Come and See ... Fall 2024 Guests
“The discernment of a vocation is above all an intimate dialogue between the Lord and His disciples.”
— Pope Benedict XVI
Welcome to Saint Vincent Archabbey!
Established in 1846 by Archabbot Boniface Wimmer, Saint Vincent Archabbey is not only the first and oldest monastery in the United Sates, but with more than 150 monks in our community, we are currently one of the largest monasteries in the world. Out of our common life of prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist flows our apostolic works and missionary spirit.
Some of our apostolic works include: operating a Basilica Parish, teaching in our College and Seminary, and providing pastoral care for Catholic men and women in the Dioceses of Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Altoona-Johnstown, Richmond and Wheeling-Charleston. Saint Vincent Monks work as parish priests, spiritual directors, military and hospital chaplains, and foreign missionaries; we are a community of students, professors, psychologists, musicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, artists, tailors, cooks, gardeners, and firemen. Although we come from different and diverse backgrounds, we are each united by a single desire to seek Christ with our entire heart.
If you are considering a religious vocation as a monk, there is a Guidance Summary Sheet online. Please fill this out. This is not an application, and all information is kept confidential. The process of filling out this online form will help you to further discern your vocation. After your form is completed by you and read by the vocation committee, you will receive further information on Saint Vincent Archabbey. Once this information is considered, you may arrange a visit to our monastery.
For more information on vocations at Saint Vincent Archabbey, email the Vocation Office, or call us at 724-532-6655.
“Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only through prayer can they preserve and bear fruit. Let us invoke the intercession of Mary who is the Woman of the “yes’’. Mary said “yes” throughout her life! She learned to recognize Jesus’ voice from the time when she carried him in her womb. May Mary, our Moth-er, help us to know Jesus’ voice better and better and to follow it, so as to walk on the path of life!” — Pope Francis
Download the discernment booklet.
Upcoming Vocation Events
Look for some upcoming vocation events in this spot soon.
Many inquirers visited for our recent Fall Come and See weekend October 11 to 13, 2024. If you are interested in coming to our Easter Triduum Come and See, email us.
Look for us at a vocation event near you soon as well. If you know of an event that you would like us to attend, email us.
Mark your calendars for next year’s Vow Ceremonies. Simple vows will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025, and Solemn Vows will be Friday, July 11, 2025 at a time to be determined. The novices will arrive on July 1 and be received into the community on the morning of July 10 at 6:15 a.m.
Some photos from the 2024 National Eucharistic Conference in Indianapolis
Three Ordinations
The Archabbey recently had three men ordained to the priesthood and diaconate by Most Rev. Larry J. Kulick, Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg.
Father Romuald Duchene, O.S.B., was ordained to the priesthood. Brother Gilbert Heater, O.S.B., and Brother Romanus Davitt, O.S.B., were ordained deacons.
Watch the video.
Here is our simple vows video from 2024. Congratulations to Brother Irenaeus and Brother Kolbe.
Take a look at our Solemn Vows videos with Brother Bosco’s solemn profession of vows, or vows for life!
Ask A Monk
Living As A Monk With ALS
(Editor’s Note: In the fall of 2022 Father Nathan Munsch, O.S.B., gave a talk to a group of men inquiring about the monastic life. It
Ask A Monk! What’s In The Name?
There is only one monk named Father Wulfstan at Saint Vincent.
Ask A Monk! What’s In The Name?
Father Canice went from Daniel to Canice. Learn why.
Ask A Monk! What’s In The Name?
Father Killian took a different name when he entered the monastery. What’s up with that?
Ask A Monk! What Is Special About Lent In The Monastery?
We hear Father Nathanael’s reflections on Lent at Saint Vincent Archabbey.