4 Novices to Profess first Vows

Br. Basil, Br. Rafael, Br. Theophilus & Br. Miguel

"Let easy admission not be given to one who newly comes to change his life; but as the Apostle said, 'Try the spirits, whether they be of God' (1 Jn 4:1).  If, therefore, the newcomer keeps on knocking, and after four or five days it is seen that he patiently bears the harsh treatment offered him and the difficulty of admission, and that he perseveres in his request, let admission be granted him." (From the Holy Rule of St. Benedict-Ch 58)

On July 10, after living the monastic way of life for one year, studying the Holy Rule of St. Benedict and learning the Psalter, four men will profess the Benedictine Vows of Stability, Obedience and Conversion of Life.

By the Vow of Stability they will commit their lives to one specific monastery - St. Vincent.  By the Vow of Obedience they will place themselves under the leadership of the Abbot, and by the Vow of Conversion of Life they will bind themselves to the observance of all the specific disciplines of monastic life such as celibacy and poverty.

Congratulations Brothers!

"Sustain me oh Lord as you have promised that I may live and disappoint me not in my hope"

Psalm 119

Junior Monk Camp 2012

From June 11 - 23 St. Vincent's three Junior Monks (Br. Canice, Br. Joachim & Fr. Killian) joined the Junior Monks from nine different monasteries (Mary Help of Christians Abbey, St. Benedict's Abbey, St. John's Abbey, Mount Angel Abbey, St. Bede Abbey, St. Anselm Abbey, St. Martin Abbey, St. Meinrad Abbey & Monastery of the Holy Cross) at Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska for the Annual Benedictine Junior Camp Retreat.

During the retreat the young monks had a wonderful chance to experience life at a different monastery, meet other young monks, and learn about various monastic topics such as the Life of St. Benedict according to Pope St. Gregory the Great's Dialogues, the Material Culture of Medieval Monasticism and the History of the Missionary Benedictines.

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.

Come & See

Saint Vincent Archabbey will host an Easter Triduum "Come and See" discernment weekend for single Catholic men ages 21-40 on April 5 - 7, 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. Bonaventure Curtis, OSB at 724-532-6655 or by email at: bonaventure.curtis@email.stvincent.edu

To read more on the Icon: www.comeandseeicons.com

The Importance of Silence

Silence and Word: Path of Evangelization

While the world continues to be immersed in a virtual dimension, Pope Benedict has called for striking a balance between silence, words, images, and sounds.

"By remaining silent, we allow the other person to speak, to express him or herself, and we avoid being tied simply to our own words and ideas without the being adequately testes," he said.

He noted that sometimes the most authentic communication takes place in utter silence, "between people who are in love: gestures, facial expressions and body language are signs by which they reveal themselves to each other."

Silence also allows for greater discernment about what is really worth listening to. And of course, it allows for prayer, contemplation and silent conversation with God.

To read more from the message of silence from the Holy Father:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/communications/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20120124_46th-world-communications-day_en.html