This issue, several members of the Crier staff had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable interview with Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Abbot Mark for being open to
answering all of our questions in great detail. It was very enlightening to hear about his experiences and unique perspective on the future of Saint Anselm College.

The question of how Catholic we are or should be has always been an ongoing topic, from discussions about the core curriculum to what activities or events should be held on campus.

I found Abbot Mark’s comments on this subject particularly interesting, given that he is largely the face of the monastery and one of the most prominent figures for a distinctly Catholic and Anselmian perspective.

He explained how the college’s Catholic identity is “bigger than all of us.” This is manifested in many ways, but in regard to the core curriculum he reasons that it is important to expose students to the faith so they can take that with them for the rest of their lives, whatever that may look like for each individual.

“Our faith is vital to the college, and the mission is not to force it upon everybody. Rather, we welcome students and expose them to what we think is important,” he said.

This is a key tenant that everyone should remember, especially when we are
facing big questions with no definitive answer. The Catholic faith is not the identity of each individual member of the community. However, it is essential to the identity of the college and it calls us to love one another. It is bigger than all of us, bigger than any arguments that may arise out of ideological differences.

Let us all take this lesson into consideration and work together to make Saint Anselm a welcoming community that is true to its Catholic identity.