Honoring St. Benedict and the Benedictine legacy in the Diocese of Erie
By Allison Mosier07/11/2025
Each year on July 11 the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Benedict, Father of Western Monasticism and one of the most influential saints in Christian history. His Rule for monastic life, centered on prayer, work, hospitality and community, has shaped religious life for centuries and continues to inspire generations of faithful today. In the Diocese of Erie the legacy of St. Benedict is alive and deeply rooted, especially in the town of St. Marys where Benedictine priests and sisters have played a vital role in shaping Catholic life for more than 170 years.
St. Marys in Elk County holds a special place in the story of American Benedictine life. In 1852 Benedictine sisters from St. Walburg Abbey in Eichstätt, Bavaria, journeyed to the frontier town of St. Marys to begin what would become the first Benedictine convent in the United States. Establishing St. Joseph Monastery, the sisters quickly became known for their dedication to education, healthcare and parish ministry. They taught in Catholic schools, cared for the sick, opened Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital and served wherever the needs of the community called. For generations their quiet devotion helped build a strong Catholic identity in the region, rooted in Benedictine values of humility, prayer and hospitality.
In addition to the work of the sisters, Benedictine monks and priests also became part of the fabric of St. Marys. Today that tradition lives on through the dedicated ministry of two Benedictine priests who currently serve at St. Mary Parish: Rev. Ignatius Camello O.S.B. and Rev. Thomas Curry O.S.B. Both men are members of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, the oldest Benedictine monastery in North America. Their presence at St. Mary’s is more than just pastoral, it is a continuation of a sacred tradition that began when Benedictines first arrived in the region to care for the spiritual needs of Catholic immigrants.
Through the celebration of the sacraments, daily prayer, preaching, spiritual direction and personal witness, these priests bring the Rule of St. Benedict to life in a parish setting. Their ministry is marked by stability, gentleness and a deep sense of commitment to the people they serve. Whether celebrating Mass, visiting the sick or guiding the faithful in their spiritual growth, they model the monastic virtues of balance, humility and reverence. Their presence not only honors the deep roots of the Benedictine tradition in Elk County but also reminds us that this legacy is still unfolding in the present.
Beyond St. Marys the Benedictine influence continues through the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, based at Mount St. Benedict Monastery. Though their ministry is distinct, it is united in spirit. These sisters continue to serve the church and the world through social outreach, spiritual guidance and hospitality. Their work in the city of Erie reflects the enduring power of St. Benedict’s call to seek God in all things and to see Christ in each person.
The Diocese of Erie has long been shaped by the Benedictine commitment to community and formation. While St. Mark Seminary in Erie is not Benedictine, it reflects the same values of prayerful discipline, intentional living and the formation of hearts centered on Christ. The presence of Benedictines in parish life and religious life continues to enrich the spiritual landscape of the diocese in quiet but meaningful ways.
As we honor the feast of St. Benedict, we give thanks for the countless ways his wisdom and vision have shaped our diocese. From the early sisters in St. Marys to the present, day priests who continue to shepherd the faithful there, the Benedictine tradition remains a vital thread in the fabric of our Catholic story. It reminds us to live with intention, to serve with humility and to seek God always with hearts full of trust.
The story of the Benedictines in the Diocese of Erie is a living legacy, one of faith, resilience and quiet strength. May their example continue to guide our church and lead us all closer to Christ.
Prayer in honor of St. Benedict and his legacy:
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