Father Neal Lawrence, O.S.B.
Roman Paur OSB, Prior
People who were touched by Father Neal would likely describe him as a gentle and thoughtful man of faith who cared deeply about humanity and who noticed things that many of us might miss: like the beauty of a fall leaf floating on the rippling water or a way of being helpful, one person at a time.
Father Neal was both simple and complex, driven by his ambitions and talents, accompanied by remarkable achievement and lofty recognition.
The subject of this biography created a circuitous path strewn with the amazing detail of his destiny that is recorded in documents around the world. Several months before he died, Father Neal invited me to tidy up his monastery desk a bit while he was away for a few days but when he returned he commented that he could no longer find things. I had been impressed with his memory for details and how quickly and accurately he would point to a piece of paper from one of many piles to reference something. In the months following his death, I was privileged to pack up his books, papers, and memorabilia, all of which were stored in many boxes in a nearby archive. When the job was finally done, I remember thinking how challenging it would be to discover our confrere in these boxes, for among all his talents, order was the lesser known.
But the author did it, and he did it well. Robert Morton patiently poured through endless documents, newspaper clippings, and letters, and he pieced together an account, not always flattering, of the spunky and charming man with an inviting smile whose reach was high, whose compassion was deep, and whose energy was boundless throughout a very long life dedicated to international understanding and peace.
The title of this book aptly organizes Father Neal’s intriguing life phases and connects the dots of a personal journey that was rewarding for him and a blessing to countless others, including his fellow monks.
With his knack for getting people involved, walking along side of them, and making a lasting difference in their lives, Father Neal fit well into the adage about the fortune of paths crossing.
Although Father Neal was a man of God, he was particularly inspiring in his humanity. He had his doubts; he lived with relational frustrations; his humility could be shaded by his pride; and at times he savored feasting on acknowledgement, especially in his later years. But his enriching faith anchored him in Gospel values that above all shaped his yearning for building community and engendering hope. Father Neal was an independent thinker and an imaginative doer. He would say that the beauty of God’s creation is to be appreciated and our challenge is to make it better.
Father Neal’s legacy is indeed an awesome and striking testimony of what one courageous person who cares can do. We are grateful to Robert for telling Father Neal’s story, and more.
On a broader note, readers may be interested to know more about the Benedictine Order and religious community of Trinity Benedictine Monastery in Fujimi, Nagano-ken, that that Father Neal dedicated himself to in the second half of his life. The monks live their lives according to the 1500–year tradition of Benedictine men and women. Their daily life is based on the teachings of Saint Benedict who lived in Nursia, Italy, in the sixth century and wrote a “little Rule for beginners” in the monastic life. This Rule of Benedict focuses on the importance of three things in shaping community values: living together, praying together, and working together.
The Benedictine monastic tradition puts a strong emphasis on community life in a particular place, regular common prayer, productive work, and generous hospitality toward guests—who are to be received as Christ. It is through the help of many brothers and with the guidance of an abbot that the monks witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. At fixed hours of the day the community gathers in the chapel for Eucharist and to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. Saint Benedict called prayer—praise of God for the blessings of life—the work of God.
The community’s common prayer benefits from a rich legacy of resources from the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, early Church writings, sacred hymns, and devotional meditations. The Book of Psalms anchors prayer in the emotions of the human heart and the wisdom of divine inspiration. Prayer places the monk and all believers in the presence of God through fellow human beings, sacred space, art, words, music, and silent reflection. Monks also spend time in personal prayer and private study to nourish their spiritual journey.
From the earliest days monasteries have welcomed guests. At Trinity Benedictine Monastery everyone is welcome—people of all faith traditions, men and women, both Japanese and foreign-born—to a place of spiritual renewal and physical rest. Each year many men and women come to Trinity Benedictine Monastery for a retreat of one or more days. Others come for brief visits to join the monks for Mass or prayer. Pilgrims and tour groups also come for a glimpse of the monastery.
Saint Benedict believed that monks should live by the labor of their hands. For a monk, work is a necessary and creative service that sustains the community and builds the Kingdom of God. Using the talents of its monks, Trinity Benedictine Monastery welcomes guests and offers spiritual direction and guidance. The monks participate in the larger mission of the Church through ministries in regional parishes, schools, and religious houses. They also serve the Church through the publication of books and a periodic newsletter. On the monastery website the monks provide a program of adult education in scriptural studies along with weekly meditations from the Bible and the Rule of Benedict. Monks contribute to the daily care of the monastery buildings, lawn, and gardens. They prepare and serve meals to their brothers and to the guests. Monks receive requests for retreats and for prayer. They also attend to the administrative requirements of the house. The monks benefit from the wisdom of an external Advisory Board and are blessed by the support of friends near and far.
The life of prayer and work of a Benedictine monastery challenges the monks in their attention to one another and to the tasks of monastic living. Saint Benedict’s Rule teaches that the monks should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting one another with the greatest patience. Daily Schedule: 6:30 Office of Readings, 7:00 Breakfast, 8:00 Morning Prayer, 12:00 Mass, 12:45 Lunch, 13:30 Midday Prayer, 18:00
Evening Prayer, 18:45 Dinner, 20:00 Night Prayer.
The paths that people take on their search for meaning are many. Among these paths is a legacy of monastic traditions. At the heart of the Trinity Benedictine Monastery tradition is seeking God with the help of many brethren. This monastery in Fujimi, Nagano-ken, is a new place built on old values that challenge the monks to be witnesses of the Gospel in their ordinary daily living and in their commitment of faith.
The monks of Trinity Benedictine Monastery are honored by inquiries to discern interest in becoming members of the community. Anyone who feels inspired to live out the Gospel in the monastic life is welcome. When a man wishes to enter the community he passes through a number of stages designed to allow him to learn the life and to discern if it is right for him. It is only after some years of living in the community that a candidate makes a formal commitment to live as a Benedictine monk by professing life-long vows of obedience, stability in the community, and ongoing conversion of life.
There are also opportunities at Trinity Benedictine Monastery for a shorter-term commitment to the monastic life as a Benedictine Associate Resident for those who feel they might benefit from an extended spiritual experience in a monastic setting. In addition, dozens of men and women have a special relationship with Trinity Benedictine Monastery as oblates. Oblates are friends of the monastery who embrace the spirit of the Rule of Benedict as their own life circumstances permit. From time to time they gather as a group to pray and learn together.