Lecture by Dom Benedict Nivakoff, Abbot of Norcia, January 28th in Northern California

I would like to cordially invite all readers in the Bay Area/Northern California to the next event in the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music’s Public Lecture and Concert Series. 

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 7:00 p.m., PST

Et ut musica in convivio vini (Eccl. 49, 2): Music and Wine for Monks, Musicians, and Men of Good Will

Lecture by Dom Benedict Nivakoff, OSB, Abbot of San Benedetto in Monte, Norcia, Italy

Sancta Maria Hall, St. Patrick’s Seminary 

320 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park, California

Free Admission; Reception following the Lecture

Bringing to light the Epistle text from the July 11th feast of St. Benedict, this talk will ask and answer some important questions: How did the saint who encourages abstinence from wine and a life without laughter come to be described with a text that talks of music and wine? How can St. Benedict help the musician work with priests who seem not to understand music? How can St. Benedict help priests and seminarians to work with musicians?

The RSVP is available here. 

The lecture is not available via livestream or Zoom; in-person only.

Norcia’s New Sanctuary Paintings in Honor of Our Lady

Near the start of this month of Our Lady, I am very pleased to be able to share with NLM readers several photos of the new wall paintings in the church of the Monastery of San Benedetto in Norcia, Italy. As will be quickly apparent, these are only the start (but what an auspicious start!) of an ambitious iconographic program that will eventually encompass the walls on both sides of the sanctuary, radiating down toward the choir. The monks have thought very carefully about the sequence, the symbolism, and the juxtaposition of scenes.

We will introduce the seven photos as if we are walking up through the choir, toward the sanctuary. (Click on any photo to enlarge it.)

Photo 1. Here we see the monks’ benches on either side, the wrought-iron candle holders, the seat of the prior, the statue of Our Lady, and the sanctuary lamp hanging at the juncture of choir and sanctuary, as if marking out the Holy of Holies.

Photo 2. We ascend the first flight of steps and take note of the Annunciation on the right side. This is one of ultimately six large panels (seven, if you include the image directly above the altar) that will decorate the entire apse. All of the marble is painted “faux marble,” a common technique throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods. On the right are the seats for the ministers at Mass, and the credence table.

Photo 3. Turning to the right, we gaze at the Annunciation.

Photo 4. In keeping with iconographic tradition, Our Lady is shown studying Scripture when St. Gabriel arrives. She demurely looks down, but interestingly her right hand is shown almost in a gesture of blessing, as if she is responding with her hand to the upraised right hand of the archangel. Gabriel wears the dalmatic of a deacon (a messenger of the good news, the Gospel), holds a lily, and genuflects. God the Father, enthroned upon the cherubim (Is 37:16), sends forth His Holy Spirit, which moves toward the Virgin’s womb for the enactment of the mystery of the Incarnation. The vegetation outside recalls the Garden of Eden; this garden is walled, for it is, in the words of the Song of Songs, a hortus conclusus or enclosed garden of unstained virginity consecrated to God.

Photo 5. Now we draw closer to the high altar, nobly dressed with its antependium. To the right, we see the Deposition of Christ; to the left, the holy death of the Virgin Mary and her (implied) Assumption; and directly above the altar, her Coronation.

Photo 6. The Deposition. Our Lady cradles the head of her dead Son; her sister holds His arm with veiled hands; Mary Magdalene bathes His feet again with her tears, a jar of ointment beside her. The crown of thorns and nails lie in the foreground. Giotto-like, three theatrical angels express their grief in contorted flight: one holds a hand over his eyes, another holds both hands to his cheeks, and a third holds his hands up. St. John stands and contemplates. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus rest to the side after their labor in taking the body down from the Cross. The splendor of the colors of all the clothing contrast sharply with the lifeless pallor of the dead Christ. Receding layers of mountains and writhing clouds suggest the ungraspable vastitude of the sacrifice that has been offered.

Photo 7. The Dormition of the Virgin Mary. She is surrounded by Apostles, some of whom are stricken with grief at the loss (as they feel it) of their spiritual mother. Christ her Son holds her soul in His hands. The body will be taken up soon thereafter. One of the Apostles, undoubtedly St Peter, wears a cope and reads a Gospel—the Gospel about “Mary hath chosen the better part.”

All the paints were executed by the Italian painter Fabrizio Diomedi, a portfolio of whose work may be viewed here and here.

Visit Dr. Kwasniewski’s Substack “Tradition & Sanity”; personal site; composer site; publishing house Os Justi Press and YouTube, SoundCloud, and Spotify pages.

Gregorian Chant and the Spiritual Life of Monks and the Laity

Episode 5 of Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast is live, and we have the privilege of bringing you an interview with Fr Cassian Folsom, OSB.

Fr. Cassian, as many NLM readers know, is from the Benedictine Monastery in Norcia, Italy. We discuss with him how singing Gregorian chant forms the spiritual life of the monks through the daily prayer of the Divine Office and the Mass. We also touch on the role of Gregorian chant in the spiritual life of lay people, and its role in parish music programs.

Fr. Cassian is American-born and studied music prior to entering the monastic community of St. Meinrad in Indiana. In 1998, he founded his monastic community in Rome; the community moved to Norcia in 2000. Being steeped in medieval monastic tradition, the monastery is known not only for its 2015 best-selling CD Benedicta: Marian Chant from Norcia, but also for its production of artisanal beer.

The monastery’s website is here.

Buy the monks’ CD “Benedicta: Marian Chant from Norcia” here.

Buy the monks’ beer here.

Solemn Vows in Norcia

This past Friday, on the feast of the Sacred Heart, Br Augustine Wilmeth, who hails from South Carolina, made his solemn vows as a member of the Benedictine Monks of Norcia, promising to live as a monk until the day of his death. Family and friends from the United States and Italy were present for the ceremony, which took place while a thunderstorm added its voice to the chants and ritual. (Photos reproduced with permission from the monks’ most recent newsletter; click here to subscribe though their website.)

Here we see a beautiful custom which formed part of the rite of religious profession among many different religious orders: the newly professed prostrates himself before the altar, and a black funeral pall is laid over him, symbolizing his death to the world, that he may rise in Christ.

After the ceremony, despite the rain, students from the juggling troupe of St Gregory the Great Academy, who had stopped in Norcia during their annual pilgrimage to Rome, performed for the monks and their guests.

Announcing the 2018 Norcia Summer Theology Program

William Blake, Job

From June 17–28, 2018, the Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies, in partnership with the Monastero San Benedetto, will hold its seventh summer theology program in Norcia, Italy.

This summer’s program will be: “Human Suffering and Divine Providence: Thomas’ Commentary on the Book of Job.” We will do a close reading of Thomas’ Commentary on Job, considered one of the saint’s finest and most interesting Biblical commentaries, written about an Old Testament book that has always been a favorite with preachers, moralists, and artists.

The affliction of just men is what seems especially to impugn divine Providence in human affairs. For although it seems irrational and contrary to Providence at first glance that good things sometimes happen to evil men, nevertheless this can be excused in one way or another by [invoking] divine compassion. But that the just are afflicted without cause seems to undermine totally the foundation of Providence. Thus the varied and grave afflictions of a specific just man called Job, perfect in every virtue, are proposed as a kind of theme for the question intended for discussion. (From Aquinas’ Prologue)

This year, the program is pleased to welcome as a guest tutor Dr. Michael Sirilla, director of the graduate theology program at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Additionally, Fr. Thomas Crean, OP, of the Dominican priory in Leicester, England, and Fellow of the AMCSS, will be joining us. Fr. Crean is currently teaching at Newman College, Ireland. Besides the daily seminars and lectures offered by the tutors, there will be a guest lecture by Fr. Benedict Nivakoff, OSB, Prior of the monastery, as well as Fr. Cassian Folsom, OSB, its founder. The two-week program culminates in an authentic scholastic disputation, moderated by one of the tutors.

In addition to the academic program, there is the opportunity to participate in the daily life of worship of the Benedictine monks who live and pray in the mountains overlooking the birthplace of SS. Benedict & Scholastica. Optional excursions include a trip to Orvieto, where St. Thomas lived while he was writing the Commentary on Job. 

Participants are encouraged to plan for extra time before or after the program in order to explore Rome, the glorious foundation seat of the Church. Indeed, the program ends on the day before the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, so participants could attend the Papal Mass at St. Peter’s on that day. Tickets will be arranged for all who are interested.

For more information, including costs and registration, visit the Summer Program details page.

The St. Albert the Great Center is dedicated to the revival of theology undertaken according to the mind and method of the great scholastics, and in particular, the work of St. Thomas Aquinas. All are welcome to apply, including graduate students, seminarians, clergy, and religious. The AMCSS will issue an official transcript with a grade for any who requests it.

EF Candlemas in London

The church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory, located on Warwick St in London, England, will have the traditional Candlemas blessing of candles and procession, followed by Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form, with William Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices, and motets by Byrd and Orlando Lassus. The celebrant and preacher will be by Fr Benedict Nivakoff, prior of the Benedictine Monks of Norcia; the ceremony will begin at 6:30 pm,

Procession and Solemn Mass at Norcia for the Summer Feast of St. Benedict

Today the Benedictine monks who live in the mountains above the birthplace of Saints Benedict and Scholastica celebrated the mid-summer (July 11th) feast of their holy patriarch with solemn Terce, an outdoor procession and blessing of the valley with a first-class relic, and finally Solemn High Mass, with a Benedictine as the priest celebrant, a Dominican as the deacon, and a Jesuit as the subdeacon. (Afterwards, speaking with the three, we joked that it was an “ecumenical liturgy.”) The chapel was full, with many standing. What follows are photos taken by three people.

The start of the office of Terce.

The Gothic reliquary, containing a tooth of St. Benedict.

Monks and laymen took turns carrying the reliquary.

Continue Reading this Article. . .

Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving at the Monastery of Norcia

Today, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the issuance of the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum, the Benedictine Monks of Norcia celebrated a solemn High Votive Mass of St. Benedict, with prayers of thanksgiving added as a second set. The participants of the Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies’ Summer Theology Program were present (that’s how I happened to be there) and one of them, a seminarian, took some photographs that he shared with me for NLM. The liturgy began with the office of Terce, as indicated by the use of the cope.

The photos permit us a glimpse of the new chapel that the monks have built with the help of many neighbors and visitors from Italy and abroad. This new chapel will serve the monastery’s needs until, at a future date, it becomes possible for the community to proceed with a new and much larger Italian Gothic church akin to the basilica in town that now lies in ruins.

Spending these days in an agriturismo right below the monastery has given me a new appreciation for the spirit of zealous determination that characterizes these faithful sons of St. Benedict, who truly embody the motto succisa virescit (cut down, it grows back again).

 

Continue Reading this Article. . .

Norcia Summer Theology Program: Syllabus & Last Call for Applications

The 2017 Norcia Summer Theology Program of the Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies, "Divine Power in a Hidden Way," will be starting up in a month's time: July 2-14.

We still have room for last-minute applications, so if you've been tottering on the edge about coming, now's the time to make the final decision. A full description of the program and practical details may be found at the above link.

We now have the syllabus for the seminars and would like to share the topics with NLM readers. Each seminar will be based on a reading from St. Thomas Aquinas's Commentary on the Sentences IV.

1. Monday, July 3: Introduction to program, author, book, and themes
2. Monday, July 3: Definition of sacrament; whether sacraments were necessary after the fall; whether sacraments consist of words and things
3. Tuesday, July 4: Whether sacraments of the New Law are a cause of grace; whether sacraments of the Old Law confer grace
4. Tuesday, July 4: Whether sacraments are remedies for evils; why there are seven; how these ought to be ordered; why the sacraments were instituted at a certain time 
5. Wednesday, July 5: Definition of baptism; the formula of baptism; why water must be used
6. Wednesday, July 5: The sacramental character; the effects of baptism; the three kinds of baptism
7. Thursday, July 6: The Eucharist as a sacrament; its unity, names, figures, and institution
8. Thursday, July 6: The words of consecration of the host and the chalice
9. Friday, July 7: Understanding the Mass: St. Thomas’s commentary on the Roman rite
10. Friday, July 7: The reception of the Eucharist
11. Monday, July 10: The Real Presence
12. Monday, July 10: Transubstantiation
13. Tuesday, July 11: The matter of the Eucharist
14. Tuesday, July 11: The effects of the Eucharist, and how frequently it is to be received
15. Wednesday, July 12: The minister of the Eucharist

As one who has worked closely on these texts, I can assure you that they make for incredibly interesting and enlightening reading.

During the program, there will also be formal lectures by

• Fr. Martin Bernhard, OSB
• Fr. Thomas Crean, OP
• Gregory DiPippo
• Fr. Cassian Folsom, OSB
• Dr. Peter Kwasniewski
• Fr. Benedict Nivakoff, OSB, Prior
• Christopher Owens

The monks of Norcia look forward to welcoming all participants in the Summer Theology Program, especially as they open their new chapel to the public (which will be inaugurated this Pentecost Sunday). The best part of the program, in my opinion, is studying the rich readings of Aquinas in the context of attending the daily usus antiquior Masses and the chanted Divine Office. It is the sort of combination that ought to be the norm in Catholic life but is so rarely met with.

Reminder: Summer Theology Program in Norcia Accepting Applications

As announced here on February 21, the sixth annual Summer Theology Program of the Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies, held in Norcia, Italy, is accepting applications from prospective students. With the program running from July 2-14, now is the time to apply!

In addition to our usual heady round of prayer, study, conversation, quiet walks, and ample Italian meals, this year's program is going to be special in two ways.

First, we will be studying the sacraments in general, and baptism and the Holy Eucharist in particular, using the first-ever English translation (with facing-column Latin original) of St. Thomas Aquinas's first mature theological work, the Commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard. As a major participant in the project to get this work translated and published, I can assure you that it is an intensely interesting and provocative text to work with -- not as lapidary as later Aquinas, and rather adventuresome in its objections and arguments. It should be a great text for seminar discussions. This commentary was, for many centuries, one of the most influential texts in Catholic theology due to the way it readily lined up with Sentences commentaries by a host of great scholastics (e.g., Albert, Bonaventure, Scotus).

Second, we will be spending our study, prayer, and discussion time up in the quiet and beautiful hills above the ancient town of Norcia. The view from there is stirring. We will be living near the new location of the Benedictine Monks of Norcia and assisting at their chanted office and Mass. It is an exciting time to be part of the spiritual and material rebuilding of Christendom at its symbolic heart, the birthplace of the Patron of Western Monasticism and Co-Patron of Europe. The Albertus Magnus Center has always been and will always be devoted supporters of the Monks of Norcia, with whom we wish to show our solidarity.

Allow me to emphasize that this is not a program for academic specialists but for anyone who is seeking a deeper grasp of Catholic theology at the feet of the Angelic Doctor and who is willing to do the reading and be involved in the discussions. Past participants have included grad students, married couples, retirees, priests, religious, and seminarians.

If you are considering taking part in the program and have any practical questions about it, please feel free to write to the director, Mr. Christopher Owens.

An appeal to our readers

Although we have not raised our tuition compared with former years, our overall per-person expenses this summer are higher, due to logistical difficulties following from last year's earthquakes. We believe that this Summer Program, so beneficial to students from around the world and to the Monks of Norcia themselves, is a worthy endeavor that deserves to keep going long into the future. In particular, we are eager to find sponsors for seminarians and graduate students who demonstrate their worthiness and financial need. Any readers who would like to make a tax-deductible donation to ensure that the program continues should contact the director Mr. Christopher Owens, or, if they prefer, use the online donation page. Thank you for your prayers and your support!

Now Available: Lectures and Disputed Questions on the Letter to the Hebrews

Praelectiones et Quaestiones Disputatae -- On St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews. Proceedings of the 2016 AMCSS Summer Theology Program. Ed. John P. Joy. Strathcona, MN: Libri Albertini, 2017. Paperback, 140pp. $18.99. Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk

NLM readers are most likely already familiar with the work of the Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies (AMCSS). The theme of last summer's program was "The Transcendent Christ: On St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews." This just-published volume collects the lectures delivered over the course of the program as well as the culminating scholastic disputation, which involved several disputed questions, conducted at a very high level -- but with some entertaining elements, too. As one who was present for all the lectures and involved in the disputed questions, I can say that this is a most helpful book for those interested in the theology of the liturgy, the sacrifice of Christ, the Mass as a true and proper sacrifice, and the headship of Christ over the Church.

CONTENTS 

“The Sacrifice of Christ as an Act of Vicarious Satisfaction”
John P. Joy, S.T.L.

“How Is the Mass a Sacrifice?”
Rev. Thomas Crean, O.P., S.T.D.

“The Symbolism of the First Entrance of the Holy Synaxis in the Mystagogy of St. Maximus the Confessor”
Rev. Yosyp Veresh, S.T.D.

“Biblical and Liturgical Typology in the Letter to the Hebrews”
Rev. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B., S.L.D.

“The Christian Liturgy as Sacrificium Laudis in the Epistle to the Hebrews”
Peter Kwasniewski, Ph.D.

“‘Credere oportet accedentem ad Deum’ – On the Nature and Necessity of Faith”
Br. Evagrius Hayden, O.S.B., S.T.M.

“Christ as Head of the Human Race”
Daniel Lendman, S.T.L.

Quæstiones Disputatæ 
Rev. Thomas Crean, O.P., S.T.D.
Q. 1. Whether he who performs the rites of the Old Law offends God?
Q. 2. Whether the shedding of blood is necessary for the remission of sins?
Q. 3. Whether to please God it is sufficient to believe that he is and is a rewarder of those who seek him?

Also, a reminder to readers that the AMCSS is now welcoming applications for the upcoming Summer Theology Program in Norcia in July, dedicated to St. Thomas's sacramental theology. See here to read NLM's announcement. The online application page is here.

Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies Announces 2017 Norcia Theology Summer Program

Agriturismo Casale - the base of our operations

The Albertus Magnus Center for Scholastic Studies is happy to announce that registration is now open for the July 2017 summer theology program in the town of Norcia. This will be our sixth summer program since 2011. We are especially excited to be studying the sacraments, with a close look at baptism and the Holy Eucharist, through the lens of Book IV of the Commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard by St. Thomas Aquinas, which has some of the Angelic Doctor's most extensive and intriguing discussions of sacramental theology from his entire career. The tutors will be Fr. Thomas Crean, O.P., Christopher Owens, and Peter Kwasniewski. Fr. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B., the founding prior of Norcia, will join us for a lecture and conversation.

"Divine Power in a Hidden Way:

Thomas' Commentary on Sentences IV"

July 2nd - July 14th in Norcia, Italy

"These are the sacraments, in which, under the cover of visible things, divine power works our healing in a hidden way, as Augustine says."
~St. Thomas Aquinas, Prologue, Commentary on Sentences IV

Program Description 

The theme for the 2017 Summer Program is Sacramental Theology. We will be undertaking a close reading of selected texts from the Commentary of Aquinas upon the Fourth Book of the Sentences of Peter Lombard. The Sentences was the standard "textbook" of the 13th and 14th century University of Paris, and all bachelors were required to write a commentary. Thus, in this work we find the thought of a relatively young Thomas Aquinas, having begun his writing of it at around 28 years of age.

This study is a particularly noteworthy one, as it will be the first time a study of Aquinas' Commentary on the Sentences will be accessible to all, thanks to a new translation into English. A taste of the commentary, from its prologue:

He sent his Word and healed them, and delivered them from all their destructions (Ps 107:20). By the sin of the first man, the human race incurred two things, namely, death and infirmity. Death, because of its separation from the principle of life, of which it is said, with you is the font of life (Ps 36:9); whoever is separated from this principle necessarily dies, and this happened through the first man. Hence it is said, by one man sin entered the world, and by sin, death (Rom 5:12).
          But a sufficient remedy could be obtained for this only from the word of God, which is the font of wisdom on high (Sir 1:5) and, accordingly, the source of life: for wisdom endows its possessor with life (cf. Sir 7). Thus it is said, as the Father raises up the dead and gives life, so the Son also gives life to whom he will (Jn 5:20). The word is the power of God, by which all things are upheld: upholding all things by the word of his power (Heb 1:3). And this is why it is efficacious for removing infirmity.
          Therefore in this way three things are touched upon in the words above: namely, the preparation of this medicine, healing from infirmity, and liberation from death. The preparation of the medicine is touched upon when it says, he sent his word. This should be understood as referring to the incarnation of the Word, who is said to be sent by God because he became flesh: God sent his Son, born of a woman (Gal 4:4).
          It should also be understood as referring to the institution of the sacraments, in which "the word is combined with the element and the sacrament is made"; so that in this way a sacrament is similar to the Incarnate Word. For sensible creation is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer (1 Tim 4:5).

In accordance with the particular mission of the Saint Albert the Great Center for Scholastic Studies, which seeks to promote the study of theology according to the mind and method of the great scholastics, the core of every summer program lies in the attentive reading and thoughtful discussion of the great texts of the Catholic theological tradition. After Scripture itself, pride of place belongs to the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and especially to St. Thomas Aquinas.

Seminar

Our verbal commentary on these texts, carried out in a formal seminar setting, is intended to approximate the scholastic practice of written commentary undertaken by the theological "bachelors" of the day. Participants in the program will be expected to read the assigned selections before each seminar in order to come prepared to participate in group discussion of the texts. Although every participant is expected to contribute his or her insights to aid the entire group in coming to a deeper understanding, these seminars will be guided by our program directors, Fr. Thomas Crean, Dr. Peter Kwasniewski, and Mr. Christopher Owens, who have advanced degrees in theology, competency in the subject matter, and experience in the seminar method of pedagogy.

Lectures

The second part of the program consists of a series of lectures delivered by our "masters" of theology, who consist of the Fellows of the Center, joined by members of the monastery of St. Benedict in Norcia. A keynote will be given by Fr. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B., the founder of the community. Topically, the lectures will complement the subject-matter of the seminars.

Scholastic Disputation

The program reaches its culmination with our authentic scholastic disputation: the questions to be disputed will be announced at least one day in advance, and the participants divided into teams, which will be assigned to argue either for or against each question. Each participant will be expected to form his or her own thoughts on the questions, and attempt to answer them. At the disputation itself, members of each team will offer arguments in scholastic style as an objection or a ‘sed contra’ (“it seems that…” or “it seems not…”). After each team has argued its case, the "Master" of the disputation will give his solution, and then reply to each of the arguments posited by the participants.

Liturgy and Spiritual Life

Throughout the two weeks of the program there will be ample opportunities for spiritual activities. Even though this past year has seen the devastation of the town and of the monastery, the monks are working with us to ensure that the spiritual needs of the program participants will be met. Holy Mass in the usus antiquior will be available daily, as well as various hours of the Divine Office. The priests of the monastery will be available for spiritual counseling, guidance, and/or confessions upon request.

Relaxation

The enrichment of mind and spirit fostered by attentive reading of the Scriptures and participation in the prayers and liturgies of the monastery will be complemented by moments of relaxation and cultural activities. Optional excursions will be organized to nearby towns (places to be announced; in the past, we have traveled to Assisi and Cascia).

Eligibility

The 2017 Summer Program is open to all applicants 18 years and older. The application process includes the completion of an application form and the submission of a letter of recommendation.

Cost

Inclusive of course materials, classes, full board, and housing, as follows:

Quadruple room: 1050 Euro
Triple room: 1175 Euro
Double room: 1300 Euro
Single room: 1550 Euro

Camping (bring your own equipment): 550 Euro
Camping (rental equipment provided): 800 Euro

(See our Housing Page for more details.)

Participants should plan some extra money for excursions, souvenirs, etc. Payment can be made by check, credit card, or paypal account. If paying with U.S. Dollars, simply calculate the amount necessary based on the exchange rate at the time of payment.

Course Book: We are very blessed to be in partnership with the Aquinas Institute, who is giving us a substantial discount on the beautifully bound volume of St. Thomas' Commentary on IV Sentences (Retailed at $40). This will be included as a part of the program fees!

Location: The 2017 Summer Program will be held in Norcia, Italy. Norcia is a small town in the province of Perugia in southeastern Umbria. For directions on reaching Norcia, see Getting to Norcia.

Course Credits: The Saint Albert the Great Center for Scholastic Studies is not a degree granting institution, but we will assign grades and provide official transcripts verifying completion of a four credit-hour course for those who are interested.

To Apply

Apply now online and complete the application form, and have your letter of recommendation emailed to the following address:
Chris.Owens@AlbertusMagnusCSS.org

A 350 Euro deposit is due upon acceptance. The deadline for applications is May 16, 2017. The remainder of payment is due by June 1.

For online application and more information, visit the website.

The location of the 2017 program, nearby the monastery "in monte"

Refectory

The view from the rooms

More Earthquakes in Italy - The Monks are Safe

Central Italy was rocked by earthquakes once again today, three of them within an hour. The first took place at 10:25 a.m. local time, 5.1 on the Richter scale, the second at 11:14, a 5.4, and the third at 11:25, a 5.3. All three were centered in the province of L’Aquila, which is within the Abruzzi region, but very close to the part of Umbria which includes Norcia, and where significant earthquakes struck last year at the end of August, and again at the end of October. (L’Aquila itself was hit by a very powerful earthquake in 2009.)

I spoke with someone who is very close to the community of the Benedictine Monks of Norcia, who reports that they are fine; however, there will certainly be damage to many of the communities which were already hit by the earlier seismic events, and are also experiencing an unusually harsh winter this year. Thus far, Italian newspapers are not reporting any casualties.

The Patron Saint of nearby Ascoli Piceno, St Emygdius, a bishop and martyr of the persecution of Diocletian, has long been invoked by the Italians against earthquakes, and was so renowned for this devotion that his feast on August 9th was also adopted by several Californian dioceses. These prayers from First Vespers of his proper Office would be appropriate way to ask that Italy be spared any further harm from this event; I have added the prayer against earthquakes from the Roman Missal.

Aña : Emygdius spíritu oris sui idolórum cultum et templa subvertit; quos in Christo génuit filios, illos fidéliter a ruínis terraemótus servávit.
V. Amávit eum Dóminus et ornávit eum. R. Stolam gloriae índuit eum.
Orémus. Oratio Deus, qui beátum Emygdium, Mártyrem tuum atque Pontíficem, idolórum victoria et miraculórum gloria decorasti: concéde propitius; ut, eo interveniente, malórum spirítuum fraudes víncere et coruscáre virtútibus mereámur.
Omnípotens sempiterne Deus, “qui réspicis terram, et facis eam trémere:” parce metuéntibus, propitiáre supplícibus; ut, cujus iram terrae fundamenta concutientem expávimus, clementiam contritiónes ejus sanantem júgiter sentiámus. Per Christum, Dóminum nostrum. Amen.

Aña : Emygdius by the breath of his mouth overthrew the worship of idols and the temples; he faithfully kept the sons whom he had begotten in Christ from the ruin of the earthquake.
V. The Lord loved him and adorned him. R. He clothed him with a robe of glory.
Let us pray. Prayer O God, who didst honor the blessed Emygdius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, with victory over idols and the glory of miracles: grant in Thy mercy, that by his intervention, we may merit to overcome the deceits of wicked spirits, and shine forth with virtues.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who lookest down upon the earth and makest it tremble, spare those who are afraid, show Thy mercy to those who implore Thee; that we who fear Thine anger, which shaketh the foundations of the earth, may evermore enjoy Thy mercy, which healeth its commotions. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Norcia 2017 Calendar Available for Free Download

Of the many excellent options out there for traditional Catholic calendars (either EF exclusive or EF & OF combined), the Norcia wall calendar has become my favorite. This is not simply due to my being an oblate of the monastery, although I can't deny that that's a part of its appeal, but has to do with the meditative quality of the photos and the easy-to-follow layout, which works well for me as a choir and schola director who leads music for both forms of the Roman Rite. There are very few bi-formal wall calendars out there (Cantius is the only other one I know of, but readers could correct me in the combox if there are others.)

The monks of Norcia have made a beautiful calendar for 2017, but due to the upheavals, they will not be publishing it in paper form. It is available for free download here.

(It can be printed in a number of ways, but if you have access to 11"x17" paper, it prints nicely on that size.)

Solemn High Mass with Monks of Norcia at Wyoming Catholic College for the Feast of St. Andrew

On November 30, the students, faculty, and staff of Wyoming Catholic College enjoyed the privilege of hosting a visit from two of the monks of the monastery of Norcia, Fr. Benedict Nivakoff, the Prior, and Fr. Martin Bernhard. The monks, together with college chaplain Fr. Robert Frederick, celebrated a Solemn High Mass for the Feast of St. Andrew. The student Schola chanted the Propers and the student Choir sang Hassler's Missa Dixit Maria, Verdelot's "Sit Nomen Domini," Byrd's "Ave verum Corpus," and Tye's "Laudate Nomen Domini."

Fr. Martin preached a rousing homily on how the words of Our Lord calling St. Andrew to drop everything and follow Him were not just spoken 2,000 years ago, but are spoken to us every time this Gospel is proclaimed in the liturgical action. Our Lord is calling young men and women in this very church to follow Him in a life of radical dedication, even a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience for the Kingdom of heaven.

Later in the afternoon, the monks led second Vespers for the feast, and met with men at the College who are discerning religious life.

We were delighted to have Fr. Benedict and Fr. Martin on campus (it was the third time monks of Norcia have come!) and we hope to welcome them or any of their confreres back again whenever they are next traveling anywhere near the Cowboy State.