Circular No 682

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

Caracas, 29 of November 2014 No. 682

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Dear Friends,

CLOISTER OF THE WOODEN CHAPEL, MT. ST. BENEDICT, 1930S

Mt. St. Benedict is a national landmark. In the old days when making a trip to POS was an excursion for us southerners, it was a sort of roadie game to see at what point on the Uriah Butler Highway one could spot the familiar red roofs of the monastery perched high on the verdure of the Northern Range. Years later when I lived in Santa Margarita in St. Augustine, I would sit on the porch in the evening and listen to the peal of the bells at six. On one of my many visits to the Mount in the 1990s, a holy brother with whom I was arguing comparative theology told me that he thought I would make a fine priest (the good monk obviously was not a shrewd judge of character).

THE REST OF THE ACCOUNT IS TAKEN FROM THE ABBEY’S OFFICIAL SITE:

A suitable place was needed for the venture, not too distant from town or village, yet sufficiently secluded so as to ensure to the monks the fullest possible freedom for the observance of their rule.

On the morning of January 17, 1912, Feast of St. Anthony the Hermit, the Abbot had said Holy Mass in the Parish Church of St. Joseph, the ancient Capital.

Returning to the Sacristy, an elderly gentleman of Spanish descent was introduced to him as Mr. Andrew Conrad Gomez. He was the proprietor of a small estate in the hills above St. Joseph, and insisted very much that the Abbot should come and visit his place. Not to disappoint the poor old man, Dom Mayuel accepted the invitation.

Traffic was not heavy on the Eastern Main Road, in 1912, and half an hour’s pleasant drive brought our visitors to the village of St. John. There the road came to an end and the buggy was left. The ascent had to be made on foot. After a stiff climb, a small hut was reached, occupied by an East Indian. Named Kisto Barcoa, the factotum of the estate. The hut measured some fifteen feet by nine feet and was built of mud. It had a thatched roof and the interior was divided into two small compartments. Beneath the floor there were cocoa drying trays. The view took the Abbot by storm and conquered him. Dom Mayuel was impressed by the solitude and solemn stillness of the place. He was enchanted by its natural beauty, and refreshed by the coolness of the water.

The Abbot had found HIS SITE. By June 28th 1912 transactions were completed and the property of Mr. Andrew Victoriano Conrad Gomez passed over to the BENEDICTINES.

On September 27 1912, the first monks departed from Bahia for Trinidad. They were: Reverend Dom Ambrose Vinckier, Reverend Dom Paul Dobart, and Brother Anthony Feldner. The founders of the first Benedictine Monastery in the West Indies and Central America. They arrived in Trinidad on the morning of October 6th 1912 on the Vauban.

It was Rosary Sunday and the three Benedictines received a truly Benedictine hospitality from their Dominican hosts. In a letter of introduction presented to Archbishop Dowling by Dom Ambrose, the mission was called Our Blessed Lady of Exile, situated on Saint Benedict’s Hill. These titles were officially bestowed upon the new foundation by the Abbot founder.

Shortly afterwards, however, the name Mount St. Benedict was adopted by the monks on the suggestion of Archbishop Dowling. Ever since the nineteenth of October 1912, the Benedictine property in the hills above St. Joseph has been known as Mount St.Benedict or simply the Mount.

Two more monks were to arrive by the end of November and Brother Anthony set out to prepare a little ajoupa for them. No definitive work was undertaken before the arrival of Brother Joseph Kleinmann and his companion Brother Donatian Marcus, on November 27, 1912.

One room of the ajoupa was arranged as an Oratory and contained a most primitive altar, two carriage lanterns serving as candlesticks. The other room was the Community’s dormitory. A large mango tree nearby, served as reception room, kitchen and refectory. All furniture was of the most primitive kind imaginable: empty packing cases serving as table, chair, bed and cupboard. Visitors were not wanting; nor were they in anyway deterred by the inaccessibility of the place. They found their way all right, for at first curiosity brought them there.

Everyone wanted to see what monks were like, how they could subsist in such miserable surroundings and yet be happy and receive everyone with a smile and a kind word. The language was still unfamiliar to the missionaries, but a strong mixture of French, Portuguese and German, together with a smattering of English satisfied all and sundry. All visitors went away greatly impressed and edified, firm in their resolve to return as soon and as often as possible.

In their kindheartedness, they brought fowls, eggs, rice, coffee, and even pieces of furniture and kitchen utensils. The clergy too showed their interest in the new venture. His Grace had already visited the property previous to the arrival of the monks.

The Very Reverend Father Henry Vincent Casey, Vicar Provincial of the Dominicans and Editor of the Catholic News kept his readers well informed of all the movements of the monks.

The Holy Ghost Fathers visited the place with the Parish Priest of St. Joseph, Reverend Father James Mc Donnel, C.S.Sp. and Reverend Father Leimann, C.S.Sp. took a photograph of the ajoupa which was afterwards printed on postcards under the caption: Benedictine Beginnings. February 11th 1913 brought reinforcements in the persons of two solemn professed clerics: the brothers U!rich and Fridoline Fromhertz, and Mr. Gustav Frommhertz, an oblate brother postulant. A third solemn professed cleric, Dom Maurus Varriera de Alancar, a Brazilian, arrived on February 23rd and was accompanied by two postulant lay-brothers: Messers. Adrian van Tongeren and Everard Mokveld (the present Brother Gabriel). The little community numbered now eleven members and it was time to look for some more accommodation. A fairly large workshop was built of round wood and galvanized sheets; this was to house the machinery. An annex was made to serve as an oratory. This last structure was of the simplest kind.

The ajoupa, which had rendered such good services, was now promoted to library and classroom for philosophy. The reporter of Port of Spain Gazette of May 25th 1913 writes:

“We were taken to the library, a thatched roof ajoupa, where already there is quite a valuable selection of books including St. Thomas Aquinas incomparable works, Janssens works, the Catholic Encyclopaedia and some other leading works of theology and philosophy. Here, we were formally introduced to three students of the priesthood, who are pursuing their course of studies at the monastery.”

Together with the last arrivals came also Dom Mayeul on his second visit to Trinidad, which was to last one month. He returned once more in November 1913. He indicated the spot where the temporary chapel should be erected, and studied the plans for a better road - a carriage-driven road this time - so as to get easier access to the monastery. The temporary chapel was completed early in August 1913. The first mass was said therein on August 10th and on that same day a postulant lay-brother was received into the canonical novitiate under the name of Brother Gabriel.

November 1st Dom Sebastian Weber and Dom Bertin Behaese joined the little band of workers in Trinidad. Dom Sebastian had been proposed as assistant to the Parish Priest of Arouca until the latter departure for Europe, which was fixed for January 1914, when Dom Sebastian would act in his place. He took up residence in Arouca and did active parish work for some time, devoting his spare moments to the study of English and Hindustani. Dom Bertin, an ardent preacher, speaking French and Portuguese fluently, was stationed at the monastery, but his name appeared frequently as the preacher of great sermons in the Rosary Church, where French sermons were then in vogue. The only arrival during the following year was Brother Raphael Goemare, on the Feast of St. Benedict, March 21st 1914. The Stations of the Cross were canonically erected by Dom Mayeul on January 18th 1914.

At the same time, there took place also the solemn enthronement of the life-size statue of Our Holy Father St. Benedict, which is still in our Abbey Church. It arrived on January 7th by the S.S. Venetia from Hamburg. In May 1914, the Apostolic Delegate of the Brazilian Congregation the Right Reverend Laurence Zeller, visited the Monastery and suggested the erection of a guest house for pilgrims, who were coming daily to the Mount in greater numbers. While the contractors were busy building the Guest and Rest Houses, the Brothers were constructing a large refectory and chapter hall running parallel to the Church.

The year 1915 began with the arrival of two simple-professed clerics: Brothers Willibrord Luiten and Odo van der Heydt. (January 1st.). Later that same year seven more members came to Trinidad from Bahia. They were Brother Odilo van Togeren, simple professed and Mr. Robert Boxruth, choir postulant (May 30th); August 10th - Dom Charles Verbeke, Brother Hugh van der Sanden, simple professed, and Mr. Anthony Callaghan, choir postulant. The last contingent arrived on September 10th bringing Dom Anselm Romano and Brother Wilfred Broens, a simple professed.

The first house with any pretence of durability was constructed in 1916 and partially finished in 1917. Upstairs there were thirteen rooms intended for the Brothers. Downstairs accommodation was provided for workshops such as: a tailoring department, painting shop, bakery and printery. IN CONSEQUENCE OF A CANONICAL VISIT, THE NEW FOUNDATION WAS GRANTED THE STATUS OF A CONVENTUAL PRIORY BY A RECEIPT OF THE HOLY SEE, MARCH 6TH 1915. IT WAS DEDICATED TO OUR LADY OF EXILE.

The Right Reverend Mayeul de Caigny, having asked to retire in 1923, the Holy See sent a Visitor Extra-ordinary in the person of the Right Reverend Dom Maurus Etcheverry, O.S.B. On invitation of the Lord Abbot Primate, the newly appointed Prior, Very Reverend Dom, Hugh van der Sanden went to Rome and during his sojourn in Rome, sought affiliation of his monastery to another Congregation, as communication with Brazil was becoming increasingly difficult. The Trinidad Community accepted Provisional Affiliation granted them by the Belgian Congregation in May 1925. Following upon a favourable report of a Canonical Visitor, the Right Reverend Dom Chrysostom de Saegher, who came to Trinidad in 1927, the General Chapter (upon the definitive incorporation of) in December of that year, decided upon the definitive incorporation of the Priory of Mount St. Benedict with the Belgian Congregation. This decision was fully approved by the Holy See, in December 1928. At the same time the Trinidad Government granted the community the right of corporation with perpetual succession.

In 1947, the Monastery, having made wonderful strides was raised to the dignity of an Abbey. The monks in conclave, under the presidency of the Right Reverend Lord Abbot Theodore Neve, O.S.B.;D.D.., Head of the Congregation, elected the then Dom Adelbert van Duin, O.S.B.;Ph.D; I.C.D., as first Abbot; he received the abbatial blessing on 16th June 1947 from His Grace the most Reverend Dr. Finbar Ryan, O.P.;D.D.:M.A.;L.L.D. Archbishop of Port of Spain. This was a memorable day in the history of Mount St. Benedict: that the people of the Island were pleased at this event, was clearly demonstrated by the crowds that arrived to witness the great function and filled the small church to overflowing; all the Chief Catholic Clergy, numerous important personages, and well wishers of all classes; messages of congratulations poured in and many journeyed from distant parts to offer their felicitations in person.

Dom Placid Ganteaume, the first local vocation for the monastery was ordained in 1926. 

Dom Maurus Maingot, another local, joined the Benedictine Community together with Dom Placid. Both of these eminent sons have now gone to their eternal reward. The other early local vocations are Dom Basil Mathews, professed 6th August, 1930, ordained priest 21st December. 1935, and Dom Bapt. Osborne, professed 25th December 1933, ordained priest 27th July, 1939, both of whom are still with us. At present thirty percent of the Community are locals.

During the many years from the foundation of the monastery to the present day, there has hardly ever been a lull in the building and other activities, first, under the wise direction of Dom Mayeul de Caigny and, later that of Dom Hugh van der Sanden, to whose perspicacity and driving force, supported by the able advice of his Council, was due a succession of important developments. 

We are fortunate to have as Architect and Builder one of our own monks, Brother Gabriel Mokveld, who meticulously carried out the plans and personally superintended all building, including the building of the present Abbey. The first public act of the newly elected Abbot was the laying of the foundation stone on 11th July 1947.

The new Abbey Church and the greater part of the present living quarters of the monks were completed in 1952. The guestrooms of the monastery were constructed in 1954, and the first Rest House, by now inadequate to meet the needs of the increasing number of pilgrims, was replaced by the present structure in the same year.

In 1961 the kitchen and refectory of the Abbey School, along with the library and auditorium were built by Bro. Gabriel, who is also responsible for building the Holy Shop and pilgrim’s parlours, which now constitute the south-eastern wing of the Abbey, completed in 1963. The building of the tower, made possib1e through the generosity of a benefactor, was begun in 1964, and is to be capped off soon.

The road, which was fast deteriorating, was resurfaced in 1965, thus making it possible for everyone to enjoy a comfortable drive to and from the Mount.

Visitors and old-boys who still remember the pre-1967 sports field notice at once the difference in the much bigger field on which the junior boys now have a section all for themselves and which should be an incentive for them to take a greater interest in sports, including swimming at the Abbey pool, lawn tennis, basket and volley ball.

St. Bedes Technical School, opened in January 1967, completed the Mounts building project for the 1960s. The early seventies have so far been taken up with general repairs and maintenance of the huge complex of buildings that go to make up MOUNT ST. BENEDICT.

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From: raphael howchung raphaelbhc2410@yahoo.com

Sent: Sat, August 21, 2010 10:39:42 PM

Laci,

I tried sending this on to a Jeremy whose address I picked up from your circular, but it did not go through. The information is useful for all Old Boys, so I am forwarding to you.

Keep up the good work.

Raphael.

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From: raphael howchung raphaelbhc2410@yahoo.com

Sent: Sat, August 21, 2010 10:34:11 PM

Hi Jeremy,

I went down memory lane today and came across your picture of Circular No.186, and lo and behold, I found a picture of me partially hiding my face when I went to align my glasses.....a habit I still have to date. Anyway, my name is Raphael Benedict How Chung and I was able to identify some of our class mates which are as follows:-

1-Cunha

2-Tousy...I think Terrence Ferreira...from Guyana

4-Raphael How Chung

6-Richard Clerk..actually Richard and I studied Medicine

7-Christian Quesnel

8-Paul Tadros

9-Dennis Gurley

10-Peter Tang

13-Mr Julien

14-Charlie Kong Ting

18-Fernandes

19-Kenneth Kong Ting20-David Chow Chong

21-Mervyn Assam

22-Allan Apo

23 Hamish Herrera

26-Bernard Tappin

27-Alejandro Lew(Nazi)

30-Herbert Wong Sing

31-Costelloe

I have always wondered what became of you fellas, and this picture has brought back pleasant memories. If you have any contact numbers or e-mail addresses, please forward same to me. Also, I share a private practice with my wife in Woodbrook, so please let us get together in the future. My telephone numbers are 625-6106(H), 623-4371(O), 684-5385(M).

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The following oldboys appear in the general listing as having left us for better pastures, RIP

If we have it wrong, please let me know.

Can you give me information on dates and other for our records

Pampellone     David

Paulic              Terence

Pecquet           Jean Claude

Phillips            Colin

Piew                John

Prada               Charles

Prada               Geoffrey

Prypchan         George

Prypchan         Roman

Pugh                John Paul

Raffensberger Francisco

Rampersadsingh         Apple

Rampersadsingh         Indarjit

Reid                Arthur

Reid                Trevor

Richards         Arthur

Rodrigues,      Ian

Rojas               Francisco

Romeo                        Gary

Rosa                Fransisco

Rostant           Desmond

Rozas 

Scannone        Antonio Julio

Scott               Michael

Scott               Quentin

Scott               Philip

Serrao              Antonio

Shoul               Conrad

Tang                Mark

Tardieu           Jean Pierre

Tarr                 Peter

Teelucksingh   Keith

Villafana         Renwick

Vincent-Brown          Wayne

Vivies              Raymon

Waddell          Richard

Walker            Gordon

Webster          Christopher

Wharfe            Clarence

Wight              Derek

Willems           Anthony

Zschaech         Ricardo

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Alan Walker

07:21 (12 hours ago)

Alan Walker passed away on 5th May 2013. He will be dearly missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren. We will check his email intermittently to see if any urgent messages arrive.

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Photos:

Bandit p07 The Early Times

03DM0026DBR. David Bratt

66UN0001CLASS1966

09EC0001ECA, Enrique Castells