BENEDICTINE COLLEGE MINISTRY- ST. MARTIN CENTER
MISSION
The mission of the Benedictine College Ministry St. Martin Center is to form the students, faculty and staff of the college in the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Catholic tradition of sacramental union, spiritual formation, scriptural literacy and social mission.
VISION
Transform lives in Christ - John 15:5 Benedictine College Ministry exists to transform lives in Christ through His Church, by living in community with the students and those affiliated with Benedictine College and guiding them on their journey of intellectual, personal, and spiritual formation.
IMPACT
Benedictine College Ministry aims to form men and women who are joyful in their vocation, leaders in their communities, competent in their profession, mature in their faith, virtuous in their decisions, and dedicated to serving the global human family by building a culture of life and civilization of love for the glory of God. Through the work of Benedictine College Ministry, the Catholic Church on campus, graduates will bring Christ and his Church's mission to all aspects of culture, especially the family, social, economic, religious, and new sectors of society. Ultimately our goal is to help students experience eternal happiness with the Trinity in heaven.
OUR PATRON SAINTS
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SAINT BENEDICT OF NORCIA
480-547 - Solemnity: March 21
St. Benedict is the founder of Western, Christian Monasticism. During his life he founded 13 monasteries, the most famous at Monte Cassino. During his ministry, a raven saved his life numerous times. Benedict's main achievement was his "Rule", containing precepts for his monks. It has a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness which persuaded most religious communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it. As a result, the Rule of Benedict became one of the most influential religious rules in Western Christendom. Benedict was canonized by Pope Honorius III in 1220. Today there are more than 60,000 Benedictine saints. |
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SAINT SCHOLASTICA OF NORCIA
480-543 - Solemnity: February 10
St. Scholastica is the twin sister of St. Benedict. She was the leader of a female community, five miles from Monte Cassino which followed the Rule of St. Benedict. Once a year, Scholastica and her brother would spend the day together worshiping and discussing sacred texts. One year, when the day came to a close, Benedict indicated he needed to leave despite Scholastica’s requests that he stay. When he refused her, she began to pray and a huge storm came, forcing Benedict to stay with her in conversation for the night. He returned to Monte Cassino the next day. The location of this meeting is called "The Meeting Place." Three days after their meeting, Scholastica died, and Benedict saw her soul fly to heaven in the form of a dove. |
OUR HISTORY
St. Benedict's Abbey Founding Abbot
Abbot Innocent Wolf, OSB
1843-1922 |
Mount St. Scholastica Founding Prioress
Mother Evangelista Kremmeter, OSB
1863-1884 |
- 1858, Benedictine priests and brothers begin college ministry
- 1924, Benedictine sisters begin college ministry
- 1933, Abbot Martin Veth consecrates altar stone currently in St. Martin’s Chapel
- 1951, St. Martin’s Chapel dedicated
- 1957, St. Benedict's Abbey Church completed
- 2008, St. Benedict's Abbey Church dedicated
- 2009, Mary's Grotto dedicated
BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY
JESUS CHRIST
We believe in the love of Jesus Christ and the faith revealed to, and handed down by, the Roman Catholic Church. To grow in a relationship with Jesus by using the gifts of faith and reason to see and do things the way God does “The love of Christ must come before all else.” RB 4:21
COMMUNITY
We believe in service to the common good, respect for the individual, virtuous friendship, and the beatitudes, To demonstrate good will, humility, trust, accountability, justice, faithfulness, obedience, peace, and discipleship “They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other.” RB 72:4
CONVERSION OF LIFE
We believe conversatio, a commitment to personal conversion or growth, positively transforms life. To pursue continual self-improvement, seeking the truth each day, joyfully beginning again and again, hoping in God “Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way.” RB 4:20
LOVE OF LEARNING
We believe rigorous scholarship in the liberal arts, rooted in the monastic tradition, leads to the discovery of truth. To strive for wisdom lived in responsible awareness of oneself, family, society, nature, and God
“We intend to establish a school for the Lord’s service.” RB P:45
LISTENING
We believe seeking counsel and listening should lead to wise resolution and action. To engage all members of the community on important matters so leaders make good decisions. “Call the whole community together and explain what the business is; and after hearing the advice, ponder it and follow the wiser course.” RB 3:1-2
EXCELLENCE THROUGH VIRTUE
We believe that a daily discipline and practice of virtue leads to learning, freedom, and greatness. To personally strive for excellence in all things, practicing cardinal and theological virtues until they become habit. “That in all things God may be glorified.” RB 57:9
HOSPITALITY
We pledge to uphold the dignity of every human person from the beginning of life to its natural end. To be open to the multitude of persons in the human family, God’s greatest treasure and our greatest resource. “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.” RB 53:1
STABILITY
We believe in a commitment to one’s vocation in a daily rhythm of life following St. Benedict and St. Scholastica. To develop a balanced way of life and love for the people and place along with fidelity to its traditions. “Never swerving from his instructions, we share in the sufferings of Christ to also share in his kingdom.” RB P:50
STEWARDSHIP
We believe the Lord God made all things and called them good. To care for creation and the goods of this place, our time, talent, and treasure, as gifts from God. “Regard all utensils and goods as sacred vessels of the altar.” RB 31:10
PRAYER AND WORK
We believe our Ora et Labora cooperates in God’s plan to make all things new. To always be in conversation with God through prayer and value the dignity of all work and human activity. “We believe that the divine presence is everywhere… They live by the labor of their own hands.” RB 19:1-48:8
