Pockets of Peace
Story: Allison Duda | Photography: Liz Palmer
Boniface Wimmer had a calling: to bring the Benedictine way of life to America. In 1846, he launched his mission, establishing a monastery and school atop a hill in Western Pennsylvania. As his community worked to overcome physical and spiritual hardships, it is likely that rest was not among Wimmer’s primary concerns, but God has a way of providing what you don’t know you need.
With its mountainous skyline, copious green spaces, and striking sunsets, the land Saint Vincent occupies is a reminder of God’s plan for peace—a place to sit, to stroll, to slow down, to be still. Wimmer and his community of monks no doubt benefitted from the surrounding beauty. Amid the challenges of building a community from the ground up, they were provided with a reminder to be mindful. A loving nudge to rest.
The pressures of life have changed since the nineteenth century. Smartphones, Netflix, and social media have stolen little pieces of our souls to feed our anxiety. Even when we say we’re “unplugging,” we’re literally plugging in our phones to charge for the next round of distractions. Today our challenges are different from the ones our founders faced, but the path to peace is not. At least not at Saint Vincent.
Those of us lucky enough to glimpse sunlight through the Basilica’s stained glass, stroll Melvin Platz in winter, or find a hidden nook in Dupré know what the early Benedictines knew: God has blessed this institution with pockets of peace that restore our souls, inspire creativity, and encourage deep, belly-filling breaths.
These tranquil places provide for students what Pope Leo XIV describes in his most recent apostolic letter Drawing New Maps of Hope, as an education that “regards the inner life” with “spaces for silence, discernment, and dialogue with their conscience and with God.”
These spots on campus are not lost on our students or the wider Saint Vincent Community. This generation knows it must be intentional about seeking peace. Thanks to Boniface Wimmer’s faithful response to God’s call, they don’t have to go far to find it.
“My favorite space for peace is Father Sebastian’s Garden. I often go out with my cup of coffee very early in the morning and walk or sit and just be with Jesus.”
Brother Mark Floreanini O.S.B.,
C’01, S’04
associate professor of art
“My pocket of peace is the alcoves in Dupré. There are whiteboards, couches, and armchairs to sit and relax or do homework. I find that the alcoves provide a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of the other study spots on campus that are in more high traffic areas, and the natural light coming through all of the windows makes you feel warm and at peace.”
Abigail Leonard
junior biochemistry major
“My spot is the study room behind the barista in the corner. This specific study room brings me peace because it is out of the way of the commotion of everything; however, it still allows you to soak up the sun, get work done, and have that warm, cozy feeling of being outside. It has everything: quiet, coffee, and the ability to enjoy nature.”
Alyssa Henderson
junior business administration major
“My favorite place on campus is the piano studio in Carey, with the concert grand pianos. When I’m tired or stressed, I’ll go up there and play for a while with the lights off and just enjoy the music and solitude. And then when I’m finished, I take a deep breath and go back to my day.
Hannah Schell
senior music major
“The gardens behind the Library. It’s a nice, serene, and quiet spot that allows for a retreat away from the classrooms and buildings. It is also very easily accessible. Many native plants grow there, and it is not uncommon to see animals such as chipmunks, birds, and squirrels. It makes campus feel more alive and among nature.”
Shane Tomb
senior computer science major
“My favorite place to venture to on campus is The Reservoir beside the old tin shop. It is a place I like to go to take a break from the stress of schoolwork and reflect on nature. I especially enjoy seeing wildlife along the pond, such as deer, geese, fish, and even herons.”
Kaitlin Waltman
junior theology major
“My little pocket of peace at SVC is the trail behind Dupré and the cemetery. This is the best spot on campus for a walk and to unwind. I personally love bringing a rosary and praying while walking. The best times to visit this spot are at dawn and dusk if you want to see the local wildlife.”
Shane Tomb
senior computer science major
My pocket of peace is Melvin Platz. In winter, it glows under snow and candy cane lights; in warmer months, it fills with students passing by or community members sharing lunch. Each season brings its own beauty. Yet the most moving moments are at graduation, when the Ava Maria Bell rings—signaling accomplishment, gratitude, and new beginnings for our students.
Dr. Kayla Jachimowski
assistant professor of criminology, law, and society
“For me the most peaceful place on campus is the statue of Boniface Wimmer in front of the Basilica late at night. Oftentimes when I am feeling down or worried, I will walk over and stand by the statue watching the road and the lights of Latrobe in the distance. I like to ponder what Wimmer thought about when looking over that same hill. It brings me great peace and comfort to know that over the past 200 years many others have stood at that same spot and thought about their futures and where they came from and found the strength to keep fighting and going forward no matter what difficulties they may have faced.”
Cory Kendall, C’19
graduate criminology, law, and society student
“There’s a room in the Crypt dedicated to Mother Mary, called the Grotto. It has beautifully carved stone walls, old wooden kneelers, and an altar with a tabernacle and candles, and behind the altar at the mouth of a filled-in cave is a statue of Mary looking up to Heaven. I’ve never felt such peace in prayer as I have in the Grotto.”
Leo Chilcoat
freshman philosophy major
“My absolute favorite spot on campus is the Student Chapel. Whenever I’m there, I always feel the closest to God and the most at home on campus. I usually attend one of the late-night masses on the weekends. This helps me to center myself and reflect spiritually on my past week before starting a new one.”
Brayden Russell
junior chemistry major
“My pocket of piece on campus is the Basilica. This is such a beautiful place for connecting with God and a wonderful place to pray. I love the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in the Basilica; it’s so beautiful, and I feel so calm when I walk in. Both of these places are so pretty and embody the beauty of Catholicism. I feel so much comfort and awe when I walk into the Chapel and Basilica. It’s a place to feel comforted in times of stress and a great place to pray and connect with God.”
Elena Ruffalo
freshman psychology major