Apostolates
St. Benedict’s Legacy at Marmion Abbey
Unlike most founders of religious orders, St. Benedict did not respond to a specific need in the Church by creating an apostolate. Instead, he felt called to something greater: living the Christian life. His vision was to form a community united in the sanctification of the world. For this reason, our Holy Father Benedict decreed that the primary apostolate of his monks would be the Work of God (the Divine Office).
Understanding the need for balance in monastic life, he also encouraged engagement in various other works. In his Rule, St. Benedict expressed the desire for monks to be self-sufficient, providing for their needs within the monastery. Ultimately, it was not the type of work that mattered, but that monks glorify God through both work and prayer.
Throughout Church history, monks have been known for two principal works: education and missionary activity. The monks of Marmion Abbey carry on this tradition by operating Marmion Academy on the monastery grounds and maintaining a mission in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. They also assist the faithful in the Dioceses of Rockford and Joliet through parish sacramental ministry.
Another major work of the Marmion monastic community is Abbey Farms, which supports the activities of the monastery. Beyond these primary apostolates, individual monks are engaged in a range of ministries, including spiritual direction, counseling, university teaching, groundskeeping, seminary formation, tailoring, military chaplaincy, woodworking, retreats, and writing.