by Shelby Bland
Special to The Leaven
OVERLAND PARK — Each year, the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison set aside an evening to gather with the friends, families, and supporters who make their ministry possible, while also recognizing ecclesial and civic leaders whose accomplishments have greatly served the Catholic faith.
Rooted in the Benedictine tradition of hospitality, Abbot’s Table is more than a dinner; it is an opportunity for the monastic community to express gratitude for and celebrate the people whose lives in the world advance the causes and values rooted in the monks’ calling within the cloister.
Abbot’s Table is also a way for the monastic community of St. Benedict’s Abbey to honor outstanding members of the community with the Lumen Vitae Medal.
The Lumen Vitae Medal is presented each year to two honorees — individuals, families or organizations — whose work and service reflect the values of the abbey and the church. These honorees are selected by the monastic community and recognized for their cherished contributions to the church and society, building up God’s kingdom on earth.
This year’s recipients of the Lumen Vitae Medal were all councils of the Knights of Columbus in Kansas, as well as former Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and his wife Dorian Anderson. Both medalists are outstanding examples of faith-filled service to the church. Through charitable giving, community strengthening and outspoken evangelization, both honorees give inspiration to all who meet them.
The Knights of Columbus in Kansas were honored this year especially for service in providing resources for local communities and hosting opportunities for church members to gather together in fellowship. Since the first state convention in 1902, the Kansas Knights’ service has included contributions to the war efforts during the First and Second World Wars, advancing the pro-life cause through fundraisers and public demonstrations, and much more.
Carl and Dorian Anderson have both distinguished themselves in their personal capacities by serving the Knights of Columbus at the national level, bringing the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family to Washington, D.C., and by uplifting the pro-life cause through the Knights of Columbus initiative to donate ultrasound technology to pregnancy resource centers.
Before being presented with the Lumen Vitae Medal by Abbot James Albers, OSB, the Kansas Knights of Columbus and Carl and Dorian Anderson were each introduced with a tribute video highlighting their contributions to the greater church community.
This year’s 13th Abbot’s Table, held at the Overland Park Convention Center on April 18, began with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Shawn McKnight, joined by Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann and Abbot James. The evening then continued into a social hour, dinner and videos featuring the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey.
Over the years, these videos have become a sure highlight for the monks and guests alike. With videos ranging from humorous moments in monastic life to historical highlights in the order’s history, there is something new every year.
In a conversation with Garrick Lambert, event coordinator for St. Benedict’s Abbey, Lambert shared how important this banquet is to the monks.
“The Abbot’s Table is a unique event where the monks set aside a date once a year to step out of the daily structure of prayer and work, to spend quality time with their friends and supporters,” said Lambert.
To view any of the Abbot’s Table videos from the event, please go to: www.kansasmonks.org/lumen-vitae-xiii.
The monks look forward to gathering again next year on April 3, 2027.
