"We Can Also, Each One in His Own Way, Find the Lord Jesus"

Speech by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI given on December 9th, 2009 at the general audience.  In his talk he speaks the great 12th Century Benedictine Abbot Rupert of Deutz: Click here for a link to the speech.

Wimmer Celebration 2009

Some pictures from the Mass for the Archabbot Boniface Wimmer 200th Birthday year taken by Kim Metzgar, Fred Findley, Jordan Hainsey.  His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia was celebrant. 

So I am coming to the Monastery (what should I wear?)

One of the most common questions men ask us as the date for their visit approaches is, "What do I need to bring?"  Here is a small list for all vocation visitors coming to the Archabbey:

1) 1 or 2 pairs of nice pants (khaki's or dress slacks) for times in the Basilica Church and in the monastic refectory. Also, please bring a pair of dress shoes and socks

2) At least one dress shirt and tie (if your visit is over a weekend and you are attending the Sunday Monastic Mass)

3) Appropriate number of nice shirts (golf shirts, button downs) or sweaters (depending on the time of year) for the daily Monastic Mass and Office

4) A pair of jeans, a t-shirt / sweatshirt (depending on the time of year) and work shoes for work periods with the brothers

5) Also, please bring some comfortable clothing for recreation periods with the brothers (there is usually time for sports during the week or the gym)

6) Essential toiletries (razor, shampoo, toothbrush an toothpaste, etc.)

7) Your rosary and a good book for spiritual reading during your time at the Monastery

Soap, towels, pillows, and blankets are all provided for your visit and the monastery does its best to provide anything you may have forgotten.

 “Whenever I look within myself, I am lost in the complexities of self-love, and the suffering caused thereby is fruitless. If I spend myself on others, they only lead me back to myself by the vicious circle of my passions. The soul that waits on God, patiently and unhurriedly, receives on the contrary the simple assurance that it is infinitely loved; and with that answer comes a call to love with all one’s strength here and now . . . the right we reserve to retain our self-love up to a certain point as we say, acts like a poison in the soul, whilst to give all raises it to breathe freely the air of the heights . . . The way of love, above all the way of contemplation is not an easy one. It calls for the total gift of self. But neither is it strictly speaking difficult, since it has marvelous advantages and the divine prerogative of simplicity.” A Carthusian

Catholic Apologetics

Ever been asked to explain the Immaculate Conception or the Assumption?  Click here for a great link regarding these topics.

Monks performing with Pittsburgh Symphony

This weekend (December 4, 5, 6, 2009) a group of Saint Vincent College singers – the Saint Vincent Schola Gregoriana -- will take part in three performances at Heinz Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The principal conductor of the orchestra, Manfred Honeck, invited Saint Vincent to provide a Gregorian chant schola to sing as part of Honeck’s reading of the Requiem Mass of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 4, 5 and 6. Entitled by Maestro Honeck “Requiem Mass for Mozart”, the performances include the Requiem in its entirety, together with other sacred music of Mozart, and will incorporate Scriptural readings, biographical readings from the letters of Mozart, and a Gregorian chant schola. Honeck recorded his “Requiem Mass for Mozart” with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir. The Saint Vincent Schola Gregoriana is composed of 20 singers and includes Saint Vincent Benedictine monks, college students, seminarians and parishioners.  For more information and tickets: CLICK HERE