Br. Paul-Vincent's Vocation Diary
New Prior in Fujimi
My classmate, Fr. Edward Vebelun, OSB was just appointed as Prior of Holy Trinity Monastery in Fujimi, Japan. Fr. Edward and I began as novices together here at Saint John’s some 17 plus years ago. Since that time he learned Japanese (amazing!) and was attracted to our priory in Japan. He has flourished there and [...]
Three tours of International Students!
It is a pleasure to host almost 2500 students on our campus each school year. (This of course, does not include another 2000 from the College of Saint Benedict!) The student body is truly enhanced by the number of international students in our schools and as part of their program their instructors always are interested [...]
First Sunday of Advent!
Above is the Advent wreath in our monastic dining room or refectory. Traditionally the novices assemble it and the youngest novice in statio, or order of entering the community, lights the new candle each Saturday beginning a new week of Advent.
Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel!
Advent blessings,
bpv
Happy Thanksgiving!
At morning prayer and in my private prayer today I became rather overwhelmed with the realization that I have so much for which to be thankful! And of all the people and opportunities that I was sifting through of course the greatest thanks are to my God who gives me life and life to all those I love.
Here [...]
A Great Plunge Weekend!
This past weekend we hosted another Plunge! weekend for men from Saint John’s University. (We host at least 5 a year along with the Easter Retreat.) The visit always includes praying with the monastic community (Ora!) and of course a bit of work (Labora!). As I often mention to visitors to the monastery…”these buildings weren’t [...]
All Souls Remembrance
This noon many gathered in the Abbey and Saint John The Baptist Parish cemetery to remember those who have gone before us and remember particularly those who have died in Christ in the past year. As you can see though the temps were a bit chilly the sun is shining in central Minnesota and indeed [...]
Family Weekend at Saint John’s…
Last weekend was Family Weekend at Saint John’s in addition to hosting a number of college and area high school choirs and of course a home football game. It really didn’t feel like we were “in the country”!
Literally thousands of people were on campus all day. I was giving tours of the abbey church and [...]
Happy 50th Anniversary!
In 1958 the monks of Saint John’s began construction of the new Abbey church, designed to accomodate the growing monastic community as well as the student body. It has since become one of architect Marcel Breuer’s iconic works and a singular piece of American church architecture.
Thanks be to God!
Peace, bpv
Saint John’s Abbey set to celebrate 50 years
Pictured above speaking about the Abbey Church, Rev. Hilary Thimmesh, OSB, one of the original committee of 12 that planned the construction of the church.
Written by: Frank Lee and David Unze of the Saint Cloud Times
COLLEGEVILLE — It’s a house of worship that belongs to the ages.
The monks of St. John’s Abbey will celebrate on Sunday [...]
Honorary Doctorate in the Bahamas…
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13246&Itemid=27
On Sunday, SJU awarded an honorary doctorate to Sir Arthur Folkes, Governor General of The Bahamas. Sir Arthur was an important figure in gaining independence (majority rule) for The Bahamas. He was part of a small group who met with Dr. Martin Luther King to talk about nonviolent change. This was a great honor for [...]
