heart to heart summer 1998

(Continued On 5)

Vows Made; Novices ArriveVows Made; Novices ArriveVows Made; Novices ArriveVows Made; Novices ArriveVows Made; Novices Arrive

SupremeCourt JusticeTo Speak At

Red MassU.S. Supreme Court

Associate Justice ClarenceThomas will deliver the mainaddress following the 31stannual Red Mass to be heldat noon, September 25, inthe Saint Vincent Arch-abbey Basilica. The Mass iscelebrated annually in over25 cities across the UnitedStates, to invoke God’sblessings on members ofthe bench and bar at thestart of the legal year.

Greensburg BishopAnthony G. Bosco will bethe principal celebrant atthis Mass, which is co-hosted by the Diocese ofGreensburg and SaintVincent Archabbey, Semin-ary and College. SaintVincent Archabbot DouglasR. Nowicki, O.S.B., will be aconcelebrant. The Red Masstakes its name from thefact that celebrants of the13th century in Europewere vested in red and the

Just ice C larenceJust ice C larenceJust ice C larenceJust ice C larenceJust ice C larenceThomasThomasThomasThomasThomas

Cardinal Tomko To ReceiveCardinal Tomko To ReceiveCardinal Tomko To ReceiveCardinal Tomko To ReceiveCardinal Tomko To Receive

Honorary DoctorateHonorary DoctorateHonorary DoctorateHonorary DoctorateHonorary DoctorateHis Eminence, Cardinal

Jozef Tomko, the Prefect ofthe Congregation for theEvangelization of Peoplesand Grand Chancellor of thePontifical Urban University,will receive an honorarydoctorate from SaintVincent Seminary onTuesday, September 29.

Cardinal Tomko was bornin Udavske, in the dioceseof Kosice, Slovakia, onMarch 11, 1924. Hecompleted his collegestudies in Bratislava andwas sent to Rome by the

Making their solemn profession of vows beforeArchabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., and the SaintVincent Benedictine Community were, from left, BrotherEdward Mazich, O.S.B., Brother Matthew Laffey, O.S.B.,Brother Hugh Lester, O.S.B. and Brother Anthony Grossi,O.S.B.

Twelve members of theSaint Vincent BenedictineCommunity made solemnand simple professions orrenewals of vows July 10-11 in conjunction with theCommunity’s celebration ofthe Feast of Saint Benedict.

Making solemn professionof vows on July 11 wereBrother Edward M. Mazich,O.S.B., Brother Matthew T.Laffey, O.S.B., Brother HughD. Lester, O.S.B and BrotherAnthony J. Grossi, O.S.B.

Two novices made simpleprofession of vows on July10, Brother Mark L. Flore-anini and Brother Brian D.Boosel, O.S.B. At the sameceremony vows were re-newed by junior monksBrother Lee Yoakam, O.S.B.,Brother William Benthall,O.S.B., Brother Abel Rod-arte, O.S.B., Brother JosephAdams, O.S.B. and BrotherThomas Curry, O.S.B. Alsorenewing his vows was

Brother Liang Ho, O.S.B., ofWimmer Priory in Taipei,Taiwan.

Joining the Benedictinecommunity were six nov-ices: Brother Finnian (John)Gorg, Brother Ignatius (Jo-seph) Kury, Brother Vinh-Linh Nguyen, O.S.B.,Brother Cajetan (Paul)Homick, Brother Boniface

Card ina l Jozef TomkoCardina l Jozef TomkoCardina l Jozef TomkoCardina l Jozef TomkoCardina l Jozef Tomko(Continued On Page 7)

Inside This Issue.. . . .Inside This Issue.. . . .Inside This Issue.. . . .Inside This Issue.. . . .Inside This Issue.. . . .Archabbot’s Message ...... 2

Archabbey News ............. 2-4

Ordination ....................... 3

Gristmill Update .............. 4

Grant for Wetlands .......... 5

Paschal Hall .................... 5

Degrees Received ............. 5

Jubilarians ...................... 6-7

Book Reprinted ................ 7

Brazil: 50 Years ............... 8-9

Professions ...................... 10-11

Novices Join Community . 10

Memorial Contributions .. 10

An American Abbot ......... 12-14

Scholarship Honors Abbot 15

Appointment .................... 15

Prep Hall ......................... 16

Upcoming Events ............. 16

A Titanic Connection ........ 16

Saint VincentSaint VincentSaint VincentSaint VincentSaint VincentWelcomes ABAWelcomes ABAWelcomes ABAWelcomes ABAWelcomes ABASaint Vincent Archabbey

will host the convention ofthe American BenedictineAcademy August 9-12. Thetheme for the convention is“Hospitality: Prism for the21st Century.”

(Patrick) Hicks, and BrotherPatrick (Stephen) Doering.

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Volume 9, Issue 4

Heart to Heart Summer 1998 Saint Vincent Archabbey

their simple vows.Also in July we wel-

comed six new membersto our community asnovices.

Once again we havewelcomed the PittsburghSteelers to our campus fortheir pre-season trainingcamp.

Members of the Ameri-can Benedictine Academywill arrive at our campusAugust 9 for their biannualfour-day convention. Thetheme of the conventionis “Hospitality: Prism forthe 21st Century.”

A committee has beenappointed to engage inlong-range planning aspart of our preparation forthe celebration of the newmillenium. We hope toassure that Saint VincentArchabbey, College andSeminary are prepared tomeet the challenges ofthe new millenium in thespirit of Jesus Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

Archabbot Douglas R.Nowicki, O.S.B.

Archabbot’s MessageArchabbot’s MessageArchabbot’s MessageArchabbot’s MessageArchabbot’s Message

Father James F. Podlesny, O.S.B.,Father James F. Podlesny, O.S.B.,Father James F. Podlesny, O.S.B.,Father James F. Podlesny, O.S.B.,Father James F. Podlesny, O.S.B., recently gavetwo talks on The Ethics of Cloning to faculty and stu-dents at the Pennsylvania State University, UniversityPark.

Father James regularly teaches courses on bioethicsat Saint Vincent. He is associate professor of moral the-ology in the Seminary and associate professor of reli-gious studies in the College.

* * * * *Father Mark F. Gruber, O.S.B.Father Mark F. Gruber, O.S.B.Father Mark F. Gruber, O.S.B.Father Mark F. Gruber, O.S.B.Father Mark F. Gruber, O.S.B., presented the

keynote address at the CBE (Council of Biology Editors)Retreat which was held in Berkeley, California, February20-22, 1998. The medical researchers, deans and edi-tors who attended the conference, “Authorship in Bio-medical Publication: Problems and Proposals,” explored

ways to reform the process of authorship ascription inmedical research which is challenged with the multipli-cation of many authors listed in article bylines, whenrelatively few are able to assume full responsibility fortheir entire content. Father Mark’s paper, “Philosophi-cal, Historical & Literary Correlates of Authorship in theBiomedical Sciences,” is being prepared for publicationin the CBE Journal, as well as in Lancet, the premiermedical journal of Great Britain.

Father Mark has also received his copy of BetweenDesert and City: The Coptic Orthodox Church Today,which contains two chapters based on his doctoral dis-sertation, “Sacrifice in the Desert: An Ethnography ofthe Coptic Monastery.” In addition to his chapters, “Cop-ing with God: Coptic Monasticism in Egyptian Culture,”and “The Monastery as the Nexus of Coptic Cosmol-ogy.” Father Mark’s dissertation is also quoted in thechapter, “Kyrillos VI: Planner, Patriarch and Saint,” byNelly van Doorn-Harder. Between Desert and City “cov-

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Summer is often a time ofreunion, celebration andfamily. The past few monthsat Saint Vincent have beenvery busy, encompassing allof those elements.

In April I joined our commu-nity in Brazil for two weeks,marking the 50th anniver-sary of Benedictine involve-ment at the priory there.While there I received thesolemn vows of BrotherAndré Osmar Melli, and thetransfer of vows of FatherLucas Torrell de AlmeidaCosta.

In May and June wecelebrated 750 years ofservice of our 15 SaintVincent Benedictines whomarked their 25, 50, 60 and70 year jubilees. BrotherBernard Lewitzke has beenwith us for 70 years.

Also this spring BrotherPaul-Alexander Shutt wasordained to the priesthoodand several members of ourcommunity completedadvanced degree studies.

This summer, members ofour Benedictine family

traveled from Brazil,Taiwan, Savannah andfrom the various parishesand places they serveacross the United Statesto gather for our annualcommunity meetings.

On July 11, we cel-ebrated the Feast of SaintBenedict, Patron ofWestern Civilization, with

four of our monks, BrotherEdward M. Mazich,Brother Matthew T.Laffey, Brother Hugh D.Lester, and BrotherAnthony J. Grossi profess-ing their solemn vows.Brothers Brian Boosel andMark Floreanini professedfirst vows and five of ourjunior monks renewed

Volume 9, Issue 4


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ers for the first time the most importantaspects of the contemporary Coptic Or-thodox Church in Egypt, bringing togethernew knowledge which would otherwiseremain largely inaccessible except to asmall number of specialists.” It was pub-lished in Oslo, Norway, in 1997 by NovusForlag: The Institute for Comparative Re-search in Human Culture. Father Mark re-ceived a grant from the University of Nor-way in 1993 for his contribution to thework which enabled him to return to Egyptfor further research on the Coptic mon-asteries during the Christmas break of1993-94.

* * * * *From the news clips:—“Archabbey gift shop balm for the

spirit,” read the headline in the Tribune-

Review noting the opening was a “sou-venir shopper’s salvation.” The BasilicaGift Shop “has really been well re-ceived,” Brother Phi l ip M. Kanfush,Brother Phi l ip M. Kanfush,Brother Phi l ip M. Kanfush,Brother Phi l ip M. Kanfush,Brother Phi l ip M. Kanfush,O.S .B . ,O .S .B . ,O .S .B . ,O .S .B . ,O .S .B . , who manages the store, toldwriter Paul Peirce. ”It enables us to bea ministry of presence, a way of fos-tering spiritual growth.”

The gift shop is open from 9 a.m. tonoon and 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fri-days, and from 1 to 6:30 p.m. Satur-days, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

— The Saint Marys Daily Press, in aQ&A on Catholic Schools week, turnedto Saint Vincent College President,Father Mart in R. Barte l , O.S.B. ,Father Mart in R. Barte l , O.S.B. ,Father Mart in R. Barte l , O.S.B. ,Father Mart in R. Barte l , O.S.B. ,Father Mart in R. Barte l , O.S.B. ,and to A r c h a b b o t D o u g l a s R .A r c h a b b o t D o u g l a s R .A r c h a b b o t D o u g l a s R .A r c h a b b o t D o u g l a s R .A r c h a b b o t D o u g l a s R .Nowick i , O.S.B. ,Nowick i , O.S.B. ,Nowick i , O.S.B. ,Nowick i , O.S.B. ,Nowick i , O.S.B. , for their thoughtson Catholic education. The feature,which ran during Catholic Schools Week,noted that “it is now 104 years sincethe Smith-Garb Act forced religious

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A Latrobe native andBenedictine of Saint VincentArchabbey was ordained tothe priesthood at 10 a.m.Saturday, May 23, by the MostRev. Anthony G. Bosco,Bishop of Greensburg, at SaintVincent Basilica.

Father Paul-AlexanderShutt, O.S.B., 44, is the sonof P. Arthur and Grace (Ross)Shutt of Latrobe and thebrother of Adam Shutt of Irwin.The 1971 graduate of GreaterLatrobe Senior High Schoolreceived a bachelor of artsdegree in French from ThielCollege in 1975, and a masterof arts degree in French fromMiddlebury College in 1980.He has done other studies atthe Université de Strasbourgand the Université Catholiqued’Angers. He received amaster of divinity degree fromSaint Vincent Seminary in1997.

He made simple professionof vows in July of 1993, andsolemn profession in July of1996 at Saint VincentArchabbey Basilica. He wasordained a deacon in April of1997 at Saint Vincent.

Before entering themonastery, Father Paul-Alexander was a foreignlanguage teacher at SewickleyAcademy for 12 years and a

cellist with the WestmorelandSymphony Orchestra.

Benedictine Ordained To The PriesthoodBenedictine Ordained To The PriesthoodBenedictine Ordained To The PriesthoodBenedictine Ordained To The PriesthoodBenedictine Ordained To The PriesthoodAt Saint Vincent, Father

Paul-Alexander worked at thegristmill (1992-1993), sacristy(1992-1993), and was anassistant in the vocationsoffice (1993). He served asassistant master of cere-monies (1994-1997), socius ofnovices (1994-1997), and asassistant coordinator ofArchabbey music (1994-1997).

Since 1995 he has taughtLatin at Saint VincentSeminary and French, Italianand Latin in the Modern andClassical Languages De-partment at Saint VincentCollege.

He said his first Mass ofThanksgiving on Sunday, May24, at the Archabbey Basilica.

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Most Rev. Anthony G. Bosco, Bishop of Greensburg, pre-sides at the ordination of Father Paul-Alexander Shutt,O.S.B. at the Archabbey Basilica May 23.

Volume 9, Issue 4


teachers out of the public school system and in effectlaunched the parochial school system in the UnitedStates.”

“At a time when we face a crisis in educating ouryouth, our Catholic schools provide sound and valueoriented education. In my opinion our Catholic schoolsare essential for the future of the nation,” ArchabbotDouglas said.

Father Martin concurred, noting that “These are greattimes for Catholic education and I am optimistic aboutthe future. Statistical data is showing that indepen-dent educational facilities are providing students withthe tools to lead fulfilling lives. Society is clamoring forthe inclusion of a religious perspective and ethical val-ues in the education of our children and our schoolsare satisfying that demand.”

* * * * *Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B.Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B.Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B.Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B.Brother Norman W. Hipps, O.S.B., represented

Father Martin R. Bartel, O.S.B., on a study tour of col-leges and universities of Northern Ireland from Febru-ary 18-25.

The tour was sponsored by the Business EducationInitiative, which is the agency that enabled Anie Brollyto spend the past year at Saint Vincent. Anie’s school,Queens University in Belfast, was one of six campusesthat Brother Norman visited. Of particular interest toBrother Norman was an environmental remediationproject being conducted at Sligo Regional TechnicalCollege which is similar to the Monastery Run Projectwhere constructed wetlands are providing a treatmentsystem for abandoned mine drainage. Participating inthe study tour were presidents from 45 colleges anduniversities throughout the U.S.

* * * * *Father Godfrey F. Burkhardt, O.S.B. ,Father Godfrey F. Burkhardt, O.S.B. ,Father Godfrey F. Burkhardt, O.S.B. ,Father Godfrey F. Burkhardt, O.S.B. ,Father Godfrey F. Burkhardt, O.S.B. , and Fa - Fa - Fa - Fa - Fa -

ther Anthony J. Bur las, O.S.B. ,ther Anthony J. Bur las, O.S.B. ,ther Anthony J. Bur las, O.S.B. ,ther Anthony J. Bur las, O.S.B. ,ther Anthony J. Bur las, O.S.B. , were recentlyelected as honorary members of Delta Mu Delta, ThetaTau Chapter, Saint Vincent College. Delta Mu Delta is

(Continued from Page 3)

Media interest in the Saint Vincent Gristmill is runninghigh since the announcement of $250,000 in grants tohelp renovate the 144-year-old structure.

The Spring, 1998 Old Mill News, a quarterly magazinepublished by the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills,included a bit on the renovation. Brother Joseph Adams,O.S.B., recently gave a tour to a writer from WestylvaniaMagazine, a relatively new, slick publication out ofHollidaysburg, the results of which should appear some-time before year’s end. Brother Joseph and Brother MarkL. Floreannini, O.S.B., were pictured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on March 4, the photos accompanying an articleby writer T.J. Martin on the mill. Brother Joseph and Fa-ther Paul Taylor, O.S.B., had their photos in the LatrobeBulletin, accompanying an interview by staff writerJeannette Wolf. Father Paul was pictured, in color, on thecover of The Highlander, published by The Dispatch,Blairsville, and included as a supplement in the Tribune-Review. Brother Joseph was also in some of the nine pho-tos accompanying the article, entitled “Bread of Life. Pres-ervation Grant Money is Grist for the Mill.”

Interest In Gristmill HighInterest In Gristmill HighInterest In Gristmill HighInterest In Gristmill HighInterest In Gristmill High

The Saint Vincent Gristmill exterior renovations are wellunder way. The cedar clapboard siding has given the grist-mill a new appearance. Also part of the project was theinstallation of 96 new windows. Contractor for that phaseof the renovations was JM Builders of Latrobe. A newroof is next on the list.

the national honor society in business administration.Father Godfrey. among other duties, was an account-

ing instructor at Saint Vincent College, assistant trea-surer, accounting and finance professor and fiscal man-ager. He has been professor emeritus since 1985.

Father Anthony was an instructor in accounting atSaint Vincent College, and later was named associateprofessor and chairman of the College Business Admin-istration Department. He has been pastor at St. Mary’sParish, Forbes Road, since 1977.

* * * * *Father Wi l l iam F. Wurm, O.S.B. , Father Wi l l iam F. Wurm, O.S.B. , Father Wi l l iam F. Wurm, O.S.B. , Father Wi l l iam F. Wurm, O.S.B. , Father Wi l l iam F. Wurm, O.S.B. , Director of

the Opportunity SVC/Act 101 Program, participated ina meeting of Act 101 directors in Hershey, February19-20, 1998. Dr. Michael Poliakoff, Deputy Secretaryof Post-Secondary and Higher Education, addressed thedirectors at the opening luncheon, expressing the grati-tude and appreciation of the Commonwealth’s Depart-ment of Education for the success of the over 70 pro-grams across the state.

Father William was among 22 high school and col-lege/university German teachers selected to participatein the twentieth Wiesneck Seminar: Zwei Städte inDeutschland: Freiburg und Jena, from June 23 to July 8at the Institut für politische Bildung, StudienhausWiesneck, near Freiburg in Baden-Württemberg.Wiesneck is situated in the Black Forest of SouthernGermany. The information seminar is co-sponsored bythe Goethe Institute and the AATG.

After returning to the United States, participants willpresent one to two workshops to colleagues in theirarea or at regional, state or national conferences duringthe 1998-99 school year. Father William will incorpo-rate this experience into his fall 1998 course on con-temporary Germany.

* * * * *Two Benedictines of Saint Vincent Archabbey were

installed to the ministry of acolyte at Saint Vincent Semi-nary this past spring.They are Brother Ph i l i p M.Brother Ph i l i p M.Brother Ph i l i p M.Brother Ph i l i p M.Brother Ph i l i p M.KanfushKanfushKanfushKanfushKanfush and Brother Matthew T. Laffey.Brother Matthew T. Laffey.Brother Matthew T. Laffey.Brother Matthew T. Laffey.Brother Matthew T. Laffey.

Volume 9, Issue 4


Congressman JohnMurtha visited Saint Vincentrecently to announce fed-eral funding for a secondwetlands on the campus, onproperty owned by theWimmer Corporation andthe Benedictine Society ofWestmoreland County. Thewetlands project is part ofthe Monastery Run Project,which is aimed at treatingacid mine drainage flowinginto Monastery Run andFour Mile Run by allowingthe water to flow throughvarious wetland ponds,which naturally allow thepollutants to filter out ofthe drainage before thewater enters MonasteryRun. Because the run is atributary to the LoyalhannaCreek, treating this largedischarge will go a long waytoward improving the qual-ity of water for the next 21miles to where the creekmeets the Conemaugh Riverto form the KiskiminetasRiver at Saltsburg.

The first wetlands, situ-ated next to the gristmill,was dedicated last year andtwo others are under con-struction on nearby prop-erty, also owned by theBenedictines. CongressmanMurtha announced a$216,000 grant from theU.S. Department ofAgriculture’s Natural Re-

sources Conservation Ser-vice to build the secondwetlands. Major contribu-tions have come from the

Taking part in the press conference to announce funding for the second phase of awetlands project on the Saint Vincent campus, aimed at alleviating acid mine drainageentering the Loyalhanna Creek, were, front, from left: Father Martin R. Bartel, O.S.B.,Saint Vi ncent College President; Congressman John Murtha, D-12th District; ArchabbotDouglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.; back, from left, Brad Clemenson, aide to Congressman Murtha;Greg Phillips, Westmoreland Conservation District manager; Linda Boxx, representingthe Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation; Lysle Sherwin, Loyalhanna Watershed Asso-ciation; Dr. Caryl Fish, Saint Vincent College assistant professor of chemistry and direc-tor of the Summer Institute in Watershed Restoration; Wes Gordon, U.S. Department ofAgriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Father Earl J. Henry, O.S.B.,President of Wimmer Corporation.

Benedictines Given Grant For Wetlands ProjectBenedictines Given Grant For Wetlands ProjectBenedictines Given Grant For Wetlands ProjectBenedictines Given Grant For Wetlands ProjectBenedictines Given Grant For Wetlands Project

state Department of Envi-ronmental Protection andU.S. Environmental Protec-tion Agency, and a numberof local partners, includingthe Westmoreland Conser-vation District, the Kath-erine Mabis McKenna Foun-dation, the Loyalhanna Wa-tershed Association, numer-

ous local government agen-cies, foundations, private in-dustries and individuals.

Congressman Murthanoted that the MonasteryRun Project, along with an-other in Somerset County,“have become the modelfor comprehensive clean-ups across Appalachia.”

Father Paschal N. Kneip, O.S.B., pastor of Saint GregoryParish in Virginia Beach, was pleasantly surprised and hon-ored when he discovered parishioners wanted to namethe new library and technology center there Paschal Hall.Above, he stands near the plaque in front of the newbuilding.

Receiving graduate degrees this past spring were:— Father Paul R. Taylor , O.S.B.— Father Paul R. Taylor , O.S.B.— Father Paul R. Taylor , O.S.B.— Father Paul R. Taylor , O.S.B.— Father Paul R. Taylor , O.S.B., who received

a doctorate in higher education administration from Bos-ton College;

— Father Michael McKay, O.S.B. , Father Michael McKay, O.S.B. , Father Michael McKay, O.S.B. , Father Michael McKay, O.S.B. , Father Michael McKay, O.S.B. , who receiveda master’s degree in nursing at Johns Hopkins Univer-sity School of Nursing, Baltimore;

— Brother Anthony J. Gross i , O.S.B. , Brother Anthony J. Gross i , O.S.B. , Brother Anthony J. Gross i , O.S.B. , Brother Anthony J. Gross i , O.S.B. , Brother Anthony J. Gross i , O.S.B. , whoreceived a master of divinity degree from Saint VincentSeminary, with honor; and

— Brother Edward M. Mazich, O.S.B. ,— Brother Edward M. Mazich, O.S.B. ,— Brother Edward M. Mazich, O.S.B. ,— Brother Edward M. Mazich, O.S.B. ,— Brother Edward M. Mazich, O.S.B. , whoreceived a master of arts degree from Saint VincentSeminary, with highest honor.

Benedictines Receive DegreesBenedictines Receive DegreesBenedictines Receive DegreesBenedictines Receive DegreesBenedictines Receive Degrees

Volume 9, Issue 4


Saint Vincent Benedictines Mark 750 Years Of

Brother Bernard J .Brother Bernard J .Brother Bernard J .Brother Bernard J .Brother Bernard J .Lewitzke, O.S.B.Lewitzke, O.S.B.Lewitzke, O.S.B.Lewitzke, O.S.B.Lewitzke, O.S.B.70 Years, Profession

July 2, 1928

Father Emmeran A.Father Emmeran A.Father Emmeran A.Father Emmeran A.Father Emmeran A.Rettger , O.S.B.Rettger , O.S.B.Rettger , O.S.B.Rettger , O.S.B.Rettger , O.S.B.

60 Years, OrdinationJune 12, 1938

Father C lement J .Father C lement J .Father C lement J .Father C lement J .Father C lement J .He id , O.S.B.He id , O.S.B.He id , O.S.B.He id , O.S.B.He id , O.S.B.

60 Years ProfessionJuly 2, 1938

Father Louis S.Father Louis S.Father Louis S.Father Louis S.Father Louis S.Sedlacko, O.S.B.Sedlacko, O.S.B.Sedlacko, O.S.B.Sedlacko, O.S.B.Sedlacko, O.S.B.60 Years, Profession

July 2, 1938

Archabbot Paul R.Archabbot Paul R.Archabbot Paul R.Archabbot Paul R.Archabbot Paul R.Maher , O.S.B.Maher , O.S.B.Maher , O.S.B.Maher , O.S.B.Maher , O.S.B.

50 Years, ProfessionJuly 2, 1948

Father Ph i l ip P.Father Ph i l ip P.Father Ph i l ip P.Father Ph i l ip P.Father Ph i l ip P.Ghys, O.S.B.Ghys, O.S.B.Ghys, O.S.B.Ghys, O.S.B.Ghys, O.S.B.

50 Years, ProfessionJanuary 6, 1948

Father Joachim R.Father Joachim R.Father Joachim R.Father Joachim R.Father Joachim R.Fatora, O.S.B.Fatora, O.S.B.Fatora, O.S.B.Fatora, O.S.B.Fatora, O.S.B.


Father Emer ic J .Father Emer ic J .Father Emer ic J .Father Emer ic J .Father Emer ic J .Pf iester , O.S.B.Pf iester , O.S.B.Pf iester , O.S.B.Pf iester , O.S.B.Pf iester , O.S.B.


Father Ael red J .Father Ael red J .Father Ael red J .Father Ael red J .Father Ael red J .Beck, O.S.B.Beck, O.S.B.Beck, O.S.B.Beck, O.S.B.Beck, O.S.B.

50 Years, Ordination June 13, 1948

Father Br instan G.Father Br instan G.Father Br instan G.Father Br instan G.Father Br instan G.Takach, O.S.B.Takach, O.S.B.Takach, O.S.B.Takach, O.S.B.Takach, O.S.B.


Father Alphonse H.Father Alphonse H.Father Alphonse H.Father Alphonse H.Father Alphonse H.Meier , O.S.B.Meier , O.S.B.Meier , O.S.B.Meier , O.S.B.Meier , O.S.B.


Father ArthurFather ArthurFather ArthurFather ArthurFather ArthurHoltz , O.S.B.Holtz , O.S.B.Holtz , O.S.B.Holtz , O.S.B.Holtz , O.S.B.

50 Years, Profession July 2, 1948

Volume 9, Issue 4


ServiceMost Rev. Joseph Carsky,Bishop of Kosice, for histheological studies. He wasordained on March 12,1949. He completeddoctorates in both theologyand church law at thePontifical Lateran Uni-versity. He was a professorat the Pontifical GregorianUniversity and authoredseveral books and articleson theological and historicaltopics. His expertise is onmarriage and the family. Hisworks have been publishedin Slovak, English, Italian andGerman.

In 1961 he was appointedto the staff of theCongregation of theDoctrine of the Faith andserved as the secretary ofthe commission on mixedmarriages at the first Synodof Bishops in 1967. He wasalso appointed a member ofthe Commission of theRoman Catholic-Lutheranand Reformed Churches’study on the theology ofmarriage. He served as aconsultor on the PapalCommission on the Family.On two occasions he servedas special representative ofthe Vatican to the meetingof the Asian BishopsConference in Manila andthe Pacific Bishops Con-ference in Sydney.

In 1974 Pope Paul VInamed Msgr. Tomko theUndersecretary of theCongregation of Bishops,serving under CardinalSabastian Baggio. He wasnamed a Chaplain of HisHoliness, with the title ofMonsignor by Pope JohnXXIII and Pope Paul VI namedhim a Prelate of Honor.

With the electin of KarolWojtyla as Pope John PaulII in October of 1978, theinternationalization of theVatican was intensified.When Polish born BishopWladislav Rubin was named

a Cardinal and subsequentlynamed Prefect of theCongregation of theOriental Churches, theposition of Secretary of theInternational Synod ofBishops was open. BishopRubin had served as SynodSecretary, a body createdby the post-Vatican IIChurch, since 1967.

Pope John Paul II namedMsgr. Joseph Tomko titularArchbishop of Doclea andSecretary General of theBishops Synod. The HolyFather personally ordainedhim to the episcopacy onSeptember 15, 1979 in theSistine Chapel at theVatican. Since then,Archbishop Tomko hasserved as Synod Secretaryand has coordinated theSynods of 1980, 1982 and1984. At the time of hisappointment to the Collegeof Cardinals, ArchbishopTomko was planning theExtraordinary Synod, whichthe Holy Father called for inNovember of 1985. Withthe appointment ofArchbishop Tomko as aCardinal, the Holy Fatheralso announced that he hadappointed him Prefect ofthe Sacred Congregation forthe Evangelization ofPeoples, formerly known asthe Congregation for thePropagation of the Faith. In

1996 Pope John Paul IInamed Cardinal Tomko aCardinal Priest assigning ashis titular church theancient Basilica of SantaSabina.

Cardinal Tomko hasenjoyed a close associationwith the American Slovakcommunity over the pastnearly four decades. He hasworked closely with theSlovak Catholic Federation,an umbrella organiationrepresenting Slovak Cath-olic fraternals, parishes andinstitutions in the UnitedStates which addressesissues related to thepastoral concern ofAmerican Catholics ofSlovak ancestry. As afounder of the SlovakInstitute of SS. Cyril andMethodius in Rome (nowthe Pontifical SlovakInstitute and College of SS.Cyril and Methodius), hevisited many Slovakparishes and communities inthe United States in theearly 1960s. He hasenjoyed a close associationwith the work of the SlovakCatholic fraternals in theUnited States, namely theFirst Catholic Slovak LadiesAssociation, the FirstCatholic Slovak Union, theSlovak Catholic Sokol andthe Ladies PennsylvaniaSlovak Catholic Union.

Cardinal Tomko To Visit Saint VincentCardinal Tomko To Visit Saint VincentCardinal Tomko To Visit Saint VincentCardinal Tomko To Visit Saint VincentCardinal Tomko To Visit Saint Vincent(Continued From Page 1)

St. Bede’s Publications has reprinted the first book ofF a t h e r D e m e t r i u s R . D u m m ,F a t h e r D e m e t r i u s R . D u m m ,F a t h e r D e m e t r i u s R . D u m m ,F a t h e r D e m e t r i u s R . D u m m ,F a t h e r D e m e t r i u s R . D u m m ,O . S . B . ,O . S . B . ,O . S . B . ,O . S . B . ,O . S . B . , Flowers in the Desert. Thewidely-acclaimed book has been asteady seller. It was followed by Cher-ish Christ Above All: The Bible in theRule of Benedict. The book is availableat the Saint Vincent College Book Cen-ter, the Basilica Gift Shop, and by mailorder from St. Bede’s Publications. Mailorders can be made by writing to St.Bede’s Publications, 271 North Main St.,

P.O. Box 545, Petersham, MA 01366-0545. Orders canalso be placed by phone at 1-800-507-1000 or fac-simile at 1-800-919-5600. Cost is $14.95, plus $4 ship-ping and handling for the mail orders. Father Demetriushas begun work on his third book.

Book ReprintedBook ReprintedBook ReprintedBook ReprintedBook Reprinted

Father Danie l C.Father Danie l C.Father Danie l C.Father Danie l C.Father Danie l C.Wolfe l , O.S.B.Wolfe l , O.S.B.Wolfe l , O.S.B.Wolfe l , O.S.B.Wolfe l , O.S.B.


Father Myron M.Father Myron M.Father Myron M.Father Myron M.Father Myron M.Ki rsch, O.S.B.K i rsch, O.S.B.K i rsch, O.S.B.K i rsch, O.S.B.K i rsch, O.S.B.

25 Years, OrdinationMay 12, 1973

Brother Subpr iorBrother Subpr iorBrother Subpr iorBrother Subpr iorBrother Subpr iorDavid Kel ly , O.S.B.David Kel ly , O.S.B.David Kel ly , O.S.B.David Kel ly , O.S.B.David Kel ly , O.S.B.25 Years, Profession

July 10, 1973

Volume 9, Issue 4


Saint Vincent Benedictines in Brazil in the early dayswere visited by Archabbot Egbert H. Donovan, O.S.B.,at right in the photo. The Benedictines in Brazil were,from left, Father Mario A. Fulgenzi, O.S.B.; BrotherAnthony Kirsch, O.S.B. and Father Ermin R. Smith,O.S.B.

Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B.,third from left, then Archabbot of SaintVincent, is pictured in one of his visits to Bra-zil with Father Mario A. Fulgenzi, O.S.B., left;Father Leo P. Rothrauff, O.S.B., second fromleft; and Brother Miguel Savieto, O.S.B.

Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. received thesolemn vows of Brother André Osmar Melli, O.S.B., left,on April 20 and the transfer of vows of Father LucasTorrell de Almeida Costa, O.S.B., on April 22.

Pictured during the April visit of Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.Bto Brazil are, from left, Father Leo P. Rothrauff, O.S.B.; Mrs. Luciano DuvaMr. Luciano Duvali; Archabbot Douglas; Mr. Antonio Bertasoli and FathePrior Cristiano A. Brito, O.S.B.

Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., left, Father PriorCristiano A. Brito, O.S.B., right, and Milton Serafim, mayorof Vinhedo.

A look at the monastery at São Bento in the earlyyears of Saint Vincent’s involvement there. At the timethe grounds included 1,000 acres of land and a winery.The winery was closed a number of years ago, and isnow a chapel.

Saint Vin Benedictinesmilestone in April as they

the 50th annivtheir arrival at S

Archabbot DoNowicki, O.S.B.,fourteen BenedSão Bento in a events held dur

week per

Volume 9, Issue 4


On Saturday, April 18, 1998, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki,O.S.B., presided at the blessing of the cemetery for the monks ofSão Bento in Vinhedo. The remains of the founding fathers werebrought from the city cemetery for mass, blessing and re-inter-ment. They were Benedictines Dom Aidano Erbert, Dom UdalricoReichel, Dom Matias Marschall and Dom Martinho Roth. In the topleft photo, Monsignor Favorino (right) presented the urns of theMonastery’s founding fathers for their blessing and re-intermentin the new cemetery at São Bento. He is photographed on hisway to the cemetery with Father Leo P. Rothrauff, O.S.B.

The São Bento monastic community in 1998 includes, front, from left: Father LeoP. Rothrauff, O.S.B.; Brother Miguel Savieto, O.S.B.; Saint Vincent Archabbot DouglasR. Nowicki, O.S.B.; Father Prior Cristiano A. Brito, O.S.B.; Brother Subprior AnthonyKirsch, O.S.B.; middle row, from left, Brother Agostinho Rocha, O.S.B.; Father LuísAntonio Carqueijo Sé, O.S.B.; Father Claudio Moraes, O.S.B.; Father Lucas Torrell deAlmeida Costa, O.S.B.; Brother Paulo Sergio Panza, O.S.B.; last row, from left, BrotherIsmael Ferreira Dos Santos, N. O.S.B.; Brother Vicente Antonio Marani, O.S.B.; BrotherOsvaldo Cássio Batista, O.S.B.; Brother André Osmar Antonio Melli, O.S.B.

The Benedictine roots of SãoBento’s monastery go all the wayback to when the BenedictineMonastery of Our Lady in Exile wasfounded on January 1, 1650. TheBenedictines flourished until themid-nineteenth century when anti-religious sentiments on the partof the government discouragednew vocations — a decree from1855 actually forbade monaster-ies from receiving any new mem-bers. By 1895 there were only tenmonks left and the two youngestwere in their 60s. With the helpof Pope Leo XIII monks were sentfrom the Abbey of Beuron.

In 1900 Dom Miguel Kruse wasassigned to take charge of theMonastery in São Paulo.

In 1907 the Monastery of OurLady in Exile in Santos was incor-porated and the first Germanmonks settled there. In 1925 thismonastery became autonomousagain. During the second world warthe government ordered the Ger-man monks to leave Santos — thesea port city — and their monas-tery on the hillside. They lived inSão Paulo from 1945 to 1946 andthen moved to Jundiaí (1946-1948.) It was in 1948 that DomAidano Erbert, O.S.B., and theother monks bought “FazendaBela Vista” in the town of Rocinha(now Vinhedo) and reopened theMonastery of Our Lady in Exile inSantos.

— Father Noel H. Rothrauff, O.S.B.

São Bento’sSão Bento’sSão Bento’sSão Bento’sSão Bento’sRoots Grow DeepRoots Grow DeepRoots Grow DeepRoots Grow DeepRoots Grow Deep

B.,ali,er

ncents marked aBrazil incelebratedversary ofSão Bento.ouglas R. joined thedictines ofnumber ofring a two-riod.

Volume 9, Issue 4


Six novices began theirnovitiate with investitureceremonies at Saint VincentBasilica on July 10. Thenovitiate is a year of prayerand study designed to aidpostulants in determiningtheir vocation as Bene-dictine monks. ArchabbotDouglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.,received Brother Finnian(John) Gorg, of Herndon,Virginia; Brother Ignatius(Joseph) Kury of Akron,Ohio; Brother Vinh-LinhNguyen, M.D., of Chester,Pennsylvania, a native ofVietnam; Brother Cajetan(Paul) Homick of Brack-enridge; Brother Boniface(Patrick) Hicks, of Groton,Connecticut; Brother Pat-rick (Stephen) Doering, ofDenver, North Carolina.

Brother Finnian earned abachelor of landscapearchitecture degree fromVirginia Tech in 1994.

Brother Ignatius earned abachelor of arts degree inpolitical science from JohnCarroll University in 1998and is also a 1998 graduateof Borromeo Seminary. At

Two novices of SaintVincent Archabbey madesimple profession of monas-tic vows on July 10. Theyare Brother Mark L.Floreanini, O.S.B. andBrother Brian D. Boosel,O.S.B.

Brother Mark was bornJune 15, 1956 in Alliance,Ohio. He is a son of the lateBruno and Betty Floreanini.He has two sisters, DebbieScott of Sebring, Ohio andFaith Babbit of San Antonio,Texas; and two brothers,Tim Floreanini of Sebring,Ohio and Harry Floreanini ofLisbon, Ohio.

He attended St. Joseph’sElementary School, Alliance,Ohio and is a 1974 gradu-ate of West Branch HighSchool, Beloit, Ohio. He re-ceived an associate degreein fine art from Sinclair Com-munity College in 1987.

At Saint Vincent he hasworked on stained glass or-naments.

Brother Brian was born inButler, Pennsylvania, on De-cember 16, 1973. He is ason of Jean (Campsie)Boosel and Ralph L. Booselof Butler. His brothers areJason A. Boosel of Indiana,and Adam C. Boosel of But-ler.

He attended ButlerCatholic Elementary Schooland Butler Area Senior HighSchool, where he graduatedin 1992. He received abachelor of arts degree inhistory from Saint VincentCollege in 1996 and was agraduate student in historyat Slippery Rock Universityfrom 1996 to 1997.

As a college student hewas named to Who’s WhoAmong American Collegesand Universities in 1996and also received the Stu-dent Government ServiceAward in 1996. He was afour-year member of theSaint Vincent College Stu-dent Government Associa-tion and was executive andstudent body president of

Two MakeTwo MakeTwo MakeTwo MakeTwo MakeSimpleSimpleSimpleSimpleSimple

ProfessionProfessionProfessionProfessionProfession

Brother Br ian D.Brother Br ian D.Brother Br ian D.Brother Br ian D.Brother Br ian D.Boosel , O.S.B.Boosel , O.S.B.Boosel , O.S.B.Boosel , O.S.B.Boosel , O.S.B.

Brother Mark L.Brother Mark L.Brother Mark L.Brother Mark L.Brother Mark L.F loreanin i , O.S.B.F loreanin i , O.S.B.F loreanin i , O.S.B.F loreanin i , O.S.B.F loreanin i , O.S.B.

Six Begin NovitiateSix Begin NovitiateSix Begin NovitiateSix Begin NovitiateSix Begin Novitiate

Memorial Contributions NotedMemorial Contributions NotedMemorial Contributions NotedMemorial Contributions NotedMemorial Contributions NotedTribute gift and Memorial gift donors to

Saint Vincent Archabbey from January 1,1998 to July 16, 1998 include:

IN HONOR OFIN HONOR OFIN HONOR OFIN HONOR OFIN HONOR OFTHE SAVANNAHTHE SAVANNAHTHE SAVANNAHTHE SAVANNAHTHE SAVANNAHBENEDICTINE COMMUNITYBENEDICTINE COMMUNITYBENEDICTINE COMMUNITYBENEDICTINE COMMUNITYBENEDICTINE COMMUNITY

Mr. J. Harry Haslam, Jr.RT. REV. EGBERT H.RT. REV. EGBERT H.RT. REV. EGBERT H.RT. REV. EGBERT H.RT. REV. EGBERT H.DONOVAN, O.S.B.DONOVAN, O.S.B.DONOVAN, O.S.B.DONOVAN, O.S.B.DONOVAN, O.S.B.

Rev. Thomas J. Kram, D.D.DR. AND MRS. GEORGEDR. AND MRS. GEORGEDR. AND MRS. GEORGEDR. AND MRS. GEORGEDR. AND MRS. GEORGEMAGOVERN, SR.MAGOVERN, SR.MAGOVERN, SR.MAGOVERN, SR.MAGOVERN, SR.

Ms. Dorothea T. MagovernMs. Frances M. MagovernMs. Frances N. MaherMrs. Thomas Welsh

SAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYSAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYSAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYSAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYSAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYVery Rev. Carl J. Gentile

IN MEMORY OFIN MEMORY OFIN MEMORY OFIN MEMORY OFIN MEMORY OF+EMMIL IA BORRIS+EMMIL IA BORRIS+EMMIL IA BORRIS+EMMIL IA BORRIS+EMMIL IA BORRIS

Mr. Bernard G. Borris+JOHN H. BROWNFIELD, JR.+JOHN H. BROWNFIELD, JR.+JOHN H. BROWNFIELD, JR.+JOHN H. BROWNFIELD, JR.+JOHN H. BROWNFIELD, JR.

Mrs. Annette C. Brownfield+JOHN S. AND ANNA GRAZIANO+JOHN S. AND ANNA GRAZIANO+JOHN S. AND ANNA GRAZIANO+JOHN S. AND ANNA GRAZIANO+JOHN S. AND ANNA GRAZIANO

Mr. John V. Graziano

+REGIS L. KEDDIE+REGIS L. KEDDIE+REGIS L. KEDDIE+REGIS L. KEDDIE+REGIS L. KEDDIEMs. Mary Ann ActonGeneral Motors Corporation

+RT. REV. LEOPOLD J. KRUL, O.S.B.+RT. REV. LEOPOLD J. KRUL, O.S.B.+RT. REV. LEOPOLD J. KRUL, O.S.B.+RT. REV. LEOPOLD J. KRUL, O.S.B.+RT. REV. LEOPOLD J. KRUL, O.S.B.Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Kruly

+REV. BRICE T. RYAN, O.S.B.+REV. BRICE T. RYAN, O.S.B.+REV. BRICE T. RYAN, O.S.B.+REV. BRICE T. RYAN, O.S.B.+REV. BRICE T. RYAN, O.S.B.Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Moore, Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Moore, Jr.

+REV. HERMAN F. UBINGER, O.S.B.+REV. HERMAN F. UBINGER, O.S.B.+REV. HERMAN F. UBINGER, O.S.B.+REV. HERMAN F. UBINGER, O.S.B.+REV. HERMAN F. UBINGER, O.S.B.Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Claybaugh, Sr.

+REV. REMIGIUS BERNARD+REV. REMIGIUS BERNARD+REV. REMIGIUS BERNARD+REV. REMIGIUS BERNARD+REV. REMIGIUS BERNARD VEROSTKO, O.S.B. VEROSTKO, O.S.B. VEROSTKO, O.S.B. VEROSTKO, O.S.B. VEROSTKO, O.S.B.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert F. Behrend, Jr.Mr. M. Brian BigginsMr. Carl E. BricknerC&C LumberMs. Martha R. HazlinskyMs. Pat KearneyMs. Dolores J. KosloskyMr. and Mrs. Charles G. Manoli, Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Donald S. PawlakMr. and Mrs. John W. PickeringCatherine Verostko and FamilyMr. and Mrs. Roman J. VerostkoMr. James G. Virosco

John Carroll he was amember of the StudentUnion, choir, Pi Sigma AlphaHonor Society, Alpha SigmaNu Honor Society, and adean’s list student. He alsoreceived the PoliticalScience Outstanding Scho-lar Award.....

Brother Vinh-Linh earneda bachelor of sciencedegree in chemistry fromTemple University in 1994and a doctor of medicinedegree from the Universityof Pittsburgh in 1998.

Brother Cajetan earned abachelor of arts degree inpolitical science from SaintVincent College in 1991,with highest honor, and ajuris doctor degree fromDuquesne Law School in1994. Prior to his arrival atSaint Vincent he served asan attorney for Fried, Kane,Walters, Zuschlag andGrochmal of Pittsburgh(1994-1998); vice pres-ident of the CatholicCemeteries Association,Inc., of the Diocese of

(Continued On Page 11)

the Saint Vincent CollegeStudent Government from1995 to 1996.

Volume 9, Issue 4


of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin;and Maryanne Kildosher ofBayonne, New Jersey.

He attended John F.Kennedy Grade School inWashington, and is a 1970graduate of ImmaculateConception High Schoolthere. He received a bach-elor of science degree fromFordham University in1974; and a master of sci-ence degree in accountingfrom Appalachian State Uni-versity.

In addition to his educa-tional pursuits before enter-ing the monastery, heserved in the U.S. Army.Brother Hugh made simpleprofession of vows on July10, 1995.

He currently serves as di-rector of the Archabbey re-treat program.

Brother Anthony wasborn October 31, 1970, theson of James and Linda(Fagan) Grossi of Butler. Heis one of four children JohnW. Grossi of Butler, Mark A.Grossi of Butler and Mrs.Deanna Weaver of Atlanta,Georgia.

He attended ButlerCatholic Grade School andis a 1989 graduate of But-ler High School. He receiveda bachelor of arts degree inhistory from Saint VincentCollege in 1993 and a mas-ter of divinity degree, withhonor, from Saint VincentSeminary in 1998.

Brother Anthony madehis simple profession ofmonastic vows on July 10,1995.

Four Make Solemn Profession of VowsFour Make Solemn Profession of VowsFour Make Solemn Profession of VowsFour Make Solemn Profession of VowsFour Make Solemn Profession of Vows

Brother Anthony J .Brother Anthony J .Brother Anthony J .Brother Anthony J .Brother Anthony J .Gross i , O.S.B.Gross i , O.S.B.Gross i , O.S.B.Gross i , O.S.B.Gross i , O.S.B.

Making their solemn pro-fession of vows on July 11were Brother Edward M.Mazich, O.S.B., Brother Mat-thew T. Laffey, O.S.B.,Brother Hugh D. Lester,O.S.B., and Brother AnthonyJ. Grossi, O.S.B.

Brother Edward is the sonof Alice (Connolley) Mazichof Danville and the late JohnMazich. He was born Febru-ary 10, 1972. He is one ofsix children. His sister isTheresa Mazich of Doyles-town; and his brothers arePaul Mazich of Yorktown,Virginia; Richard Mazich ofFleetwood, John Mazich ofPotter's Mills; and JamesMazich of Hellertown.

He attended St. JosephSchool in Danville, and is a1990 graduate of DanvilleArea High School. He re-ceived a bachelor of sciencedegree in mathematics fromPenn State University in1994. He received a mas-ter of arts degree in theol-ogy from Saint VincentSeminary in May of 1998,with highest honor. He is amember of Phi Eta SigmaHonor Society and Phi BetaKappa.

Brother Edward made hissimple profession of vowsJuly 10, 1995.

At Saint Vincent, he hasserved as an assistant tothe sacristan (1994-1998),assistant to the master ofceremonies (1995-1998),computer lab tutor in theComputer and InformationScience Department ofSaint Vincent College

(1995-1997) and instruc-tor in the Mathematics De-partment (1997).

Brother Matthew wasborn February 19, 1954 inPittsburgh, Pennsylvania.He is the son of Alice(Kredell) Laffey of Pitts-burgh and the late EdwardLaffey. He is one of twelvechildren. His brothers andsisters are Regina Caldwell,Regis, Edward, RoseannParker, Alice Leone, MegVaughan, and Brendan, allof Pittsburgh; Theresa ofMedina, Ohio; MonicaRadkowski of St. Marys andHelen Kondrich of Erie. Abrother, Matthew, is de-ceased.

He attended St. LawrenceO'Toole Grade School inPittsburgh, and is a 1972graduate of Central Catho-lic High School there. Hehas attended Indiana Uni-versity of Pennsylvania andthe Community College ofAllegheny County.

He made simple profes-sion of vows on July 10,1995.

Before entering the mon-astery he worked for Allegh-eny Valley School for thementally and physically im-paired as a health provider.

Brother Hugh 45, is theson of Daniel and Patricia(Sill) Lester, formerly ofWashington, Pennsylvaniaand currently of Marathon,Florida. He is one of fivechildren. His brothers andsisters are David ofGreensburg; Mark of EastHampton, New York; Keith

Brother Edward M.Brother Edward M.Brother Edward M.Brother Edward M.Brother Edward M.Mazich, O.S.B.Mazich, O.S.B.Mazich, O.S.B.Mazich, O.S.B.Mazich, O.S.B.

Brother Matthew T.Brother Matthew T.Brother Matthew T.Brother Matthew T.Brother Matthew T.Laffey, O.S.B.Laffey, O.S.B.Laffey, O.S.B.Laffey, O.S.B.Laffey, O.S.B.

Brother Hugh D.Brother Hugh D.Brother Hugh D.Brother Hugh D.Brother Hugh D.Lester , O.S.B.Lester , O.S.B.Lester , O.S.B.Lester , O.S.B.Lester , O.S.B.

Pittsburgh (1996-1998);vice president of thePennsylvania Fire ServicesInstitute, Inc., Harrisburg(1996-1998). He is pre-sently a member of theAmerican Bar Association,Pennsylvania Bar Assoc-iation and the AlleghenyCounty Bar Association.

Brother Boniface earneda bachelor of sciencedegree in computer sciencefrom Penn State Universityand a master of sciencedegree in computer sciencein 1997 from Penn State.At Penn State he was amember of the Tau Beta PiHonor Fraternity and thePenn State Newman Club.

Brother Patrick attendedSoutheastern LouisianaState University andLouisiana State University,where he majored in history.He is a 1995 graduate ofElon College with a bachelorof arts degree in history,with honors. He also studiedin the pre-theology programat Saint Vincent Seminary.

NovitiateNovit iateNovit iateNovit iateNovit iate(Continued From Page 10)

At Saint Vincent, he hasserved as assistant sacris-tan (1994-1996), an aca-demic counselor at SaintVincent College (1996-present), and as a dormi-tory moderator at the Col-lege since 1997.

Volume 9, Issue 4


“Faith and History: TheLegacy of BonifaceWimmer” was the topic ofspeaker Dr. Jerome Oetgen,foreign service officer, au-thor and former professor,at the annual Honors Con-vocation of Saint VincentCollege on April 23.

Dr. Oetgen was presentedwith an honorary Doctor ofHumane Letters Degree atthe convocation at whichstudents were recognizedfor academic excellence andoutstanding service, andseveral awards were givento faculty members.

In his address, Dr. Oetgen,the author of An AmericanAbbot, a biography ofBoniface Wimmer, told stu-dents that he spoke as one“whose life has been indel-ibly marked by the seal of aBenedictine education.”

Referring to theBenedictines who hadtaught him, he said theywere “practical, fair-minded,intelligent men. They wereinteresting and knowledge-able. And what’s more, theytreated their students, in-side and outside the class-room, as if we were inter-esting and knowledgeable,too.”

A 1969 graduate of SaintVincent, Dr. Oetgen said,“the Benedictine educationone has always received atSaint Vincent is value-cen-tered, and among the pre-eminent values that aBenedictine education in-stills in those who openthemselves to it are a firmand practical faith, a deeprespect for history and tra-dition, a sense of commu-nity, and a life-long commit-ment to hard work and fre-quent prayer.”

In describing the life ofSaint Vincent founderBoniface Wimmer, Dr.Oetgen said, “Wimmer wasa man of faith and of clearhistorical vision. Today, asa consequence of his faithand vision, more than 30Benedictine communitiesexist in the United States,Canada, Latin America and

Asia. And attached to thesecommunities are schoolswhere thousands of youngmen and women — likethose at Saint Vincent Col-lege — experience the ben-efits of a Benedictine edu-cation. Boniface Wimmer’sachievement was not thatof one man but, rather, ofa tradition, a tradition ofwhich you too are now part.What he accomplished, heaccomplished because hiswork was deeply rooted ina rich and living Benedictineheritage and because hehimself was deeply rootedin his Christian faith.”

“Wimmer emerged at amoment in history whenChristian faith was at lowebb; when cynicism, mate-rialism, and spiritless ratio-nalism were dominant in theworld. How did he respond?With boldness and intelli-gence, with strong faith anda deep understanding of his-tory, and with an ability tolook at the world with botheyes. ...

“Wimmer was a man ofstrong faith -- faith in him-self, of course, but aboveall faith in God. When thestudents who were to ac-company him to Americaexpressed grave doubtsabout the wisdom of leav-ing their families and home-

land and accompanyingWimmer to an unknownfate, he wrote them: ‘Weshould consider it a greatprivilege that God deigns touse us as instruments infounding an institutuionwhich, if the foundation iswell laid, will confer untoldbenefits on the people ofthe United States ... If theseare your sentiments, youwill never have cause toregret having followed meto America. The main rea-son is not that you are inquest of beautiful surround-ings, a comfortable home,or a life of ease, but ratherthat you are seeking theopportunity to carry thecross of self-denial after thecrucified Jesus, to save orregain souls that otherwisewould be lost ...’”

“Many years later, whenhe had nearly completed hislife’s work and had time toreflect on what he and hiscompanions had accom-plished, he wrote one ofthose same students whohad been reluctant to cometo the United States, butwho, in the end, had comeand who for forty years hadbeen a Benedictine at SaintVincent: ‘No one imaginedus capable of accomplishinganything significant, and yetwe did accomplish some-

Author Recalls Legacy of Boniface WimmerAuthor Recalls Legacy of Boniface WimmerAuthor Recalls Legacy of Boniface WimmerAuthor Recalls Legacy of Boniface WimmerAuthor Recalls Legacy of Boniface Wimmerthing. God’s grace was ob-viously with us ... May un-bounded thanks be given toGod a thousand times, forHe chose and made use ofus as instruments for theexecution of His designs.’”

A 1972 graduate of SaintVincent Seminary, Dr.Oetgen has been a memberof the United States ForeignService since 1987. He cur-rently is cultural affairs of-ficer at the U.S. Embassy inMadrid, Spain.

Prior to his assignment toSpain, he was director ofthe Latin American and Car-ibbean Fulbright Program atthe United States Informa-tion Agency in Washington,D.C. He has also served asa diplomat at the UnitedStates Embassies in Para-guay and Ecuador.

Before entering the for-eign service, Dr. Oetgen wasassociate professor of En-glish at Seton Hill College.Earlier he taught on the fac-ulties of the University ofPittsburgh at Greensburg,the University of Torontoand Saint Vincent College.In addition, he has taughtat universities in Ecuador, inthe People’s Republic ofChina, and in Lithuania,where he was seniorFulbright lecturer.

Dr. Oetgen earned a mas-ter of arts degree from theUniversity of North Carolinaand a Ph. D. from the Uni-versity of Toronto.

In addition to An Ameri-can Abbot, Dr. Oetgen isthe author of numerous ar-ticles on the history of theBenedictine Order in theUnited States. With his wife,Cecilia Lopez, he is also au-thor of Echos and Sound-ings from Ecuador (Quito:Pontifical Catholic Univer-sity of Ecuador, 1994). Hehas recently completedwork on a history of SaintVincent which will be pub-lished next year and is ten-tatively titled Saint Vincentin Pennsylvania: A History ofthe First Benedictine Mon-astery in the United States.

Jerome Oetgen, left, author of An American Abbot, re-ceived an honorary doctorate and spoke on the legacy ofBoniface Wimmer at the Saint Vincent College HonorsConvocation on April 23. Also attending the event wereFather Omer U. Kline, O.S.B., Archabbey archivist and his-torian; and Dr. Oetgen’s wife, Cecilia Lopez. Dr. Oetgen’shistory of Saint Vincent will be published next year.

Volume 9, Issue 4


a revised andupdated edition . . .

AN AMERICAN ABBOTBONIFACE WIMMER, O.S.B.1809-1887

Jerome Oetgen

A newly revised and greatly expanded version of An American Abbot, the biography of BonifaceWimmer, O.S.B. This edition is filled with new and engaging information on the history of theBenedictine Order and the Catholic Church in America.

“Jerome Oetgen has produced a definitive study of the one person in American Benedictine historywho shaped Benedictine identity in this country more than any other. . . . [The book] should con-tinue to serve as a standard of scholarship and writing.” — JOEL RIPPINGER, O.S.B., AmericanMonastic Newsletter

“A vivid and convincing portrait. . . . No one who is interested in the history of religion in Americaor in the fortunes of this venerable Benedictine order will want to overlook this fine work.”— DEMETRIUS R. DUMM, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey

“In his deft and eloquent revision of An American Abbot, Jerome Oetgen has rewritten our under-standing of the founder of American monasticism, creating in the process a work of enduring value.. . .” — DOM PASCHAL BAUMSTEIN, O.S.B., Belmont Abbey College

“Every so often a figure comes along who captures the spirit of the times and is able to use thatinsight to spread the gospel. Boniface Wimmer did just that.” — REMBERT G. WEAKLAND,O.S.B., Archbishop of Milwaukee.

Now Available! $39.95 Hardcover

THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA PRESS

P.O. Box 4852 Hampden Station, Baltimore, MD 21211 410/516-6953

Volume 9, Issue 4


In his own lifetime Boniface Wimmer was widely esteemed both by the American hier-archy for his distinguished pastoral work and by European ecclesiastical and monasticleaders for the crucial role he played in the nineteenth-century revival and developmentof Benedictine monasticism. Though his work may not have brought him to center stagein the American Catholic Church, he was nonetheless one of the key supporting actors.This biography assesses his part and lasting importance.

Jerome Oetgen is a U.S. foreign service officer currently on assignment as director ofthe Fulbright Exchange program for Latin America and the Caribbean at the UnitedStates Information Agency. He has published numerous articles on the history of theAmerican Benedictines.

458 pages / Cloth ISBN 0-8132-0893-9 / $39.95

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To place your order please mail this form to:

The Catholic University of America PressP.O. Box 4852, Hampden StationBaltimore, Maryland 21211

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Volume 9, Issue 4


Clarence Thomas Red Mass SpeakerClarence Thomas Red Mass SpeakerClarence Thomas Red Mass SpeakerClarence Thomas Red Mass SpeakerClarence Thomas Red Mass Speaker(Continued From Page 1)

Minority Scholarship Named In Honor of ArchabbotMinority Scholarship Named In Honor of ArchabbotMinority Scholarship Named In Honor of ArchabbotMinority Scholarship Named In Honor of ArchabbotMinority Scholarship Named In Honor of Archabbot Saint Vincent College of-

ficials recently announcedthe creation of a new schol-arship program designed toassist minority students inpursuing higher educationopportunities there.

The Rev. Martin R. Bartel,O.S.B., president of SaintVincent College announcedthat $150,000 of unre-stricted scholarship endow-ment funds which were con-tributed by alumni andfriends during the College’scurrent capital fund raisingeffort, Campaign 150, havebeen designated to estab-lish the Archabbot DouglasR. Nowicki, O.S.B. MinorityStudent Scholarship at SVC.“Awards will be made fromthis fund each year withpreference given to minor-ity applicants,” Father Mar-tin explained, “or to otherdeserving students identi-fied by the Director of Ad-mission and Financial Aid.The creation of this newscholarship is an appropri-ate living tribute toArchabbot Douglas and hislifelong interest and dedica-tion to minority youth, par-ticularly those who are fi-nancially disadvantaged.This new initiative symbol-izes Archabbot Douglas’ in-terest in young people now

being extended to college-bound students in need ofsupport and assistance. Weare also hopeful that oth-ers who share his commit-ment will contribute addi-tional funds in order to ex-pand the amount of assis-tance we will be able to pro-vide to qualified minoritystudents. This new scholar-ship comes at an opportunetime since applications toSaint Vincent from minoritystudents are increasing andwe are optimistic that thenumber who enroll will groweach year. Applications forthe new scholarship pro-gram and further detailsmay be obtained from theOffice of Admission and Fi-nancial Aid at Saint Vincent.

Archabbot Douglas hasbeen the 11th archabbot ofSaint Vincent Archabbey,the first Benedictine mon-astery in the United States,and the chancellor of SaintVincent College and SaintVincent Seminary sinceJanuary 8, 1991. In additionto his responsibilities as themajor religious leader ofSaint Vincent, he is also re-sponsible for directing theefforts of Saint Vincentmonks who conduct par-ishes and chaplaincies inPennsylvania, Maryland and

Virginia; the BenedictineMilitary School in Savannah,Georgia; and foreign mis-sions in Brazil and Taiwan.

Born in Everson (FayetteCounty), Pennsylvania,Archabbot Douglas gradu-ated from Saint VincentPreparatory School, SaintVincent College and SaintVincent Seminary beforeearning a doctorate in clini-cal psychology from theUniversity of Tennessee. Healso did graduate studies atHarvard University.

Secretary of Educationfor the Diocese of Pitts-burgh from 1986 to 1991,Archabbot Douglas servedas pastor of Our LadyQueen of Peace Church,North Side, Pittsburgh from1984 to 1986. Prior to hiswork in Pittsburgh, heserved as associate profes-sor and chairperson of thePsychology Department ofSaint Vincent College and asdirector of Project Head-way, an educational pro-gram for inner-city minorityyouths.

Archabbot Douglas hasgiven numerous lectures inthe area of clinical child psy-chology. He has been a psy-chological consultant forMister Rogers’ Neighbor-hood, the award-winning

children’s television pro-gram on PBS. From 1977 to1983 he served as a staffclinical child psychologist atChildren’s Hospital of Pitts-burgh. He has written ar-ticles in the field of childpsychology and is a mem-ber of the American Psycho-logical Association and thePennsylvania PsychologicalAssociation. He has alsobeen active in educationalissues at the local, stateand national levels. In 1989he was a member of a groupof ten educational leadersrepresenting Catholicschools who met with Presi-dent George Bush to dis-cuss the issue of schools ofchoice.

Archabbot Douglas is amember of the Board ofTrustees of the McFeely-Rogers Foundation and theBoard of Directors of SaintVincent College Corpora-tion. He is also an activemember of the Board ofDirectors of the Extra MileEducation Foundation whichhas been recognized for itssuccessful work withyouths.

lord high justices of the dayalso dressed in scarlet.

Justice Thomas wasnominated to the SupremeCourt by President GeorgeBush and took his seat onOctober 23, 1991. Prior tothat, from 1990 to 1991,he served as a Judge of theUnited States Court ofAppeals for the District ofColumbia Circuit.

From 1981-1982 he wasAssistant Secretary for CivilRights, U.S. Department ofEducation, and from 1982to 1990 he was Chairmanof the U.S. EqualEmployment Opportunity

Commission.He was admitted to law

practice in Missouri in 1974,and served as an AssistantAttorney General ofMissouri from 1974 to1977, an attorney with theMonsanto Company from1977 to 1979, andLegislative Assistant toSenator John Danforth from1979 to 1981.

Justice Thomas receiveda parochial education inSavannah, Georgia, attend-ing Saint Benedict the MoorParochial School , Saint PiusX High School and SaintJohn Vianney Minor Sem-inary. He continued in theseminary for a year (1967-

1968) at ImmaculateConception Abbey inMissouri, which like SaintVincent, is operated byBenedictine monks. He thentransferred to Holy CrossCollege, Worcester, Massa-chusetts, where he receivedan A.B., cum laude, in1971. He earned a J.D. fromYale Law School in 1974.

Born in Pin Point, Georgia,near Savannah, June 23,1947, Justice Thomas ismarried to Virginia Lamp. Hehas one child, Jamal Adeen.

An invitational receptionand luncheon, hosted byBishop Bosco and Arch-abbot Douglas, will followthe Mass and speech.

Honored Honored Honored Honored HonoredFather Godfrey Burk-

hardt, O.S.B., was hon-ored recently by the In-stitute of ManagementAccountants (IMA) forhis 50 years of member-ship. In recognition ofthis achievement, FatherGodfrey’s name will beplaced on a specialplaque in the lobby ofthe IMA office inMontvale, New Jersey.

SAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYSAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYSAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYSAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEYSAINT VINCENT ARCHABBEY300 Fraser Purchase Road300 Fraser Purchase Road300 Fraser Purchase Road300 Fraser Purchase Road300 Fraser Purchase Road

Latrobe, PA 15650-2686Latrobe, PA 15650-2686Latrobe, PA 15650-2686Latrobe, PA 15650-2686Latrobe, PA 15650-2686

Address Service RequestedAddress Service RequestedAddress Service RequestedAddress Service RequestedAddress Service Requested

The First Benedictine Monastery in the United States, Founded in 1846

Non-profit OrganizationU.S. Postage Paid

Latrobe, PAPermit No. 110

Heart to Heart Winter 1998 Volume 9, Issue3

Upcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming Events

AUGUST 1AUGUST 1AUGUST 1AUGUST 1AUGUST 1Ordination to the diaconate, Brother Anthony J.

Grossi, by Bishop Anthony G. Bosco, Archabbey Ba-silica, 10 a.m.

AUGUST 4AUGUST 4AUGUST 4AUGUST 4AUGUST 4Priests Day, 11 a.m., Archabbey Basilica, principal

celebrant Bishop Anthony G. Bosco.AUGUST 7 TO AUGUST 9AUGUST 7 TO AUGUST 9AUGUST 7 TO AUGUST 9AUGUST 7 TO AUGUST 9AUGUST 7 TO AUGUST 9

Saint Vincent Alumni Reunion WeekendAUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 12AUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 12AUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 12AUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 12AUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 12

Convention of the American Benedictine Academy,Saint Vincent Archabbey.

AUGUST 15AUGUST 15AUGUST 15AUGUST 15AUGUST 15 Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

Mary.SEPTEMBER 25SEPTEMBER 25SEPTEMBER 25SEPTEMBER 25SEPTEMBER 25

Red Mass, noon, Archabbey Basilica, with U.S. Su-preme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas giv-ing the main address.

SEPTEMBER 29SEPTEMBER 29SEPTEMBER 29SEPTEMBER 29SEPTEMBER 29Dedication of Ludwig Platz.Cardinal Jozef Tomko to receive honorary doctor-

ate from Saint Vincent Seminary.

The words “blockbuster,” and “award-winning”, or asong from the movie soundtrack might come to mindwhen one mentions the mega-hit movie “Titanic,” butshould Benedictine?

Anyone who has seen the movie, especially those fanswho have viewed it more than once, might have notedthe heroic efforts of the priest who gave up a seat on alifeboat to console those left behind to drown. He wasamong 1,503 men, women and children who drownedon the ill-fated ship, which sank April 15, 1912. One ofthe four priests who died on the ship was Father JosefPeruschitz, a Benedictine. While it is not certain if themovie priest was based on Father Josef, or is a com-posite character of the four priests on board, it is inter-esting to note that he also had a Saint Vincent tie.

He was sent to the United States from Scheyern Ab-bey in Germany, which had sent Saint Vincent a novicemaster in the same time period. Father Josef had beenscheduled to stop at Saint Vincent Archabbey while onhis way to Saint John’s Abbey in Minnesota, where he

The Titanic - AThe Titanic - AThe Titanic - AThe Titanic - AThe Titanic - ABenedictine ConnectionBenedictine ConnectionBenedictine ConnectionBenedictine ConnectionBenedictine Connection

Construction is nearly completed on the new $5.1million Instructional Technology Resource Center on theSaint Vincent College campus. The center, to be namedPrep Hall, will serve as the hub of communication tech-nologies on campus. Work is being done by PDC Build-ers, Inc., of Latrobe.

was to teach math and music at its prep school.Father Omer U. Kline, Archabbey Archivist, did un-

cover this reference to Father Josef in the Saint VincentCollege Journal in June of 1912:

“It may be of interest to our readers to know that ofthe four priests who came to an untimely death in thefatal disaster of the Titanic, there was one Benedictinepriest, Rev. Joseph Peruschitz, O.S.B., from the abbeyof Scheyern, Bavaria. He was forty-two years of ageand was on his way to St. John Abbey, Minnesota. Wecommend his soul to the pious prayers of the readersof the Journal.”

An article on the German Benedictine and his heroismon the Titanic recently appeared in Der Scheyerer Turm,and several other German magazines.

heart to heart summer 1998

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