Email Regarding Benedictine High School (Travers)
We believe in considering the potential move that it serves the best interests of our current and future students as well as the long-term success of Benedictine High School as a Richmond institution. We deeply love and respect Benedictine’s legacy as a treasured educational institution and are dedicated to serving the people of Richmond for the school’s next 100 years.
Email From Rev. Luke Travers Regarding Benedictine High School
Dear Father Kauffmann and Parishioners of Saint Benedict Catholic Church,
I write you today in light of press reports you may have seen, or rumors heard, concerning the potential move of Benedictine High School to our monastery’s property on River Road in eastern Goochland County. I, and the monks of Mary Mother of the Church Abbey, understand your anxiety over these reports. I hope to alleviate any fears with which you may be dealing presently over our decision to examine the possibility of selling our property located next to your parish to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
The monastic Chapter of Mary Mother of the Church Abbey and I have not entered lightly into our decision to proceed forward but rather have prayed — and continue to pray – to follow the Lord’s will in this important matter. Moreover, we have kept the Diocese informed as we went through our deliberations. We believe in considering the potential move that it serves the best interests of our current and future students as well as the long-term success of Benedictine High School as a Richmond institution. We deeply love and respect Benedictine’s legacy as a treasured educational institution and are dedicated to serving the people of Richmond for the school’s next 100 years.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts repeatedly has emphasized in its discussions with us its sincere desire to be a good neighbor to Saint Benedict’s parish and a good steward of the school buildings. As part of the negotiating process that currently is underway, the Benedictine monks have required of the Virginia Museum – and the Museum has readily agreed and accepted – to provide a parking lease to the Parish should they become owners of the property. Several other matters also are under consideration that will serve advantageously to the benefit of the Parish.
I am committed to keeping Father Kauffmann informed and involved as the Benedictine monks move forward in this process. Speaking on behalf of the entire Benedictine community, I assure you of our continued heartfelt prayers and as well as our fervent resolve to ensure the every success of your wonderful parish for many years to come. May God bless you always.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Luke Travers, O.S.B.
Canonical Administrator
Benedictine Society of Virginia
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
19 February 2011
Source: http://www.saintbenedictparish.org/church/pdf/archives_2011_19_february_fr_luke.pdf
