Summer Sketches
Belmont Abbey
In 1 month, 25 days, and 16 hours from now, we will welcome our largest class (yet AGAIN) — the Class of 2020!
As we’ve been preparing for their arrival, a lot of other fantastic things have been happening on campus this summer.
The General Monastic Chapter
As you may know, Belmont Abbey belongs to the American-Cassinese Congregation of eighteen other Benedictine monasteries. Although each abbey is essentially autonomous and self-governing, they each offer mutual support and accountability through the congregational structure. Every three years, the abbots of each monastery and an elected delegate from each community meet in General Chapter to oversee the life of the monasteries of the congregation.
Belmont Abbey hosted the General Chapter for the first time. The Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation also attended all the way from Rome!
Abbot Placid and Bishop Jugis say Mass alongside 18 other priests!
#OnlyAtTheAbbey
The closing photo of the General Chapter. #GotMonks
Crusader Prep Day
On Friday, June 17 we hosted roughly 240 guests — accepted students and their families for Crusader Prep Day One!
The Class of 2020 got to pick up their class schedules and get their student IDS.
They each got to take a picture with the Crusader. #RaiseTheRed
Class bonding activities included a water balloon toss in the quad and speed-friending on Abbey Lane.
Already putting their skills, talents, and abilities to work, the new Crusaders even helped to paint the banners for Orientation!
Father Cory’s First Mass at the Abbey
Bishop Jugis ordained Cory Catron of the Class of ’10 to the priesthood for our Diocese of Charlotte.
Father Catron celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving in the Abbey Basilica on Sunday.
Fr. Cory at Consecration at his first mass at the Abbey.
When Blessing of the cornerstone of Stowe Hall in 1886, Abbot Leo Haid commented: “The work and prayers here shall spread God’s blessing over this beautiful country in years to come, when perhaps few of you who are listening to me now shall be among the living.”
It is examples, such as newly ordained Father Cory, that remind us of our mission “that in all things God may be glorified” and how these “works and prayers” are spreading His blessings throughout the country.
The Commissioner’s School
Each summer, the Gaston County Board of Commissioner funds a two-week residential experience for rising 10th graders at Belmont Abbey College, and this past week we had the pleasure of hosting them again. The Commissioners’ School of Excellence (CSE) offers a variety of hands-on activities and seminars designed to help participants better understand Gaston County and their own roles as future leaders.
Quo Vadis
We also hosted Quo Vadis this past week. Quo Vadis is a 5-day camp for young Catholic men to learn more about their vocations, to deepen their faith, and to better discern God’s call in their lives. “Quo Vadis” is the Latin phrase for “Where are you going?” Legend tells us that St. Peter asked Jesus this question on the outskirts of Rome.
Steven, who has been dual enrolled here, was one of the many boys here to discern the priesthood. He comments: “The best thing about Quo Vadis all the people that come. All the guys are really easy to get along with, There’s a lot of fellowship, a lot of comradery; and, the priests are very accessible. There are a lot of priests, so you get to know priests on a deeper level than before. You get to meet seminarians and deacons. You get to ask all sorts of questions about the faith and get them answered. And when you leave, really your life is changed.”
The talks were led by several priests. Bishop Jugis even said mass one of the days!
Quo Vadis campers included Peter, Jose, and Matthew, who are part of the new minor seminary’s class of 2020! Peter will even be attending as part of the Men’s Volleyball team this fall.
Basketball Camp
Throughout the summer the Abbey runs a series of camps including a Men’s Basketball Camp, for grades K- 12, in the Wheeler Center.
This summer, the basketball camp is run by our new Head Coach Billy Taylor. To read more about one of our latest editions to the Abbey Family click here.