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Benedictine Letter
Editor’s Note: Father Martin recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of his ordination; 23 years of his ministry have been at Woodside Priory School. He probably knew every student that passed through the campus during those years and he still remembers them all - their strengths and pranks, their home towns and the colleges they attended. He is the last to say good-bye when they graduate and often the first person they look up when they return to the campus. He has performed marriage ceremonies for numerous grads and watched the pictures of growing families arrive with the annual Christmas cards. Father Martin is looking forward to continuing that close contact by becoming more active in alumni relations this fall.
This past year has been a very special one, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Priory and at the same time reflecting on all that has taken place over four decades of growth. It is important to stop every so often, if only for a moment, to remember where we have been. Only if we take the time to remember can we see where we are at present and chart a course for the future.
I recall so well my first contact with the Priory when Father Pius visited Saint Anselm Abbey in Manchester, New Hampshire. I was then involved with the college as admissions counselor, teacher and resident counselor in one of the dorms, and I had never heard of Woodside Priory.
Then Father Pius began to unfold an interesting scenario that might involve members of St. Anselm in the Benedictine life in California as members of the Priory community.
“Interesting,” I thought...but not for me!
After some serious deliberations by the St. Anselm community, it was determined that the two communities would join for a year with an experiment in which St. Anselm would become a sort of “parent” of the California Benedictines. It was to my great surprise, then, that Abbot Joseph asked me to come, with three other monks, to be a part of the experiment. It was my assumption that
Father Pius began unfolding a scenario of Benedictine life
in California. “Interesting,” I thought, “but not for me!”
this would be a temporary assignment and that I would return to my duties at the college after two or three years. That was nearly 23 years ago! Perhaps someone forgot!
It has been a wonderful 23 years for me. I have had the opportunity to be involved with the journeys of so many students as teacher, counselor, chaplain and friend over this expanse of time which, in reality, seems to have been all too short.
As Director of College Counseling since my first year at the Priory, I have been able to get to know all the graduates very well. And each year, as the seniors have moved on to college, I have felt a sense of loss, knowing that, although a new senior class with their own unique gifts and talents will occupy their places, that they will never really be replaced.
There is a sense of pride in having seen them take their places in the colleges and universities where they would continue to grow, but their memories have remained in this space...the classrooms, chapel, playing fields, gym, Red Square, stage...making it all sacred. And who could forget the strength of Father Christopher, the gentility of Father Benignus, the energy of Father Simon, the scholarship and humor of Father William...and the many other gifts of my Benedictine brothers and lay teachers throughout the years?
So stop and take a moment to remember. The Priory has grown immensely since the early days until it is now one of the most respected educational institutions in Northern California. And each one who has been here - the monks and lay teachers, students and administrators, parents and friends - all have contributed in some significant way to all that we are. And this is very good. May God continue to bless this place and all who are and have been a part of it for these forty years.
Father Martin Mager, O.S.B.
Superior of the Benedictine Community
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