The Most Memorable Day

The most memorable day in the history of St. Vincent is October 24, 1846, for on this day the cornerstone of the spiritual foundation of the monastery was laid, by Father Boniface giving the habit to his companions. On this day also, common prayer in choir was begun, which since then has continued regularly at set hours and, it is hoped, will continue without interruption for centuries. Father Boniface was happy now, for with his mind’s eye he could see his ideal, the monasteries of the golden age of monasticism in the Middle Ages, the imitation of which he had as the goal of his life’s work.
The words of Weber could be applied to him:2

“And since new days are built upon the rubble of old ones,
A clear eye can perceive the future by looking back.”

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