Archive of Abbey News
Archive of Abbey News Items
Br. Boniface Copelin, O.S.B., Assists at Mass with Pope Benedict XVI
(February 2008)
Father Philip Berning, O.S.B., Fifth Abbot of St. Gregory's,
Enters Eternal Life (November 2008)
Abbot
Lawrence Institutes Four Monks to Ministry of Acolyte (October 2007)
Abbot Lawrence Institutes Four Monks into Ministry of Reader
(October 2007)
Inauguration of University President held on October 26, 2007
Br. Isidore Featured as
Red Cross Volunteer
Organ
in Abbey Church Undergoes Major Repairs and Enhancement
Br. Matthew Bach,
O.S.B., Enters Eternal Life
(February 2007)
Br. Ambrose Sontag,
O.S.B., Enters Eternal Life (December 2006)
St. Gregory's Abbey
Accepts Two New Members (September 2006)
Abbot Lawrence Announces
Abbey Appointments (April 2006)
Monastic
Community Elects 10th Abbot (January 2006)
Fr. Theodore
Seneschal, O.S.B., Enters Eternal Life
St.
Gregory's Hosts Centennial Celebration, Serves as Pilgrimage Site (August 2005)
Etruscan Treasures Exhibit
a Success at Mabee-Gerrer Museum
Br.
Boniface professes Solemn Vows
SGU
Announces Ten-Year Plan: Honors Monastic Community (October 2003)
Rev. Brother Justin
Jones, O.S.B., Dies at Age 60 (April 2003)
Archives
Researched for Abbey Connection with St. Katharine Drexel
Brother George
Hubl, OSB, Professes Solemn Vows: (August 2002)
Br. Boniface Copelin, O.S.B., Assists at Mass with Pope Benedict XVI His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, arrives in the
sacristy at Sant'Anselmo on Ash Wednesday. Br. Boniface is the
second person from the right.
His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, enters the
church at Sant'Anselmo. Br. Boniface is in the background at
the front of the procession.
Br. Boniface Copelin, who is in his third year of theological studies at
the Benedictine Pontifical University of Saint Anselm in Rome, had the privilege
of serving at Mass with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on Ash Wednesday.
For many centuries, people of the Church in Rome has made a
daily pilgrimage on each day of Lent to what are referred to as "station
churches."
A different "station church" is designated for each day of Lent.
Pilgrims traditionally gather in a designated location early each morning and then
process to the station church designated for that day for the celebration of
Mass. The station church for Ash Wednesday is the Church of Santa
Sabina, which has been used as a place of Catholic public worship since the late
Fourth Century. It is one of the oldest public places of Christian
worship, having been built shortly after Christianity was legalized. Given
the historic nature of the Church, the Pope traditionally begins the station
church pilgrimages by celebrating Mass at the church of Santa Sabina. But
where does he begin the pilgrim procession? The Benedictine University of
Sant'Anselmo is only a couple of blocks down the street, and so - for several
years now - the Holy Father begins his pilgrimage procession at Sant'Anselmo.
Because of this, the community of monks at Sant'Anselmo usually have a special
place in the celebration. Our own Br. Boniface was selected this
year to serve as an acolyte for the celebration. It was a wonderful
opportunity for him not only to participate in a special Mass for Ash Wednesday,
but to have the rare opportunity to serve Mass for the Pope.
Father Philip Berning, O.S.B., Fifth Abbot of St. Gregory's,
Enters Eternal Life
Rt. Reverend Philip A. Berning,
O.S.B., Fifth Abbot of St. Gregory's Abbey, died
peacefully at home at St. Gregory’s on Saturday, November 17, 2007, sustained by
prayer and strengthened by the sacraments of the Church.
Father Philip was born Anthony
Bernard Berning on June 8, 1915, in Ashton, Iowa, to Joseph and Elizabeth
Haverkamp Berning. He had four brothers and five sisters, all now deceased.
After grade school in Ashton,
Father attended St. John's University Preparatory School, Collegeville, MN, and
college at Trinity College, Sioux City, IA, for two years. He entered the
novitiate of St. Gregory's Abbey in 1935, receiving the name of Philip. He made
his simple monastic profession at St. Gregory’s on July 11, 1936, and solemn
monastic profession on July 11, 1939. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in
history from St. Benedict's College, Atchison, KS, in 1938. Upon completion of
theological studies at St. John's Seminary, Collegeville, MN, Father Philip was
ordained to the priesthood at St. John’s on June 7, 1942, at which time he
returned to St. Gregory's Abbey in Shawnee. He received an honorary LL.D. from
St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA, in 1956.
Father Philip was elected Coadjutor
Abbot to Abbot Mark Braun on March 12, 1953, and received the abbatial blessing
from Bishop Eugene McGuinness on May 6, 1953. He succeeded Abbot Mark on the
latter's death on April 2, 1954. Father Philip led the community as Abbot for
the next 16 years, through the times of the Second Vatican Council, until he
resigned on February 16, 1970.
During his tenure, St. Gregory's
experienced great growth. The monks built a new monastery building as many young
men entered the community. The community assessed its ministries and made the
decision to close St. Gregory's High School and place increased emphasis on St.
Gregory's College. During that period, many of the present buildings on campus
were constructed. The college administration building, Benedictine Hall, was
completely reconstructed. Bernard Murphy Hall, housing the student and monastery
food service, Duperou-Degrasse and Mark Braun residence halls, the Commons, and
the aquatic center were all completed during his term as Abbot.
Before he was elected Abbot, Father
Philip served in several positions in the monastery, including as procurator,
director of scholastics, and novice master. He served as Prefect of Discipline
for St. Gregory’s High School, where he also taught religion, history and
typing. His pastoral assignments included two terms as pastor of St. Joseph's
Church in Ada, Oklahoma, and many years as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church
in McLoud, Oklahoma.
Father
Philip is survived by the Monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey, many nieces and nephews,
and countless friends. The monastic community is grateful for the assistance of
the staff of Mays Hospice of Shawnee, the St. Gregory’s Abbey Health Care Staff,
and many friends, who helped make it possible for Fr. Philip to remain at his
monastery home during the final years of his life.
Father Philip’s
body was received at St. Gregory’s Abbey at Noon on Monday, November 19, and the
Vigil for
the Deceased was prayed that evening in the Abbey Church. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, November 20, with Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, OSB,
presiding. Archbishop Eusebius Beltran of Oklahoma City was in attendance, as was Abbot
Barnabas Senecal from St. Benedict's Abbey in Atchison, KS. The Abbey Church
was filled with many friends, former students, former parishioners, oblates and
colleagues who had come to remember this remarkable man. May he now rest
in the peace of Christ forever!
Abbot
Lawrence Institutes Four Monks to Ministry of Acolyte Abbot
Lawrence instituted four members of the monastic community to the Ministry of
Acolyte: Br. Dominic Ramirez, OSB, Br. Benet Exton, OSB, Br. George Hubl,
OSB, and Br. Bonifice Copelin, OSB. The ceremony took place during Mass on
Sunday, October 7, 2007. The Ministry of Acolyte was established by Pope
Paul VI as part of reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Acolytes are given special responsibility in the liturgy,
assisting at the altar and in the distribution of Holy Communion. They are
to develop a love of the Eucharist and are to be prepared to train others who
assist in the liturgy. They may also in special circumstances expose the
Blessed Sacrament for periods of Adoration and return the Sacrament to the
tabernacle at the conclusion of such occasions. Congratulations
to Br. Dominic, Br. Benet, Br. George and Br. Boniface!
Abbot Lawrence Institutes Four Monks into Ministry of Reader Abbot Lawrence has instituted four monks of St. Gregory's Abbey
into the Ministry of Reader. Br. Kevin McGuire, Br. Dominic Ramirez, Br.
Benet Exton, and Br. Boniface Copelin were instituted as Readers during the
Community Mass on September 14, 2007, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy
Cross. The Ministry of Reader was established by Pope Paul VI as part of
the reforms following the Second Vatican Council. As Readers, the four monks have received a special
blessing and approval of the Church in fulfilling their role in proclaiming the
Word of God in the Liturgy, especially the Mass, and in serving as teachers of
God's Word. As described in the ceremony of institution, Readers "proclaim
[the] word in the liturgical assembly, instruct children and adults in the
faith, and prepare them to receive the sacraments worthily. ...[They]
bring the message of salvation to those who have not yet received" the Word of
God." We congratulate Br. Kevin, Br. Dominic, Br. Benet and Br. Boniface
on their institution to the ministry of Reader.
Inauguration of University President held on October
26, 2007
Story by Brad Collins - Public Relations Director for St. Gregory's
University
Dr. David Wagie set his vision for the future of
St. Gregory’s University during his inaugural address on Friday. Wagie was
inaugurated as the fourteenth president of the state’s oldest institution of
higher learning before an audience of family, friends, distinguished guests,
community members, faculty, staff and students inside W.P. Wood Field House.
Nikki Cook, newly appointed chairperson of SGU’s
board of directors, officially installed Wagie, and the Most Rev. Eusebius
Beltran, D.D., archbishop of Oklahoma City, blessed the new president. St.
Gregory’s alumnus and former State Rep. Bob Weaver served as master of
ceremonies.
“My presidency will be driven by a whole-hearted
commitment to academic excellence, outreach and service, and religious faith,”
Wagie said. “…to lead St Gregory’s in becoming that regional force for Christian
values, educational opportunity, and community impact—to become a brighter, more
visible beacon for the region.”
Wagie said in order to become more visible to the
region, the university must grow “selectively in ways that follow our mission
and heritage.” He said..., “As an emerging Catholic university, we now have
the exciting opportunity to change so many more lives; to be more widely known
for our service to students, our protection of the environment, and our impact
on our community, state and region,” Wagie said. “As the Church teaches us, the
path to true happiness, peace, and a meaningful life is not through
accomplishment for its own sake, but by accomplishing things that help people,
that serve a noble cause, that honor our Lord by using our talents and energy
for the good of society."
Dr. Wagie continued in his address:
“We all want to be part of something meaningful,
something enduring, something bigger than ourselves—and we are,” Wagie said in
closing. “We are part of a Catholic university. We are part of St Gregory’s. And
we are all part of building a great future—to become a brighter, more visible
beacon—to be a regional force for Christian values, educational opportunities,
and community impact—to build the kingdom of God through education.”
Wagie assumed office in April, succeeding the Rt.
Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B., who served in the role for seven years. Abbot
Lawrence was elevated to chancellor of the university last year. Wagie has more than 20 years of experience in
higher education. He recently completed a two-year position as an educational
consultant to the United Arab Emirates. While working for the UAE Minister
of Education, he spearheaded the concept and design for a future “University
City” in Abu Dhabi, entailing 4,000 acres, numerous universities with shared
resources, and funding provided through public-private partnership.
Wagie served 32 years in the United States Air
Force, retiring in July 2004 as a brigadier general. During his career, he
served in a variety of leadership positions, including research pilot, flight
instructor, engineer and educator. In his last position in the USAF, Wagie
served as Provost at the USAF Academy in Colorado. There he coordinated 500
teaching faculty and 200 staff, providing 500 courses in 32 academic majors to
4,000 students. During his tenure, the USAF Academy was one of only
16 institutions nationally selected in 2000 as a prestigious “Leadership
Institution” by the American Association of Colleges & Universities. In
addition, the Academy was named “No. 3 best overall academic experience” and
“No. 6 best undergraduate engineering school” in the United States for 2003.
Originally from Wisconsin, Wagie has a bachelor’s
degree in engineering science from the USAF Academy and a master’s degree in
systems management from the University of Southern California. He’s also earned
a master’s from Stanford University and a doctorate from Purdue University, both
in aeronautical and astronautical engineering.
He and his wife, Sue, have been
married for 34 years and have three daughters: Angela, Megan and Tiffany; and
two sons-in-law: Colin and Kiel.
St. Gregory's
Abbey and University Host the 2002 Couple to Couple League Convention (June
2003)
After
his tenure as abbot he served as pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in
Chandler, Oklahoma. In his later years he served as porter and procurator at
St. Gregory’s Abbey. He was a positive example to all in his gentility,
humility, quiet service and devotion to prayer. He greeted all with a shy smile
and welcoming eyes. He remained a faithful witness of monastic observance and
ministry for seventy-one years and bore the increasing effects of Alzheimer’s
disease with great faith and patience.
Br. Isidore Featured as Red Cross Volunteer
Br. Isidore Harden, O.S.B., was featured in the August 2007 issue of "Crosswise," the newsletter publiched by the Oklahoma City Chapter of the Red Cross. Along with biographical information, the feature article describes how Br. Isidore has been an active Red Cross Volunteer for over fifteen years. During that time, Br. Isidore has served as an instructor in water safety, teaching Red Cross Lifeguarding classes to students at St. Gregory's. The article notes that in 2006, "Br. Isidore took on the role of the primary CPR instructor for the Shawnee Chapter" of the Red Cross. The author writes: "He devoted several hours each month teaching CPR and First Aid, in fact, teaching all of the courses offered at the Chapter. In total, he has taught 670 people valuable life-saving skills."
As the article notes, Br. Isidore has been a monk of St. Gregory's Abbey for 27 years. He is a native of Long Island, NY, and came to Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma State University, where he completed a bachelor's degree in architecture. He currently serves as the Health Care Program Coordinator at the monastery, and pursues a number of hobbies and interests, including Native American flute playing. The article ends by saying: "His passion for helping others is obvious, and we are very grateful for his support over the years. Thank you, Brother Isidore for helping us fulfill our very important mission."
Congratulations Br. Isidore and keep up the good work!
Organ
in Abbey Church Undergoes Major Repairs and Enhancement Significant
repairs and additions have been completed on the pipe organ in
the Abbey Church. The project to
repair and enhance the pipe organ was carried out in three phases over a ten
year period. During this time the organ console was rebuilt, the
blower was replaced and the original wiring and switching were replaced with a
new computerized switching. In the final phase
some of the original pipes in the organ chamber are being replaced with new
pipes that will provide a brighter sound to the organ. Repairs were
made to the shutters that control the sound coming from the main organ chamber.
Finally, additional ranks of exposed pipes were added to the organ to
provide a true "great" or foundational sound to the organ.
The combination
of replacement of older pipes, repairs to the swell shutters and the addition of
new exposed pipes provides for a greater variety of sound and makes
possible a more appropriate accompaniment of the monastic liturgy as well as for
congregational singing.
The repairs,
installation of new pipes, chest, and casework, and tonal finishing of the organ
were done by the Roger A. Banks and Associates Pipe Organ Company of Edmond,
Oklahoma.
Br. Matthew Bach, O.S.B., Enters Eternal Life
Brother
Matthew Thomas Bach, O.S.B., a monk of St. Gregory’s Abbey, Shawnee, Oklahoma,
died suddenly from a stroke on February 16. He was 64 years old.
Brother Matthew was born on February 18, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Dr. Earl and Claire Werle Bach, and given the name Thomas. He said he was a great great great great great great grandson of Johann Sebastian Bach. He was received as an internal oblate at Holy Cross Abbey, Canon City, Colorado, on May 3, 1961. He served many years doing custodial work there. On August 15, 1980, he made simple perpetual vows. Later, when the opportunity was provided to brothers, he made Solemn Vows. One of his proud moments at Holy Cross Abbey was on September 20, 1989, when he received his high school diploma at the high school operated by Holy Cross
It was a sad moment for Brother Matthew when Holy Cross Abbey was not able to continue; it began to close its doors in 2004 and the remaining monks sought transfer to a number of other monasteries. Brother Matthew and his great friend Brother David Downey came to St. Gregory’s Abbey, and promised their stability here on September 3, 2006.
At St. Gregory’s, Brother Matthew found many ways to be of service. He helped with the riders and the horses at the Charham Therapeutic Arena. He assisted in the abbey business office and relieved caregivers in the health service of the abbey.
Br. Matthew attended the celebration of the Eucharist only a couple of hours before his death. During Mass he assisted our eldest monk, Fr. Philip, who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease. He served the community after the evening meal by taking his turn clearing the tables. Shortly before he was taken to the hospital, he discussed with Abbot Lawrence how much he valued the sense of community that he had experienced at St. Gregory’s Abbey and University. As he was experiencing his final moments of life on this earth, he was accompanied by some of his monastic brothers while Abbot Lawrence recited the final rites and prayers of the Church into his ear.
Brother Matthew is survived by the members of the monastic community of St. Gregory’s Abbey and the former members of Holy Cross Abbey; his sister and brother-in-law Robert and Judy Allan of Thornton, Colorado; his brother John Bach of Denver; his sister and brother-in-law Christine and Gary Robertson of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his stepmother Lorraine Bach.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, February 20, at 4 p.m. in the Abbey Church with Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B., as the principal celebrant. Memorial gifts may be made to the fund for the care of the infirm at St. Gregory’s Abbey, 1900 W. MacArthur Drive, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804.
Br. Ambrose Sontag, O.S.B., Enters Eternal Life
Br. Ambrose Steven Sontag, O.S.B.
Monk of St. Gregory’s Abbey
Born: November 16, 1939
Profession as Monk: December 8, 1958
Entered Eternal Life: December 3, 2006
Brother Ambrose Steven Sontag, O.S.B., a monk of St. Gregory’s Abbey, Shawnee, Oklahoma, died December 3 from renal failure and other complications of diabetes. He had recently celebrated his 67th birthday.
Brother Ambrose was born on November 16, 1939, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Charles and Edna Small Sontag, and given the name Steven. He completed grade school at St. Francis School and high school at Marquette, in Tulsa, and then entered St. Gregory’s Abbey. He made his first monastic profession as a Benedictine monk of St. Gregory’s Abbey on December 8, 1960, and simple perpetual vows on December 8, 1961. When the opportunity was provided to brothers, he made Solemn Vows.
After a number of years in the monastery, Brother Ambrose resumed his education, first at St. Gregory’s College, receiving an Associate of Arts in 1973. He then attended the University of Oklahoma and was awarded a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 1975.
Over the years, Brother Ambrose served the community in a variety of ways. He helped in the Abbey’s cattle operation. He served St. Gregory’s College and University over the years by assisting in the library, serving as manager of the print shop and then the book store, as residence hall advisor, as accounts receivable clerk and then business manager, as director of computer operations, and as manager of the campus telephone system, before ill health forced his retirement. He was honored with the Legacy Award for years of faithful service at the University’s Spring Commencement ceremonies in 2004.
Brother Ambrose is survived by the monastic community of St. Gregory’s Abbey, Maryann Sontag, sister, of Tulsa, Tom Sontag, brother, of Florida, and Megan Sontag, niece, of Tulsa. He was predeceased by his parents.
St. Gregory's Abbey Accepts Two New Members
During vespers on September 3, 2006, the Solemnity of our Patron - St. Gregory the Great, Abbot Lawrence formally accepted the transfer of vows of two new permanent members to our community: Br. Matthew Bach, OSB, and Br. David Downey, OSB.
Br.
Matthew (picture at left) and Br. David (pictured at right) were originally
monks of Holy Cross Abbey in Canyon City, CO. Holy Cross Abbey
recently closed and our new brothers discerned that they wished to become
members of our community, arriving for a period of extended discernment in
the summer of 2005. After a year of living in our community, both Br.
Matthew and Br. David asked to become permanent members of our community.
Their transfer was publicly affirmed during the ceremony at vespers and they
were vested with the habit that is particular to our community.
Abbot Lawrence Announces New Appointments
Abbot Lawrence has announced new leadership appointments at St. Gregory's Abbey. Rev. Louis VanderLey, O.S.B., will now serve as Prior of St. Gregory's Abbey. Prior Louis hails from the south side of Chicago, IL. He admits that he did not always have a positive impression of priests. However, as a young man he encountered an inexplicable experience of God's love and call. He was drawn to St. Gregory's Abbey when he witnessed the commitment to humble service embodied by members of the monastery.
Born on the south side of Chicago on July 22, 1935, Prior Louis made his first profession of vows on July 11, 1960. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1966.
Prior Louis has served in a variety of ministries as a member of our community - from being an instructor in our educational work, to serving as a minister to the homeless and the imprisoned. Most recently, Fr. Louis as served as a pastoral associate at St. John Parish in Edmond, OK, reaching in particular persons in hospital and nursing home care.
In this new role, Prior Louis will not only provide a pastoral presence to the monks, but also a pastoral presence to all students enrolled at St. Gregory's. He will serve as Chaplain to St. Gregory's University - with the wide-wrangling issues, policies and procedures having an important role to play as we progress.
In addition to this appointment, Abbot Lawrence is happy to announce the following appointments:
Sub Prior - Rev. Joachim Spexarth, OSB
Vocation Director - Rev. Charles Buckley, OSB
Novice Master - Rev. Martin Lugo, OSB
Socius (Companion/Mentor) to OPUS Participants, Novices and Junior Monks - Rev. Eugene Marshall, OSB
"Junior" Master - Prior Louis VanderLey, OSB
Guest Master - Rev. Charles Massoth, OSB
Monastic Community Elects 10th Abbot (January 2006)
On Friday, January 6, 2006, the Rt. Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B., was
elected to serve as the tenth abbot of St. Gregory's Abbey.
A native of Tecumseh, OK, and a 1984 graduate of St. Gregory's College,
Abbot Lawrence entered the novitiate at St. Gregory's Abbey on July 10,
1984. He professed vows as a member of the community on July 11, 1985,
and was ordained to the priesthood on August 10, 1994, the Feast of the
Transfiguration.
Abbot Lawrence holds a bachelor's degree in English from St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, and a doctoral degree (STD) in Theology with a specialization in Monastic Studies from the Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm in Rome. He has served St. Gregory's Abbey in a variety of ways, including as the monastery Vocation Director and for ten years on the Abbot's Senior Council for several years. As chairman of the theology faculty at St. Gregory's University, Fr. Lawrence was instrumental in the design of the university's bachelors degree program in theology. As Vice President for Church Relations at St. Gregory's University, Fr. Lawrence forged strong collaborative relationships between St. Gregory's University and the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, and with the Dioceses of Tulsa, Little Rock and Amarillo. In May 2000, Abbot Lawrence was named as President of St. Gregory's University, which is owned and sponsored by the monks of St. Gregory's Abbey. In this position, Abbot Lawrence dedicated St. Gregory's University to the full implementation of the late Pope John Paul II's Constitution for Catholic Universities - Ex Corde Ecclesiae. Under his leadership, St. Gregory's University has experienced a period of strategic development and has received accreditation for its first graduate degree program. In his new role, Abbot Lawrence plans to continue to strengthen the mission of Catholic higher education and spiritual development through the witness and ministries of St. Gregory's Abbey.
Abbot Lawrence is a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and Rotary International. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Unity Health Center, the Board of Directors of the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art and the Archdiocesan Commission for Justice and Human Development. He was invested as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in 2001.
Abbot Lawrence succeeds Abbot Martin Lugo, O.S.B., who served as the superior of St. Gregory's Abbey for nearly 11 years. Abbot Martin had served for two years as Prior Administrator, and then eight years as abbot following his election in 1996. At right, Abbot Martin extends the "sign of peace" to the newly-elected Abbot Lawrence in the church of St. Gregory's Abbey.
The community asks for the prayers of everyone, that we be guided in and strengthened in our monastic way of life.
Fr. Theodore Seneschal, O.S.B., Enters Eternal Life (April 2005)
Theodore Seneschal, O.S.B., Monk, Presbyter, Storyteller, and Cuddler, won his fight against cancer by dying at St. Gregory's Abbey on April 28, 2005, amid his monastic brothers and family. He was 62 years old.
Born Terry Wilfred Seneschal in San Diego, California, to Wilford George and Emma Elizabeth (Mattis) Seneschal Hash, on July 23, 1942, he grew up in San Diego and in the Los Angeles area. He chose the name James at his Confirmation. He attended St. Benedict Grade School in Montebello, California, St. Gregory's High School and College in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and was clothed as a novice at St. Gregory's Abbey on June 23, 1962, taking his monastic name Theodore. He professed his temporary vows of Obedience, Stability, and Conversion to a Monastic Way of Life on Midsummer's Day, June 24, 1963, the Feast of the Birth of John the Baptizer.
Father Theodore finished his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy at St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, and after one year of theological studies at St. Gregory's he professed his final vows. He finished his studies in theology at St. Gregory's, St. Meinrad Seminary, and St. Louis University; he was ordained subdeacon and deacon, and after finishing his Master's Degree in Education at the University of Indiana at Bloomington, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 20, 1970.
Fr. Theodore then began a 34 year career at St. Gregory's College and University as Instructor in English, Religious Studies, Theology, Scripture, Marriage and the Family, Logic Latin, and Ethics. He held the administrative positions of Residence Hall adviser and Director, Head of Campus Ministry, Dean of Students, and Resident Chaplain. While he was Dean he inaugurated the "Late Night Breakfasts" for students studying for their final examinations at the end of each semester. Faculty and staff prepared food and helped the students with their last-minute work. Father Theodore helped with the "Orchestra and Chorus" of various University productions, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Oklahoma, and Fiddler on the Roof. He also has roles to play in Romeo and Juliet, Barnum, 110 in the Shade, and The Lady's Not For Burning.
He completed studies for a Master's Degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, and did postgraduate studies at Boston College, Loyola Orange and Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, and Santa Clara University.
Fr. Theodore was active in parish ministry in Oklahoma, going out on many weekends to substitute for the pastors and for raising scholarship funds for St. Gregory's University. He took great delight in being able to preside at Mass in Spanish, and even to give homilies, read mostly from texts prepared by others. A detached retina in the summer of 2003 blinded him sufficiently to keep him from any further parish assignments.
He was associate pastor at St. Benedict Church in Montebello, and pastor at St. Vincent de Paul parish in McLoud, Oklahoma. At various times he held the posts of Guestmaster, Master of Ceremonies, Cantor, Subprior, and Master of Junior Monks at St. Gregory's Abbey.
On weekends that he did not have a parish assignment he took groups of students on campouts at Sacred Heart near Konawa, Oklahoma, and on canoe float trips along the Illinois River. Fr. Theodore also enjoyed swimming and riding his bicycle off campus whenever he could get away for a few hours. During his last years he rode from place to place on St. Gregory's campus because, as he said, "It hurts too much too walk."
He developed flower and vegetable gardens near the monastery and in the courtyard of Degrasse Residence Hall. There he laid walkways of recycled bricks, most of which he gathered and cleaned himself. This was an ongoing work in progress, dedicated to al the people connected with St. Gregory's who had died since he began the project. His own name will be added to the list. While he was Resident Chaplain he adopted a Siamese-Tabby Cat whom he named "Gregory;" "Easy to remember," he said. Gregory was popular with several generations of students.
His study of theology led him to a profound love and appreciation of the liturgy. In November, 2003, he ceased presiding at the Abbey's Conventual Mass, except for a few Sundays during lent, 2004. "I wanted to do it well," he said, "and I can't see and get around well enough to do it." Father Theodore did, however, continue to preside at Eucharist with the students in St. Benedict's Chapel in Residence Hall until the end of the Fall Semester, 2004.
The last few years of his life found him on the periphery of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter. He was preparing to be a priest-presenter for Encounter Weekends, but had to discontinue this when he was diagnosed with cancer of the prostate, which had already spread to his bones.
His latest "low impact ministry," as he called it, was being a "Cuddler" of premature, high-risk infants at the University of Oklahoma Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City. This experience was much more than "just holding babies;" these little human beings were truly tiny, weighing upward of two pounds and hooked up to feeding tubes and monitors. Friday afternoons became a high point of his week when he could spend a few hours with them. His long-time family friend and caregiver, and oblate of St. Gregory's Abbey, Jan Pasienski, drove him back and forth to Children's Hospital, and to other medical appointments.
Fr. Theodore was a regular participant in the radio program Cavalier Chat, with discussions on the sacraments, vocation, and the place of theological studies in the university. In November, 2004, he was on National Public Radio with Puzzlemaster Will Shortz and the moderator of Weekend Edition, Leann Hansen. "It was quite an honor," he said; "only about fifty people a year get called to do this."
Fr. Theodore was preceded in death by numerous monks of St. Gregory's Abbey, by his parents, his half-sister Winifred Balekian, his nephew Paul and sister-in-law Mari Phillip Seneschal. He is survived by the monks of St. Gregory's Abbey, his brother Phillip Seneschal, his sister-in-law Jacqueline Magness Seneschal, and seven nephews and nieces.
Memorials may be made to a scholarship fund in his name at St. Gregory's University, 1900 W. MacArthur Street, Shawnee, OK 74804.
St. Gregory's Hosts Centennial Celebration, Serves as Pilgrimage Site! (August 2005)
(Chele Carr - PR Director for SGU, Contributing Writer)
Over 300 Catholic clergy recently convened
on the campus of St. Gregory’s University to celebrate the centennial
anniversary of the Diocese of Oklahoma. The Catholic Church was formally
established as a diocese in 1905, two years before statehood. Since then,
Oklahoma has been divided into the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese
of Tulsa and Catholics have grown to be Oklahoma’s third largest church.
The St. Gregory’s-hosted celebration was held on August 17, 2005, the actual
anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Oklahoma in 1905. The
celebration began with Solemn Vespers in the St. Gregory’s Abbey Church with the
Right Reverend Martin Lugo, OSB, Abbot of Saint Gregory’s Abbey, presiding.
Abbot Martin delivered a homily commemorating the legacy that today's Church has
received from those who have gone before us. The assembly moved from there
to the W.P. Wood Field House, where a grand dinner was served, and the guest
speaker was the former archbishop of Oklahoma, the Most Reverend John Quinn,
retired Archbishop of San Francisco.
Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen, OSB, president of St.Gregory’s University, opened the
celebration with a word of reflection describing the past efforts of the
Catholic brothers and sisters in Oklahoma and their incredible contribution of
evangelization in our state. He praised the ongoing efforts of the brothers and
their specific ministries they have offered for over a century. His proclamation
that “religious women are indispensable” broke the crowd into a round of
applause. “They are a dynamic force in our Church and Society,” said Rev.
Stasyszen. “And they will continue to be for generations to come.” Stasyszen
concluded with gracious appreciation to the Deacons, their wives and their
families.
The next segment of the program introduced the guest speaker, former Archbishop
of Oklahoma City, the Most Rev. John R. Quinn. During his address, he
spoke of the sturdy, rugged Benedictines as the heroes of the past. He described
them as “fragrance of unselfish lives, which rises up as unselfish praise to
God.” “That spirit exists here today,” said Archbishop Quinn. “Yes, that spirit
exists here today. We remember the heroes of the past; you are the heroes of
today.” He went on to describe the self-sacrificial lives indicative of the
priesthood in Oklahoma – full of kindness and concern for the unimportant. He
concluded his commentary with a quote from a third century bishop of Carthage,
“We do not say great things – we live them!”
Current archbishop of Oklahoma Eusebius J. Beltran concluded the event with a
declaration that intertwined all messages of the evening and of the faith – “We
are positive about the future, for God’s grace is with us,” said Archbishop
Beltran. “We are a people of prayer, and God has called us to share the Good
News of Jesus Christ.”
The Church of Oklahoma will be celebrating the Centennial of the Diocese of Oklahoma throughout 2005. As part of this celebration, Archbishop Eusebius Beltran has designated places in Oklahoma as pilgrimage places. St. Gregory’s Abbey and Sacred Heart Mission/Abbey ruins are two of these sites. A person can gain an indulgence by visiting these sites and others.
On August 17, 1905 Pope St. Pius X raised the present day state of Oklahoma (Oklahoma and Indian Territories) from the rank of Vicarate Apostolic to that of diocese. The territories had been under the Vicar Apostolic Bishop Theophile Meerscharet from 1891. Before that it was a Prefecture Apostolic beginning in 1876 with Abbot Isidore Robot, O.S.B. as the first Prefect Apostolic until 1886, when he was succeeded by Fr. Ignatius Jean, O.S.B. Before that the area was under the Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas. Bishop Theophile Meerscharet was designated the first diocesan Bishop.
The Benedictines from Pierre-qui-Vire Abbey of France came to Indian Territory on October 12, 1875. The first two monks were Fr. Isidore Robot, O.S.B. and Br. Dominic Lambert, O.S.B. Later Fr. Isidore founded Sacred Heart Mission, which became an abbey in 1896. Fr. Thomas Duperou, O.S.B., was elected the first abbot. Later the community transferred from its original site near Konawa, Oklahoma to Shawnee and changed its name to St. Gregory’s Abbey.
While the Church is Oklahoma is celebrating its centennial the Benedictine community of St. Gregory’s Abbey will be celebrating its 130th anniversary.
Etruscan Treasures Exhibit a Success at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum (October 2004)
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, located on the campus of St. Gregory's Abbey and University, became the focus of international interest this summer. Through special arrangements with the Vatican's Gregorian-Etruscan Museum, the National Exhibits Foundation of Lubbock, TX, and the Family of Prince Fabrizio Alliata of Rome, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (MGMoA) hosted a rare showing of priceless antiquities from the Etruscan civilization between June and October.
Entitled Unveiling Ancient Mystery: Etruscan Treasures, the exhibit featured over 200 pieces of gold jewelry and some 35 other artifacts, including statuary in terracotta and marble, pottery and bronze pieces. This was the first time many of the Vatican Museums' pieces were exhibited abroad and the first time the gold jewelry has ever been exhibited.
The exhibition was open to the public from June 1 until October 31. Patrons visited the MGMoA from all 50 states and nearly 30 nations. The museum staff and many volunteers worked countless hours to make the exhibit a huge success. Many visitors took advantage of their visit to the MGMoA to tour the Abbey Church and monastery, as well as the grounds of St. Gregory's University. Abbey tours were coordinated by Br. Benet Exton, OSB, who serves as the guest master for the monastery.
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Above left: Museum Director and Chief Curator Debby Williams is interviewed by members of the Press about the special exhibit. Above Right: The signature piece of the exhibit - a burial crown in gold leaf - is prepared for display. Right: Director Debby Williams and Abbot Martin Lugo, O.S.B., stand with Fabiana Francesangeli of the Vatican Museums as she unpacks the Etruscan Treasures. |
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The Mabee-Gerrer Museum Collection was begun in the early 20th century by Fr. Gregory Gerrer, O.S.B., monk of St. Gregory's Abbey. Of considerable artistic talent himself, Fr. Gregory made use of his worldwide travels to collect artifacts, sculpture and paintings ranging from Egyptian mummies and Greco-Roman objects, to works by noted painters from the Middle Ages and early Renaissance to the 20th century, to large holdings of Native American, African/Oceanic, and Eastern cultural artifacts. The monks of St. Gregory's Abbey continue to offer this collection to the public for the purpose of education and the promotion of artistic expression.
Br. Boniface Professes Solemn Vows
Abbot Martin Lugo, O.S.B., and the Monks of St. Gregory's Abbey joyfully celebrated the solemn monastic profession of their confrere, Br. Boniface Copelin, O.S.B. The Rite of Solemn Profession was held during Eucharist on Saturday, August 14, 2004, in the Church of St. Gregory's Abbey. During the Rite of Solemn Profession, Br. Boniface will made lifelong commitment to seek God according to the Rule of St. Benedict as it is lived at St. Gregory's Abbey.
A native of Oklahoma City, Br. Boniface is a 1981 graduate of St. Gregory’s College. He eventually earned a degree in philosophy at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., and a master’s of science at Ohio State University. He also studied at Loyola University of Chicago.
Br. Boniface taught zoology at Ohio State University and life science at the former St. Gregory’s College before returning to Ohio State as a research assistant in the Department of Oral Biology. In addition, he served as a research assistant in the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center’s Department of Anatomical Sciences and has worked as both a real estate agent and medical sales representative.
Br. Boniface is the co-author of several scientific articles related to neuroscience and cell and tissue research. He also is a skilled carpenter and plays and teaches the Great Highland Bagpipe. He has been instrumental in founding two Scottish pipe bands in the Oklahoma City area.
The son of the Oklahoma City’s Inez Copelin and the late Logan Edward Copelin, Br. Boniface attended Villa Teresa and St. Charles Boromeo schools and is a 1979 graduate of Bishop McGuinness High School.
Please remember Br. Boniface in your prayers!
St. Gregory's University Announces Ten-Year Plan: Honors Monastic Community
For a little over a year now, the Fr. Lawrence has worked with the various groups in associated with St. Gregory's University as part of a planning process for the future of the University. The resulting strategic vision and goals for the next ten-years was recently approved the university Board of Directors and ratified by the Monks of St. Gregory's Abbey. This plan is entitled: Building on a Firm Foundation – the Centennial Vision for St. Gregory’s University.
This strategic plan looks to the history of Sacred Heart Abbey & School and the early history of St. Gregory's so that the university community might more fully appreciate its heritage and culture. From that foundation, the plan then looks forward in an exciting and ambitious way to prepare for the centennial of the founding of the campus of St. Gregory’s in Shawnee, which will take place on May 9, 2013 – the 100th anniversary of the blessing of the cornerstone of our main building.
This Centennial Plan will bring St. Gregory’s to the success that the mission deserves – and will look to improve the university in five ways: celebrating our heritage, educating for success, cultivating relationships, strengthening our resources and building a community for life.
As the first official act of the implementation of this Centennial Plan, Fr. Lawrence expressed a desire, "to give proper recognition to the group of persons who are most responsible for the wonderful heritage and mission that have received at St. Gregory’s University. It has been through the faith, prayer, vision, work, dedication, tenacity, fellowship, wisdom, sacrifices and values of this group that the presence of Benedictine and Catholic education was established first at Sacred Heart and then at St. Gregory’s near Shawnee. Even today, this group of persons provides the primary foundation of prayer, support, labor and witness that lies at the heart of our mission of higher education. This group is, of course, the Benedictine Monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey."
Fr. Lawrence went on to announce: "In recognition of their past and ongoing efforts on behalf of St. Gregory’s University, and in affirmation of the core Benedictine values that give direction to the mission and vision of our university, the SGU Board of Directors voted unanimously on October 2, 2003, to name the main administration and classroom building on our Shawnee campus: Benedictine Hall."
This name change took effect on October 12, 2003, the 128th anniversary of the arrival of the Benedictine Monks in Indian Territory. The name change is the fist concrete step of Phase One of the Centennial Plan, under the goal of Celebrating our Heritage.
Concluding his remarks, Fr. Lawrence stated: Benedictine Hall is the oldest building on our campus, its cornerstone being laid on May 9, 1913. The first classes were held in the building on September 9, 1915. This monumental structure was raised from a barren prairie hill, and its construction was certainly a statement of faith and trust in God’s providential care and the importance of the mission of the new school. All activities of St. Gregory’s took place in this one structure for nearly thirty years. It contained the monastery and chapel, student dormitories and classrooms, school offices and the abbey museum, and even the dining halls and gymnasium. And although the campus has expanded to meet the growing needs of the monastery, school and museum, Benedictine Hall has remained the signature structure of our campus. Visible for miles around, Benedictine Hall truly represents a “city set on a hill” for all the world to see – a true symbol of the mission of our university.
Rev. Brother Justin Jones, O.S.B., Dies at Age 60
Reverend Brother Justin James Jones, O.S.B., monk of St. Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee, Oklahoma, died of heart failure at the Abbey on the morning of April 23, 2003, at the age of 60 years.
Reverend Brother Justin was born on November 25, 1942, in Maud, Oklahoma, of Harold Paul and Mary Warren Jones. He attended Maud High School for two years, then St. Gregory's High School, Shawnee, Oklahoma, graduating in May of 1961.
In July of 1961 he entered the Postulancy of St. Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee, Oklahoma, and in December of 1961 he entered the Novitiate of St. Gregory's Abbey, making his monastic profession as a Monk of St. Gregory's Abbey on December 22, 1962. In August of 1975 he enrolled in the Permanent Diaconate Program of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and was ordained a Permanent Deacon on June 24, 1978.
During his first years as a monk. Brother Justin served as assistant in St. Gregory's College Library and manager of the College Snack Bar. From 1973 until 1979, he served as a St. Gregory's College Residence Advisor. In 1979 he was appointed museum assistant in Art Restoration at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee, Oklahoma, becoming curator in 1982 until 1996. In 1980 he was appointed Pastoral Assistant of Sacred Heart Parish, Konawa, Oklahoma, and St. Mary's Mission, Wanette, Oklahoma, and in 1988 he was appointed Administrator until 1997.
Brother Justin then returned to residency in Mark Braun Hall of St. Gregory's University, Shawnee, until 1998 when his health caused him to retire. Reverend Brother Justin is survived by the monks of St. Gregory's Abbey, his sister, Nancy Ball of Bossier City, Louisiana, and nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial was on Friday, April 25, 2003, in the Abbey Church with Abbot Martin Lugo, O.S.B. as the principal celebrant; burial followed in the St. Gregory's Abbey Cemetery.
Archives Researched for Abbey Connection with St. Katharine Drexel
Dr. Richard
Fossey,
a professor in the Education Department at the
During the course of his research, Dr. Fossey has visited the
archives of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in
St. Gregory's
Abbey benefited directly from the generosity of St. Katharine. In addition
to helping St. Patrick's
St. Katharine Drexel was indeed a great supporter Native Americans and African Americans in Oklahoma.
Brother George Hubl, OSB, Professes Solemn Vows: August 6, 2002
(
Story by Melissa Howell of the St. Gregory's University Staff)
In an ancient ceremonial rite with traditions reaching back more than 1,500 years, Br. George Andrew Hubl, O.S.B.
, pledged his life, property and obedience to Christ and to the monastic community of St. Gregory’s Abbey in Shawnee on August 6, 2002.
About 150 friends and co-workers were in attendance as Brother Geroge, 28, the community’s youngest member, made his final vows as a Benedictine monk.
“We are happy to receive a new member who will commit himself to the monastic community for life,” said St. Gregory’s Abbot Martin Lugo. “He brings youthfulness into the community as well as his love for photography, gardening and his willingness to help others.”
As a boy, however, growing up in Norman, Okla., and playing football for his high school team, Andrew David Hubl never considered monastic life.
“Looking back on things, I can see evidence of that behavior, but we never thought about it then,” said his mother, Elizabeth Hubl. “He listened to people, and was caring. He wanted to be helpful, counsel people. After the fact, it wasn’t a big surprise.”
“I didn’t grow up thinking about religious life. I thought I would marry and have children,” Br. George said. “But growing up, family was important – not outside of faith but as a part of faith.”
That notion would be revisited during his junior year in high school. His mother and father became Benedictine oblates – or, participants in the spiritual life, prayers and good works of the Benedictine community of St. Gregory’s Abbey. The idea of family – or community -- as a part of faith emerged again -- only in a larger context. Looking back, it was the first significant event that put Br. George on the road to monastic life, he said.
It came as no surprise then, that upon graduation from high school, Br. George chose to attend college at St. Gregory’s University. And, shortly after his arrival there, he, too, became an oblate.
But he would not stay at St. Gregory’s long. Still enamored with football and dating, he headed to the University of Nebraska to pursue a lifelong dream of taking classes there.
“The church in Lincoln put a great emphasis on vocations,” Br. George said. “Being an oblate, I prayed for vocations for St. Gregory’s community.”
As he prayed, he felt a quiet, but persistent pull back to St. Gregory’s Abbey.
“Being an oblate and a bachelor, I needed to give (monastic life) a try – to be honest with myself. If I didn’t the thought would always be there,” he said.
Once he decided to make the leap from oblate to postulant – a person involved in a special eight-week course to observe monastic life -- things began to happen quickly. “I was in love with the community, in love with the work that the monks do, in love with the mission,” Br. George said. He moved from postulant to novitiate and in 1999, Br. George took temporary vows as a member of the Benedictine Order. Br. George said that God has been a gentle presence throughout the process of becoming a Benedictine monk. The decision didn’t come like lightening. It was more a sense of growing into it – of blossoming.
And that is why the Feast of the Transfiguration, the day he made his solemn profession, has special meaning. As the Gospel story goes, Christ takes three of his disciples, James, John and Peter to a hilltop to pray. While they are talking, Jesus becomes dazzling white and is joined by Moses and Elijah, who also are dazzling white. God appears in the form of a cloud and says, “This is my son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” As Br. George puts it, “We are all seeking transfiguration – to become one with the glory of God.”
And he adds, he experienced his own transfiguration on Tuesday, when he lay prostrate on the floor before the altar in St. Gregory’s Abbey Church, and was covered with a burial cloth signifying his death to the world outside. “When I got up from the floor, I wasn’t the same person as when I got down on the floor. I was changed,” he said.
Now, that he is a full member of the community, family continues to play an important role in his life. He thinks often of his grandparents, whom he never knew well, and comforts himself in their wisdom and goodness, which he says he feels surrounding him.
But for now, he says he is happy to belong and looks forward to the future. “Now I can go the distance. This is my home. This is where I belong. I can have a say-so in community policies now, “he said. “It feels good to have a place to belong.”
St. Gregory's Abbey and University Host the 2002 Couple to Couple League Convention
The grounds and halls of St. Gregory's Abbey and University were alive with the sounds of nearly 1,300 guests when we were able to host the 2002 Convention of the Couple to Couple League. Entire families from 33 states and five nations gathered for this bi-annual event. Among those in attendance was His Excellency, Bishop Josef Romer of the Potifical Council for the Family in Rome. Bishop Romer and his traveling companion and translator, Rev. Mark Lalonde, lodged in the monastery along with several other guest clergy who were present for the convention.
Pictured at left: Abbot Martin visits with a CCL family during an evening picnic held during the 2002 CCL Convention. Pictured below right: Fr. Theodore walks in the midst of our many CCL guests.
The Couple to Couple League is an inter-denomination organization that promotes healthy families through the integration of the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning into marriage and family life. Couple to Couple League members strive to integrate a healthy spirituality into their homes and families, with a keen awareness that they collaborate in God's creative love and life.
Those attending the convention, including 800 participants under the age of 18, lodged in residence halls on the campus of St. Gregory's University and on the neighboring campus of Oklahoma Baptist University. Major assemblies and celebrations of the Eucharist here held in the W.P. Wood Fieldhouse, while break-out meetings and activities were held at various locations on campus.
Fr. Augustine, Fr. Lawrence, Bro. Benet, and Fr. Nicholas teamed together to provide monastery tours to all the children in attendance. The children were given an overview of our monastic vows, prayer, history and other customs. We were delighted to have so many young people who were genuinely interested in learning more about monastic life.
Brother Damian Celebrates Silver Jubilee of Profession, September 2001
Brother Damian Whalen, O.S.B., celebrated twenty-five years as a monk of St. Gregory's Abbey by renewing his vows during mass on the Feast of St. Gregory, September 3, 2001. Abbot Martin presided during the celebration held in the Abbey Church and received Brother Damian's renewal of vows.
During the celebration, Bro. Damian reflected on his experiences as a member of the community at St. Gregory's. Bro. Damian drew upon recent events at St. Gregory's to illustrate the need to continuous clear the way for new growth and development. As a novice in the monastery, Bro. Damian helped to plant two rows of pine trees along the long entrance drive to St. Gregory's, with the idea that the new trees would replace the aging rows of native cedars. Recently, the younger pine trees were uprooted due to disease and replaced by young native cedars. Bro. Damian saw this as a good illustration of the humility needed in life to be able to "uproot dead wood" in order to allow for new growth. Secondly, Bro. Damian reflected on the many happy events and theatrical productions he helped to direct in the Commons Building on campus. Last year, he witnessed the destruction of that beloved building. It had to be razed to make room for a beautiful new facility for campus gatherings and recreational activities. He went on to describe this as an example of how sometimes we have to let go of even good things in order to allow for further growth and improvement. Those in attendance appreciated his inspiring reflections.
After Mass, the a reception and dinner was held in the monastic refectory.
In addition to the monastic community, many guests from near and far attended this important celebration. Among those attending were members of Bro. Damian's family, Abbot Francis Benedict, O.S.B., of St. Andrew Monastery in Valyermo, CA, many friends, students, alumni and colleagues from St. Gregory's University.
A native of Arizona, Bro. Damian first profess vows on August 20, 1976. He resides at the abbey, where he serves in the community as Choir Master and organist, and as a member of the Senior Council. He also teaches full-time in the university, serving as Dean of Humanities and Religious Studies.
Ordination of Father Nicholas Ast, O.S.B. (June 24, 2001)
After four years of preparation at St. Vincent Archabbey Seminary, Brother Nicholas was ordained to the priesthood on Friday, June 24, 2001, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. The ordination took place during the celebration of the Eucharist in the Abbey Church. The Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran, Archbishop of Oklahoma City, conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders through the laying on of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. Some 300 persons were in attendance, including many members of Father Nicholas' family, and representatives of other monastic communities and the diocesan presbyterate.
Please join us in praying for and congratulating Br. Nicholas on this wonderful occasion.
On a related note, during his graduation ceremonies from seminary, Brother Nicholas was named the Outstanding Homilist of his class. We can all look forward to many insightful and inspiring homilies from newly ordained Father Nicholas.
Prior Patrick McCool, O.S.B., Chosen for Papal Honor (2001)
Fr. Patrick McCool, O.S.B., (center), prior of St. Gregory’s Abbey, is presented with the Vatican’s Cross of Honor by Bishop Joseph Madera (left) of the Military Archdiocese, and Fr. Thomas Doyle, O.P., the Catholic chaplain of Tinker Air Force Base. Fr. Patrick, who also serves as head librarian at St. Gregory's University, was recognized for his 22 years of service to the community of Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City. (Photo Courtesy of Chris Yednock)