Read our latest edition of Belmont Abbey Magazine.
Alumni News
May God Bless Bishop John McDermott ’85, 11th Bishop of Burlington, VT
This afternoon, Monsignor John J. McDermott ‘85 was ordained and installed as the Bishop of the Burlington Diocese. The very first Belmont Abbey College graduate appointed to the episcopate, Bishop McDermott will serve and steward the life of the Church throughout the entire state of Vermont, across 125 parishes.
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the Abbey, Bishop McDermott pursued his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 1989, he has served as parochial vicar or pastor in seven different parishes of the Burlington Diocese, Chaplain to Rice Memorial Catholic High School and to Middlebury College, and Associate Director of the Catholic Center at the University of Vermont. After earning his Licentiate in Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, Bishop McDermott became Chancellor of the Diocese, within which role he has served in various additional capacities, including Moderator of the Curia, Vicar General of the Diocese, and Defender of the Bond and Promoter of Justice in the Diocesan Tribunal.
When asked about his priorities in this new position, Bishop McDermott said, “As a bishop I am charged with the proclamation of the Gospel, or putting it another way, sharing Jesus Christ with the people of Vermont. Everything else flows from this, pastorally, liturgically, educationally. So, I’d say my top priority is to make Christ known, and then work in all areas of diocesan life to achieve this.” Click here to read more of Bishop McDermott’s thoughts.
The entire Belmont Abbey community wishes to congratulate Bishop McDermott and to thank him for his years of faithful service to the Church. May God bless this new, vocational unfolding in a life so deeply ingrained with the Benedictine hallmarks and so generous in its sacrificial love.
Belmont Abbey College Alumnus Celebrates First Profession of Monastic Vows
Belmont Abbey College Alumnus Celebrates First Profession of Monastic Vows
Belmont, N.C. (July 11, 2024) – Today, on the Feast of St. Benedict, Belmont Abbey celebrates the first Profession of Vows of Brother Gabriel Hamilton, formerly known as John Paul Hamilton, an alumnus of Belmont Abbey College’s Class of ‘20. The profession took place during the monastic community’s Conventual Mass, which was attended by Brother Gabriel’s family and friends and members of the college community.
In his homily, Abbot Placid reminded Brother Gabriel that the monastic profession involves a unique embrace of the cross of Christ. Quoting from the Gospel of John, he assured Brother Gabriel with Jesus’ words, Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me (John 12:26).
Following the homily, Br. Gabriel professed with vows binding for three years, stability in the community, fidelity to the monastic way of life, and obedience according to the Rule of St. Benedict. Following the vows, the monastic community exchanged the sign of peace with the newly professed, recognizing Br. Gabriel’s acceptance as a vowed member of the monastic community.
As a temporarily professed monk, Br. Gabriel will continue his prayer and discernment under the guidance of Father Elias to explore his true calling to the monastic life.
Br. Gabriel, an alumnus of Belmont Abbey College and a graduate of the Honors College, completed his studies in 2020 with a major in English. During his time as a student, he received invaluable guidance and mentorship from dedicated faculty members who played a crucial role in shaping his character and formation.
The celebration of Br. Gabriel’s first Profession of Vows is not only a profound moment for him personally but also a significant milestone for the entire Belmont Abbey Community. Belmont Abbey College joins in offering prayers and support as Br. Gabriel continues his monastic formation and looks forward to witnessing the growth of his vocation in the years to come.
For more information about Belmont Abbey Monastery, please visit https://belmontabbey.org/.
For more information about Belmont Abbey College, please visit https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/.
Press Inquiry Contact: Sarah Bolton, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.
Abbey Alum Co-Authors Powerful Tribute to Bishop Su Zhimin
Recent grad Christopher Mee ’24 co-authored an impactful article with Nina Shea, Director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom! Their piece, “A Birthday Tribute to China’s Heroic Bishop Su,” sheds light on the persecution of Bishop James Su Zhimin.
Abbey Grads Join CMPD
In April, three Belmont Abbey College graduates joined the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Luis Mena ’23, Lily Contreras ’23, and Christina Osmera ’21 started the academy in October of 2023, completed over 900 hours of training, and officially joined the CMPD in April with Dr. Julia Beeman, Chair of the Criminal Justice program at the Abbey, present to share in their accomplishment.
Congratulations to these three honorable officers now serving Charlotte-Mecklenburg!
