“The discernment of a vocation is above all an intimate dialogue between the Lord and His disciples.”
Pope Benedict XVI
Living As A Monk With ALS
In 2022 Father Nathan Munsch, O.S.B., gave a talk to a group of men inquiring about the monastic life. It was part of Saint Vincent Archabbey’s “Come and See” Vocations Retreat. His struggle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has gone through phases, from wondering “Why me?” to gratitude for the way in which the disease has allowed him to draw closer to God, and even to appreciate life, to say that he is “extremely grateful that God gifted me with this phenomenal body.” The video summarizes some of his thoughts, and links the philosophy of the Benedictine tradition to how he has come to grow into his challenges. Read more at this link.
Some photos from our December 2022 Footsteps of Saint Benedict Trip
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 Diocese of Baltimore, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Altoona-Johnstown, and Richmond. 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.
Some photos from our Easter 2022 Come and See Weekend
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! The Monk’s Habit
Father Shawn Matthew talks about the monk’s habit.