Solemn Vow Retreat

In preparation for Solemn Vows, Br. Canice, Br. Joachim, and Fr. Killian made a retreat to St. Emma Monastery (http://www.stemma.org/) for a time of prayer and reflection.  

These Monks will profess Solemn Vows on Friday, July 11, The Feast of our Holy Father, Saint Benedict

Thank you Sisters for your Benedictine Hospitality!

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.

Seminary Formation: Part 4 of 4

What is Seminary Formation Like?

Ever wonder what seminary is like? This short passage is taken from a book, "To Save a Thousand Souls," written by Fr. Brett Brannen. Although he wrote this book as an aid for men discerning diocesan priesthood, his chapter on Seminary is very insightful for monks preparing for the priesthood as well.

To "Look Inside" this book: http://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514

Fourth Pillar of Priestly Formation: Pastoral Formation

“The whole training of the students should have as its object to make them true shepherds of souls after the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, teacher, priest, and shepherd” (PPF #238).

Priesthood is about getting people to heaven! All priestly formation culminates in pastoral skill: being able to shepherd people and help them to grow in holiness. We often say in formation work that “grace builds on nature”. Though a priest will receive the grace to be a good shepherd at his ordination, that grace calls for the priest’s personal commitment to develop the knowledge and skills to teach and preach well, to celebrate the sacraments properly and prayerfully, and to take care of people’s spiritual needs.

Pastoral formation brings together all aspects of formation. It is analogous to the graduate of medical school who finally starts to see patients during his residency. He must develop his bedside manner, learn what to look for an how to treat “real people”.

To Learn About St. Vincent Seminary:

http://www.saintvincentseminary.edu/

Seminary Formation: Part 3 of 4

What is Seminary Formation Like?

Ever wonder what seminary is like? This short passage is taken from a book, "To Save a Thousand Souls," written by Fr. Brett Brannen. Although he wrote this book as an aid for men discerning diocesan priesthood, his chapter on Seminary is very insightful for monks preparing for the priesthood as well.

To "Look Inside" this book: http://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514

Third Pillar of Priestly Formation: Intellectual Formation

“For the Salvation of their brothers and sisters, they should seek an ever deeper knowledge of the divine mysteries” (PDV #51)

Disciples are learners. The first task of intellectual formation is to acquire a personal knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ who is the fullness and completion of God’s revelation and the one Teacher. This saving knowledge is acquired not only once, but it is continuously appropriated and deepened.

Intellectual formation entails acquiring the scientia debita (debt of knowledge) needed for effective pastoral ministry. Thus seminary classes are very challenging. Major seminary includes rigorous academic programs on par with master’s-level programs in secular universities.

According to the PPF, intellectual formation specifically prepares seminarians to be:

• Hearers of the Word (to know Scripture and Biblical Theology)
  
• Proclaimers of the Word (Preachers)
  
• Catechists (teachers)
  
• Followers of Christ (to acquire a personal knowledge of the Lord Jesus)
  
• Faithful to the Church
  
• Culturally aware (able to understand the world and diverse cultures in which the Gospel must be preached)
  
• Historically aware (familiar with the two-thousand year history of the Church and of societies in general)
  
• Ministers of the Sacraments
  
• Promoters of Marriage and Family

To learn about the Fourth Pillar, Pastoral Formation, see our blog post on Sept. 27

Seminary Formation: Part 2 of 4

What is Seminary Formation Like?

Ever wonder what seminary is like? This short passage is taken from a book, "To Save a Thousand Souls," written by Fr. Brett Brannen. Although he wrote this book as an aid for men discerning diocesan priesthood, his chapter on Seminary is very insightful for monks preparing for the priesthood as well.

To "Look Inside" this book: http://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514

Second Pillar of Priestly Formation: Spiritual Formation

“To live in intimate and unceasing union with God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit.” (PDV #45)

"Spiritual formation is about falling in love with Jesus. It is about developing a personal relationship with each Person of the Most Blessed Trinity. It is about communion with the Church, the Body of the Lord. It is not enough that a Catholic Priest know “about” Jesus and his Church; he must know Jesus personally, and be convinced of the Lord’s unconditional love for him and for every person. Nemo dat quod non habet (One cannot give what one does not have).

Spiritual formation entails developing a life of prayer that will sustain the priest throughout his life and work. The PPF mentions

specifically: devotion to the Mass and the Holy Eucharist, the sacrament of Penance, liturgy of the hours, spiritual direction, the Bible (lectio divina), retreats, personal mediation, devotion to Mary, interceding for others, doing penance, obedience, celibacy, and simplicity of life. The seminary spiritual directors are responsible for making sure that every area is appropriately treated.

The seminarians learn how to pray using many different methods. They learn both through their courses and their own struggles about the difficulties and obstacles of praying well. The purpose of this regimen of prayer is not just to come to know Jesus better personally, but to gain the ability to guide others in prayer and spiritual direction."

To Learn about the Third Pillar, Intellectual Formation, see our blog post on Sept. 23 

Seminary Formation: Part 1 of 4

What is Seminary Formation Like?

Ever wonder what seminary is like? This short passage is taken from a book, "To Save a Thousand Souls," written by Fr. Brett Brannen. Although he wrote this book as an aid for men discerning diocesan priesthood, his chapter on Seminary is very insightful for monks preparing for the priesthood as well.

To "Look Inside" this book: http://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514

First Pillar of Priestly Formation: Human Formation

“The human personality of the priest is to be a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ the Redeemer of the Human Race” (PDV, #43): 

• http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_25031992_pastores-dabo-vobis_en.html

"I always explain it like this: people usually buy a product because they like and respect the salesman. Thus they will listen to their priest and follow him to Jesus if they like him as a human person. Human formation includes instilling the virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. It includes developing humility, constancy, sincerity, patience, good manners and hygiene, and truthfulness. A man who has received good human formation can relate to others, even perfect strangers. He is a man of affective maturity, who works well with others, is free of prejudice, and who is a good steward of material possessions. He is joyful, he smiles and laughs, but he knows when to be serious. Human formation means that this man is ready to take on the role of a public person. It also includes a balanced and healthy sexuality and preparation for loving others, both men and women, in a life of celibacy."

To learn about the Second Pillar, Spiritual Formation, see our blog post on Sept. 19

Novices' First Ridge Trip

Br. Matthew H., Br. Miguel, Br. Matthew L., Br. Charles, Br. Mark & Br. Ignatius

Four Novices begins their first week-long Retreat on Chestnut Ridge today; they will return to the monastery next Sunday, 9/22.  Accompanying them will be Fr. Warren (Novice Master) and two Socii (Br. Miguel and Br. Matthew - seen in the picture above), two monks entrusted by the Abbot to help the novices grow in the monastic way of life

Ridge Chapel

Beginning in the mid 19th century, our founder, Archabbot Boniface Wimmer, utilized timber from monastery property on Chestnut Ridge in order to construct buildings on St.Vincent Campus. Similarly, in the 20th century, the monks continued to use the Ridge grounds; however, this time it was utilized more for the purposes of farming. Today, although it still functions as farm land, the natural peace and silence of the Ridge is used most effectively as a place of retreat where monks can simultaneously find time for prayer, leisure, and fraternity.

Seminary Formation for Monks

What is Seminary Formation Like?

 

There are two foundational documents which guide the structure of priestly formation. Every Seminary program in the U.S. is structured according to these two handbooks:

• Pastor Dabo Vobis (PDV), translated as I Will Give you Shepherds, by Pope John Paul II
• http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_25031992_pastores-dabo-vobis_en.html
  
• The Program of Priestly Formation (PPF), by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
• http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/priesthood/priestly-formation/upload/ProgramforPriestlyFormation.pdf

In today’s seminaries, priestly formation rests on four pillars which the Holy Father clearly outlined and explained in PDV. The four pillars of priestly formation are:

1. Human Formation
2. Spiritual Formation
3. Intellectual Formation
4. Pastoral Formation

More information about each of the Four Pillars of Seminary Formation will be posted in the near future, beginning with "Human Formation" on Sept. 16

Steelers Football, Monks and Friendship

"A unique and powerful bond was formed at an NFL training camp held at a Catholic college campus."

CatholicNewsService

Back to School!

After a peaceful summer of “Ora et Labora” (prayer and work), the junior monks will rejoin their diocesan classmates on Monday, August 26, for another year of studies at St. Vincent Seminary.

Saint Vincent Seminary is the fourth oldest Roman Catholic Seminary in the United States, dating back to our founder, Archabbot Boniface Wimmer, in 1846.

Since then nearly 2500 men have been ordained to the priesthood, and among our distinguished alumni are 30 bishops, archbishops, and cardinals.

For More Info on the St. Vincent Seminary: http://www.saintvincentseminary.edu/home

Another Successful Year of Steelers Training Camp at St. Vincent College

Today marks the end of this year's Steelers Pre-Season Training Camp, an event the Monks of St. Vincent have been hosting since 1966.    

While the opening of the 48th annual Pittsburgh Steelers Summer Training Camp at Saint Vincent College gets extensive media

Steelers Practice Scrimage

attention in newspapers, radio and television and attracts tens of thousands of fans to the campus, their first visit to Saint Vincent College in 1966 started quietly.

A review of the Latrobe Bulletin archives revealed that the presence of Steelers at Saint Vincent in 1966 was secondary to reports about local baseball leagues and Arnold Palmer's appearance in the 48th annual PGA tournament.

The first public mention of the Steelers coming to Latrobe appeared in a story by Sports Editor Steve Kittey on July 5, 1966: “It seems summer has just reached us, but already all the National Football

Archabbey Basilica viewed from the Practice Fields

League teams are about set to open their training camps. For our pride and joy in the NFL, Pittsburgh, the moment of truth is fast approaching for it and new coach Bill Austin. This Friday, Austin will hold an early week of workouts for 51 players, most of whom are rookies. Next week, the entire squad will gather under the auspices of Austin’s watchful eye. Site of the training camp is the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island. The final two weeks of the Steelers’ training camp will be held on the campus of Saint Vincent College."

To Read the full Article: http://www.stvincent.edu/newsDetail.aspx?id=2147488149

Fr. Paul Meets with Steelers Players

JUNIOR RIDGE RETREAT

On August 12, the Junior Monks will begin a week long Retreat on Chestnut Ridge.

Monastery Ridge House

Beginning in the mid 19th century, our founder, Archabbot Boniface Wimmer, utilized timber from monastery property on Chestnut Ridge in order to construct buildings on St.Vincent Campus. Similarly, in the 20th century, the monks continued to use the Ridge grounds; however, this time it was utilized more for the purposes of

Ridge Barn

farming.  Today, although it still functions as farm land, the natural peace and silence of the Ridge is used most effectively as a place of retreat where monks

Ridge Chapel

can simultaneously find time for prayer, leisure, and fraternity.        

More Photos of the Ridge:

Ridge Chapel

Chapel, Chapel Entrance & Chapel Ambulatory (i.e. Walkway)

Chapel Altar, Choir Stalls & Monk at Prayer

Ridge Scenery

Hike in the Woods, Fishing Pond & Apple Orchard

Blue Berry Bushes & Camp Fire

Br. Canice at Swimming Pond & Ridge Hermitage 

Fr. Jean-Luc & St. Vincent Students Attend World Youth Day!

Fr. Jean-Luc reflects on his Trip to  World Youth Day in Brazil

Fr. Jean-Luc (holding the American Flag), students from St. Vincent College and youth from Brazil celebrate at World Youth Day 

My life as a Benedictine Monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey is never dull. Our Archabbey's apostolates, the work that we do, are varied. My work in Campus Ministry with students of Saint Vincent College took me to Brazil for World Youth Day. We prayed the Stations of the Cross and attended Mass offered by our Holy Father Pope Francis. Also, we had the opportunity to meet Catholic young people from all over the world.

Benedictine monks have for centuries played an important role in the work of evangelization through founding educational institutions. Our monks are so blessed to be sharing in the New Evangelization! 

Fr. Killian's Reflections on Vocations & World Youth Day

St. Vincent College Campus Ministers, Fr. Killian and Fr Jean-Luc, lead students on a pilgrimage to Brazil for World Youth Day!

   

On Wednesday evening the United States Bishops hosted a conversation on vocations for the Pilgrims from the U.S.A.  I attended the session with Fr. Jean-Luc and our group of students from St. Vincent College.  

The first part of the evening was Contemporary Catholic music with various vocation witnesses. Each speaker represented a different kind of vocation but each had the same message and advice: Be open to a call from God, pray to have the grace to hear and answer the call, and surround yourself with friends who are people of faith, people who will pray for you and       encourage you.

One of the speakers made a Biblical reference to Samuel, who would awake at night when he heard God calling him, although he was not yet familiar with the voice of the Lord.  It was Eli who helped him realize that it wasn't merely a dream but a true call from God.  The youth were encouraged to seek Eli's in their lives who will help them discern if God's call is just a dream or a true call from God. Bishop Edward Burns of Juneau, Alaska then led us in a holy hour of Eucharistic Adoration to pray for vocations.

I am thankful for those in my life who were there to pray for me throughout my time of discernment of religious life, in particular to the several Eli's who helped me realize that my call to Benedictine life was not merely a dream, but God's desire for me.