Saint Vincent Archabbey will host an Easter Triduum "Come and See" discernment weekend for single Catholic men ages 21-40 on April 17 - 20, 2012.  A "Come and See" weekend is a no-strings-attached chance to spend time learning about the life of Benedictine Monks of St. Vincent Archabbey. Come pray with us, talk with our junior monks, meet our older brethren, and most of all listen for the voice of Christ who continually calls men to a life of work and prayer in service to the Catholic Church. For more information about the weekend, life as a Benedictine monk, or to schedule another time to visit the Abbey please contact Fr. Max, OSB at 724-532-6655 or by email at: maximilian.maxwell@email.stvincent.edu

Lent

From Chapter 49 of the Rule of St. Benedict:
The Observance of Lent

The life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent. Since few, however, have the strength for this, we urge the entire community during these days of Lent to keep its manner of life most pure and to wash away in this holy season the negligences of other times. This we can do in a fitting manner by refusing to indulge evil habits and by devoting ourselves to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and self-denial. During these days, therefore, we will add to the usual measure of our service something by way of private prayer and abstinence from food or drink, so that each of us will have something above the assigned measure to offer God of his own will with the joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Thess 1:6). In other words, let each one deny himself some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing. Everyone should, however, make known to the abbot what he intends to do, since it ought to be done with his prayer and approval. Whatever is undertaken without the permission of the spiritual father will be reckoned as presumption and vainglory, not deserving a reward. Therefore, everything must be done with the abbot's approval.

Monks & Semenarians Lead Bible Study

Monks & Seminarians Lead a Weekly Bible Study for the Men at Union Mission 

The Union Mission of Latrobe, Inc., is a Judeo-Christian based, non-profit mission, providing temporary shelter and needed services to homeless men in Westmoreland County and surrounding counties, while assisting them in their move toward self-sufficiency.

The Union Mission provides for the overall treatment needs of each resident through a structured, daily program which focuses on four distinct areas: employment, education, behavior modification, and counseling.

The Union Mission provides each resident with a variety of experiences and guidance to assist them with their spiritual growth. Information about local church worship services and activities is made available to the residents. Each Thursday evening, a Bible study and discussion led by students and priests from the local Catholic seminary or other community clergy persons is held on the premises.


 

How to Contribute Financially to The Union Mission

Tax-deductible donations can be made via the following methods:

Send a check payable to Union Mission of Latrobe, Inc. to:
Union Mission
P.O. Box 271
Latrobe, PA 15650


Donate online via Westmoreland Gives. Information can be found at www.westmorelandgives.com.

Donate online via the United Way. We are affiliated with The United Way of Westmoreland County. Our agency code is 2913.

Br. Mark explains Basilica stained glass project.

Br. Mark Floreanini - monastery artist

The ambulatory is the monastery hallway leading into the Basilica.  It is a place of silence and meditation.

Br. Mark with the new and recently completed stained glass windows in the ambulatory.  

Pope Francis Announces a Year for Consecrated Life

At the end of the year, 2013, Pope Francis announced that he would be dedicating 2015 as a year for consecrated life!

Consecrated Life (also known as "Religious Life") refers to the Monks, Nuns, Brothers, and Sisters who have "consecrated" themselves to God by their Vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience (Benedictine Monks make the special Vows of Conversion of Life, Stability, and Obedience).

Those in Religious Life aim to grow in holiness through their gift of self to God and to His people.


At the end of December, Pope Francis spoke collectively to all of the Consecrated men and women in the Church, saying:

“Thank you for what you do and for your spirit of faith and your service. Thank you for your witness and also for the humiliations through which you have had to pass”.

The consecrated are those who “can awaken the world,” he said. “Consecrated life is prophecy. God asks us to fly the nest and to be sent to the frontiers of the world, avoiding the temptation to 'domesticate' them. This is the most concrete way of imitating the Lord.”



The Monks of St. Vincent Archabbey will be preparing for this yearlong celebration in a special way!

To Learn More about the Role of Religious Men and Women, watch this video!