Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S. makes his perpetual vows

Brother Silas Henderson, SDS, grew up in East Tennessee and began to think of religious life while still in high school. After two years as a seminarian for the Diocese of Knoxville, he entered the Benedictine monastery of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana.

Bro. Silas' perpetual vows are received

During his 11 years as a member of that community, he completed degrees in philosophy and theology and went on to serve in parish ministry in Louisville, Kentucky, and as the managing editor for Abbey Press Publications and Deacon Digest Magazine. It was also during this time that Brother Silas began his work as an author and retreat leader and discovered his passion for adult faith formation and education. In the years since, he has written four books and dozens of articles on liturgy, spirituality, Mary and the Saints, and discipleship for several prominent Catholic publications.

Discerning a call to a more active form of religious life, he entered the Society of the Divine Savior (the Salvatorians) in 2016, embracing a new form of apostolic service that brought him to the Diocese of Tucson.

"The call to religious life is a call to a specific charism (a way of life and prayer) and life in a community," he said. "Over the years, I have come to understand that this kind of shared charism and everyday life is important to me. Being part of a community, having the opportunity to pray and minister together, is an amazing way to serve the Church!"

While his call as a religious brother means that Brother Silas does not engage in sacramental ministry (such as celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, or anointing the sick and dying), he is able to share his gifts with the Church through his work with Jordan Ministry Team, serving parish and school communities throughout the Diocese of Tucson and beyond, and in his continuing work as an author and retreat leader. In 2019, Brother Silas earned the degree of Doctor of Ministry with an emphasis in liturgy from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.


The Salvatorians' diversity and openness to the gifts and talents of each member is a great gift to the Church. The dream of Venerable Francis Mary Jordan, the founder of the Salvatorians, was that “all may know the Savior.” In making his final profession of vows as a member of the Salvatorians on September 8 at Most Holy Trinity Church (which is staffed by the Salvatorians), he has committed himself to service as part of the Salvatorian “Family” of priests, brothers, sisters, and lay members for life. Father Jordan’s vision still guides this community today and challenges the Salvatorians to always seek new and dynamic ways to spread the Gospel.