Abbot Robert appointed Br. Efrain as the community’s Prior. Br. Efrain assumed his responsibilities this Sunday, 29 September. Br. Joseph Vantu had been our Prior until this past May, but feeling the burdens of ageing and health problems, he asked to be relieved of that duty.
As most of our readers realize, Fr. Joseph Wittstock had generously accepted the invitation to be Prior when the Abbot was on sabbatical. Under those circumstances, we was the acting superior of the community for three months, what one might call Prior-plus! Like Br. Joseph, however, Br. Efrain will be the “second superior” of the community, filling in for the Abbot during short absences. As with any responsibility in the community, Br. Efrain should not have to bear this by himself, but with the support, active assistance and prayers of the community.
Please keep Br. Efrain in your prayers.