The Decline and Fall of Saint Mary's of the Barrens: A Case Study in Contraction of An American Catholic Religious Order - Part One

Presenter Information

Richard J. Janet Ph.D.

Abstract

The closing of Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Seminary offers an example of the reaction of religious orders to the Second Vatican Council. In the United States especially, there was conflict between orders’ missions and their members’ individual identity as tied to specific works. Saint Mary’s Seminary formed hundreds of churchmen and provided a “unifying spirit” to apostolates. It closed due to declining enrollment and changes in the American church’s culture. When it did, Vincentians disagreed on what to do with apostolates. Details on the decision to close Saint Mary’s and the apostolates’ fate are provided from surveys and reports.

Recommended Citation

Janet, Richard J. Ph.D. (2001) "The Decline and Fall of Saint Mary's of the Barrens: A Case Study in Contraction of An American Catholic Religious Order - Part One," Vincentian Heritage Journal: Vol. 22: Iss. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://via.library.depaul.edu/vhj/vol22/iss2/2