Saint tour expands to 2 days in 2nd year at Hempfield monastery

A Lantern Saint Tour is returning for a second year at St. Emma Monastery in Hempfield, expanding from one to two days, with about a dozen lives of saints to explore.

The event, which benefits the Benedictine nuns at the monastery, is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28 and 29 at 1001 Harvey Ave.

With 160 lanterns lighting the way, visitors will walk along paths on the monastery grounds, stopping at displays to see and hear actors portraying moments in the lives of selected saints.

The decision to expand the event was based on the success of last year’s inaugural edition.

“We had a really good turnout, between 150 and 200 people in one night,” Greensburg resident Donna Sunseri said. The event is co-sponsored by an organization with which she’s affiliated — Catholic Schoolhouse, a provider of homeschooling resources.

The Hempfield event was inspired by a similar tour once offered in Loretto, Sunseri said.

The saint portrayals — some by St. Emma nuns or Benedictine monks from Saint Vincent Archabbey in Unity, some by Catholic Schoolhouse students or staff — are presented in honor of the feasts of All Saints and All Souls. All Saints Day is Nov. 1, followed by All Souls Day on Nov. 2.

Some of the saints featured last year will be revisited.

“But you’ll be hearing a different facet of that saint’s life,” Sunseri said.

The returning portrayals include Joan of Arc, who was canonized as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church in 1920, and Saint Emma, for whom the Hempfield monastery is named.

The daughter of a Bavarian count, Saint Emma was born about 808 and married Ludwig II “the German,” grandson of Charlemagne. They had seven children, including three daughters who became Benedictines. All of them died before the age of 30.

Emma, who was known for giving generous alms, suffered a stroke in 874 and died two years later.

An addition to the tour will be portrayals of Saint Michael, an archangel who was considered a spiritual warrior for the forces of good.

Daniel Andre of West Mifflin, whose Knights of the Classroom business provides presentations about medieval culture, will represent Saint Michael on the first day of the tour. He crafts chain mail armor, which he’ll wear and will loan to Ashton Kenwick, a 16-year-old student from Jeannette who will handle the depiction on the second day.

“I’m going to be there to help the monastery and the community,” Andre said.

Instead of historically accurate armor, which would weigh up to 50 pounds, he’ll provide aluminum stage armor, which weighs 5 to 10 pounds.

Compared to the more accurate version, he said, the stage armor “will look bigger and bulkier. It has that wow effect.”

A friend crafted wings for Kenwick to don. He’s preparing for his role by researching Saint Michael.

“I hope other people can learn from what I’m learning,” he said. “I want my presentation to be entertaining for kids but also have something for adults.”

Tours will begin at about 10-minute intervals. Participants will receive treats or inspirational mementos at the saint displays.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 or older.