Saint Vincent In 1852

“Now we are 14 priests and 16 clerics. The number of brothers stands at 77, of whom 20 will receive their habit next week. Out of their midst also death has taken two victims. Among these 77 brothers are 5 blacksmiths, 5 carpenters, 5 woodworkers, 4 masons, 2 tanners, 1 saddle maker, plenty of weavers, 6 shoemakers, only 2 tailors along with a few dabblers, 3 bakers, 1 gardener, dairy men, 1 belt maker, 1 miller, 1 bricklayer, cooks, brewers, and many farmers. Some of them are multiply gifted and can practice two or three trades if need be. Many are also musicians. It is a rule for the brothers that they must allow themselves to be used in any job, and therefore I can actually use them for almost all jobs which do not require a special skill.”

—Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B.

—From Boniface Wimmer, Abbot of Saint Vincent in Pennsylvania, translated by Dr. Maria Von Mickwitz and Father Warren Murrman, O.S.B., editor.