Basilian Fathers
The Basilian Order is called a "Clerical Order", meaning that most of its members are priests or candidates for the priesthood. While preparing to take the vows, but before his ordination, the student is called a Scholastic. Upon completing high school and studies in the Humanities, he is required to take two years of Philosophy and a four year course in Theology. These courses are taken at one of the Catholic Universities here or abroad. During his fourth year of Theology, the Scholastic is ordained a priest.
According to ability or inclination, select students are given the opportunity to do post-graduate work. Consequently, there are Basilians with degrees in Sacred Theology or Philosophy; others in Holy Scriptures, Canon Law, or Oriental Studies; some even take courses in Sociology, Letters, or Art.
Being engaged in Educational Work, Basilian Fathers also pursue graduate or post-graduate work in Education. All levels, grade schools, high schools, colleges, and seminaries are administered by them. Recently the educational field has received added attention and interest.
At present, the Basilian Fathers in the U.S.A. are principally occupied in Pastoral Work, caring for individual parishes or mission churches which are entrusted to them by local bishops. Thus, the Basilian priests who prefer to work among the people are engaged in various activities necessary for the salvation of souls including teaching, guiding, administering the Sacraments, visiting the sick, and promoting piety.
Popular missions and retreat movement presently in great demand is another field of Basilian activity, This particular task requires exceptionally well trained missionaries.
The Fathers promote religious renewal of the faithful by Basilian Publications, both popular and scientific. In line with their editorial work the Basilian Fathers published the first complete Ukrainian Catholic Bible in 1963. Their publication of the Vatican Documents have received world-wide recognition. There is also an increasing number of scientific works of young Basilian Scholars.
Although the field of activity for the Basilian priest offers vast opportunity, he always remembers that primarily he is a religious, a man of prayer, striving for his personal sanctification and his own spiritual perfection, for "what does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but suffers the loss of his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26)
According to ability or inclination, select students are given the opportunity to do post-graduate work. Consequently, there are Basilians with degrees in Sacred Theology or Philosophy; others in Holy Scriptures, Canon Law, or Oriental Studies; some even take courses in Sociology, Letters, or Art.
Being engaged in Educational Work, Basilian Fathers also pursue graduate or post-graduate work in Education. All levels, grade schools, high schools, colleges, and seminaries are administered by them. Recently the educational field has received added attention and interest.
At present, the Basilian Fathers in the U.S.A. are principally occupied in Pastoral Work, caring for individual parishes or mission churches which are entrusted to them by local bishops. Thus, the Basilian priests who prefer to work among the people are engaged in various activities necessary for the salvation of souls including teaching, guiding, administering the Sacraments, visiting the sick, and promoting piety.
Popular missions and retreat movement presently in great demand is another field of Basilian activity, This particular task requires exceptionally well trained missionaries.
The Fathers promote religious renewal of the faithful by Basilian Publications, both popular and scientific. In line with their editorial work the Basilian Fathers published the first complete Ukrainian Catholic Bible in 1963. Their publication of the Vatican Documents have received world-wide recognition. There is also an increasing number of scientific works of young Basilian Scholars.
Although the field of activity for the Basilian priest offers vast opportunity, he always remembers that primarily he is a religious, a man of prayer, striving for his personal sanctification and his own spiritual perfection, for "what does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but suffers the loss of his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26)
Basilian Brothers
There are some men who want to devote their lives to God, but they may be advanced in age, or may not be inclined to undertake the arduous studies required for the priesthood. The Order will welcome them as "Lay Brothers", by presenting them with the opportunity for spiritual advancement and growth. They attain full membership in the Order and participate in all the spiritual privileges and benefits.
The vocation of a lay brother does not differ from that of the Basilian priest. He must possess the same desire to dedicate himself completely to the service of God; he must lead a life of prayer and sacrifice; just as a priest, he must strive toward spiritual perfection. The difference is in the type of work a lay brother performs for the glory of God. Having been endowed with manual skills, the brother utilizes his talents to foster the glory of God and the salvation of souls by assisting the Basilian priest in his apostolic and missionary work. Through his labors, the Basilian brother insures the material welfare of the Order.
The Order urgently needs generous souls who seek to dedicate their skills to God, and thus assure themselves "a reward in heaven". Every type of skill can be used in our Order. Brother Cook, by feeding the community, feeds Jesus. Therein he can hopefully expect to hear the consoling words of Our Lord, "Come you, blessed of My Father...for I was hungry and you gave Me food" (Mat 25:34-35). Brother Tailor is inspired by the words if Christ, "I was naked and you covered me" (Mat 25:36). Brothers Carpenter and Mechanic serve God according to the example of St. Joseph. Brothers Gardener and Farmer imitate the dedication of the hidden life in Nazareth. Brothers Printer and Manager make a tremendous contribution to the apostolate of the written word.
Each candidate who desires to serve God with his skill in the Basilian Order has the opportunity to choose the work he likes best. However, it is more important that he is willing to serve God where is is most needed, constantly mindful of Mary's words, "Behold the servant of the Lord: be it done to Me according to Thy word" (Luke 1:38). Upon completion of his novitiate, the candidate who already has a trade will continue to work in his particular field. However, if he is not proficient in any line of work, he will be assigned to an older lay brother to learn his chosen skill. In some cases, lay brothers are sent to a professional school to learn their trade from the experts.
The life of the lay brother is a cheerful blending of prayer and work in accordance with the established tradition in the community. As advocated by the founder, St. Basil, "We must toil with diligence and not think that our goal of piety offers an escape from work...but occasion for struggle, for ever greater endeavor, and for patience...praying that the work of our hands may be directed toward its goal, the good pleasure of God" (Long Rule 37).
The vocation of a lay brother does not differ from that of the Basilian priest. He must possess the same desire to dedicate himself completely to the service of God; he must lead a life of prayer and sacrifice; just as a priest, he must strive toward spiritual perfection. The difference is in the type of work a lay brother performs for the glory of God. Having been endowed with manual skills, the brother utilizes his talents to foster the glory of God and the salvation of souls by assisting the Basilian priest in his apostolic and missionary work. Through his labors, the Basilian brother insures the material welfare of the Order.
The Order urgently needs generous souls who seek to dedicate their skills to God, and thus assure themselves "a reward in heaven". Every type of skill can be used in our Order. Brother Cook, by feeding the community, feeds Jesus. Therein he can hopefully expect to hear the consoling words of Our Lord, "Come you, blessed of My Father...for I was hungry and you gave Me food" (Mat 25:34-35). Brother Tailor is inspired by the words if Christ, "I was naked and you covered me" (Mat 25:36). Brothers Carpenter and Mechanic serve God according to the example of St. Joseph. Brothers Gardener and Farmer imitate the dedication of the hidden life in Nazareth. Brothers Printer and Manager make a tremendous contribution to the apostolate of the written word.
Each candidate who desires to serve God with his skill in the Basilian Order has the opportunity to choose the work he likes best. However, it is more important that he is willing to serve God where is is most needed, constantly mindful of Mary's words, "Behold the servant of the Lord: be it done to Me according to Thy word" (Luke 1:38). Upon completion of his novitiate, the candidate who already has a trade will continue to work in his particular field. However, if he is not proficient in any line of work, he will be assigned to an older lay brother to learn his chosen skill. In some cases, lay brothers are sent to a professional school to learn their trade from the experts.
The life of the lay brother is a cheerful blending of prayer and work in accordance with the established tradition in the community. As advocated by the founder, St. Basil, "We must toil with diligence and not think that our goal of piety offers an escape from work...but occasion for struggle, for ever greater endeavor, and for patience...praying that the work of our hands may be directed toward its goal, the good pleasure of God" (Long Rule 37).
