What first attracted you to monastic life? Growing up, my parents instilled a great sense of family in my sister and me. This, I believe, is the key factor in why I desire to become a Benedictine monk. We hung out a lot as a family, as well as with our family friends, who would come over every Friday just to be together. Because of this, I love community. I love not only to be around people, but to be with those whom I know and share a close relationship. As I started to feel a call to follow Christ in the religious life it felt like a perfect fit for me – especially when I came to know the monks here during college. I saw how they loved one another and truly enjoyed each other’s presence. I also saw how they were annoyed by each other, but they kept loving with great patience and mercy – that, I wanted. I felt called to Benedictine life knowing I wouldn’t be moved around; being in one place, I would get to know and love my brothers.
W h a t a b o u t y o u h a s c h a n g e d s i n c e yo u entered the Abbey? Since I’ve entered the monastery I have been told by numerous beloved family and friends that it seems like I took a “chill pill.” Of course, we never see our poor qualities, so this was a surprise to me, but not an insult. I must have been a very excited person, even though some brothers would say I still am! I’m sure this came from simply the calm, peaceful atmosphere of the cloister.
W h a t a d v i c e wo u l d yo u g i v e s o m e o n e w h o i s g o i n g t h ro u g h t h e d i s c e r n m e n t p ro c e s s ? To anyone discerning a religious or priestly vocation I would say, try to find a home in these places you are curious about. The reason I came to St. Benedict’s Abbey was because it already felt like home – I was very comfortable coming to St. Benedict’s. Also, offer your discernment to our Blessed Mother. 26
Kansas Monks
