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.

Novices embrace Winter Olympic Spirit

It might be cold outside, but the Novices are in good spirits, finding some free time to go ice skating!

Br. Mark, Br. Matthew & Br. Ignatius

Novices Skating for a Gold Medal!

And when the Novices are not out and about having fun, they are keeping busy with their Monastic Formation Schedule:


Tuesday 
8:30 am - Monastic History with Br. Bruno

9:30 am - Community Life with Archabbot Douglas


Thursday
8:30 am - The Rule of St. Benedict with Fr. Warren (Novice Master)

9:30 am - Psalms with Br. Benedict 


Friday
8:30 am - Monastic Customs with Fr. Warren

9:30 am - Gregorian Chant with Fr. Cyprian
  

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.

Br. Martinho Renews his Vows

Br. Martinho was born in Peru.  After getting a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, he entered the San Bento monastery in Brazil.  Since San Bento is a priory of St. Vincent Archabbey, Br. Martinho renewed his simple vows this morning before Archabbot Douglas.  Br. Martinho's "Simple" vows will expire in one year; at that time, he will make "Solemn" vows, valid for the rest of his life.    

Br. Martinho & Archabbot Douglas

In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

I, Brother Martinho Zevallos,

promise with vows valid for one year,

before God and his saints,

in the presence of our Father in Christ, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki,

and the monks of this monastery,

stability in this community,

conversion through a monastic way of life,

and obedience according to the Rule

of our Holy Father Benedict

and the law proper to our Congregation.

In witness whereof I have prepared this document

and signed it here at St. Vincent Archabbey

in the year of our Lord 2013, 

on the thirteenth day of September.

Br. Martinho's Vows

Br. Mark (Ast. Junior Master), Br. Martinho, Archabbot Douglas, Fr. Jeffrey (Junior Master) 

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

Monks in Seminary

Ever wonder what seminary is like? This 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

To Save a Thousand Souls: Seminary

"Seminaries are very much like specialized universities such as medical schools or law schools. They exist to train men to do a specialized work which requires not only academic knowledge, but also the development of the skills to do their work: to bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus. But priesthood (just like the Religious Life of a Monk) is not just a job; it is a life. Seminarians must be formed not just to do something but to be someone – someone very extraordinary. Seminarians must be formed to be an alter Christus – another Christ."

"It is true that Catholic seminary is a place of deep prayer, and that necessitates a certain amount of silence, but it is also true that seminaries are places of great joy and excitement. Seminarians study hard, they pray hard, they serve other people, and teach them about Jesus. And they have fun. Laughter rings in the halls of our seminaries because the men are joyful. They are excited to be following Jesus and excited that they might be called to become priests."

Monks Begin a New Semester of Seminary

While some monks attend seminary in order to attain a Master of Arts degree in subjects such as Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, or Monastic Studies (so that they might go on to teach in our college or seminary), other monks attend seminary in order to pursue a degree required for Priestly Ordination (Master of Divinity Degree).

The purpose of the Master of Divinity Degree is to prepare the monk (or diocesan seminarian) for ordained ministry and for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities. However, a monk does not choose this pursuit of ordination based on his own judgment. Rather, through his own careful discernment and the prayerful discernment of the Archabbot, a monk may be called upon by his abbot to study for the priesthood.

Listening to the wisdom of the Holy Rule, St. Benedict tells us, “Any Abbot who asks to have a priest or deacon ordained should choose from his monks one worthy to exercise the priesthood” (Ch 62).

This monk must constantly be on guard against conceit and pride: “Just because he is a priest, he may not therefore forget the obedience and discipline of the Rule, but make more and more progress toward God” (Ch 62).

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

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 

Incoming Novice

Shawn Machia

During Morning Prayer, on July 10, Shawn will be clothed with the monastic habit and begin the year long novitiate.  For St. Benedict, the meaning of the novitiate year is quite simple, yet touches the depth of the human heart: "The concern must be whether the novice truly seeks God and whether he shows eagerness for the Work of God, for obedience and trials" (RB 58).  Living the monastic life, as a year of discernment, the novice monk shares the communal life of the monks.  Under the care of the Novice Master, Shawn will discover what it means to "seek God" in this monastery, seeking God through a regular routine of prayer, study, work, and recreation.   

"Listen carefully, my son, to the Master's instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.  This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice" 

(Prologue of the Rule of St. Benedict)   

Diaconate Ordination

Congratulations to Br. Maximilian and Br. Jeremiah who were ordained to the Diaconate by the Most Reverend Lawrence E. Brandt, Bishop of Greensburg, on Saturday, April 14, 2012. As Deacons, they will serve the Church as Ministers of the Word, of the Altar, and of Charity. Through their new duties, may they be recognized as disciples of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who came to serve, not to be served.

Prayer Request

Please pray for our incoming novices: Mr. Joshua Morgan, Mr. Daniel McMullen, Mr. Joshua Zimmerman, Mr. Jefferey Wright, and Fr. Richard Loch who begin their 9 day postulancy retreat today before they recieve the holy habit on July 9th.  Please also remember our present novice class: Br. Romuald, Br. Matthew, Br. Michael, and Br. Isaac as they prepare to profess first vows on July 9th during 5 PM Solemn Vepers in the Archabbey Basilica (All are welcome to attend).  Our current junior monks will also renew their vows during the ceremony giving us 13 junior monks and 5 novices for the upcoming year...indeed the Lord is good.  May our Holy Father St. Benedict and Our Lady continue to intercede for these men a they strive to do the will of God in their lives.

Some of our young monks and incoming Novices pose for a picture last year in Fr. Sebastian's garden.

Ministry of Reader

As promised, here are a few pictures from the Ministry of Reader Installation.  Our Brother Maximilian, OSB and Jeremiah, OSB were installed by retired auxiliary Bishop and St. Vincent Alum, the Most Reverend William Winter of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  Bishop Winter is a great friend of the Archabbey and Seminary and it was an honor to have him back.  Please pray for our monks in formation as well as their diocesan classmates who were installed as they continue their path towards the holy priesthood.

Thanks to Archabbey Publications for the great pictures.

Br. Jeremiah, OSB receives the Holy Bible from the Bishop

Br. Maximilian, OSB does as well 

Our Br. Elijah Joseph serves Mass for the Pope!!!

From: http://www.catholictv.com

Our Br. Elijah Joseph, OSB serving the Holy Mass of Ash Wednesday, Pope Benedict XVI celebrating.

Our Br. Elijah Joseph serves Mass for the Pope!!!

Our Brother Elijah Joseph, OSB, who is studying in Rome and living at Sant Anselmo had the honor of serving Ash Wednesday Mass for our Holy Father yesterday.  Video to come.

Br. Elijah Joseph, OSB (left with candle) leads the procession from Sant Anselmo to Santa Sabina Basilica.

Photo of our Br. Elijah Joseph, OSB (copyright: Servizio Fotografico de "L'O.R.")