Reflections on My Time at Mt. Irenaeus
By Bob Struzynski, ofm
To put it in a popular word of students, my time at Mt. Irenaeus has been awesome!
I came 7½ years ago because of a desire to deepen my prayer life, live a more intense community life and participate in the ministry to students at St. Bona's and all those who come to the Mountain.
All of that has happened for me in a most wonderful way.
The prayer life of the Mountain is exceptional. The pace of verbal prayer has a contemplative touch to it. No rushing to get words in but slow and thoughtful so that the words prayed sink into the heart. The chance for silent prayer at the Mountain has been most meaningful for me.
Although the Mountain proved to be very busy, more than I expected, I adjusted pretty well and grew because of the challenge. The people that you meet at the Mountain are really inspiring. I learned again that everyone has a story and everyone has something unique to contribute. The privilege of being a part of people’s lives when they come and become a part of the community is precious. Every day community is formed up at the Mountain.
I am most grateful that I was able to bring my previous experiences with me and integrate them into the life and ministry of Mt. Irenaeus. It took quite a struggle to integrate classroom teaching into our life, but it finally panned out and I loved "blowing the minds" of the unsuspecting students who needed a one-credit course to graduate and chose the course on "Contemplative Prayer." I loved the reflection sessions with students who went on the prison program trips and was proud that the Mountain sponsored the trips and that the brothers were all willing to be a part of it. I was glad, too, that I was able to begin a mediation group to Bona's. It continues to grow and this year plans are to continue it through the summer for the first time.
I will continue to bring the Mountain into the Valley in New Jersey. I see retirement as another special calling from God. I do not know what that means right now but God knows and that is enough!
Best wishes to all!
Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 10:27PM
Reader Comments (8)
I grew up in western NY state, about 30 miles south of Buffalo. I have lived in VA for several years now and hope to return to the Buffalo area one day at some point. When I decide it is time to leave VA., this is a place I want to visit for sure.
Fr B. My best wishes for a healthy and fulfilling "retirement" in Jersey. You have a been a great part of the Bona community. J
Dear Padre Bob!
I am retired now too... at 77 after 51 years of school and parish work. I too am discovering what this all means.
I will keep you in prayer, in gratitude for all your care for everyone who came to the Mountain, myself included. Pastor Bill Coleman (Lutheran) and I have deeply loved out time together at the Mountain... It has been a three time a year visit for us. I will be there in a few weeks. I know they will miss you and people say the same about me. I believe Sr. Joan Chidttester's saying that we are not decaying, just ripening.
Ripen on, Bob, God bless you!
Bill
Thanks, Fr. Bob, for your selfless ministry to the immediate and extended St. Bonaventure community for so many decades. I remember first meeting you as an undergraduate at Bona's back in the mid-70's. You were then, and continue to be now, the embodiment of what it means to live as a follower of Francis. I remember your gentleness, attention to others, and genuine presence with everyone you encountered. As I read the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, sitting on the table in our living room a few feet away from where I sit, your life is described in every phrase in the prayer. What a gift you have been for all of us.
Best wishes for your retirement ahead and all that it holds for you. Thank you.
Father Bob,
He worked HARD with my father in the dairy business as a teenager 60 years ago, was a great ball player and was my dorm director. My wife and I will always remember the tour he took us on the Moutaon a few years back. What a great human being!
Dear Fr. Bob (Tony)
Wishing you all God's good blessings as you embark on this new journey in NJ...knowing you, retirement will mean bringing your wonderful gifts to a new community of people.... You are in my thoughts and prayers always, as I am always so grateful that you were my Theology prof freshman year and really brought my faith to life for me! My devotion to St. Anthony continues through today and I still have the medal that you blessed for me all those years ago!
God Bless, Love & Prayers,
Marla Cullen Rapini '76
Father, I am a 1976 graduate of St. Bonaventure. I had you for one of my Theology courses. It was an interesting and engaging course. One that I left with insights I didn't have when I started. Your tenure at the University in diverse capacities has been meaningful. Best wishes in retirement. Rich Bucci (Binghamton, NY)
Father Bob----was professor, priest and friend. My wife and I were students in the 60s; we did graduate work at Notre Dame when he studied there----he married us at the Friary Chapel at Bona's; while at South Bend would visit often. He has been one of the most sincere, quiet, genuine persons we have ever met and we wish him all the best in his retirement. John & Marie Plumb