‘A reminder of Christ’s eternal priesthood’
Two chalices donated by the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey to newly ordained diocesan priests, Father Darren Balkey and Father Aaron Huber, are shown after they were blessed by Bishop Peter Jugis June 17 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. (Photo by James Sarkis)BELMONT — Newly ordained diocesan priests Father Darren Balkey and Father Aaron Huber are the latest alumni of Belmont Abbey College to receive chalices once owned by Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey as ordination gifts.
In their characteristic spirit of fraternity and hospitality, the community of 15 monks gave the chalices, once used by monk-priests, to the two diocesan priests for their June ordination in order to continue to help build up the Church in North Carolina. The chalices will hold the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, consecrated by the priests during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
“This ordination was especially meaningful to me, not just because of the chalices, but also because both men are alumni of the college, and I have had the privilege of observing them since they were college students,” says Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of Belmont Abbey College.
Father Balkey received Benedictine Father Charles Kastner’s chalice, and Father Huber received Benedictine Father Robert Brennan’s chalice. The two monk-priests lived in the early- to mid-1900s.
“The monastery is aware of the work the two monks did, especially during the days of the Vicariate Apostolic and the Abbey ‘Nullius’ to provide pastoral care for the relatively few Catholics, especially in western North Carolina,” Abbot Placid notes.
Father Charles was ordained in June 1923. According to monastery records, he was known for his pastoral zeal, his care for the young, and also for his service to the community as rector of the Abbey Cathedral. He died in 1959.
Father Robert was ordained in June 1924. He was primarily a teacher in preparatory schools, leading classes in geography, history, civics, religion, economics, mathematics, English and Latin. He also held leadership roles in the schools and in the community. He died in 1964.
Father Charles’ chalice, which Father Balkey received, is a neo-Gothic vessel cast from sterling silver, with a gold-plated bowl on its interior. He also received a paten with a St. Benedict Cross on the underside.
In this photo from Father Charles Kastner’s solemn profession of vows as a Benedictine monk in 1921 are (from left) Father Norbert McGowan, Father Kastner and Father Robert Brennan, who lived at Belmont Abbey in the early to mid-1900s. (Photo provided by Belmont Abbey)“My sacred vessels reflect how Belmont Abbey Monastery nourished my priestly vocation,” Father Balkey explains, noting that when he was a student at Belmont Abbey College, the monks introduced him to the Liturgy of the Hours.
“Having Father Charles’ chalice is a fantastic reminder of Christ’s eternal priesthood. By using a sacred vessel which existed before me and will endure after I die, I realize that I am taking my place in a long line of priests down through the ages,” Father Balkey shares. “I hope to express my gratitude for these precious gifts each time I offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.”
Father Robert’s chalice, which Father Huber received, was made in 1924. It is a parcel gilt with three different precious metals: gold, silver and rose gold. The base has a cross on one panel and lilies on the others.
Father Huber’s mother generously offered her wedding ring to be incorporated into the chalice, and that now constitutes most of the cross.
“I am grateful for the generosity of my mother and the monks of Belmont Abbey, and I am excited to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with this chalice for the glory of God and the sanctification of His people,” Father Huber says.
“We are happy that the chalices which our monks used during their work can be used again by priests of the Charlotte diocese in their work of caring for North Carolina Catholics,” adds Abbot Placid. “It is especially meaningful that these two alumni of our college have these chalices.”
— SueAnn Howell