Father Maximilian Maxwell, O.S.B., has been named vocation director for Saint Vincent Archabbey. He is pictured with the Archabbey vocation team, front, from left, Brother Miguel Gonzalez, O.S.B.; Brother Lawrence Machia, O.S.B.; Brother Canice McMullen, O.S.B.; back, Brother Mark Floreanini, O.S.B.; Brother John Paul Heiser, O.S.B.; Father Bonaventure Curtis, O.S.B., and Father Maximilian Maxwell, O.S.B.
Father Maximilian, a native of Philadelphia is the son of the late Robert Luke and Susan Maxwell. He is the youngest of four siblings, Susan, Catherine, Mary, and Robert.
He is a 1992 graduate of West Philadelphia Catholic High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication and religious studies from Saint Vincent College in 2007.
Prior to entering the monastery he worked for the Boy Scouts of America with the Cradle of Liberty Council, formerly the Philadelphia Council. During the school year, he worked in the BSA program Learning for Life, working in inner city schools, and during the summer, served as a Director of C.O.P.E. and High Adventure as well as Program Commissioner at Treasure Island Scout Reservation, the oldest Boy Scout camp in the United States. Father Maximilian then took his camping experience into the private sector, working as a senior camp director for ESF (Education Sports and Fun) Summer Camps.
After working for the camp industry, Father Maximilian worked for corporate security for Mellon Bank at the Mellon Bank building in Center City, Philadelphia. Along with being director of Corporate Security Operations, he also worked for Kelly and Partners as an account manager for several law firms in Philadelphia.
Father Maximilian was a parishioner of Saint Andrew The Apostle Parish, before moving to Saint Vincent.
He entered the novitiate at Saint Vincent Archabbey in July, 2007 and professed simple vows the following year. He began studies at Saint Vincent Seminary in 2008. On July 11, 2011, he made solemn profession of monastic vows. He was ordained to the diaconate on April 14, 2012. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 7, 2013.
From 2008-2009 he served as assistant campus minister for athletics. In 2008 he was named assistant director of Archabbey guests and facilities. In 2009 he was named an assistant in the Archabbot’s Office, serving there until 2012. In 2013 he was named associate director of vocations, and in 2014 director of vocations.
Father Maximilian enjoys running, and has participated in Pittsburgh’s half marathon in 2010 and 2011.
