Mamerto Menapace, an extraordinary writer and Benedictine monk known for blending biblical tales with gaucho stories, passed away at the age of 83 in Junín. His life journey was a tapestry woven with faith, literature, and pastoral care.
Born on January 24, 1942, in Malabrigo, Chaco province in Argentina, Menapace’s spiritual path began at an early age when he entered the Los Toldos Monastery established in 1948. This sacred place became his home for over seven decades as he embraced the Benedictine tradition that shaped his beliefs and teachings.
Throughout his lifetime, Menapace seamlessly intertwined monastic life with a profound dedication to pastoral work, education, and writing. He served as the abbot of the Santa María de Los Toldos Monastery twice between 1980 and 1992. In 1995, he was honored to be elected as the abbot president of the Benedictine Congregation of the Southern Cone encompassing monasteries across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Menapace’s influence extended beyond monastery walls when he joined the radio program “La Campana
” on LT33 Radio 9 de Julio. Through engaging storytelling rooted in Christian values conveyed through rural anecdotes, his warm and down-to-earth style captivated audiences nationwide.
His impact resonated through various mediums; from producing albums to creating films that touched countless hearts. In recognition of his significant contribution to youth literature, Menapace received the prestigious Konex Award in 1994.
In a poignant moment before his passing during an interview on “
Claves para un Mundo Mejor
” on TV Pública just five days before his demise said: “
Dios te da Dios te quita
” (God gives you things; God takes them away). Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings in an Argentine cotton field to traveling worldwide for nearly five decades spreading the Gospel message: “Today I am so immobilized that I have to travel those fifty meters to the chapel by wheelchair… It grieves me; it hurts me.”
Despite physical challenges hindering him from fulfilling certain duties like leading Mass comfortably: “I look at it this way: God gave me these abilities which I think are quite nice…Now He asks me not to use them in the same way anymore; therefore I return them.” In a heartfelt plea for prayers as he faced mortality: “I would like to reach my eighty-fourth birthday light-handedly through Heaven’s gate… You can thank God for giving you things but also taking them away.”
After Menapace’s passing:
“His teachings characterized by faith,…simplicity & social commitment touched thousands inside & outside church…Through books,…retreats & reflections,
he became a bridge between monastic spirituality & people,”
shared AICA.
“With his departure,…a cherished & radiant figure bids adieu…Nevertheless,
his legacy will endure through words,…& love,”
they added.
