OUR NEWLY PROFESSED: We were blessed tonight to witness the Rite of First Profession of a monk. Novice Michael DeFoore of Van Buren, Arkansas, made his three-year simple vows of Stability, Conversatio Morum, and Obedience. Abbot Elijah gave him the name "Brother Augustine of Canterbury DeFoore" in honor of the 6th-century monk, Saint Augustine of Canterbury. This Saint Augustine was a monk sent by Pope Saint Gregory the Great to re-evangelize England. He is different from Saint Augustine of Hippo who was from northern Africa. In the photo you can see Br. Augustine's profession document that he created at signed at tonight's liturgy. Please keep Br. Augustine in your prayers. May we rejoice at this wonderful day for our monastery and Abbey. Br. Augustine now joins the ranks of our ancient 1,500-year-old tradition as a Benedictine monk in the Roman Catholic Church. Subiaco Abbey is blessed. UIOGD!