Monastery

January 17, 2025 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Belmont Abbey College Alumnus Celebrates Solemn Profession of Monastic Vows

Belmont Abbey College Alumnus Celebrates Solemn Profession of Monastic Vows

Belmont, N.C. (January 17th, 2024) – On the Memorial of Sts. Maur and Placid, Belmont Abbey celebrates the Solemn Profession of Vows of Brother Chrysostom Sica, formerly known as Joshua Sica, an alumnus of Belmont Abbey College’s class of ‘24. The ceremony took place at the Mary Help of Christians Basilica, where Brother Chrysostom was joined by his family, friends, students, and members of the college community.

In his homily, Abbot Placid emphasized that the monastic profession is a special calling that involves embracing the cross of Christ. Drawing from the Gospel of John, he reassured Brother Chrysostom with the words of Jesus, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be” (John 12:26). Abbot Placid congratulated Brother Chrysostom for responding faithfully to God’s call after four years of discernment with the monks.

Following the homily, Brother Chrysostom made his profession of the vows of stability, fidelity to the monastic life, and obedience according to the Rule of St. Benedict. Afterward, the monastic community exchanged the sign of peace with the newly professed monk, officially welcoming him as a vowed member of the community.

Brother Chrysostom, who graduated from Belmont Abbey College in 2024 with a degree in Philosophy, greatly benefited from the mentorship and guidance of the dedicated faculty during his studies. He is currently studying Theology at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Meinrad, Indiana, and is in formation to become a priest.

The Solemn Profession of Vows is a profound moment for Brother Chrysostom personally, and it also represents a significant milestone for the entire Belmont Abbey community. Belmont Abbey College offers its continued prayers and support as Brother Chrysostom begins this new chapter as a fully professed monk.

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, Belmont Abbey College, sarahbolton@bac.edu or 704-461-7016.

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December 13, 2024 By Sarah Bolton Leave a Comment

Behind the Divine Office

Join Br. Chrysostom and Fr. David as they explore all things Divine Office. Dive into the history of this sacred tradition, discover the distinctive elements of the Abbey’s Divine Office, and learn what goes into creating this unique liturgical practice.

Listen now!

July 20, 2023 By radefolaju Leave a Comment

Solemn Profession of Brother Leo

On Tuesday, July 11th, the Feast of St. Benedict, the monastic community of Belmont Abbey in Belmont, North Carolina, celebrated the profession of solemn vows by Brother Leo Young, O.S.B. The celebration occurred during the regularly scheduled 11 AM daily Mass at The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. The Mass was open to the public and the Belmont Abbey College community. The occasion was one of joy, with standing room only in the Basilica. Abbot Placid Solari concelebrated the Mass alongside 12 priests and several seminarians, who joined the community for this wonderful event. Having entered the community in March of 2018 as a postulant, Brother Leo now joins the monks at Belmont Abbey as a full member of the Benedictine community. Congratulations, Brother Leo!

April 5, 2023 By bacw Leave a Comment

Monastic Life: A Monks Perspective

Author: The Crusader Staff Writer, Sarah Bruton

Have you ever seen Brother James around campus or heard people talk about him? Brother James has been a monk here at Belmont Abbey since 2013. However, he wasn’t always a monk or Catholic. He became a monk 9 years ago on his journey to reconnect with God while living in Charleston, SC, as a merchant marine.

As a Benedictine monk here at Belmont, Brother James lives by the Benedictine Hallmarks and Traditions to live for God rather than himself. He demonstrates this daily as he is always trying to be involved in school activities and is also an excellent listener when needed. He lives his life to show the students here how appreciative the monks are to have us students attend the college they have built and want to spread knowledge to everyone.

Brother James states, “I became a monk to pursue the will of God because it’s a calling and gift and for yourself, for happiness. I was looking for more, and I wasn’t expecting it to be a monastery, but that is what God wanted me to have.” He also states, “Listening is the key component. I listen to people because I listen to God.” He gives spiritual direction, which is listening to the person and God and determining what God wants the person to hear and not what they want to hear by spiritually guiding them.

If you see a monk or Brother James around campus, go and talk to them and find out about their journey to Christ.

This article was originally posted in the Spring of 2023, Issue 1 of The Crusader Newspaper. Download the full issue here.