“We have developed a strong relationship with the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey over the past few years, and we are delighted to welcome them to our diocese,” said Diocesan Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. “The Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey are a vibrant and growing community of holy men, and their presence and apostolic work will be a great blessing to the people of our diocese and this region.”

On the grounds of the Sisters of St. Francis Hospital, Evermode Institute will focus on training Catholics, offering programs for ordained and lay teachers, including catechists, Catholic school teachers and other groups who teach the faith.

Several Norbertine priests will be moving to the center this summer, and serving at the institute will be their main apostolate.

The Norbertine Fathers recently completed construction of a new abbey in Orange County, California, and its monastery is already at capacity, with nearly 50 priests and 40 seminarians.

“In light of the growth of our community, we had already discerned the possibility of establishing a new community when Bishop Paprocki approached us,” Fr. Eugene Hayes said. “After prayerful discernment as a community, we gladly accepted Bishop Paprocki’s invitation, and are grateful for the opportunity to establish a presence in the Diocese of Springfield.”

The Evermode Institute was created under the patronage of Saint Evermode, a Norbertine prelate who died in 1178 and was a close collaborator of Saint Norbert. He is credited with great works of evangelization.

Earlier this year, the diocese and the Sisters Hospitaller reached an agreement whereby the diocese established a trust to assume ownership of the sisters’ buildings and land, although the sisters will continue to live at the convent.

“We welcome the Norbertine Fathers to Springfield and to the holy land that has been our home since 1917,” said Sister Maureen O’Connor, provincial superior of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. “This new chapter in the history of the Sisters Hospitallers and the diocese marks the beginning of what we pray for a mutually beneficial relationship. Throughout our nearly 150 years in America, the Hospital Sisters have collaborated with others in the work of the church, and so we view this agreement between the diocese and the Norbertine Fathers as a continuation of that tradition.

The opening date of the Evermode Institute has not been announced.