Site Update!!!

As you can see there have been some significant changes to the blog site over the past few days. We are still in the process of adding a thing here and there but at least we can begin posting entries again. By the way, if you are new to the site or a regular here, please get the word out about our blog to the Catholic Community (fellow discerner's, friends, your local priests, sisters, etc.) The more people checking out the blog the better. Truly the Lord is blessing us here at the Archabbey and we need YOU to help us spread the word!!!

Brother Maximilian getting the word out about St. Vincent Archabbey to young men at Franciscan University, Steubenville, OH

Here is some discernment reflection material:

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DECREE ON
THE ADAPTATION AND RENEWAL OF RELIGIOUS LIFE
PERFECTAE CARITATIS
PROCLAIMED BY HIS HOLINESS
POPE PAUL VI
ON OCTOBER 28, 1965

15. Common life, fashioned on the model of the early Church where the body of believers was united in heart and soul (cf. Acts 4:32), and given new force by the teaching of the Gospel, the sacred liturgy and especially the Eucharist, should continue to be lived in prayer and the communion of the same spirit. As members of Christ living together as brothers, religious should give pride of place in esteem to each other (cf. Rom. 12:10) and bear each other's burdens (cf. Gal. 6:2). For the community, a true family gathered together in the name of the Lord by God's love which has flooded the hearts of its members through the Holy Spirit (cf.Rom. 5:5), rejoices because He is present among them (cf. Matt. 18:20). Moreover love sums up the whole law (cf. Rom. 13:10), binds all together in perfect unity (cf. Col. 3:14) and by it we know that we have crossed over from death to life (cf. 1 John 3:14). Furthermore, the unity of the brethren is a visible pledge that Christ will return (cf. John 13:35; 17:21) and a source of great apostolic energy.

That all the members be more closely knit by the bond of brotherly love, those who are called lay-brothers, assistants, or some similar name should be drawn closely in to the life and work of the community. Unless conditions really suggest something else, care should be taken that there be only one class of Sisters in communities of women. Only that distinction of persons should be retained which corresponds to-the diversity of works for which the Sisters are destined, either by special vocation from God or by reason of special aptitude.

More Pics!!!

Br. Gabriel Myriam, Br. Maximilian, and Br. Jeremiah take time for a photo at St. Leopold Friary before a Holy Hour with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. What a great way to start the day off with prayer before Jesus present in the Most Holy Eucharist. The Brothers wish to thank our friends the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal for allowing us to pray with you and for the VIP Parking Pass!!!

Spending time with our Sister friends, The Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal of the South Bronx. More on the Sisters by clicking here

The Brothers wish to express our special thanks to Br. Patrick Winbush, O.S.B. who graciously arranged for our visit. For more about the great work that the monks at Newark Abbey are doing check out these 2 links: Newark Abbey and St. Benedict's Prep

Monks and the Holy Father

The Brothers had the once in a lifetime opportunity to support and pray with our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI at the Papal Youth Rally and talk to seminarians held at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, NY. Here are some pictures from the visit. More on the way.

The Brothers take time for a picture with our Redemptorists friends after the being invited to St. Alphonsus Formation Residence for a wonderful Friday meal, recitation of the Holy Rosary, and a powerful talk on holiness of life by Fr. Philip Dabney, C.Ss.R (From left to Right: Br. Jeremiah, Br. Maximilian, Br. Kevin Bellot, C.Ss.R, Fr. Dabney, C.Ss.R, Br. Gabriel Myriam, and Br. Michael)

Br. Michael and Br. Maximilian pose in front of the papal shield

St. Vincent friend Matt Maher performs at the Papal Youth Rally. Matt recently performed at St. Vincent for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on the Adore 2097 tour with Josh Blaskley and Kelly Pease. For more on Matt and the adore tour click here

Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia

Br. Michael welcoming the Holy Father

The Following is part of the Holy Fathers address to young people at the youth rally concerning vocations:

Dear young people, finally I wish to share a word about vocations. First of all my thoughts go to your parents, grandparents and godparents. They have been your primary educators in the faith. By presenting you for baptism, they made it possible for you to receive the greatest gift of your life. On that day you entered into the holiness of God himself. You became adoptive sons and daughters of the Father. You were incorporated into Christ. You were made a dwelling place of his Spirit. Let us pray for mothers and fathers throughout the world, particularly those who may be struggling in any way – socially, materially, spiritually. Let us honor the vocation of matrimony and the dignity of family life. Let us always appreciate that it is in families that vocations are given life.

Gathered here at Saint Joseph Seminary, I greet the seminarians present and indeed encourage all seminarians throughout America. I am glad to know that your numbers are increasing! The People of God look to you to be holy priests, on a daily journey of conversion, inspiring in others the desire to enter more deeply into the ecclesial life of believers. I urge you to deepen your friendship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. Talk heart to heart with him. Reject any temptation to ostentation, careerism, or conceit. Strive for a pattern of life truly marked by charity, chastity and humility, in imitation of Christ, the Eternal High Priest, of whom you are to become living icons (cf. "Pastores Dabo Vobis," 33). Dear seminarians, I pray for you daily. Remember that what counts before the Lord is to dwell in his love and to make his love shine forth for others.
Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests contribute greatly to the mission of the Church. Their prophetic witness is marked by a profound conviction of the primacy with which the Gospel shapes Christian life and transforms society. Today, I wish to draw your attention to the positive spiritual renewal which Congregations are undertaking in relation to their charism. The word charism means a gift freely and graciously given. Charisms are bestowed by the Holy Spirit, who inspires founders and foundresses, and shapes Congregations with a subsequent spiritual heritage. The wondrous array of charisms proper to each Religious Institute is an extraordinary spiritual treasury. Indeed, the history of the Church is perhaps most beautifully portrayed through the history of her schools of spirituality, most of which stem from the saintly lives of founders and foundresses. Through the discovery of charisms, which yield such a breadth of spiritual wisdom, I am sure that some of you young people will be drawn to a life of apostolic or contemplative service. Do not be shy to speak with Religious Brothers, Sisters or Priests about the charism and spirituality of their Congregation. No perfect community exists, but it is fidelity to a founding charism, not to particular individuals, that the Lord calls you to discern. Have courage! You too can make your life a gift of self for the love of the Lord Jesus and, in him, of every member of the human family (cf. "Vita Consecrata," 3).

Friends, again I ask you, what about today? What are you seeking? What is God whispering to you? The hope which never disappoints is Jesus Christ. The saints show us the selfless love of his way. As disciples of Christ, their extraordinary journeys unfolded within the community of hope, which is the Church. It is from within the Church that you too will find the courage and support to walk the way of the Lord. Nourished by personal prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the Church’s liturgy you will discover the particular vocation God has for you. Embrace it with joy. You are Christ’s disciples today. Shine his light upon this great city and beyond. Show the world the reason for the hope that resonates within you. Tell others about the truth that sets you free. With these sentiments of great hope in you I bid you farewell, until we meet again in Sydney this July for World Youth Day! And as a pledge of my love for you and your families, I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing.

Follow the our Holy Father's visit to the USA

Check out the coverage of our Holy Father's visit to our country by watching all the events via EWTN: Click here for details

Keep an eye out for our monks who will be traveling to both our Nations capital and New York City to welcome and pray with our Supreme Pontiff.

Fr. Fred, O.S.B. and Fr. Boniface O.S.B. in Germany for World Youth Day 2005

The Artisans of the Monaster

Fr. Thomas More, O.S.B. and Fr. Paul Alexander, O.S.B. exhibiting their art work

If there be skilled workmen in the monastery, let them work at their art in all humility, if the Abbot giveth his permission. But if anyone of them should grow proud by reason of his art, in that he seemeth to confer a benefit on the monastery, let him be removed from that work and not return to it, unless after he hath humbled himself, the Abbot again ordereth him to do so. But if any of the work of the artists is to be sold, let them, through whose hands the transaction must pass, see to it, that they do not presume to practice any fraud on the monastery. Let them always be mindful of Ananias and Saphira, lest, perhaps, the death which these suffered in the body (cf Acts 5:1-11), they and all who practice any fraud in things belonging to the monastery suffer in the soul. On the other hand, as regards the prices of these things, let not the vice of avarice creep in, but let it always be given a little cheaper than it can be given by seculars, That God May Be Glorified in All Things (1 Pt 4:11).
 

Click here for an article on our Monks from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review about our monasteries artisans.

Monks and NFL Football?

What do St. Vincent Monks and the NFL have in common? Check out this link to learn more about the monk's of St. Vincent and their special tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers: Click here

Benedictine monk plays role in Vatian Ceremony

Blessed Karl (Emperor Austria and King of Hungary)

Click here for an article on our Br. Nathan, O.S.B. and his work on the canonization of the now Blessed Emperor Karl of Austria

For more on Blessed Karl see his canonization website: Click here And this link for an article by our Brother Nathan, O.S.B. Please pray for the canonization of this holy husband, father, and monarch.