heart to heart summer 2007

Summer 2007

Earth Moving

Road Work atSaint Vincent

Drive

Fred M. Rogers Center

The Winnie Palmer Nature ReserveThe Chuck Noll Field

President Bush, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Boyer, Commencement 2007

Saint Vincent Archabbey Heart to Heart Summer 2007

2 Volume 18, Number 1

Dear Friends,People plant trees, although they know

for certain that their fruits will benefit only the next generation. Should we think only of today and tomorrow? — Archabbot Boniface Wimmer.

The spring and summer have brought many changes to our campus. We are “planting trees” for future generations in the form of new endeavors, such as the Fred M. Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media and the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve. This issue’s cover reflects those changes and the excitement of many years of planning in the process of becoming reality. Additionally, we honor a local legend in Steelers’ football, Chuck Noll, with the dedication of the Chuck Noll Field at Saint Vincent. Under the guidance of Coach Noll, the road to Pittsburgh’s first four Super Bowl cham-pionships started here at Saint Vincent. Our cover also shows the new road con-struction currently underway with the relocation of Saint Vincent Drive.

In May, we were honored to welcome the President of the United States to our campus. President Bush delivered the Commencement address for the 2007 graduating class. Dr. and Mrs. Herbert W. Boyer also participated in the Com-mencement. The announcement was made that the School of Natural Sci-ences, Mathematics and Computing will be named in honor of Dr. Boyer.

In July, our monastic community has received four new novices, and in early July we celebrated profession of simple and solemn vows, and ordination of one priest and two deacons. The work of members of our community, especially in service to Saint Vincent College, is recognized in this issue.

Sincerely in Christ,

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

Archabbot’s Message

Father Mark E. Wenz-inger, O.S.B., an assistant professor of philosophy at Saint Vincent College, has been awarded a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Father Mark’s dissertation was titled, “Michel Henry on the Nature of Human Self-Manifestation” and studied a unique understanding of self awareness under the direction of Dr. Richard Velkley.

Father Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Christendom Col-lege in Front Royal, Virginia in 1981. He was awarded a Master of Divinity (1994) and Master of Arts in Theology (1995) from Saint Vincent Seminary. He went on to receive a Ph.L. degree in philoso-phy, a pontifical degree equivalent to a master’s degree, in 1998 at The Catholic

University of America.The Shreveport, Louisiana

native entered Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1990, professed simple vows in 1991 and made solemn profession of vows in 1994. He was ordained May 27, 1995 at the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica by former Bishop Anthony Bosco of the

Diocese of Greensburg. Following ordi-nation Fr. Mark served as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in Jeannette from July 1995 until July 1997. Father Mark has been teaching philosophy at Saint Vincent College since 2003. He previously was a teaching assistant and instructor in religious studies at the col-lege and seminary. He served the Bene-dictine community as a sacristan and in the fall of 1993 directed the Summer Retreat Program.

Father Mark Wenzinger Earns Ph.D.

Archbishop Wuerl Receives Honorary DegreeHis Excellency Archbishop Donald

W. Wuerl of Washington, was the com-mencement speaker and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree at the Saint Vincent Seminary com-mencement held on May 11.

Archbishop Wuerl, a member of the Board of Regents of Saint Vincent Sem-inary for eighteen years, was installed as the sixth Archbishop of Washington on June 22, 2006. He is the spiritual leader for 580,000 Catholics in 140 parishes in the District of Columbia and five Maryland counties.

Archbishop Wuerl is wellknown for his commitment to education and for seeking ways to make Catholic educa-tion affordable and accessible to all. He is deeply committed to the Arch-

diocese’s Center City Consortium and its efforts to work with the wider com-munity to sustain inner city parochial schools and bring quality education to at-risk children. In 1990, as Bishop of Pittsburgh, he founded the Extra Mile Education Foundation in cooperation with John C. Marous, Jr. and ten of the region’s business and foundation leaders to endow and sustain inner-city parochial schools. He was instru-mental in establishing the Crossroads Scholarship Program to assist gradu-ates from the Extra Mile schools in attending Catholic high schools and the Bishop’s Education Fund, which helps parents throughout the diocese provide opportunities for a Catholic education for their children.


Volume 18, Number 1 3

Heart to Heart,from the Latin

“Cor ad Cor Loquitur,” or “Heart Speaks to Heart,” is the motto of Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. It refers to the Archabbot’s prayer that giving and receiving authentic love

may always be the chief char-acteristic of the Saint Vincent

monastic community. This was also the motto of

John Henry Cardinal Newman.

This newsletter is published by the Benedictines of Saint

Vincent Archabbey.

Publisher Archabbot Douglas R.

Nowicki, O.S.B.

Development DirectorPaul R. Whiteside

Director of Archabbey Public Relations/EditorKimberley A. Metzgar

Public Relations AssociateLiz Cousins

Contributors to this issue:Liz CousinsAnnette Hart

Vanessa ShepherdJosh Whiteside

Paul R. Whiteside

Cover photo:Recent photos of events and

construction on the Saint Vincent campus. All photos in this issue,

unless noted, by Kim Metzgar and the Archabbey Public Relations

staff.

Saint Vincent Archabbey300 Fraser Purchase

Road, Latrobe,Pennsylvania 15650—2690

724—805—[email protected] http://saintvincentarchabbey.org

Saint Vincent College announced May 11 that its School of Natural Sci-ences, Mathematics, and Computing has been named the Herbert W. Boyer School in honor of its 1958 graduate, inventor of the process of gene splicing and co-founder of Genentech Corpora-tion, which launched the biotechnology industry.

“I am proud to announce that Dr. Herbert W. Boyer, who is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of recombinant DNA technology, has gra-ciously agreed to allow Saint Vincent College to name the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Comput-ing after him,” Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., said in his introductory remarks at the College’s 161st Annual Commencement.

Now living in California, Dr. Boyer is Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Califor-nia at San Francisco and co-founder of Genentech, Inc., the San Francisco-based biotechnology company he started with the late venture capitalist Robert Swanson in 1976.

Born in nearby Derry, Dr. Boyer was a commuting student who earned his bachelor of science degree in biology and chemistry in 1958 from Saint Vin-cent College. He credits the late Fr. Joel Lieb, O.S.B., for inspiring his interest in genetics research.

He has received numerous presti-

gious awards for his work including the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 1980, the National Medal of Science presented at the White House by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, the Lemelson-MIT Prize in 1996, the Albany Medical Prize in 2004, and the Shaw Prize in Life Sciences and Medi-cine in 2004 in Hong Kong for discoveries related to DNA and genetic engineering. Dr. Boyer has also won the Medal of Technology and he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences. In 2004, Business Week magazine named him one of the “Greatest Innovators of the Past 75 Years” and Parade Magazine named him one of the “Ten Most Impor-tant Innovators Who Transformed the World.” He was featured on the cover of TIME magazine in 1981 with a story entitled, “Shaping Life in the Lab: The Boom in Genetic Engineering, Genen-tech’s Herb Boyer.”

Dr. Herbert W. Boyer School

Saint Vincent College announced the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sci-ences, Mathematics and Computing at its 2007 commencement ceremony on May 11. Taking part in the announcement were, from left, College President Jim Towey, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., and Dr. Boyer and President Bush.

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Herb and Grace Boyer.

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News From Around The Archabbey

(Continued on Page 6)

Father Mark Gruber, O.S.B., addressed the entire faculty and student body of Christendom College, Front Royal, Vir-ginia, as part of Christendom’s “Major Speakers Program” on Monday, April 2. Father Mark’s topic was “Islam

among the Nations.” Father Mark also presented a guest

lecture in the fine arts department of Sar-ah Lawrence College, New York, on Eas-ter Monday, 2007. His lecture concerned the art and architecture of Ethiopia espe-

cially in view of its rich monastic heri-tage. Father Mark teaches a course on aesthetic anthropology at Saint Vin-cent College and included a chapter on Ethiopian monastic cosmology in

A number of Benedictines were among 68 employees and retirees honored by Saint Vincent College for more than 25 years of service. The program included remarks by Saint Vincent College Chancellor Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. and College President Jim Towey. The employees honored included Father Campion Gavaler, O.S.B.; Father Vernon Holtz, O.S.B.; Father Justin Nolan, O.S.B.; Father Sebastian Samay, O.S.B; Father Joseph Bronder, O.S.B.; Father Tom Devereux, O.S.B; Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B.; Brother Benedict Janecko, O.S.B.; Brother David Kelly, O.S.B.; Father Chrysostom Schlimm, O.S.B.; Father Simon Toth, O.S.B.; Father Myron Kirsch, O.S.B.; Father Rene Kollar, O.S.B.; Brother Elliott Maloney, O.S.B.; Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B.

Rev. Campion Gavaler, O.S.B.

Rev. Vernon Holtz, O.S.B.

Rev. Justin Nolan, O.S.B.

Rev. Sebastian Samay, O.S.B.

Rev. Joseph Bronder, O.S.B.

Br. Norman Hipps, O.S.B.

Br. Benedict Janecko, O.S.B.

Br. David Kelly, O.S.B.

Rev. Chrysostom Schlimm, O.S.B.

Rev. Simon Toth, O.S.B.

Rev. Myron Kirsch, O.S.B.

Rev. Rene Kollar, O.S.B.

Br. Elliott Maloney, O.S.B.

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

Rev.Thomas Devereux, O.S.B.



On July 1, 1993, he entered the Benedictine Community of Saint Vincent Archabbey and made simple profession of vows on July 10, 1994, and solemn profes-sion of vows on July 11, 1997. He was ordained to the diaconate on April 19, 1999 and to the priesthood on May 20, 2000.

Before entering the monastery, Father Philip was Assistant Director of Financial Aid and served as a part-time faculty member at the Community College of Allegheny County. He has served as an adjunct member of the faculty at Saint Vincent College in the Business Admin-istration and Education Departments since 1993. He will assume a full-time position in the Education Department at Saint Vincent College in August, 2007.

He has been an assistant in the Bene-dictine Annual Appeal (1994-1996), assistant at the Archabbey Gristmill (1994-1996), and founder and director of the Basilica Gift Shop (1997-2001). From 1998 to 1999 he was Adminis-trative Secretary to the Archabbot. He served as Parochial Vicar of Saint Vin-

Father Philip M. Kanfush, O.S.B., Named Procurator of Saint Vincent Archabbey

Father Philip M. Kanfush, O.S.B., has been named Procurator of Saint Vin-cent Archabbey, the largest Benedic-tine monastery in the United States. As Procurator he is responsible for manag-ing the Archabbey’s finances, properties and investments, serving as chief finan-cial officer of the Archabbey.

Father Philip is currently a doctoral student in special education at West Vir-ginia University, with a Master of Edu-cation degree in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He holds a post-graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Pennsylva-nia State University, Master of Divinity and Master of Arts degrees from Saint Vincent Seminary, a Master of Business Administration degree and Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pitts-burgh and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Vincent College.

Father Philip holds current Pennsyl-vania teaching certifications in the areas of Early Childhood Education; Elemen-tary Education; Secondary Education; Business, Computers and Technol-ogy Education; and Special Education. Additionally, he is certified as a Read-ing Specialist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is a nationally Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. He is a 1980 graduate of Center Area High School, Monaca.

cent Basilica Parish (2000-2003), and was the founder and director of the Gristmill General Store (2001-2002). He has been a Behavior Specialist Consul-tant with Paula Teacher and Associates, Pittsburgh, since 2006, and a teacher at Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children from 2002-2006.

He received the American Bible Soci-ety Award for excellence in the study of Sacred Scripture in 1999, and was among the inaugural group inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at Center Area High School, Monaca in 2003.

Father Philip is the author of Renewed Each Morning, Reflections from the Rocking Chair, which received honorable mention by the Catholic Press Asso-ciation for first-time author of a book in 2005. He contributed to The Saint Vincent Basilica, Latrobe, Pennsylvania: One Hundred Years, a book published in 2005 to commemorate the 100th anni-versary of the dedication of the Saint Vincent Basilica. In 2006, he completed Emma’s Wetlands Adventure, a chil-dren’s book explaining how the Passive Wetland Project at Saint Vincent College works to purify ground water polluted by Abandoned Mine Drainage in the area.

He is the son of Elizabeth (Farland) Kanfush of Center Township and the late Philip M. Kanfush, Jr.

New Parking AreaAt Parish Center

Work was completed this spring on a new handicapped parking area in front of the Parish Center, providing additional parking spaces for visitors to the Parish, as well as for the Basilica.



Archabbey News (Continued from Page 4)

his book, Sac-rifice in the Desert, Uni-versity Press of America, 2003.

He present-ed two ses-sions to the Conference of

Schools of Independent Education for the Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His topic was the anthropology of prayer. In these con-ferences Father Mark considered the nature of the human body as the ma-trix of divine discourse.

He also was a featured speaker in Naples, Florida, to members at the “Legatus Summit” national meeting. (Legatus is a society of the nation’s Catholic business leaders.) The title of his talk was “Jerusalem, Mecca and Rome: A Tale of Three Cities,” and concerned the relationship of city for-mation to the civilization of the world’s three great monotheistic religions.

Finally, Father Mark was interviewed by nationally syndicated radio host, Mimi Geerges, regarding his book, Journey Back to Eden.

Father Mark gave the retreat for priests and bishops of the Hamilton Ontario Diocese, at the Carmelite Re-treat House of Niagara Falls, Canada. The fifty priests and three bishops spent a week in reflection, conference and prayer. He will travel in July to Hamilton for the 101st parish novena mission of Saint Ann’s Church. Ad-ditionally, he is preaching weeklong retreats this summer at Saint Anselm Abbey, Manchester, New Hampshire; the Benedictine Abbey of Richmond, Virginia; the Poor Clare Contemplative Sisters of Barsham, Virginia; the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters of Philadel-

phia, and several guided or preached lay retreats at Saint Emma Monastery, Greensburg.

* * * * * Father Cyprian G. Constantine, O.S.B.,

Academic Dean of Saint Vincent Semi-nary and Assistant Professor of Fine Arts, was commissioned by Newark Ab-bey to compose a Mass for the 150th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Benedictine Order in New Jersey. Titled “Mass in Honor of the Immaculate Concep t ion , ” the Mass hon-ors the Immacu-late Conception, patroness of the foundation. The sesquicenten-nial Mass, held in Newark’s Sa-cred Heart Ca-thedral on Sat-urday, March 24, was celebrated by The Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark. Also in attendance were Arch-abbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., of Saint Vincent Archabbey, Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, O.S.B., and Cardinal Theo-dore McCarrick of Washington.

Father Cyprian appeared in the Saint Vincent College Concert Series. He per-formed seasonal works by Bach, Bux-tehude, Albinoni, Karg-Elert, Mendels-sohn, and other composers.

Father Cyprian also directed the Saint Vincent Camerata’s annual Lenten con-cert, which featured a performance of the Fauré Requiem and the Allegri Miserere Mei, Deus and other works. The Saint Vincent Chamber Orchestra accompanied the Camerata.

* * * * *Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., has had

two articles accepted for publication. Along with co-authors Sandra Rueda, Luke St. Clair, Trent Jaeger, and Patrick McDaniel, the article, “A logical speci-fication and analysis for SELinux MLS policy” appeared In the Proceedings of the ACM Symposium on Access Control


Models and Technologies (SACMAT), An-tipolis, France, June 2007.

An article by Father Boni-face, Sandra Rueda, Trent Jaeger, and Patrick Mc-Daniel, “From trusted to secure: Building and executing applications that enforce system security,” will be published in Proceedings of the USE-NIX Annual Technical Conference, Santa Clara, CA., June 2007.

Father Boniface is completing his doctoral work at Pennsylvania State University.

* * * * *Three Benedictines were among the

speakers giving a series of pre-sentations to Oblates of Saint Benedict at the Archabbey.

They include Brother Shawn Matthew Ander-son, O.S.B., who spoke on “The Holy Spirit in the Rule of Saint Benedict.”

Father John-Mary Tompkins, O.S.B., discussed “Saint Benedict and His Rule” at the February meeting, whole Father Jacques Daley, O.S.B., spoke on “Obe-dience in Chris-tian Life.”

* * * * *



The Saint Vincent Archabbey website has a new look and a new domain name. Developed by the Archabbey Public Relations staff and New Image Media of Cleveland, the site features many new components.

A video welcome from Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., is featured on the home page. The popular Sunday Homily section is brought to the fore-front by being included on that page as well.

Additionally, visitors to the website will have the option of reading or lis-tening to the weekly homily reflections from Father Campion Gavaler, O.S.B., and Father Demetrius Dumm, O.S.B. A new aspect of the site includes audio files of the homilies, which are read by a different member of the Saint Vincent community every week, from monks to seminarians to college students to fac-ulty and staff members.

Direct links to the Oblate, Retreat and

Archabbey Website Has New Look,

New Domain Name

Vocations websites are featured in the new menu.

The site also features a history of the abbey by Father Omer U. Kline, O.S.B., and news and events. Additional fea-

tures will be added to the website as the transfer of information into the new format is completed.

The new domain address is http://www.saintvincentarchabbey.org.

Gristmill Website Updated, ExpandedThe website of the Saint Vincent

Gristmill, General Store, Coffeehouse and Museum has been redesigned and updated, with a fresh new look.Planning for the web page redesign was imple-mented by public relations intern Joshua Whiteside; Brother Andre Melli, Director of the General Store and Coffeehouse; Coffeehouse manager Neil Amina; Father Paul Taylor, who chairs the Archabbey’s Gristmill Committee and designer Kim Metzgar. The coffeehouse menu is fea-tured on the site, along with photos of some of the General Store sales items, video clips from More Than Just Our Daily Bread, and a bit of history about the Gristmill, included in the museum section of the website. General Store hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Sat-urdays and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sun-days. Coffeehouse hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The website is http://bene-dictine.stvincent.edu/gristmill.



Archabbey News (Continued from Page 6)

Father Rene Kollar, O.S.B., Professor of History and Dean of the School of Hu-manities and Fine Arts, had his article, “A Question of Rescue Work or Abduction: Eliza McDer-mot and Anti-Catholic Prejudice in Vic-torian England,” accepted for publica-tion in the English journal, Recusant History. His book reviews have also re-cently appeared in American Benedic-tine Review and The Heythrop Journal. In April, Father Rene chaired a session at the Middle Atlantic Conference on British Studies Annual meeting in Bal-timore entitled: “Class, Ideology and Identity in Modern England.”

* * * * *Brother Mark Floreanini, O.S.B., re-

cently returned from conducting two 2-day workshops at Fort Bragg, North

Carolina. The workshops c o m b i n e d art and spiri-tuality by us-ing crochet as a way to bring people to meditative prayer. All

participants received Dennis J. Billy’s book The Way of the Pilgrim, which tells the tale of a man trying to heed the words of scripture: to pray con-stantly. The Jesus Prayer, “Lord, Je-sus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me,” was introduced to the groups as they learned how to crochet. The un-derlying theme of the workshop was that each stitch can be a prayer. The workshops were conducted for the spouses of the soldiers and the Catho-

lic teen group at the base. Brother Mark also gave a crocheting demonstration at the Latrobe Art Center.

* * * * * Father Myron M. Kirsch, O.S.B., has been

named Director of Athletics at Saint Vin-cent College by President Jim Towey.

Father Myron will lead the athletic department in facilitating a smooth transition into NCAA Division III and the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, and the return of football in the fall of 2007.

He teaches in the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and

G o v e r n m e n t , where he has taught account-ing since 1977. He assumed the role of athletic director in 1983 and oversaw the institution of

women’s sports when the college went coeducational in 1983.

The Nicktown native was named Dean of Students in 1984, a position that he held for 10 years. For the past year he served as Senior Athletic Administrator.

* * * * *A selection of videos from the Saint

Vincent College Multimedia Li-brary was rec-ognized by The Videographer Awards with an Award of Dis-tinction in the category of Vid-eo Productions/Educational In-stitution.

There were over 2,000 en-tries in The Videographer Awards 2007 competition.

The videos judged by The

Videographer Awards were produced between January 15 and March 19, 2007. Three of the 17 winners were videos involving Saint Vincent Bene-dictines. They include: “Way of the Cross” Commentary with Brother Elijah Cirigliano, “We Are Saint Vincent: Father Mark Gruber,” and “We Are Saint Vin-cent: Father Wulfstan Clough.”

* * * * *Brother Nathan Cochran, O.S.B., In-

structor in Fine Arts and Director of The Saint Vincent Gallery, gave the keynote address at the Dedication of the Fine Arts Center for the Visual and P e r f o r m i n g Arts, Delbarton School, Mor-ristown, New Jersey, on May 18. His speech was entitled: “Benedictine Schools and the Arts.” The center is a 15-million dollar struc-ture housing the art, music and theatre departments of the prestigious prep school operated by the Benedictines of Saint Mary Abbey, New Jersey, which was founded by Archabbot Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B., in 1857.

* * * * *A The 2006 Ultimate 4 JC promo-

tional video produced by FineLine Multimedia (a video company started by SVC grad Fred Findley), received a Marcom Gold Award in the category of Religious Video. The MarCom Creative Awards is an international competition administered and judged by the As-sociation of Marketing and Commu-nication Professionals. The video also received an honorable mention by the Accolade Competition in the category of post-production. The U4JC is an outreach to teens organized by the Ar-chabbey Vocation Office as a part of the Abbey’s effort to build a “vocation culture” among our young people. For a copy of the eight minute DVD contact the vocation office.



Deacons Admitted To CandidacyThe Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon, J.C.D., Ph.D., Bishop of Steubenville, was the principal celebrant and homilist for the admission to Candidacy for Ordination as Deacons and Priests on February 28, 2007. Admitted to candidacy were, from left, Stephen McGinnis, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Michael Zá-brecky, Diocese of Youngstown; Juan Francisco Anzora Rodas and Gilbert Exumé, Archdiocese of Atlanta; Brother Michael Gabler, O.S.B., Saint Vincent Archabbey and Brother Patrick Egan, O.S.B., Saint Bernard Abbey.

Most Rev. Donald Trautman, S.T.D., S.S.L., Bishop of Erie, was the principal celebrant and homilist for the institu-tion in Ministry of Reader on February 26, 2007. Brother Bonaventure Curtis, O.S.B., of Saint Vincent Archabbey, was among those installed. Brother Bonaventure is at left, Bishop Traut-man in the center and Very Rev. Justin M. Matro, O.S.B., Seminary Rector, at right.

Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, J.C.D., Ph.D., Bishop of Steubenville, presided over the installation to Ministry of Acolyte on October 30, 2006. Pictured, from left, are Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Brother Joseph Adams, O.S.B., who was installed; Bishop Conlon; Brother Michael Gabler, O.S.B., who was installed and Very Rev. Justin M. Matro, O.S.B., Rector.

Monks: Ministry of Reader and Acolyte



Craft of Weaving Looms Large in Monk’s LifeBy Kim Metzgar When Father Thomas More Sikora,

O.S.B., came to Saint Vincent Archab-bey in 1988, one of the things he learned during his novitiate year was how to weave. Little did he know that weaving would play a role in the fabic of his monas-tic life. Now doing custom hand weaving from his Gristmill-based Artisans’ Work-shop, Father Thomas More produces work on consignment, has exhibited his work, and worked with college students interested in learning the skill.

Novicemaster Father Sebastian Samay, O.S.B., entered Saint Vincent Archabbey with a background in the skill of weaving. Father Sebastian taught Father Thomas More throughout his novitiate. Father Thomas More later had the opportunity to pass on this skill to other monks in the community, including Father Philip Kan-fush, O.S.B., and Brother Mark Floreanini, O.S.B. As the Gristmill renovations were being completed in 2001, Father Thomas More noted, there was a large empty space on the second floor. That space was a perfect fit for the various looms and other equipment needed to do weaving on a larger scale, and the variety of prod-ucts Father Thomas More creates. Items ranging from placemats to scarves to rugs to wall-hangings to keep him busy.

“There are seven looms in the work-shop,” Father Thomas More said, “and I usually keep four going at a time.”

Father Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B., at work on his loom.

He and Brother Mark make frequent trips to Smicksburg and farms in Indi-ana County to purchase wool and yarns of various fibers for use in their work. He has also worked with students in Brother Mark’s studio arts class, teaching them about his craft.

The art of weaving has been mentioned in the Bible, and the Hebrews practiced it in the wilderness (Exodus 26:1, 8; 28:4, 39). But Father Thomas More has adapted the art to the twenty-first cen-tury, using computer software to design patterns, and to show customers color variations in those patterns.

“When I first learned, we used paper and pencil” to create designs, he said, “but with the computer we are able to manipulate the design more quickly.”

His Artisans’ Workshop has grown as customers have come to know his work through the Gristmill General Store, and several businesses now carry his work on consignment. For additional information on his hand-woven works, please contact Father Thomas More at 724-532-6772 or [email protected].



Art Is WindowTo Monk’s Soul

By Vanessa ShepherdClaudia “Lady Bird” Johnson, wife of

President Lyndon B. Johnson, once said “Art is the window to man’s soul. With-out it, he would never be able to see be-yond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within.”

Brother Mark Floreanini’s artwork epitomizes that statement in more ways that one —especially his work in creating stained glass windows.

He began working in stained glass in a friend’s garage around the age of twen-ty. His friend made stained glass panel lamps and began to show Brother Mark how stained glass was done. So Brother Mark began to cut out a leaf for an apple pattern, put lead around it, and “in five minutes I had a stained glass apple.”

With his first stained glass project complete, an apple sun-catcher, Brother Mark was determined to master the art of stained glass so he began working as an apprentice in a stained glass studio and eventually became manager of a stained glass shop. Then in 1987, Broth-er Mark moved to Derry to begin his own business with Albert Banocy, a graduate student in Dayton. Albert was an excel-lent salesman with admirable people skills; Brother Mark was a zealous arti-san who loves the art of stained glass. Showing their windows at the Pittsburgh Art and Garden Show opened new op-portunities by bringing them business from the Pittsburgh area.

In 1997, Brother Mark felt called to en-ter the religious life at Saint Vincent. He recalled his opening interview with the Archabbot, when he expressed his ex-perience in stained glass. “I asked if the community would be in need of my ex-pertise. Archabbot Douglas replied ‘well, there are a lot of windows on campus’.”

Since entering the monastery, Brother Mark earned his master of arts degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 2003, and a master of fine arts degree from the Savannah College of Arts and De-signs in 2005. In the same year he was appointed to the Saint Vincent College faculty.

Since then, as the Archabbot suggest-ed, Brother Mark has installed many new windows on campus. This year, class members installed twelve stained glass windows around campus and donated two windows for auction at the Saint Vincent Alumni Easter Ball. And since “stained glass never goes out of style,” he said, “the windows are installed as permanent fixtures on campus.”

“It’s not something everyone does and not many colleges offer.” It’s a way, he indicated, in which students can leave a legacy at Saint Vincent through a do-nation of talent. “Wouldn’t it be nice to return to campus with your children or

grandchildren and be able to say ‘I did that?’”

In the future, Brother Mark hopes to offer classes in stained glass on a per-manent basis for the department.

Putting together the puzzle of a stained glass piece is his way of building a permanent fixture for people to enjoy. And, Brother Mark adds, “you get the excitement of not knowing what the final project looks like until you lift it up and have the light come through it.”

For more information on Brother Mark’s Archabbey Stained Glass, you may contact him at 724-532-6733 or at [email protected].



The Saint Vincent Gristmill and Gristmill General Store have a number of new items available, including the ever-popular coffee mugs in new colors, new hats, aprons, embroidered denim shirts, t-shirts and sweatshirts.

The embroidered work, as well as the logo on the mugs, fea-tures two ancient milling symbols together, the millstone with a Moline (or miller’s) cross superim-posed above the stone.

The ballcaps retail for $11.60; denim shirts, $25; sweatshirts, $18.90; t-shirts, $14.75.

The sales items complement an ever-growing number of local prod-ucts, including the Cat’s Meow woodcut of the Gristmill, Christmas ornaments, a videotape on the milling process, tote bags, bread and pancake mix, flour, gourmet coffee, bread warmers, chocolates and crocks featuring a reproduc-tion of the Gristmill entrance.

New Products at Gristmill General Store, Coffeehouse

Two books are also available, a recipe book featuring recipes for items made with Gristmill flour, and the book

by Father Omer U. Kline, O.S.B., The Saint Vincent Gristmill and Brewery, 1854-2000, which tells the story of the Gristmill, Saint Vincent Bread, and the Saint Vincent Brewery. All of the items are available in the General Store, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays. A limited number of items, such as the books, video, ornaments, pancake and bread-mix are available online at http://www.stvincentstore.com.



There are two new DVDs featuring Father Jacques Daley, O.S.B., which were recently released by EWTN Home Video. The DVDs are produced from EWTN series’ featuring Father Jacques, who has been a member of the Saint Vincent Benedictine community since 1964.

The latest release is Fount of Mercy, which was filmed on location in Poland to visit the places from the life of the great saint and apostle of Divine Mercy Faustina Kowalska. Saint Faustina was a nun in Poland in the early twentieth cen-tury to whom our Lord appeared numer-ous times with a special message He wanted taken to the whole world. This series presents that message, which is the unfathomable mercy of Jesus, by taking viewers into the life and thoughts of Faustina, who is known as the “Saint of Mercy.” Each episode in the three-DVD set is approximately 30 minutes in length. The DVD is available online from http://www.stvincentstore.com at

the Basilica Gift Shop, the Saint Vincent College Bookstore, and from Archab-bey Publications, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690.

The four-DVD set on Catherine of

New DVDs From Father Jacques Daley, EWTN

Seminary GraduatesThree Saint Vincent Benedictines were among those receiving degrees from Saint

Vincent Seminary at the May 11 commencement. Pictured with Very Rev. Justin M. Matro, O.S.B., Rector, left, and Rev. Cyprian G. Constantine, O.S.B., right, are Brother Shawn Matthew Anderson, O.S.B., second from left, who received a Master of Divinity degree; Brother Matthias Martinez, O.S.B., who earned a Master of Divinity degree; and Brother Michael Miller, O.S.B., who received a Master of Arts degree.

Siena, previously released on videotape, is now available on DVD. The four-disc set takes viewers on a journey to Cath-erine of Siena’s native Italy, as actress Mary McCown brings to life a medieval Saint and heroine. The courage, holi-ness, and willingness of Saint Catherine of Siena to cooperate with God allowed her to convince Pope Urban VI to return to Rome after the Avignon Papacy. Father Jacques reveals the spiritual les-sons of a life spent both addressing the political powers of the time and caring for those stricken with the plague. Epi-sodes in the series take the viewer to the places where Saint Catherine tire-lessly served God and the Church.

Father Jaques has served the monas-tic community in a variety of positions, including monastic guestmaster (1965–1968); and instructor in French and Reli-gious Studies at Saint Vincent College, (1973–1977). Pastoral assignments have included parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church, St. Marys, Pennsylvania (1977–1980); associate pastor at St. Louis d’Antin, Paris, France (1981–1983); and chaplain at Jeannette Memorial and Monsour Hospitals, Jeannette, (1984–1986). He has been an adjunct member of the Saint Vincent Seminary Faculty since 1993, and chaplain at Westmore-land Hospital, Greensburg, since 1991.



Father Rene Kollar, O.S.B., Dean of the School of Humanities and Fine Arts, “The endowment will keep the tradition of drama alive, well and healthy at the College. The directorship will recognize not only the invaluable contributions Father Tom made through his influence on generations of students, but also the manner in which he worked to enrich the local community.”

An endowment fund to support the Devereux Director’s Chair has begun. Friends and alumni have come together to support this tangible tribute to Father Tom. While the endowment has good beginnings, the committee is hopeful for broad support from many friends of Father Tom to reach the goal of $1 mil-lion to fully fund this chair.

A tribute event—Father Tom Devereux: A Celebration of Service—is planned for Homecoming ‘07 on Saturday evening, September 29. The idea of the celebra-tion is for alumni and friends of Father Tom to show him how much they have appreciated his work over the years and believed in his motto, “It can be done.”

Father Tom, a St. Marys, Elk County, Pennsylvania native, was appointed the Director of the Saint Vincent Stage Guild in 1961. Prior to that time he was involved with organizing performances

for the Prep School and Saint Xavier Academy students. For more than 40 years, he shaped and molded the the-atre into what it is today.

He directed and produced hundreds of shows including West Side Story and Arsenic and Old Lace, supervised the tech crew, guided the student cabaret workers and encouraged the box office personnel. Until 2003 when he suffered a debilitating stroke, Father Tom could be seen every evening standing at the top of the hill near the Science Center Amphitheatre waiting for theatre patrons to arrive so he could greet them and direct them to a parking space.

Friends and longtime supporters are encouraged to get involved with the trib-ute event. “We want this to be a chance for old friends to get together, to see Father Tom and honor him,” Joe Reilly, longtime theatre director and friend of Father Tom, said. “Father Tom built a web of friendships that runs across the country and across generations. I am confident they will support the tribute event.”

This is also a chance for old friends to get back on stage together to offer an evening of light entertainment on September 29. Alumni who acted in productions, worked on the tech crew, manned the box office or served hot-dogs at Cabaret are invited to attend the celebration.

In addition, stories, memories and other anecdotes are being collected for the event. The local community is also invited to show their appreciation by supporting the theatre Father Tom has provided to the region for over 40 years.

And what would a Father Tom cel-ebration be without a traditional Caba-ret afterwards? Hot dogs, popcorn and beverages will be served following the entertainment.

To share a story about Father Tom or to express interest in participating in the show contact Mr. Reilly at [email protected] or call 724-805-2229. To contribute to the endowment contact the Annual Fund Office at 724-537-4574.

In these file photos, Father Tom Devereux, O.S.B., with Joe Reilly, and bottom, Pat and Joe Reilly, longtime col-leagues and friends of Father Tom.

Through his life and work Father Tom Devereux, O.S.B., P’50, C’52, S’59, showed hundreds of students over sev-eral decades that hard work and service to others can be fun. He did this through his roles as prefect, teacher, theatre pro-ducer/director and dean of students.

Those who know, love and worked with Father Tom would agree he enhanced their experience at Saint Vin-cent College.

The Father Tom Devereux, O.S.B., Endowed Directorship in Drama and Stage will ensure that Father Tom’s legacy will continue. According to

Endowed Chair To Honor Father Tom Devereux, O.S.B.



Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve Dedication June 30

Saint Vincent College graduate Michael A. Antonacci has a very dif-ferent route from his classmates, as he will trade the degree he received May 11 for a monk’s habit at the beginning of July. The physics and math-ematics double major from Jeannette con-verted to Catholicism upon entering Saint Vincent College and cites encouragement and discernment of his calling to the efforts of the Col-lege’s Campus Ministry department, in particular director Father Brian Boosel, O.S.B., who also joined the monastic community following his graduation in 1996. Antonacci has enjoyed serv-ing others during his four-year career at Saint Vincent, including two service trips to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“The Brazilian people are some of the most genuinely caring and loving people I’ve ever met,” he said. He enjoyed vis-iting and learning from everyone he encountered including the Missionary Sisters of Christ, children, parishioners and those living with AIDS. He said going on this particular service trip expanded his vision of the world and entirely changed his point of view on life.

“The Benedictine charisms that have been instilled in me will be with me no matter where I am,” he said. Antonacci received the Physics Award, given to the top senior in the department. He is the son of Jerome and Shelia Antonacci of Jeannette.

Brother Bruno Heisey, O. S. B., while pursuing graduate studies at the Univer-sity of Cambridge, was invited to give two talks. One, in February, 2007, was delivered to the Saint Edmund’s Histori-cal Society, and his topic was “What Is the Value of Studying History?” In May, 2007, he addressed the Research Forum of the Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic on his research, the title of his talk being “Mary in Bede’s Homilies.”

Two Talks Given In England

Brazil Trip Inspires Vocation for Student

Work is nearly complete on the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Saint Vincent campus and near the vil-lage of Saint Vincent Shaft. A dedication ceremony was held on June 30 at the Reserve, which is named in honor of the late Winnie Palmer. Mrs. Palmer, who was the wife of Latrobe golfing legend Arnold Palmer for 45 years, served on the Board of Directors of Saint Vincent College and was very interested in preserving and protecting the environment, including the landscape around the Latrobe campus.

Mrs. Palmer, who passed away in November of 1999, was especially con-cerned about the tract of land which lies just west of the Route 981 intersection and offers a view of the Saint Vincent campus. She felt that business pressures would eventually lead to the land’s com-mercial development, thus obstructing a green and pastoral view along the well-traveled highway. This property abuts land belonging to Saint Vincent, which has made available approximately 25 adjacent acres for use in the creation of the Reserve. The property is also adja-cent to the small community of Saint Vincent Shaft.

After Mrs. Palmer’s death, Arnold Palmer decided to create a nature reserve on the site in her memory. The $6 million project included the relocation of a his-toric barn that was located on the edge of the property to a central location where it will serve as an education center.

The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve

will engage in educational activities intended to increase awareness and understanding of ecological concerns and challenges facing our natural envi-ronment. Studies of the natural flora and fauna of the site, nature trails, environ-mental education classes and research will all be conducted in this special area. The Reserve will be part of the Saint Vin-cent College Environmental Education Center that provides environmental sci-ence and other students an opportunity to work in a dynamic outdoor laboratory. Additionally, an educational book for chil-dren is planned for release by Archabbey Publications.

The Reserve will have entrances off Route 981 and the rerouted Fraser Pur-chase Road (Saint Vincent Drive).

Mrs. Winnie Palmer

Arnold Palmer, Amy (Palmer) Saunders, Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Angela Belli, Director of the Environmental Education Center, and Peggy (Palmer) Wears at the dedication of the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve.

President Bush Speaks At Saint Vincent College

Commencement



The following text is of remarks by President Bush in commencement address at St. Vincent College:

Thank you for the warm welcome. Archabbot Douglas, Your Excellency, Jim and Mary Towey, members of the faculty, members of the clergy, moms and dads, and—most important—the Class of 2007: Thanks for inviting me; I am hon-ored to be here.

Laura and I feel like we have a very special connection to St. Vincent Col-lege through the Toweys. We have come to know Jim and his family well during his time in Washington—after all, he was the director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. And now he’s attained another high office. So today—before his family, his friends and colleagues—I would like to address Jim with two words he probably never thought he would hear from me: Mr. President.

I know he appreciates the importance I place on my speeches. He knows my style well. I want all of you to know I was very moved by a letter he recently sent me that invited me to this commence-ment. Here is what Mr. President said:

“Mr. President, I believe that by hearing you speak, every member of the Class of 2007 will leave this campus with a priceless lesson about the importance of the Eng-lish language.” At least he didn’t say, “I’m proud to welcome to the podium a man, the first President for whom English was a second language.” I did call him, I said what my speech ought to be about. That’s what I asked him, what my speech ought to be about, Jim. He said, “About 10 minutes,” so here goes.

It’s a proud moment for the Class of 2007. You’re the largest graduating class in your school’s history. You’re the first class to take a mandatory course in Microwaving—a requirement that was imposed after you set off a record number of fire alarms while you were trying to make popcorn. You cheered the Bearcats with the Carey Crazies. You walked through the lighted arches of Melvin Platz. Some of you are the first in your family to attend college. In a few moments, you will collect your

degrees, the Ave Maria Bell will ring, and you will leave this campus with a lifetime of good memories. You’ve worked hard, and we’re all here to congratulate you on a fabulous achievement.

I also congratulate the many people who helped make this day possible. These people include your parents, who paid your tuition and were patient—even after the phone bills arrived. I thank the people who have worked hard to make sure you leave with a sound and solid college degree—and that’s the Saint Vincent faculty. I appreciate very much the monks of the Archabbey—the men whose prayers are surely responsible for some of the degrees being offered today. And so I ask the Class of 2007 to con-tinue to make these good people proud; to take what you’ve learned here into the world, and always live up to the high ideals that this college stands for.

At the heart of these high ideals is the name Benedict. Benedict was the saint who set down a practical guide for com-munity life—and helped save Western civilization. Benedict was the inspiration for the man who came to this country to plant these ideals in American soil—and founded this college. And Benedict was also the inspiration for the Pope, who took his name in tribute to the Benedic-

President Bush: Commencement Speaker

Pictured on the previous pages, clockwise, from top, left: • Steven Pierre-Lewis and Kimberley Stevens, of the Class of 2007,

greet President Bush upon his arrival by helicopter; • As the graduates process, the arrival of President Bush

via helicopter is projected on a large screen at the front of the gymnasium;

• Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington, gives the invocation;

• President Bush greets Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B.; • President Bush, Archabbot Douglas and Herbert W. Boyer, a 1958

graduate, inventor of the process of gene splicing and co-founder of Genentech Corporation, which launched the biotechnology industry;

• President Jim Towey, Archabbot Douglas and Dr. Boyer unveil the banner naming the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing;

• Archabbot Douglas welcomes President Bush;• Presidenet Bush during the commencement address, with, from

left, the Most Rev. Lawrence E. Brandt, Bishop of Greensburg; Mr. J. Christopher Donahue, Chairman of the College Board of Directors; Archbishop Wuerl and President Towey;

• Bishop Brandt gives the Benediction.



tine ideals of charity and community that he believes the world needs now more than ever.

These ideals of charity and com-munity have a special resonance for Americans. From the beginning, America has offered the world a new model for strong community life. In the early 19th century, a Frenchman named Alexis de Tocqueville visited the United States. He was impressed by the way Americans came together in voluntary associations to help out a neighbor in need. And in his book, “Democracy in America,” he wrote something that captured the spirit of this great country. He said, “When an American asks for the cooperation of his fellow citizens, it is seldom refused. If some great and sudden calamity befalls a family, the purses of a thousand strangers are at once willingly opened.”

De Tocqueville saw the good heart of America back in the early 19th cen-tury—and we continue to see the good heart of America in the early 21st century. We see it in citi-zens who responded to the worst atrocity on our soil with acts of selflessness and compassion. We see it in the historic new commitments our nation has made to alleviate poverty and suffering—by feeding the hungry and fighting malaria and working to end the scourge of HIV/AIDS on the continent of Africa.

We see it in the volunteers who serve in our faith-based and community orga-nizations—good and decent folks who are living the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Today, more than 61 million Americans volunteer their time to serve others, more than three-quarters of our citizens give to charity. The volun-teer spirit of America makes us unique, it represents the true strength of our nation, and it must constantly be rein-vigorated and renewed. And that’s why

it’s vital for our country that our young people step forward—and serve a cause larger than yourselves. When you serve your fellow citizens, you find benefits you’ll never imagine. You discover that a caring person is sometimes all it takes for someone to turn his or her life around. You see for yourself that kindness and respect make an enormous difference in a person’s life. You learn to take the initiative, instead of waiting for a govern-ment to step in. You become more aware

of others, a better man or woman to your friends and families, a better citizen of your country. You start to put your own difficulties in perspective. And soon you learn a great truth: that you always get more out of service than you give.

Your generation’s willingness to serve will define the character of our nation—and us older folks have good reason to be confident. Americans now in college are more likely to volunteer or become engaged in civic life than previous gen-erations. Here at St. Vincent College, you have learned that service outside the classroom is as important as what you learn inside the classroom. The chal-lenge for you is to keep this up as you begin your new careers, and your new families, and your new lives. So today I ask you to make service more than a line

on your resume. Find a need that is not being met. Do your part to fill it—make a difference to our country.

I’m pleased to see that the Class of 2007 is answering the call. In the gradu-ating class today are five students who have volunteered to wear our nation’s uniform. You knew the risks of serving in a time of war, and you have volunteered to accept those risks. You have chosen a noble calling. You will take your place as officers in the finest military the world

has ever known. At some point, the lives of other men and women will be in your hands—and they will need leaders of character and selflessness. As your Commander-in-Chief, I salute you for your service and I ask Almighty God to keep you close as you keep our nation safe.

There are many ways to serve our nation. Across this great land of opportu-nity we have citizens with great needs. And for every need, there is a path to service.

Some of you have chosen the path of teach-ing. We all know a teacher who has made a difference

in our lives. In my case, I married her. The First Lady showed me that teaching is more than a job or profession—it is a vocation. When you make the decision to become a teacher, you know that your reward will be greater than money. It will happen in wonderful moments when you see a student grasp a difficult concept, or come alive during the reading of a poem, or discover how a work of history speaks to our time. To do this for even one child is special. To do this for hun-dreds of children over a career will bring you a satisfaction that few other profes-sions can match.

The beauty of teaching is that its rewards can be found in any classroom. Some of you know this from your visits to St. Benedict’s, an all-boys school in one of the poorest areas of New Jersey.

My challenge to you today is this: Be the person who

walks through that door. Be the face that brings a smile to the hurt and forgotten.

Lead lives of purpose and character—make a difference in someone

else’s life. And if you do, you will lead richer lives, you will build a more hopeful

nation, and you’ll never be disappointed.

—President George W. Bush

President Bush: Commencement Speaker



For many of these boys, St. Benedict’s is their only safe haven from the crime and drugs and hopelessness around them. Each Christmas holiday, several St. Vincent students spend time mentor-ing these young men.

One of your classmates, Anthony Fiu-mara, spent two breaks at St. Benedict’s. Here’s how he describes the experience: “I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. But my time at Saint Ben’s showed me that a teacher could become more than a dispenser of knowledge. When I talked with the students about their dreams of attend-ing college, I realized that as a teacher, I would be the one that would help them achieve their dreams.”

Our nation needs more teachers like Anthony—I’m so pleased that nearly four dozen members of this class have chosen to go into teaching. I thank you. And as you go forth, I ask you to set high standards in your classroom. Challenge the soft bigotry of low expectations. Teach your students with respect. And always remember the ideals that attracted you to this noble profession. Some of you may not yet have decided the best way to serve. It’s okay. The government can’t put love in your heart. But what we can do is when you find love and find the drive, we can help put it in action. And that’s why I created the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives that Mr. President ran. Through this office, we are helping to ensure that federal funds for social service go to organizations that get results—even if they happen to have a crucifix or a Star of David on the wall.

We also established the USA Free-dom Corps to help mobilize volunteers to bring the comfort and kindness of America to people both at home and abroad. Today hundreds of thousands of volunteers mentor children, they assist the elderly, they build schools and clin-ics, they respond to natural disasters. No matter what your interests, no matter

what your skills, there is a place for every one of you to serve in our armies—our nation’s armies of compassion.

Even if you can’t devote yourself to a career of service, you can make a life of service. We have that on good author-ity from one of President Towey’s great heroes: Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa’s whole life was dedicated to doing small

things with great love. I’m pleased that Jim is taking a group of you to Calcutta later this month. I hope it helps inspire a new generation to carry on her good works. In almost every documentary about Mother Teresa, you see her going to the side of someone who is suffering terribly—often about to die. She treats them with great gentleness, squeezing their hands, and whispering words of comfort. Their look of wonder tells you that these are people who may be feel-ing loved for the first time in their lives. As they look up at Mother Teresa, their eyes say: Here’s someone who cares.

One of your classmates, Kara Shirley, knows what I’m talking about. Just two months ago, Kara went on a service proj-ect to Brazil, where she visited an AIDS clinic. The clinic was called Hope and Life. While there, she and the other stu-dents helped clean up after the patients, administer their medicine, and just sit by their bedsides holding their hands. One of these patients was a man who weighed just 70 pounds. When he was sent to this clinic, he had already been

President Bush: Commencement Speakergiven his death certificate. But that only told the people at the clinic that this man needed even more love.

Here’s how Kara puts it: “This man was so weak he could not even speak. But when I held his hand he turned his head, and you could feel the gratitude. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life—and by the end of my time there,

I didn’t want to leave.” Kara’s gesture seemed like a small thing to hold a man’s hand. But because it was done with great love, it helped fill a dying man’s final days with dignity and grace.

I’ve met thousands of vol-unteers like Kara who serve their fellow citizens in many different ways. They put themselves in some of the harshest places in our country and in the world. Yet instead of telling me how hard they have it, they always tell me how fortunate they are.

You can know this joy in your own lives. All you need is a warm heart and a willing pair of hands. When Mother Teresa accepted her Nobel Prize, she told the story about visiting a nursing home. At first she was impressed by the home because it was attractive and well equipped. But she soon noticed that none of the residents were smiling, all were looking at the door. When she asked why everyone seemed so sad, one of the caretakers explained: “They are hurt because they are forgotten.” They stared at the door in the hope that it would open and someone who loved them would walk through it.

My challenge to you today is this: Be the person who walks through that door. Be the face that brings a smile to the hurt and forgotten. Lead lives of purpose and character—make a difference in some-one else’s life. And if you do, you will lead richer lives, you will build a more hopeful nation, and you’ll never be dis-appointed. My congratulations to you all. I ask for the Almighty God’s blessings on you and your life.

Commencement 2007: Commemorative 2 DVD Set

Order one or more copies of the two-DVD set of Saint Vincent College Commencement 2007 including the Commencement Address of Presi-dent George W. Bush, the awarding of degrees to every student and special features. Order today $19.95 for in-store pick-up purchases, or a rate of

$24.95 (includes shipping and tax). Campus bookstore website: www.stvincent.bkstr.com or call 866-782-1846.



Grandstand, FieldTo Be Dedicated In

Honor Of Chuck Noll In the latest of several major con-

struction projects, Saint Vincent College announced that construction is underway of a new athletic facility where its new football team and other sports teams will play. It will be named Chuck Noll Field after the legendary Steelers head coach.

Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., chancellor of Saint Vincent Col-lege, expressed appreciation to the Rooney Family and the Steelers for their longstanding friendship with Saint Vin-cent. “ ‘Art’ Rooney, Sr.,—‘The Chief’—was a beloved friend of Saint Vincent going back to the 1920s and 30s. We are pleased that the friendship contin-ues,” he said. “On behalf of all of the students, faculty, staff and Benedictine monks of Saint Vincent, I extend my gratitude to the entire Steelers organiza-tion for choosing to make Saint Vincent its summer home since 1966. For 40 years, Saint Vincent has been honored to host the Steelers summer training camp so it seems fitting that we kick off the next 40 years with a new place to play named after Coach Noll. We are proud of the fact that he had graduated from the Benedictine High School in Cleveland and are pleased to have his name on this exciting new project. We value our relationship with the Rooney Family and the Steelers.”

“We are looking forward to seeing

those bleachers full of fans who come to visit Steelers training camp in the summer as well as by the college stu-dents who will enjoy a new opportunity to watch Bearcat football on campus,” Archabbot Douglas continued. “The view of the field against the backdrop of the campus and the mountains to the east is spectacular.”

“I am deeply honored that my name will be attached to the field at Saint Vin-cent,” Coach Noll commented. “I have vivid memories of the summer training camps where we brought each team together, despite the heat and humidity and work that we had to do. We worked hard but we also had a lot of fun and it all led to some great seasons. I extend a grateful thanks to the Steelers and to Saint Vincent for this honor.”

Dan Rooney was pleased to suggest the name of Coach Noll for the new field at Saint Vincent. “I think naming this new field in honor of Chuck Noll is

very appropriate,” they said. “He spent summers on the Saint Vincent fields for 23 years building four great Super Bowl teams. He always loved the crowds of fans that came to watch and he enjoyed teaching new and old players all that he knew about the game of football. He never sought a lot of media attention and was always shy about drawing attention to himself. But we think he deserves the public recognition that will forever be part of the new stadium at Saint Vincent — Chuck Noll Field.”

Completion is scheduled by the time Steelers camp opens in late July. The Saint Vincent Bearcats under the direc-tion of Head Football Coach Bob Colbert will open their first season at Chuck Noll Field on Saturday, September 1, 2007, hosting Gallaudet University of Mary-land. The Bearcats will compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.



Three Ordinations, Vows In JulyThree monks will be ordained at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 14, by The Most Rev.

Lawrence E. Brandt, J.C.D., Ph.D., Bishop of Greensburg. Brother Shawn Matthew Anderson, O.S.B., will be ordained to the priesthood, while Brother Michael Gabler, O.S.B., and Brother Matthias Martinez, O.S.B., will be ordained to the diaconate.

Brother Matthias and Brother Michael Miller, O.S.B., will make solemn profes-sion of monastic vows on July 11, while Brother Dominic Greco will make simple profession of monastic vows on July 10. Junior monks renewing their vows include Brother Bonaventure Curtis, O.S.B., Father Peter Augustine Pierjok, O.S.B., Brother Nathanael Polinski, O.S.B., and Brother Elijah Cirigliano, O.S.B.

Brother Shawn Matthew is the son of Colleen L. Anderson of Clearfield, Penn-sylvania and the late James C. Anderson. He is a 1987 graduate of Clearfield Area High School. He received a bachelor of science in pharmacy degree from Duquesne University in 1992 and has studied philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is a 2007 graduate of the Saint Vincent Seminary. His sister, Mary (Anderson) Hansen and her husband Darrek are currently serving the Peace Corps in Mauritania, Africa. He entered the novitiate at Saint Vincent Archabbey in July of 2001 and made his first vows on July 10, 2002 and solemn vows on July 11, 2005. He currently serves as an assistant in the Archabbey Vocation Office, a teach-ing assistant in the Saint Vincent College Biology Department and as the monastery bread baker. Brother Shawn served his deacon internship at Saint Benedict Parish in Carrolltown.

Brother Michael J. Gabler is the son of Michael F. and Margaret A. Gabler of St. Marys. He attended St. Marys parochial school and is a 1985 graduate of Elk County Catholic High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in M.I.S. from Penn State University in 1989. He has two sisters, Lori A. Lingenfelter of Ridgway, Melanie A. Meyer of St. Marys, and a brother, Sean, of St. Marys. He entered the Saint Vincent monastic community in 2002 and made first profession of vows on July 10, 2003. He made solemn profession of monastic vows on July 11, 2006. In 2003 he was named assistant manager of the Gristmill General Store and assistant building manager and miller at Saint Vincent Gristmill. He served as an assistant in the Archabbey Public Relations office from 2003 until 2006. In 2004 he was named building manager of the Gristmill.

Brother Matthias Martinez is the son of Lynda C. Martinez of Latrobe and the

Brother Shawn Matthew Anderson, O.S.B. Brother Michael Gabler, O.S.B. Brother Matthias Martinez, O.S.B.

Brother Michael Miller, O.S.B.

Brother Dominic Greco, O.S.B.(Continued on Page 23)



late Edelmiro Martinez, Jr. He is a 1993 graduate of Northfield Mt. Hermon High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy in 1999 from Saint John Seminary College, and has also studied at Babson College and Saint John Seminary. He has one sister, Janalyn Pentlow, of Astoria, New York. In 2004, he was named assistant archi-vist and assistant master of cermonies/ sacristan at Saint Vincent Archabbey. In 2005 he was named assistant curator of the archabbey music collection. He also serves as the Benedictine Resident of Wimmer Hall at Saint Vincent College and as a Campus Ministry Assistant. He made simple profession of monastic vows on July 9, 2004.

Brother Michael Miller is the son of Donald and Jo-Anne Miller of Allison Park. He is a 1979 graduate of Shaler Area High School, Glenshaw. He stud-ied at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, and received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy in 1985 from Don Bosco College, Newton, New Jersey. He taught elementary school at St. Joseph Regional School in Newton, before entering the monastery. His sisters are Jean Lowden of McKees Rocks and Nancy Miller of Allison Park. His brother is John Miller of Shepherdsville, Kentucky. He entered the novitiate at Saint Vincent Archabbey in July of 2001, and made his first vows on July 10, 2002. In 2002 he was named assistant guestmaster and assistant master of ceremonies/sacristan. In 2005 he was named assistant of the summer retreat program.

Brother Dominic Greco, O.S.B., from Monongahela, is the son of Perri Linn Greco of Monongahela. He has one sister Kaitlyn. He is a 2002 graduate of Ringgold High School and a 2006 graduate of Saint Vincent College with a bachelor’s degree in history. Prior to entering the monastery, Brother Domi-nic worked as an assistant for former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher during training camp at Saint Vincent.

Ordinations,Solemn, Simple Vows

(Continued from Page 22)

Holy Spirit Parish AnniversaryArchabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Father James Podlesny, O.S.B., pastor;

and Father Philip Burger of Saint Joan of Arc Parish, Hershey, celebrate Mass for the 50th anniversary of the Parish. Photo courtesy of Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness.

In 1990 Bishop Joseph V. Adamec established the Prince Gallitzen Cross Awards as a way to recognize Catholics in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, who exem-plify in their discipleship the evangelizing characteristics of the Reverend Priest and Prince Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin. These men and women through their lives and ministry in the Church have been a light to those around them. Every Spring nominations are accepted from clergy, religious and lay people. The awards are usually presented in early June. Bishop Adamec recently presented this award to Father Vincent Zidek, O.S.B., pastor of Saint Benedict Parish in Carrolltown. A 1990 Seminary alumnus, Father Vincent has been pastor in Carrolltown since 1997. He also served as parochial vicar of Saint Vincent Basilica Parish from 1992 to 1997, and director of vocations for Saint Vincent Archabbey (1991–1995).

Pictured above during the awards presentation were, from left, Archabbot Doug-las R. Nowicki, O.S.B.; Father Vincent and Bishop Adamec. Photo courtesy of Msgr. Timothy Stein, edtor, The Catholic Register.

Father Vincent Zidek, O.S.B., Honored



To give a tribute or memorial gift, please make a donation to Saint Vincent Archab-bey in honor of or in memory of a friend, colleague or family member. Donations should be mailed to Mr. Paul R. White-side, Archabbey Development Office, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa., 15650—2690, 724—532—6740. Donors from November 21, 2006, to June 11, 2007, include:

IN HONOR OF:

BR. JOSEPH M. ADAMS, O.S.B.Ms. Julie Gonzales

MR. AND MRS. BRUCE AREHARTMr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Mulich

REV. CONAN E. FEIGH, O.S.B.Carl and Charlotte Burlas

REV. BEDE J. HASSO, O.S.B.Carl and Charlotte Burlas

REV. BONIFACE P. HICKS, O.S.B.Greg and Amy Forbes

REV. VERNON A. HOLTZ, O.S.B.Mrs. Margaret V. Kraft

BR. GERARD KLARIC, O.S.B.Mrs. Helen K. Barnett

MICHAEL KLARICMrs. Helen K. Barnett

REV. PASCHAL N. KNEIP, O.S.B.Mr. Mark F. GarceaMr. and Mrs. Paul JankaMr. and Mrs. Edwin F. JaworskiMr. and Mrs. Michael LittleMr. and Mrs. Thomas McAndrewsMr. Paul A. Trovato

NEIL A. LINDOMs. Joy Lindo

JOHN MASCARO, JR.Mr. Michael J. Cain

JOHN C. MASCAROMr. Michael J. Cain

BR. MICHAEL MILLER, O.S.B.St. Mary of the Assumption Parish

REV. JOHN F. MURTHA, O.S.B.Carl and Charlotte Burlas

REV. JOHN J. PECK, O.S.B.Mr. and Mrs. James R. Long

BR. NATHANAEL POLINSKI, O.S.B.St. Mary of the Assumption Parish

JOHN A. RANIOWSKIMr. Daniel Milton

REV. BLANE L. RESKO, O.S.B.Carl and Charlotte BurlasGeorge, Dolores and Ed Gens

REV. THOMAS MORE SIKORA, O.S.B.

Ms. Matilda StoneviceMR. AND MRS. RICHARD WOLFEL

Mrs. Virginia P. Herzing

Tribute, Memorial GiftsREV. FLAVIAN G. YELINKO, O.S.B.

Dr. and Mrs. Ferdinand L. Soisson

IN MEMORY OF:

+PHYLLIS BAKERMr. James T. Knepp

+REV. ARMAND J. BALDWINMr. and Mrs. James J. Valvano

+REV. REGINALD G. BENDER,O.S.B.Mr. James BenderDoane FamilyMr. and Mrs. Samuel A. FolbyMr. and Mrs. Edward A. GromekMr. and Mrs. Roger LapsonMr. and Mrs. Charles G. Manoli, Sr.Rev. John J. Marshall Mrosco FamilyMr. and Mrs. Albert J. Novak, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert D. PastorMs. Carol G. PollockMr. and Mrs. Joseph J. RubinoParishioners of Saint Bruno ChurchSaint Vincent College Business OfficeMr. George A. Willinghan, Jr.Rev. George A. Wilt

+DIANE BERARDIRonald S. Berardi, M.D.

+REV. ALBERT C. BICKERSTAFF, O.S.B.

Mr. and Mrs. William W. Shearouse, Jr.+PETER BOOLEY

The Booley Family+SARA BURGO

Sr. Dolores Burgo +THOMAS H. BURKE

Mrs. Joan L. AdamsBeth A. Alwine and FamilyThe Leo M. Bacha FamilyMr. and Mrs. Joseph E. BissKathryn and Matthew CarrollMiss Sue CarrollMr. and Mrs. James CutiaMr. and Mrs. Edward J. IezziMr. and Mrs. John R. MallinMr. and Mrs. Edward C. MarchokDr. and Mrs. Philip X. MasciantonioMrs. Mary R. McCloskeyMr. and Mrs. Edward G. Nemanic, Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Donald OrlandoMr. and Mrs. Frederick PanebiancoMr. and Mrs. Gilbert D. PastorMr. and Mrs. Joseph C. PevarnikMr. and Mrs. Edward G. Nemanic, Sr.Benedict and Barbara TroyMr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Zitterbart

+REV. ANTHONY J. BURLAS, O.S.B.Carl and Charlotte Burlas

+JEANNE P. CASADEIMr. and Mrs. Louis Casadei

+REV. J. DAVID CROWLEYMr. Howard J. ArtmanNancy B’s BakeryMr. and Mrs. Raymond BechtoldMr. and Mrs. James R. BenintendMs. Maryann BoehmMs. Dolores M. BoldMs. Jacqueline BourMr. and Mrs. William T. BridgeLarry and Karen BrownDr. and Mrs. Howard J. BurnettMr. James CareyMr. and Mrs. John T. CareyMs. Stella J. CarignanMr. David J. CarusoDr. Lauro V. ChicoAndrew and Stella ChurmanMrs. Donna D. CliffordMs. Patricia C. CochranMs. Carol A. ColganMr. and Mrs. Daniel M. CummingsMr. and Mrs. Richard R. DeanVincent and Ruth DeLandroMr. and Mrs. Anthony DeMartino, Sr.Ms. Mary DePaoloAnna and Domenic DiPilatoMr. and Mrs. Robert A. DomyanMr. and Mrs. Joseph D. DonahoeMr. Alexander DongilliMr. David DongilliDeborah and Greg DongilliMr. and Mrs. Paul A. DongilliMs. Grace E. DoughertyMr. and Mrs. David DragovichHarry and Kathy DudroJim and Collette DuffyMs. Maureen EvansMr. Donald J. FennellMr. and Mrs. Edward J. Firanski, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. William R. FitzMr. James L. FriedmanHonorable and Mrs. Robert C. GalloMr. and Mrs. John F. GattoMr. Edward GentileMrs. Helen W. GleasonLouis and Jacqueline GorskiMr. and Mrs. Carl G. GrefenstetteMr. and Mrs. Alvin R. GregoMr. Germaine GribowiczRobert D. Guthrie, MD+Adeline HamiltonMr. James W. HargenraderMs. Terri HastingsJohn and Heather HinesMr. Charles E. HutchisonMr. and Mrs. Edward F. JanoskoMs. Delores JeannetteThe Kelly FamilyJohn and Arleen Kern

(Continued on Page 25



Jubilarian Day Archabbot Douglas R.

Nowicki, O.S.B., was the prin-cipal celebrant and homilist at the Jubilarian Day Mass June 14, in the Archabbey Basilica. At top, from left, were Father Flavian Yelinko, O.S.B., age 100, eighty years of religious profession; Brother Lambert Berens, O.S.B., seventy-five years of religious profession; Father Noel Rothrauff, O.S.B., sixty years of religious profes-sion; Brother Leo Monahan, O.S.B., and Father Cornelius Chang, O.S.B., fifty years of religious profession; Father Nathan Munsch, O.S.B., and Father Michael McKay, O.S.B., twenty-five years of religious profession. In the middle photo, from left, are Father Fred Byrne and Father Richard Ulam. O.S.B., twenty-five years of ordination; Father Bede Hasso, O.S.B., Father John Murtha O.S.B., Father Conan Feigh, O.S.B., Father Blane Resko, O.S.B., fifty years of ordination; and Father Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B., sixty years of ordina-tion. At right, Retired Archabbot Paul R. Maher, O.S.B., gives his congratulations to Father Flavian Yelinko, O.S.B., who was one hundred years old last September.

Mr. James KinestDave and JoAnn KnaptonMs. Edna Mae KnorrJim and Cindee KnorrMr. and Mrs. Paul KohlmyerMr. George J. KosslowMrs. Frank KruseWalter F. Laboon FamilyMark and Joy LangDr. George Langol, Jr.Sharon and Don LeonMr. and Mrs. Eugene J. LepianeMs. Virginia Jean LerroMr. and Mrs. Dave LewandowskiMs. Mary B. LintGeorge and B.J. LoyRobert and JoAnn MapletonJames and Shirley MaroneMs. Linda MatiasJohn Matty CompanyMr. and Mrs. John P. MattyMr. Paul D. MattyMr. and Mrs. W. Paul MattyMs. Patricia McCloryMary Ann and Dave McGuirkMr. Joseph J. McNallyMr. and Mrs. John McVayMr. Timothy M. McVayMr. and Mrs. Cletus MeehanJohn and Carol MikulaMr. Elio L. MontiHoward T. Moore Co. Inc.Mr. James R. Musillo, Jr.Ms. Gloria NagyMs. Marge NapolitanoMr. Eugene V. NataleMs. Trudy NovakMr. and Mrs. Regis J. ObringerMrs. Mary Ellen O’ConnellMr. and Mrs. Patrick OlliffeMs. Donna O’TooleMr. and Mrs. Ron PacyMr. and Mrs. John PajakMr. Dennis J. PapciakMrs. Frances PascuzziRobert and Ruth PasquarelliMr. and Mrs. Joseph H. PontzerMichele and Anthony RashMr. and Mrs. Edward T. ReutzelMrs. Lois RodgersMrs. Richard A. RoseMr. Thomas RyanMichael and Nancy RuncoMr. and Mrs. John G. RussmanMr. and Mrs. Patrick ScanlonMrs. Frances SchlechtMr. William Schmidt and Mrs. Rhonda Dongilli-SchmidtMr. Clement F. SchmittMr. and Mrs. Clement Schneider

Mr. Donald J. ScholikMs. Gertrude ScopelMr. Edwin P. SeddonMr. and Mrs. Frank J. SegriffMs. Sara SharplessMrs. Isabelle Shatlock

Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. SichiJay and Michele SimardMr. and Mrs. Eugene SimeoneMary Lou and Ron Simpson

Tribute, Memorial Gifts(Continued from Page 24)




Mr. John SkidmoreMr. and Mrs. C. M. SnavelySnavely Family Fund of The Pittsburgh FoundationSnavely Warwick, Inc.Mrs. Jeannine SodiniMs. Rose Marie StackMr. Scott A. StaubMs. Mary C. StaruskoMr. Richard N. SteinerMr. and Mrs. James N. SteinmetzMr. and Mrs. Robert C. SteinmetzMs. Elaine G. StretavskiMs. Patricia E. SullivanJoan and William SummaMr. Joseph SzalkayMr. Richard SzalkayStephen and Anna TakacsMs. Carmella M. VatralMr. and Mrs. Dennis A. WallisterIsabelle and Frank WieczorekMr. and Mrs. Harry J. Wilson, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Ronald WolfeMr. and Mrs. Thomas J. ZandierMs. Josie Zelik

+FRANK A. CUDNIKMrs. Stella M. Cudnik

+THOMAS CURRY, SR.Mr. and Mrs. David L. BartonMr. and Mrs. Robert F. BraithwaiteMr. and Mrs. Thomas W. BrownMr. and Mrs. Thomas E. DennellyJohn and Jane KavanaghMr. and Mrs. Edward G. Nemanic, Sr.Mr. Thomas D. NerneySheila and Patrick RooneyMrs. Alice E. ScherfAlice and John SergeMr. and Mrs. John K. SmallPauline Dennelly Smith and FamilyBenedict and Barbara Troy

+REV. MARION J. EMLING, O.S.B.John and Patricia Donlon

+REV. JOHN R. ERICKSON, O.S.B.Mr. and Mrs. John W. BerryMr. and Mrs. Leo ByronMrs. Alma J. DemyanMr. and Mrs. Thomas D. DishingerMr. and Mrs. Samuel A. FolbyMr. and Mrs. Casmir F. GorlowskiMr. and Mrs. Edward A. GromekMr. and Mrs. Richard B. GuskiewiczMr. John F. JohnstonMr. and Mrs. Charles G. Manoli, Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Joseph MastroroccoMr. and Mrs. John R. McGinley, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. MeierMr. and Mrs. Roland J. MuellerMs. Mary Anne Odendahl

Tribute, Memorial Gifts

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert D. PastorMiss Dorothy M. PetroskyMs. Carol G. PollockMr. and Mrs. Charles A. RebrickMr. and Mrs. Edwin E. WrightPeter Zapalo Family

+RUTH FOOTEMs. Dorothy Lieb

+ROSE A. FREIDHOFFMr. Francis H. Freidhoff

+ADELINE HAMILTONTerri and Don Hastings

+TOM HUTCHINSONMr. and Mrs. Walter B. Hobart, Jr.

+LEONARDA KARAWSKYEvelyn and Cyril HarantMs. Matilda StoneviceMrs. Gertrudann Keddie Tatananni

+JOHN A. KRAFTMrs. Margaret V. Kraft

+ROBERT AND SUSAN MAXWELLMs. Helen M. Quigley

+REV. ALPHONSE H. MEIER, O.S.B.Mr. and Mrs. James J. Valvano

+ALINA MOUNTMr. and Mrs. Robert E. Hoover

+BR. NICHOLAS NICOL, O.S.B.BRTRCJoan and Bob CarverMr. and Mrs. Milton FerrenbergSam and Mary FolbyMr. and Mrs. Theodore JanickiZoltan and Laurene KristofJohn and Adelaide MurphyMike and Annette QuinliskChris RosaMyron and Sandra SwinkMs. Virginia SzelongJoel and Millie Woods

+MARY L. OESTERLINGBenedict and Barbara Troy

+GEORGE PECKMr. and Mrs. James BatchelorMr. and Mrs. Robert T. HardingMr. and Mrs. Andrew Kirkessner

+REV. EMERIC J. PFIESTER, O.S.B.Mr. Francis X. Abbott

+ADELINE RAILAMr. Chingyuan Jason ChuMr. and Mrs. Albert D. DeMicheleMr. and Mrs. Robert E. HooverDr. Mary Lou MleckoMr. and Mrs. Gilbert D. PastorMiss Dorothy M. PetroskySaint Vincent Benedictine PriorySt. Joseph Deanery of State CollegeMs. Matilda StoneviceMrs. Gertrudann Keddie Tatananni

+DOROTHY A. RANSELBenedict and Barbara Troy

+ROBERT A. SEABOLJoanne and Louis CongelioMr. and Mrs. Samuel A. FolbyDr. and Mrs. Edward P. HeinrichsMr. John F. JohnstonMr. and Mrs. Eusebio S. Lavin, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Manoli, Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Vincent J. QuatriniTheresa and Ed Rusbosin

+ALAN SENGILLOMr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Mulich

+WILLIAM W. SHEAROUSE, SR.Mr. and Mrs. William W. Shearouse, Jr.

+REV. BRENDAN L. SMETANA, O.S.B.

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Boettner+JAMES “PUD” SMITH

Benedict and Barbara Troy+THOMAS Q. SPITZER

Mr. Thomas Spitzer+REV. BRINSTAN G. TAKACH, O.S.B.

Gary AntoshMs. Patricia A. BalesFred and Helen BrownMs. Virginia R. CroweWarren and Tamara CurryMr. and Mrs. Nick DePetrisMrs. Agnes FarcoskyHugh and Alice FarrellChildren of Bill and Scotty FilickyFirst Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, Branch 13Mrs. Stella FreeMr. William T. GasperMs. Margie GrayMr. and Mrs. Robert E. HooverJohn and Dolores Hrubochak and FamilyJohn and Jane HudockMr. and Mrs. Joseph IvanMeade and Marlene JackMr. John F. JohnsonMs. Linda KilleenMrs. Velma J. KlaricMrs. Evelyn S. MarksMr. Melvin J. MattyMrs. Betty G. MertzMrs. Gertrude E. MooreWalter and Pat OlmerMrs. Stella PapsonMrs. Ida PecenakRich and Ruth Ann PonzurickPort City Lions Club of Savannah Inc.Mr. and Mrs. William Rice and FamilySaint Benedict Parish Cemetery AssociationMary Kathryn Saunders and Family

(Continued from Page 25)




Obituary

Brother Nicholas V. Nicol, O.S.B.

Brother Nicholas V. Nicol, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, died Saturday, March 3, 2007. He was a son of the late Martha Ann (Meloy) and Edward J. Nicol of Connellsville.

Born in Connellsville on February 6, 1940, Brother Nicholas is survived by his sister, Sandra Nicol Swink and his brother-in-law, Myron, of Stafford, Vir-ginia, and his sister-in-law, Dolores Nicol

of Mount Pleasant, and three nieces and one great-nephew. He was predeceased by his brother, Emmerson L. Nicol.

He attended Immaculate Concep-tion Parochial School, Connellsville, and Saint Vincent Preparatory School. He received a degree and state certifica-tion in clothing design, specializing in ecclesiastical vesture, from the Clarissa School of Fashion, Pittsburgh, in 1966.

He entered the Benedictine monastic community of Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1956, and made monastic profession of vows on July 2, 1957.

Brother Nicholas served the monastic community as infirmarian (1956-1959); assistant curator of the museum (1958-1966); assistant sacristan (1956-1962). He was the Monastic residence coordi-nator from 1980 to 1985.

He started work in the Monastic tailor shop in 1957 and was named director of the tailor shop in 1969, a position he held until his death. He was responsible for clothing the Benedictine priests, brothers and novices at the Archabbey, making garments styled after clothing worn by Saint Benedict in the fifth cen-tury.

His Baptismal name was Vincent; however, when he became a Benedic-tine brother, he took the name Nicholas

in honor of Saint Nicholas, a bishop of fourth-century Asia Minor, who was his favorite saint. Brother Nicholas was well-known throughout the region and each year would appear in his Saint Nicholas costume at schools, community pro-grams and a variety of social events throughout the Christmas season.

He was District Committee Chairman for Alcoholics Anonymous, and helped organize the Unity 12-Step Group. He worked on various committees for the group, primarily in public information, dis-tributing literature to various institutions and agencies throughout the region. For 19 years he organized the annual New Year’s Eve gathering for the group, held at Saint Vincent, and founded an A.A. group at the Department of Corrections, SCI-Somerset. In 1998 he received the Distinguished Service Award for Volun-teers for his work at SCI-Somerset.

A Mass of Christian Burial was-celebrated by Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., March 7 in the Archab-bey Basilica.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benedictine Health and Welfare Fund at Saint Vincent Archabbey, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650.

A Life of ServiceThe Benedictine Community of Saint Vincent has 200 monks who de-vote their lives to serving the needs of people through a wide variety of pastoral, educational, and mission-ary works, both at Saint Vincent and throughout the world. While the older monks remain active well past retirement age, they face the same financial hardships that other retir-ees do — rising health care costs and increasing living expenses. The Monastery Health Care and Retire-ment Fund provides older priests and brothers the care they need af-ter their many years of service to the people of God.

Enclosed is my gift of:

$50 $100 $500 $1000 Other _____

My company will match my gift. Enclosed is the form.

Gifts are tax-deductible.

Please make checks payable to Saint Vincent Archabbey

Benedictine Health and Welfare FundSaint Vincent Archabbey

300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690.

Name

Address

City State

Zip Phone

E-Mail



The Way of the Cross Presented By Brother ElijahBy Liz Cousins

The Way of the Cross, a dramatic and musical presentation of the Stations of the Cross, by Brother Elijah Cirigliano, O.S.B., had its Pennsylvania debut in February. It was performed by members of the Saint Vincent Basilica parish and students at Saint Vincent College. The production was directed by Saint Vincent student Sherrie E. Dunlap and conducted by Michael Rozell, director of the Saint Vincent Basilica Parish choir for more than 10 years.

Brother Elijah previously worked as a music director at Saint Mary Parish in Katonah, New York. He was encouraged to write a piece of music for the Stations of the Cross by the pastor of that church.

“I’ve realized the importance of the Cross and devotion on the Stations of the Cross,” Brother Elijah said. “I wanted to experi-ence it more deeply.”

The Way of the Cross was performed 19 times in New York and Connecticut parishes between 2003 and 2005 before making its Pennsylvania debut with a performance at Saint Benedict Parish in Carroltown on February 18. Three performances at Saint Vin-cent followed, on February 24 and April 2 and 3.

The composition includes 14 musical vignettes sung by the cast. The vignettes are interspersed with reflections played and sung by Brother Elijah.

Brother Elijah earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Duke University, and studied at Saint Joseph Seminary — Insti-tute of Religious Studies. He entered the novitiate at Saint Vin-cent Archabbey in 2005, and made first profession of vows on July 10, 2006. He is enrolled in the ordination program at Saint Vincent Seminary.

A $1 million grant from the Common-wealth of Pennsylvania toward construc-tion costs associated with the building of the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learn-ing and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College was announced by Pennsylvania State Senator Robert Regola. The grant was made through the Pennsylvania Rede-velopment Assistance Capital Program.

Construction got underway earlier this spring (see photo at right) on the $14 mil-lion, 36,000 square foot multi-purpose building near the entrance to the campus that will house the Fred Rogers Center. The Center’s mission is to advance the fields of early learning and children’s media by acting as a catalyst for communication, collaboration, and creative change.

The Buhl Foundation recently awarded a $229,000 grant to the Center, to support

Rogers Center Work Progressing; Grants Giventhe Fred Rogers Oral History Project, fund-ing background research, production and filming, and transcription for 50 video inter-views with professional colleagues, friends and family members of Fred Rogers. The two-year project represents a significant

addition to the Fred Rogers Archive that will preserve in physical and digital form more than 180,000 pages of print mate-rial, 1,100 video tapes, 250 hours of audio tape and thousands of photographs and artifacts.



support—are key to the success of any of the men called to priesthood.

His Holiness, Pope John Paul II said during a pilgrim-age to Saint Polten, Austria, “Voca-tions are obtained from God thanks to prayer. I invite you to ask, with fervor

and constancy, for the reaping of new vocations to the priesthood and to con-secrated life from the Master.” Once called to the religious life, the focus of one’s life shifts to a complete focus on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This freedom of knowing what is most impor-tant leads to inspiration by way of a clear mind, body and soul. To be inspired is to stir emotion such that one becomes driven to move others. This link between the priestly vocation and inspiration is an incredibly powerful way to impact the lives of others. Saint Augustine taught us that grace builds on nature, or that one’s natural talents, when combined with the grace of the Lord, become something entirely different and fantastic. This is our hope and our prayer for all of the men who are considering God’s call.

At Saint Vincent Archabbey, inspira-tion from vocations can be seen in many forms, and sheds a positive light on the Church. Brother Elijah Cirigliano, O.S.B., a junior monk at Saint Vincent Archab-bey is currently studying for the priest-

Development Corner

Vocations: Carrying The Church Into The Future

The Church is the living Body of Christ on Earth. As members of the Church, each of us represents a key element of this Body. Just as the parts of the human body must work together so that the body may function properly and effec-tively, so must we, the elements of the Church work together to ensure the healthy growth of the Church Body. One particularly critical process of human life is the generation of new cells to promote new growth within the Body. Within the Body of the Church, each of us has the responsibility of growth through the nur-turing of our own spiritual life and through evangelization of our faith by spreading the gospel message. Another key aspect to the healthy growth of the Church Body is the call to Vocations—including the priesthood and religious life. To continue with the analogy of the body, the Call to Vocations may be represented by the hands and feet of the Church Body.

The men called to the priesthood are called to care and to support the entire body of the Church. The hands are often used as a symbol of caring, and clearly the feet are charged with supporting the weight of the entire body, while at the same time maintaining balance and stability. The call to the priesthood and religious life is a tall order, and clearly, not the only responsibility of the leaders of our Church. Yet, many of us would agree that these characteristics—caring and

Paul R. WhitesideDirector of

Development

Name

Address

City State

Zip Phone

I am interested in discussing estate planning. I am interested in supporting the education of a Benedictine monk.

I am interested in discussing a contribution of: Stock Real Estate Annuities

I would like to pledge $ _______ per month.

Please Return Card To:Mr. Paul R. Whiteside, Director of Development

Saint Vincent Archabbey300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690,

Phone: 724-532-6740E-mail: [email protected]

hood. He was called by God after having served in lay ministry in several parishes. Brother Elijah shares his inspiration through music. This past Lenten Season, he was called upon to share his talents with the faithful by performing “The Way of the Cross”, a musical rendition of the 14 Stations of the Cross as composed by Brother Elijah himself. As a result of this production, many in the local community were enriched in the faith. Prior to his call to the join the Archabbey, Brother Elijah produced “The Way of the Cross” many times. Performance were viewed by thou-sands of people of all faiths. It is fascinat-ing to think how many lives have been touched by the calling of one person.

Father Demetrius Dumm, O.S.B., has written five books. From Cherish Christ Above All to his latest work, So We Do Not Lose Heart, it is Father Demetrius’ gift to be able to convey a clear message so that others may be moved by his faith and wisdom. Father Demetrius’ vocation has granted him the freedom to teach others how to interpret God’s message. His ideas, nurtured by the the Lord’s grace, have deepened the faith of many.

Brother Elijah is just beginning his jour-ney on the priesthood and Father Deme-trius has served for many years in the Seminary, Archabbey and the commu-nity at large. Both are dedicated monks of the Archabbey who continue the work of caring, supporting, moving and teach-ing the faithful on a daily basis.

Father Fred Byrne, O.S.B. has been Vocations Director for Saint Vincent for several years. He has been responsible for inspiring many new monks to join the monastery, including Brother Elijah. Father Fred believes strongly in the “missionary” model of vocations work as opposed to the traditional model of “recruitment” or “candidacy”. The mis-sionary model focuses on vocational discernment through service projects to expose candidates to the mission of the Church and to specific religious com-munities such as Saint Vincent Archab-bey. Through this process, Father Fred feels that the candidate gets a very clear sense of his calling: lay ministry, ordina-tion, or other areas of service.

As a dedicated supporter of Saint Vin-cent, we rely on your continued prayers and financial support to assist in the cultivation of new priests. The Church needs new “hands and feet” to continue to spread the Gospel message and to enrich the lives of all who are open to listening. The Archabbey is committed to training men to serve in this way.



Ms. Carole A. SchmotzerMr. and Mrs. James Secrist and FamilyDoretta and William SellorsMr. and Mrs. John SlanskyMrs. Patricia SofrankoMrs. Margaret SoskaSt. Bede Altar Rosary Society, Bovard, PASt. Bede Men’s ClubMs. Loretta E. StanaMs. Carmella M. SternMs. Margaret TakachMs. Kathleen ToshJoseph and Dorothy TrentinMs. Denise E. Weber

+KAY AND BILL TERZAMr. and Mrs. William J. Gburek

+LIL TURANOMr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Mulich

+LENA VAIAKatherine and Thomas Herald

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

Mr. and Mrs. Donald S. Pawlak+REV. BENJAMIN R. WALKER, O.S.B.

Ms. Martha BandaMr. Gary T. BeukeMr. William F. CaseyDeacon John and Rose ConcannonMr. Carl L. EckelsMr. and Mrs. Edward GromekMrs. Jean HammerRayford and Dolores HornerMr. John F. JohnstonMs. Mary L. LampkinMr. and Mrs. Charles G. Manoli, Sr.Mr. Joe MargaulleFrances McBroom and Andrew BaileyCarl and Joyce MotterMs. Jane Anne O’BrienBuddy and Theresa PhillipsMr. and Mrs. Melvin T. PhillipsMr. Bernard W. RievelMr. and Mrs. Edward J. ShearerMs. Mary A. SpengerMr. and Mrs. John J. TullyMr. and Mrs. William T. WalkerRev. George A. WiltMr. Charles Wissinger

+JEANNE WOOLMr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Herald, Jr.

+SCHOLASTICA BENEDICTA YURCHAK

Ms. Maryanne Dulansey +JOHN ZUPANCIC

The Kelly Family

Tribute, Memorial Gifts(Continued from Page 26)

Rev. Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B.

New President Named ForBenedictine Military School

The Rev. Frank Ziemkiewicz, O.S.B., pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, has been named presi-dent of the Benedictine Military School in Savannah, Georgia, effective July 15, according to an announcement by the Rt. Rev. Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., Arch-abbot of Saint Vincent Archabbey, which sponsors the school. He will succeed the Rev. Jude Brady, who has served as president since 1999.

Father Frank has served as pastor in St. Marys since 1999, with his term of service interrupted by a tour of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq serving as a chap-lain in the U.S. Army. While in St. Marys he also served as superior of the Bene-dictine Priory.

“Father Frank has served the monas-tic community and his country with great devotion,” Archabbot Douglas said. “He is an excellent priest, educator and adminis-trator. His experience as a pastor, as Dean of Students of Saint Vincent College, and in the military should make him a valuable addition to the staff in Savannah.”

Father Frank was ordained a priest in 1984, and served as Director of the Physical Plant at Saint Vincent (1984-1994) and Dean of Students (1994-1999). He was a member of the Opportunity Program advisory board, and was hon-ored by Saint Vincent College students in 1991, 1995 and 1998 with the presenta-tion of a Student Government Award.

The Army has been a large part of Father Frank’s life for some time. He received a commission in the Army’s engineer branch in 1971 through ROTC and served on active duty in Germany from 1972 to 1974 and at Fort Stewart, Georgia from 1975 to 1978, 3rd Engineer Battalion where he had a company com-mand and the Corps of Engineers. He then left active duty to enter the monas-tery at Saint Vincent. As a reserve officer, he was assigned as an engineer with the Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, later the Baltimore District then, after ordination, as a chaplain with the 339th General Hospital, Pittsburgh and then

with the 464th Chemical Brigade, John-stown, PA. He attained the rank of Colo-nel before retiring in February of 2007.

From July of 2005 to January 2006 he was deployed to Afghanistan serving principally in the Kandahar region. Later in January and through June, he was assigned to the Multi-National Corps – Iraq, Chaplain’s Office, Baghdad where he served as the senior priest in country.

Born July 17, 1949 in Schenectady, New York, he is the son of the late Frank Paul Ziemkiewicz and Lucille Catherine (Stabile) Ziemkiewicz. He has two sisters, Eleanor Marie Maliszewski of Sarver, Pennsylvania and Susan Marie Humm-erich of College Park, Maryland; and two brothers, Dr. Paul Frank Ziemkeiwicz of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Alexan-der Paul Ziemkiewicz of Pittsburgh.

He attended St. Scholastica Parochial School, Aspinwall, and is a 1967 gradu-ate of Fox Chapel Area High School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechani-cal engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1971 and a Master of Divin-ity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 1983.

Father Frank made simple profession of vows on July 10, 1979 and solemn profession of vows on July 10, 1982 at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica. He was ordained a priest on May 26th, 1984 at the Archabbey Basilica before the late Bishop William G. Connare of Greens-burg.

Benedictine Military School was founded in 1902 by monks from Bel-mont Abbey, NC, and came under the auspices of Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1967.



Historic Campus Sites On Web

Six locations on Saint Vincent Col-lege’s campus are listed on the Coun-cil of Independent Colleges Historic Campus Architecture Project (CIC HCAP) website. The recently launched website, www.cic.edu/hcap, is the first architecture and landscape database providing extensive information about significant buildings, Saint Vincent sites listed on the website are, clockwise, from top, left: Alfred Hall, Aurelius Hall, the Archabbey Basilica, the Science Center, the Gristmill and Melvin Platz.

Brother Nathan Cochran, O.S.B., who holds a master’s degree in archi-tectural criticism, submitted the sites to the HCAP website.

The Saint Vincent Archabbey Voca-tions Office has four candidates who have been accepted for the novitiate for the coming year. The candidates are from Jeannette, Philadelphia ,DuBois, and Carnegie, Pennsylvania; and Kissimmee, Florida.

Saint Vincent College graduate Michael A. Antonacci of Jeannette is a 2003 graduate of Hempfield High School. He obtained a bachelor of science degree in May of this year. For more information on his vocation story, see page 15 of this issue.

Andrew Kurzawski of Carnegie, Pa., is the son of Dennis and Mary Kurza-wski. He is a 2003 graduate of Car-lynton Junior-Senior High School. He graduated from Saint John’s Univer-sity in May of 2007 with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy.

George Lange of Kissimmee, Florida

is the son of George L. Lange Sr. and the late Margaret Lange. He is a 1974 graduate of Plum Senior High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from Slippery Rock University in 1996, a master of arts/Ed.S. degree in counseling from the University of South Carolina in 2001 and a doctor-ate in higher education administration from the University of Florida in 2005. He was employed as a district coun-selor of secondary education from the Osceola City School District; Park Place Behavioral Center, Kissimmee, as a drug and alcohol abuse coun-selor; a doctoral fellow at the Univer-sity of Florida, and a psychometrist at the Counselng and Human Develop-ment Center of the University of South Carolina.

Mark Maxwell of Philadelphia is the son of the late Robert Luke and Susan

Maxwell. He is a 1992 graduate of West Catholic High School and graduated this May with a degree in communica-tions from Saint Vincent College. Prior to entering the monastery he worked as an account manager for Kevin Kelly in Philadelphia.

Four Candidates For Archabbey

Saint Vincent Archabbey300 Fraser Purchase RoadLatrobe, PA 15650—2690

724—539—9761http://benedictine.stvincent.edu/

Address Service Requested

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

NON—PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

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Following his visit to Saint Vincent College for the 161st Commencement ceremony, President George W. Bush traveled to Europe for a meeting with Premier Romano Prodi and former premier and conservative leader Silvio Berlusconi. During his visit to Europe he met with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on June 9, 2007. This was President Bush’s first audience at the Vatican with Pope Benedict.

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heart to heart summer 2007

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