Saint Vincent Archabbey & Seminary

The prophet Isaiah begins our readings this week pleading: Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God (Isa 40:1). For many people alive today, if we have ever had a season in which we could use some honest comfort it is this year. COVID-19, racial strife, election year politics, and a powerful economic downturn have left us all weary and looking for rest and new hope.

No matter how challenging the news, no matter how stressful the day; there is peace, salvation, grace, mercy and love to be found at the holy altar of God, in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A graphic representation of the view, beholding our Christ, from the altar in the center of Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica; the monastic choir view.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? (Psalm 27:1)

These are a few images from Father Abbot Martin's Blessing of the Harvest on Thanksgiving eve! We thank God for His bounty and provision, as He blesses our growing season and harvest of grain and corn, for grinding into flour and meal. Please stop by the Saint Vincent Gristmill Store, to see some of the wonderful products, made by monks, that will make delightful Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!

The season of Advent begins today...this is a Christmas gift, just for you as you prepare, the next 4 weeks for the coming of the Christ child, the Messiah; and in the year 2020 we need The True Messiah, now more then ever...Happy Advent to you all!

Phmn 7-20; Ps 146:7-10; Lk 17:20-25 There was nowhere for Saint Josaphat to go from his enemies. As he wrote, You people of Vitebsk want to put me to death. You make ambushes for me everywhere, in the streets, on the bridges, on the highways, and in the marketplace. I am here among you as a shepherd, and you ought to know that I would be happy to give my life for you.

Since the Civil War, men who were part of the monastic community have served in the military (some in their own countries, but most primarily in the United States Military. Some served prior to entering the monastery, and many continued to serve after. Please pay tribute not only to our living and deceased military veterans here at Saint Vincent Archabbey, but to all veterans. Thank you for your service!

Archabbot Martin Bartel, O.S.B., is visiting the Benedictine Military School in Savannah, Georgia, operated by the monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey. Father Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B., is headmaster of the school. Noell Barnidge, public relations director at BC, provided some photos of the Archabbot's tour of the facility yesterday.