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| Type | Seminary |
|---|---|
| Established | 1891 (1891) |
Religious affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Chancellor | Gregory M. Aymond |
| Rector | Matthew Clark |
Academic staff | 20 |
| Students | 103 |
| Location | ,, United States 30°31′36″N90°06′41″W / 30.5267°N 90.1115°W /30.5267; -90.1115 |
| Campus | Rural |
| Colors | White, navy blue |
| Nickname | St. Ben's |
| Mascot | The Ravens |
| Website | sjasc |
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Saint Joseph Seminary College (also known asSt. Ben orSt. Ben's) is aCatholicseminary inSaint Benedict, Louisiana. Founded in 1891, it is operated by theBenedictine monks ofSaint Joseph Abbey and thedioceses in theecclesiastical provinces ofNew Orleans andMobile.[1]
The college isaccredited by theSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools and offersBachelor of Arts degrees in eitherphilosophy and theliberal arts orphilosophy andtheological studies to men seeking eventual ordination aspriests in theRoman Catholic Church.[2] The college also has a two-year pre-theology program for students who have already attained a college degree. After attending Saint Joseph Seminary College, seminarians wishing to continue priestly studies will attend a graduate seminary. In the past, Saint Joseph Seminary College has also offered degrees with majors in psychology, history, and English.
There is also the tradition of a flag football game, called Bonfire, between St. Ben's and the graduate seminary of New Orleans,Notre Dame. This tradition has gone on for well over 70 years. The annual game takes place in a field on the vast property of the Abbey the Friday before Thanksgiving. The students at St. Ben's spend weeks building a massive bonfire out of the downed trees on the surrounding forests owned by the Abbey. After the game, the two seminaries join to share in fellowship and traditional Louisiana foods around the bonfire.[3]
