A most rewarding experience

From the 3rd of January until late last week I was a member of the 24th Provincial Chapter of the Western Dominican Province (Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus) gathered at St. Albert Priory in Oakland, CA.

St. Albert Priory is the House of studies for the Western Dominican Province.  I began my own Dominican life in its hallowed halls.  I still remember with fondness the daily rituals of Office, Mass, meals and recreation ... even our common work days and bellman duties form a good part of the rich tapestry that the initial formation period offered.  Then there were the classes, initially offered at St. Albert and then in facilities leased at the GTU in Berkeley.  Some may remember that I was known for "Vincent van go!"  Visions of one of my classmates running to try to catch the van as I drove off -- on time -- for our journey to DSPT are both amusing and sad .... 

I look around and see so much good that has happened at this Priory.  The priors and masters of Students and Novices came and went, but the heartbeat of the community rode out the changes remarkably well.  At one time we were known as the most liberal of Dominican Provinces, then after Vatican II we were looked upon as ultra conservative.  I believe we are probably seen as liberal again, although there has been very little that changed over the years.  Our formation has remained on bedrock, our academic formation is even more rooted in St. Thomas Aquinas, we have not wandered as some other have ... the world just seems to keep changing around us.  A good thing??  I do not know.  I do know it has all happened while also deeply immersed in the world in which we live.

There have been a few bumps.  After all this is a big family and it would be really remarkable if there were not a few odd characters, slackers and downright contrary personalities.  There have been causes for great joy and great sadness.  I would not change this ride for anything in the world.  I am absolutely convinced it is a gift and manifestation of God's love for his people, and especially for those who chose to answer God's personal call within the ranks of the Dominican Order as manifested in the Western Dominican Province.

This present 24th Provincial Chapter continues the long tradition of Dominican Government handed on by Dominic himself.  Every four years elected representatives of the province gather to elect a new Provincial, appoint friars to certain internal ministries, and adjust the particular laws of our province to reflect the current conditions and needs of the province.  This Chapter has been, in general, a joy to me.  It is my first, and the charity, insight and wisdom of the brethren has been most edifying.  The desire to guide our brother as best that any laws can in the way of truth with constant care for the ministry of the word seemed to permeate even the simplest moments -- mind you there were many dull portions, as is natural when the details have to be thrashed out and coordinated with other legislation to make a cohesive whole.  Thank God for secretaries!  They are a real blessing!

There are a few more things to take care of before the last six (diffinitors) can sign off on the finished work (the ACTA).  I ask you to join me in prayer for the successful conclusion of our Chapter and a positive response from our superiors in Rome.  May God be praised, the people filled with blessings and Jesus be preached in all corners of the world!

Olean, Bradford & Warren Railroad

Over the years the Olean, Bradford & Warren Railroad HON3 layout has continued to blossom.  Since its arrival at St. Albert Priory (Dominican House of Studies) in Oakland, CA it has been carefully attached to a fourth floor wall, had a run-around behind the wall added, a spur into a storage room to protect the motive power from curious fingers, and the addition of some impressive building fronts.  Rolling stock also seems to continue to grow through the creative hands of the chief engineer.


Not to be outdone, a friar from the local area has joined in establishing a rail empire at St. Albert.  Just a few paces from the Olean, Bradford & Warren is a still unnamed HO scale layout in progress.  The layout is on two levels on a framework that seems to be about twenty feet long and about eight feet wide with a crawl-under access to the central control area.  The layout is powered by a NCE DCC system with access points around the perimeter as well as in the central area.

I cannot yet determine the nature of the layout and have not spoken to the engineer in charge, but the double main line with sidings and a significant yard would allow for moving both freight and passenger service.  I will await future developments as they present themselves (and I am able to observe .. distance makes things difficult).

Below are pictures of the Olean, Bradford & Warren Railroad and the other layout .. connected at one point so that some exchange can happen and it is possible for the new route's motive power to be stored in the OB&W storeroom.

Take note of the new buildings to the right on this scene of the rail yard.

These Log cars sit on the upper level waiting to be taken to the mill.

The Mill is ready to accept logs.

The engine house is now empty, waiting the return of the 4-4-0
Meanwhile below near the main line, work cars are ready for duty as needed.

These trestles have always impressed me.
It is quite a task to deliver cars and pick up loads through this
switch-back of bridge-work.

The new HO layout is on two levels
This is just the start of the project

Everything can be controlled by the NCE control
The framework is solid.

Complex crossing poses electrical problems that took a while to overcome
This crossing involved both ascending and descending trackage crossing each other.

The upper yard is significant and will be expanded
to include a turntable capable of holding a "big-boy"

The Layouts are connected along the wall with careful attention to granting control to each layout without creating shorts or dueling controls.  I am sure that both OB&WRR and the new one will add their own details in the future.

Meanwhile, this writer is happy to have been a part of the 24th Provincial Chapter of the Western Dominican Province meeting at St. Albert Priory from January 3 to January 22, 2011.  A smaller group of friars continues to meet through the end of the month to tie up and loose ends and adjust assignments after making provincial appointments.

May the friars of the Western Dominican Province, always faithful to the the teachings of Holy Mother Church, continue to grow in grace and peace.  May our vocations flourish and our existing friars be filled with zeal for the truth and its proclamation to a world torn by relativism and misinformation.