the celebration of the Eucharist.

4. Liturgy:  Fr. Ildefons Schroots.  From 1971 three Monks from Mt. St. Benedict – Frs. Ildefons Schroots, Hildebrand Greene and Bro. Paschal Jordan – were members of the Liturgical Commission of the Archdiocese of Port-of-Spain.

Through them, and together with Fr. Brendan Ryan, OP and Fr. Cyril Ross, a campaign of liturgical education began.

The Liturgy Bulletin, a monthly periodical aimed at educating clergy, religious and laity, saw the light of day in January 1973; the Liturgical Ordo was prepared and printed at the Abbey; the Seminary and the Abbey were designated authorised places of liturgical experimentation; and, in 1977, in collaboration with the Seminary and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, the Antilles School of Liturgy was born – a summer school of liturgical education and experience, which continues up to the present time (2013). 

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7 of July 1982.

Greetings from the Old Mount – Inside!

I was in Holland earlier this year, I met with Fr. Bernard.

His speech has not improved.

The burns he suffered last year he is unable to stand and so is confined to a wheel chair.

He is in a rehabilitation centre where they are giving him therapy to see if they can make him able to walk.

It seems he will be coming back in September to the Mount.

He surely is carrying a heavy cross!

You will remember him specially, I am sure.

When last you visited T´dad, you give me some book-markers with Teen-agers’ 10 Commandments printed on it.

As I have passed that age unfortunately!

I give them away and people have been asking if I had more of them.

On your next visit or in some other way, could you bring some of them if possible?

Thanks a million in advance.

God´s abundant blessing be with you and your Family!

Very best wishes and kindest regards.

Adalbert van Duin

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EDITED by LadislaoKertesz, at kertesz11@yahoo.com, if you would like to be in the circular’s mailing list, or know any old boy that you would like to include.

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Photos:

30UN0001EDIMSB, Photo of the Cloister, the old corridor between the old and new.

08KA2029FCU, Fr. Cuthbert at the burial of Fr. Benedict

75GE9442, Glen Evelyn

08MD1971DDV, Maurice de Verteuil