Sant’Anselmo
Rome, Italy

WORK OF THE SJBVC

Sant'Anselmo Monastery is a beautiful and historic Benedictine community located in the heart of Rome, Italy. The monastery is not only a place of worship but also a center of learning, with an extensive library and a vibrant community of monks from different faith backgrounds as well as laypeople who are dedicated to living out the Benedictine values of prayer, work, and hospitality.

Volunteers arrive in August and start taking an Italian language course and getting to know the local culture right away, preparing them for their work at the Portineria, the information desk for the monastery. Volunteers also play an essential role in maintaining the life and spirit of the monastery by participating in a variety of tasks and activities. One of the key responsibilities of the Benedictine volunteers is working on the grounds, doing maintenance, and upkeep work to keep the monastery looking its best. This includes gardening, landscaping, and general maintenance work.

In addition to working on the grounds, volunteers also perform other essential services that help maintain the life of Sant'Anselmo. For instance, volunteers chauffer the Abbot Primate, one of the most important figures in the Benedictine community, to and from various engagements. Volunteers may also help with upkeep in the library, which houses an extensive collection of rare and valuable books, manuscripts, and artifacts.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of volunteering at Sant'Anselmo is the opportunity to participate in the daily life of the community. Volunteers attend Mass, participate in communal prayer, and engage in spiritual reflection and study alongside the monks. This immersive experience allows volunteers to deepen their faith and gain a greater appreciation for the rich history and culture of Rome.

Volunteering at Sant'Anselmo Monastery is a unique and fulfilling experience that offers individuals the opportunity to deepen their faith, learn about monasticism, and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Rome. Through prayer, work, and community, volunteers play a vital role in maintaining the life and spirit of the monastery and in living out the Benedictine values of hospitality, humility, and service.

THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED

2005-2006: Mark Hoffman

2006-2007: Andrew Johnson

2008-2009: Brady King

2013-2014: Patrick Moe & Jake Harris

2014-2015: Mark Greci & John Dube 

2015-2016: Jacob Berns, OSB & Gabriel Amon

2016-2017: Matt Devery & Nathan Anderson

2017-2018: William Harren & Ramond Mitchell

2018-2019: Kyle Munshower

2019-2020: David Stokman & Noah Hynes-Marquette

2020-2021: Noah Becker & Andrew Ellingson

2021-2022: Jake Kutina, Austin O’Keefe, Joe Pieschel & Tyler Johnson

2022-2023: Graham Anderson & Jonathan Trude

2023-2024: Brandy Belisle, Nikola Zbiljic

2024-2025: Preston Parks, Alec Otte