He Who Has Little Will Take Little

Wimmer Wednesday. Boniface Wimmer writes to those who would go with him to America.

“Each one will take along what he possesses. Whatever may be left after the fare to America has been paid will be his until he makes his religious profession. After that it will belong to the community. However, if one has poor relatives, he may leave it to them, according to the Holy Rule. He who has little will take little. Let each one endeavor to get as much as may be required to secure an outfit, namely, the necessary books, a habit, clothing, etc. The money that I have will be sufficient for a time if we work a little. Work in the fields and other hard work will naturally devolve upon the lay brothers, but at times we may be obliged to lend a helping hand. The housework, apportioned according to each one’s physical condition and with regard to the fact that they are preparing for the sacred ministry, will fall to the lot of the clerics. When I begin to explain the Rule, I will inform you of the order of the day, insofar as it may be determined at present. The details can be arranged only after our arrival. We will have everything that can reasonably be expected: a house, clothing, food and drink (at least good fresh water). We will have time for prayer, meditation, and study, for practicing in teaching and preaching, and for other useful occupations so necessary to ward off the evils that result from idleness.

“If to all this everyone adds good will and cherishes a kind regard for his brothers, then our little monastery will be a veritable paradise. Even if suffering, sickness, poverty, or persecution should occasionally be our lot, as they are not wanting in any place, still they will be like pepper and salt to season the monotony of our daily routine. They will remind us that there is nothing perfect here below and that we must carry the cross of affliction because the road to heaven is narrow and thorny. Just let there be no Judas among us. Let no temporal considerations motivate us. Let not ambition be our goal. Do not render my life nor yours miserable through such aims. If you feel that you are weak, it is no disgrace to stay at home; but to come along without being animated by pure and holy intentions would be acting the part of Judas.”

—From Boniface Wimmer, Abbot of Saint Vincent in Pennsylvania, translated by Dr. Maria Von Mickwitz and Father Warren Murrman, O.S.B., editor.