Monastery News

The Brother Edward Englund, O.S.B. Benedictine Leadership Institute

Last summer, educators from 15 Benedictine secondary schools throughout the United States met in Lisle, Ill. for the fi rst Benedictine Leadership Institute (BLI). Developed as a three-year formation program for persons interested in furthering their careers as administrators in a Benedictine high school, the three-year curriculum has been designed to cover topics dealing with Benedictine heritage, charism and wisdom tradition. The Institute is named in honor of Brother Edward Englund, O.S.B., who, before his death, was a member of the International Commission on Benedictine Education and a long-time leader for collaboration among Benedictine schools. Hosted at the Lisle campuses of Benedictine University and Benet Academy, as well as at the Sacred Heart Monastery and Saint Procopius Abbey, participants from the Priory included teachers Andrew Lee and David Rafoni, as well as administrators Tim Molak and Al Zappelli. This summer, Year Two of the BLI will take place on the campuses of Saint John’s University, Saint John’s Prep and the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota. Saint John’s Prep is the host school for this year’s BLI. The week-long activities will provide an opportunity for current lay educators, staff and administrators to build community and discover best practices in Benedictine education.