"To prefer nothing to the love of Christ."

Mr. Mark Maxwell to Brother Maximilian Maxwell, N.O.S.B.

I first came to know about Saint Vincent by searching online for religious communities in Pennsylvania. I am originally from Philadelphia and wanted to find information on communities in my home state first. Saint Vincent was the most popular hit on this search engine. I looked at the aerial view of Saint Vincent Archabbey and immediately wanted to know more about the Benedictine community that was steward of such a breathtaking part of Pennsylvania. I was moved by the information, the men of the community, and their many apostolates, including parish, hospital, and campus ministries, working with the poor, teaching in high schools, colleges, and seminaries and work in foreign missions, along with their manner of living out the Benedictine way of life in prayer, at work and also in the arts. So, I contacted the vocation director Father Fred Byrne, O.S.B. and after a few phone calls and discernment meetings with my spiritual director back in Philly, I made arrangements for my first vocation visit.

After a few vocation visits, It was clear that the Benedictine Community at Saint Vincent preferred nothing to Christ. The question was, do I prefer the same in my life? I prayed to God, read Scripture, made an effort to attend daily Mass, and talked to friends whom I trusted. After a few months, I asked the vocation director Father Fred Byrne to apply for the Novitiate. I did not have my undergraduate degree and I was early in my recovery to alcohol. Following several meetings, phone calls, and emails, I was not permitted to enter the 2005 Novitiate. During a meeting with Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B. I was offered the opportunity to apply to Saint Vincent College to earn my degree and spend time independently working the steps of local AA meetings, at the same time getting to know the Benedictine Community. Archabbot Douglas explained, "you need to be ready for the community and the community ready for you."

I spent the last two years earning my degree in Communication at Saint Vincent College and have continued to grow in a deeper awareness of who I am as a recovering alcoholic and, in addition, came to know the Benedictine Community. I was permitted to be voted on and entered the 2007 Novitiate. I am no longer Mark, but Brother Maximilian, a name prayerfully given to me by Archabbot Douglas Nowicki, O.S.B. I prayed and continue to pray that Saint Maximilian Kolbe will help and intercede for my daily conversion.

In the Gospel of Mark 2:17-19 after Jesus invites the disciples to, "come after me, and I will make you fishers of men", they respond by abandoning their nets and following him. I share this passage with you because abandoning our nets takes time, effort, and energy. To be men who follow Christ we must not just put down our nets, but abandon our nets of ego, pride, selfishness, and self-fulfillment, every day. No matter what, do not be afraid to abandon your net and follow Christ, at this very moment! If you feel that you have a desire to prefer nothing to Christ, and you seek Christ in your heart, by all means contact our vocation office by email or telephone.