Bro. Xavier Eshman, SVD

Saint Arnold Janssen, the founder of the Divine Word Missionaries, was a man of vision. When establishing new seminaries for the growing religious community, he considered many factors before choosing a site. One key factor was whether the property would be suitable for farming. 

 

Many of the men who entered Divine Word Missionaries as Brothers had a background in farming and livestock management. Divine Word Missionaries became well known for raising fine crops and animals.   

 

Our first missionaries were sent to China. Shortly thereafter, many were assigned to Latin America, where their main focus was caring for the spiritual needs of German-speaking immigrants. Many schools and institutions of higher learning were established and a number of these highly renowned schools still exist today.

 

In Paraguay, the situation was different. The population was largely indigenous, poor, and had few resources. Agriculture and lumbering were the main sources of income. Taking these factors into consideration, Divine Word Missionaries established agriculture schools to give a sound Catholic education to the youth and prepare them to compete in a modern agricultural environment.

 

In 1960, Divine Word Missionaries purchased land in the Department of Itapúa to begin St. Benedict Agricultural School. The area was inhospitable and was called “the green hell” by the local people. Our missionaries and their helpers cleared the land for raising crops and established a herd of livestock. By 1968, a school, dormitories, kitchen, and other buildings were completed and classes began.

 

The situation was difficult. There was no electricity in the area, and electrical energy was produced by portable generators. When it rained, all roads leading to the school became impassable. The nearest town was twenty-five miles away and there were no telephones. 

 

Boys who had completed sixth grade were admitted to the three-year program. When the Franciscan Sisters joined the staff, the school also admitted girls. 

 

Many improvements have been made over the years. Today there is a paved road, a hydroelectric plant on the property, and telephones. The program has also changed. Students can now finish high school and enter the university. Besides teaching high school classes and agriculture, the school also provides religious instruction. 

 

The day begins very early at the school. Each day, the students awaken at 3:30 a.m. to do the milking in the dairy barn. At 5:30, the religious community gathers for morning prayers and Mass, while the students prepare for their study period. At 6:30, the students eat breakfast, and classes begin at 7:00 a.m. After lunch at 11:30 a.m., the work period begins. Students assist in the dairy barn, hog barn, poultry house, garden, nursery, and fields. The work period ends at 4:30 p.m. and students play sports or just relax until dinner at 7:00 p.m. Students learn farming and the income from the farm supports the school. 

 

Many of the students returned later to express their gratitude to Divine Word Missionaries for the academic and spiritual formation they received. I am very grateful for the twenty-five years I worked with them.