At Saint Vincent Archabbey Artisans, faith and craftsmanship are inextricably linked. Our Benedictine monks are dedicated to creating high-quality, beautiful products that reflect our values of simplicity, hospitality, and community.
When you purchase from Saint Vincent Archabbey Artisans, you are not only supporting our Benedictine community, but you are also receiving a product that is made with care and attention to detail. Our artisans use the finest materials and techniques to create products that are both functional and beautiful.
Our Work
Fiber Arts • Stained Glass • Bookbinding • Calligraphy
Living a life of ora et labora, or prayer and work, the Benedictines of Saint Vincent Archabbey have many opportunities for both endeavors.
The arts have been a part of the Archabbey since its founding, with Archabbot Boniface Wimmer noting that “my heart is in this work, and I will spare no expense to teach the students first what is necessary, then what is useful, and finally what is beautiful so long as it contributes to their refinement.”
He also wrote that “religion and art must cooperate to give our liturgy and outward splendor, great dignity, and even grandeur to render it dear to the people.”
Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania is the oldest Benedictine monastery in the United States.
It was founded in 1846 by Boniface Wimmer, a monk from Bavaria, Germany. Under Wimmer’s leadership, Saint Vincent Archabbey quickly became a center of Catholic life in America. The monks founded schools, parishes, and missions all over the country. They also published books and magazines, and they played a leading role in the development of Catholic education and culture in the United States.
The Artisans
Father Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B.
Father Thomas More is pastor of Saint Marys Parish in St. Marys, Pa., and has served in a variety of other roles in parishes in the dioceses of Greensburg, Pittsburgh and Erie. He has also served at Saint Vincent Archabbey, College and Seminary.
His interests in the arts are varied, from bookbinding to calligraphy and even music, as he plays violin in the Archabbey Baroque ensemble.
A monk for more than 30 years, he has studied at the Pontifical College Josephinum, Saint Hyacinth College, the University of Pittsburgh and Saint Vincent Seminary, earning the B.A., M.A. and M.Div. degrees.
Brother Mark Floreanini, O.S.B.
Brother Mark made first vows as a Benedictine monk in 1998 and serves as a member of the Saint Vincent College fine arts faculty, teaching in a variety of media.
He founded Archabbey Stained Glass and creates stained glass windows, paints, and does various other forms of art, including making pottery mugs, yarn bowls, spinning wool and crocheting.
He has an Associate Degree in fine art from Sinclair Community College, a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Saint Vincent College, a Master of Arts degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Arts and Design.
Brother Albert Gahr, O.S.B.
Brother Albert is a Saint Vincent College alumnus who completed a doctorate in genetics and developmental biology from West Virginia University. He entered the monastery in 2008 and, in addition to serving as associate professor of biology, he is both junior master and novice master of the monastic community.
Father Michael Antonacci, O.S.B.
Father Michael earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and physics from Saint Vincent College, a master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary, and was ordained to the priesthood in 2014. Following completion of his doctorate in physics from the University of North Carolina, he joined the physics faculty of Saint Vincent College in 2019. Father Michael works in fiber arts and also does calligraphy.
Father Vincent de Paul Crosby, O.S.B.
Father Vincent received a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Saint John Vianney Seminary and a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary. He did further studies at Tyler School of Art, Temple University, and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. That was followed by a year of independent art studies in Rome. Specializing in fabric eart, he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Catholic University of America. He works primarily in fabric art but also has done sculpture and still does digital design. His custom work, primarily in vestments, is available on his own website, linked here.
