|
|
Excavation of the Medieval Abbey |
The Abbey of San Vincenzo was founded in 703 A.D. by three Beneventan monks, Paldo, Taso
and Tato. They built on the ruins of a 5th century Roman oratory dedicated to St. Vincent, a Spanish martyr. Within a century, the monastery
became one of the largest abbeys in Europe, a center of spiritual and intellectual culture. The art works included glass making, ceramics,
metal work, enameling, sculpture, calligraphy, manuscript illumination and fresco. Many frescoes are still visible in the national treasures of
the crypt of Abbot Epifanio and the basilica of San Vincenzo Maggiore which was built by Abbot Joshue with the support of members
of the Carolingian dynasty.
This intensly creative life was violently interrupted by a Saracen attack on October 10, 881. The monastery was
put to the torch and between 500-900 monks were massacred. The survivors fled to Capua. In 914 the community returned, restored the ancient
buildings and renewed the monastic life of the founders. In the 12th century, the monastery was moved across the Volturno River stone by stone, leaving the foundations
of the old buildings to become filled terraces for farming. The Chronicon Vulturnese, written by Abbot John during this period, is preserved
in the Vatican Library at Rome.
|
Entrance to the Abbatial Palace |
|---|
The Abbey of Montecassino took possession of the ruined monastery in 1699, but the restoration was
abruptly terminated with the Napoleonic supression. Finally the property passed into the hands of Enrico Catemario Quadri of the Abruzzi
region. He ceded the monastery to the Abbey of Montecassino in 1942 with the intent that monastic life be restored to San Vincenzo. The restoration
was begun under the inspired direction of Abbot Ildefonso Rea.
On May 12, 1990, at the invitation of Abbot Bernardo D'Onorio, two nuns, R.M. Myriam Benedict, O.S.B.,
superior and R.M. Agnes Shaw, O.S.B. cofoundress, arrived from the United States and undertook the pioneer work of renewing traditional
monastic life in its mission of peace in the modern world through a community of work and prayer. (See
Links for the Abbey of Montecassino and for the frescoes and archaeology of the early medieval site of San Vincenzo)
 Main |
Home |
Welcome |
History |
Guests |
Land |
Crafts |
Contact |
Links |
Chronicon |