60 Years of Faith and Service: Benedictines in Idaho Celebrate Milestones

By Vero Gutiérrez

Assistant Editor

JEROME – On the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, the Monastery of the Ascension hosted a day filled with faith and gratitude, drawing hundreds of people from across Idaho to commemorate three significant milestones: the 60th anniversary of the Benedictine monks' arrival in Idaho, the 45th anniversary of the founding of the Monastery, and the 65th anniversary of priestly ordination of Fr. Boniface Lautz, O.S.B., current superior of the Benedictine community.

At the heart of the celebration was thanksgiving to God for the blessing of the Benedictines’ presence in the Diocese of Boise. Bishop Peter F. Christensen celebrated an outdoor Mass on the monastery grounds, comparing the Benedictine community to an oasis offering life-giving water in the midst of the desert.

“They are like an oasis that provides springs of living water to those they encounter, going out of their way to serve the wider community,” Bishop Peter said. “As Bishop, I am deeply grateful for their living witness of faith, which they share not only among themselves but with the broader Church in Idaho.”

Bishop Christensen expressed heartfelt thanks to the Benedictines for the profound impact they have made in the lives of countless people. He also emphasized the beautiful partnership formed between the Benedictines and the Missionary Servants of the Word (MSP), who now share the monastery facilities. Their complementarity and fraternal coexistence, he said, have enriched both communities on their path to holiness.

In his homily, Bishop Christensen reflected on the forty days following Easter, when the Risen Christ appeared to the disciples and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God—an echo, he noted, of the forty days of Lent following Jesus’ baptism. These days are a call to deepen our dependence on the Heavenly Father, to resist temptation, and to build a life centered not on ourselves, but in relationship with our Creator.

He reminded the faithful that the spiritual life is shaped through daily responsibilities and the demands of our circumstances. Quoting St. Francis de Sales, Bishop Peter said:

“We must not worry too much about future difficulties. The God who has brought us safely this far will carry us to the end. We must rest in loving and holy trust in His Heavenly Providence.”

He concluded by highlighting the gift of the Holy Spirit—the Comforter, Advocate, and Counselor—whom Christ has given to strengthen us within and to journey with us as the companion of our hearts.

The Mass was concelebrated by several priests, including Fr. Caleb Vogel, Vicar General of the Diocese of Boise; Fr. Boniface Lautz, O.S.B.; Fr. Abraham Ávila, MSP, superior of the Missionary Servants of the Word in Idaho; Fr. Hugh Feiss, O.S.B.; Fr. Emmanuel Chinedu, SMMM; and Fr. Jesús Hernández Cruz, MSP. Deacons Salvador Carranza, Luis Ruiz, and Miguel Serna assisted.

The celebration began early in the day with Morning Prayer (Lauds) and reflections on the Ascension. The Missionary Servants of the Word, who have shared the monastery building with the Benedictines for three years, coordinated the day’s events, which brought together members of both the Anglo and Hispanic-Latino communities.

The daylong festivities included liturgies, cultural performances, a food fair, and concluded with a musical performance.

Speaking on behalf of the Benedictine community, Fr. Boniface expressed his gratitude to all who joined the celebration:

“We are especially thankful on this anniversary as we welcome our missionary brothers. This is a continuation of the work we began, and it’s being carried forward in a wonderful way.”

Fr. Boniface recalled how, in 1965, the Benedictines came to Idaho. The Monastery of the Ascension was established with support from the Diocese of Boise, the local Jerome community, and generous benefactors, including the Marshall family, who donated the land. Through their perseverance, the monastery has remained a center of evangelization, now enriched by the presence of the Missionary Servants of the Word.

He concluded his message with a special Ascension Day blessing, noting that the mission they had begun continues today through their MSP collaborators.

In an interview published in the Desert Chronicle this March to mark his 90th birthday, Fr. Boniface candidly addressed the future of his community:

“I could speculate about how that happened. To go back and change things is an exercise in futility. I find peace in thinking that somehow it all fits into God’s providential plan. We have been a contribution to the Church in Idaho. Our plans with the Missionary Servants of the Word are a continuation of that.”

Fr. Abraham Ávila, superior of MSP, also spoke on behalf of both communities:

“As missionaries, we join in the joy and gratitude to God for the 60 years of the Benedictine foundation and the 45 years of this monastery’s establishment. In my time serving in this great diocese, I’ve witnessed the deep impact of the Benedictine community. The faithful speak highly of their work. For many years, they have devoted their lives to God and evangelization. We give thanks for their apostolic work and especially for the 65 fruitful years of priesthood of Fr. Boniface. We are also grateful to all of you who have supported our communities and the Church.”