What Does it Mean to be Benedictine?
A look at our university’s forefathers and foremothers
While many of us with strong connections
to Saint Leo may know
that the university was founded
by monks from the Order of
Saint Benedict, what may be lesser known are
the particulars of what it means to be a Benedictine
community.
Benedictines are known for lives of prayer,
work, and study, as prescribed by the founding
monk, Saint Benedict (480-547) of Italy.
Also, the work of Benedictines is often practical
and tied to the community. Historically,
some Benedictine monasteries in Europe were
centers for learning and teaching. These factors
help explain why Benedictines became
involved in starting and running universities in
the United States.
Benedictines, from their founding days,
have also been known for their hospitality,
which at the time literally meant sheltering
people who had nowhere else to go whether
because of economic need or dangerous political
upheaval. That persists now as a tradition
of providing a welcoming environment for
prayer and learning for everyone, no matter
what background or affiliation.
The Benedictine Monks of Saint
Leo Abbey
Spiritual support of Saint Leo enjoys a long history,
as a Benedictine abbot founded Saint Leo
as a college in 1889.
16 FALL 18 Spirit Magazine
A physical representation of this is the
beautiful white Abbey Church, surrounded by
University Campus. The church remains in the
care and ownership of the Benedictine Monks
of Saint Leo Abbey. While many community
and university events take place there each
year, the Mass of the Holy Spirit is one of the
most celebrated events, led by Abbot Isaac
Camacho, OSB, ’95, for the benefit of the
university community at the start of a new
academic year. Everyone is welcome in the
tradition of Saint Benedict.
“We believe that every student at the university
has the same dignity that God has given to
us, as we claim that he is the creator of us all,”
explained Abbot Isaac.
The abbot and the monastic community also
pray daily for all those who work and study at
the university, in keeping with being a Benedictine
community.
“It is only when we have peace that we can
share with others what we are and have,” shared
Abbot Isaac. “That is why we pray for all in our
Saint Leo community. This is the importance
of a Benedictine community—to care for each
other, to respect all because they are the image
of Christ, to grow in wisdom in the eyes of men
and God as we embrace our personal development.
This can be done with integrity. As we
live in this community and as we depart, we become
responsible stewards in the fields that we
have come to embrace. Excellence is our goal.”
By Jo-Ann Johnston