(St. Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary and Belmont Abbey)
As I prepare this reflection, the Faithful of the Diocese are looking forward to Deacon Ben Roberts’ ordination to the priesthood on June 6th. On June 3″, I noted the completion of 14 years as a priest. A couple of weeks ago, I officiated a wedding in central Kentucky. Prior to the wedding, I spent three days at my old seminary, St. Meinrad, in southern Indiana. I had only returned once in the past 14 years and my time there was spent as a much needed retreat. Being on the ‘Hill’ brought back a lot of memories. I had spent five academic years there. I arrived at St. Meinrad on a Monday afternoon in time to join the monastic community for vespers (evening prayer). As I prayed the Psalms and prayers with the monks and other retreatants, I was mindful that I was entering into a prayer tradition that has continued for more than 150 years on the same site. Even in times of fires and other situations, the monks have been faithful to their daily cycle of prayers. I then considered that I was also entering into a much longer tradition as St. Meinrad was founded by the Abbey of Einsiedeln of Switzerland.
The Abbey of Einsiedeln has been in existence for over a thousand years, and has a tradition of scholarship and missions. The study of letters, printing, and music has greatly flourished there, and the abbey has contributed largely to the Family of God, the Church. The monks came from Switzerland to Indiana to serve the German speaking immigrants who had settled in the rural region. Entering a Benedictine Abbey puts one in touch with St. Benedict, the ‘patriarch of western monasticism.’ It is amazing to consider God’s Providence. About 1,500 years ago, St. Benedict founded a monastery and in one sense left the world for the spiritual life. The Order that he founded, however, became instrumental in evangelization throughout Europe and helped in the preservation of culture in the so-called “dark ages.” The monasteries became Christian centers of study, of liturgy, of architecture and agriculture. The insignia and motto of St. Benedict includes the plough and the cross and the words “Ora et labora” or Prayer and Work. Both are important, but prayer always comes first.
We are fortunate to have in our midst Benedictine Monks who follow the ancient Rule of Benedict. Belmont Abbey was founded in 1876 and has been a center of learning and ministry throughout these years. The first abbot served as the bishop of this area as the abbey preceded the formation of the Dioceses of Raleigh and Charlotte. The monks of Belmont Abbey founded and staffed many parishes in North Carolina, including my own home parish in Salisbury. I first went to Belmont Abbey about thirty-five years ago with my dad for a Father / Son Retreat. I was impressed at that time and I still enjoy going over to the abbey for a walk or a time of prayer. If you have never been to Belmont Abbey or haven’t been lately, I encourage you to make a visit. It is a beautiful campus. I was present several years ago when the Abbey Church received the honorary title of Basilica. It is a title that the Holy Father may grant to a church building where there has been faithful service to God for many years, and in recognition of significant art and architecture. At the Abbey there is a new Blessed Sacrament Chapel with Adoration of Blessed Sacrament. There is also a beautiful grotto on the grounds, which was modeled after the grotto of Lourdes where the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858.
I know that I have been enriched by my studies and visits among the Benedictines at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana and at Belmont Abbey. While I never really considered a monastic vocation for myself, I have come to admire the brothers and priests who serve the Lord and the Church as monks. I am grateful that we have monasteries for retreats, spiritual direction, education and prayer. St. Benedict wrote, “Place nothing before the love of Christ.”
That is true sanctity.
St. Benedict, Please pray for us.
Fr. Mark Lawlor is a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte and pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, Charlotte.
