Reflecting on our past, representing our future

The celebration

Our legacy is long, but has a very humble beginning. Two diocesan priests, without funds, property or permission, traveled half-way around the world to establish the Capuchin Order, simply because they had been so moved by Capuchins they knew in their native Switzerland. Today Capuchins have spread from this little hill in Mt Calvary, Wisconsin, throughout the entire country, as well as Central and South America. In particular, today we celebrate one small part of the Capuchin legacy in the Americas--the establishment of St Lawrence Seminary. St Lawrence has educated nearly 6,000 young men over the past 150 years. These graduates have become bishops, priests, deacons, doctors, lawyers, military officers, teachers, businessmen and every other profession you can imagine. But more than that, these men, whether religious or lay, have become instrumental in the operation and leadership of the Catholic Church for the past 150 years. St Lawrence has grown from a one-building monastery for students to a state-of-the-art college preparatory school for over 200 students from around the world. Through it all, the Capuchins have made this experience possible for any young man willing to listen to the voice of God and discern God's calling for him. Join us as we celebrate our first 150 years and plan our next 150 years!

Mark your calendar with these dates.

About the mark

As we celebrate the heritage of St. Lawrence Seminary through this sesquicentennial celebration, we have the opportunity to reflect upon our school's strong foundations. The mark created for the year of celebration incorporates the Tau cross with a Capuchin friar reflected within the shadow. This mark depicts the purpose of the event: "Reflecting on our past, representing our future."