Only God can grow a Christmas tree, but Benedictine 'farmer' helps

Published: 2003-12-04

AURORA, Ill. (CNS) -- For the past 33 years, the Christmas trees at Marmion Abbey in Aurora have kept Benedictine Father Bede Stocker in shape. He returns the favor with the help of students from nearby Marmion Academy who work to pay off some of their tuition. "The Lord made trees for lumber," he said. "They grow too shaggy for Christmas trees, so you have to shape them." Since 1970 Father Stocker literally has been following the rule of St. Benedict, which suggests that the monks live by the work of their hands. Back then he annually replanted at least 10,000 trees between the rows of those already present on the abbey's 100-acre farm. Then, in 1982, academy Latin instructor Benedictine Father Andrew Wahmhoff became his assistant. Now the two clear the fields and replant 30,000 trees.

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