St. Lawrence Seminary (High School - Minor)
| Saint Lawrence Seminary | |
|---|---|
| Type | Minor Seminary (High School) |
| Status | Active |
| Affiliation | Capuchin Franciscan Province of Saint Joseph |
| Religious communities | Capuchin Franciscans |
| Operated by | Capuchin Franciscan Province of Saint Joseph |
| Religious order | Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (Capuchin Franciscans) |
| City | Mount Calvary, Wisconsin |
| State / province | Wisconsin |
| Country | United States |
| Address | 301 Church Street, Mt Calvary, WI 53057 |
| Founded | 1860 |
| Website | Official site |
| Levels of formation | High school / minor seminary (residential college preparatory) |
Saint Lawrence Seminary is a Catholic minor seminary and residential college-preparatory high school in Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, operated by the Capuchin Franciscan Province of Saint Joseph. It serves young men from across the United States and around the world who are discerning God's call to the priesthood, religious life, or lay leadership.
History
On October 15, 1856, two Swiss diocesan priests, Fathers Francis Haas and Bonaventure Frey, arrived in Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, to establish the Capuchin Order in the United States; both later entered the Capuchin Order themselves. In 1860, the Convent Latin School opened as part of their friary with four students, an event that marks the beginning of Saint Lawrence Seminary. Enrollment grew steadily in the following years — 15 students in fall 1862, 20 the next year, and 49 by 1864, when a college wing was added to the friary. Another college wing was added in 1867, forming a quadrangle with the friary. By 1868 the school had 28 Capuchin friars and 42 students, but on Christmas night of that year a fire destroyed the entire complex except part of the parish church. The school reopened the following fall in a rebuilt friary and college known as the Little Seminary of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi. Saint Joseph Hall was erected in 1872, and the Laurentianum, the current main building, was built in 1881. By the time Father Francis died in 1895 and Father Bonaventure died in 1912, Saint Lawrence College was firmly established as a major educational institution in the Midwestern United States.
Campus and Formation
Saint Lawrence Seminary's mission is inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, providing a residential college preparatory education in a living Catholic community that nurtures mature, well-rounded men of faith preparing for lives of ministry as priests, religious, or lay leaders. Students, guided by Capuchin friars and lay staff, are formed around six values: Spirituality, Social Skills, Knowledge, Diversity, Humble Commitment, and Safe Community.
Current Status
Saint Lawrence Seminary continues to operate as a thriving minor seminary drawing students from across the United States and internationally. As of the source text, Fr. Bill Hugo, OFM Cap., serves as Rector/President.