What Led You to Become a Monk at Subiaco?

I was born in Texas into a military family. My family and I traveled extensively during the first two years of my life. I have had the opportunity to live in Spain, Michigan, and just prior to entrance into the Abbey, I lived in Louisiana. I attended public schools for the entirety of my academic life until my high school years when I attended a Diocesan school. After completing high school, I entered minor seminary in Covington, Louisiana. I received a BA in Liberal Arts (Philosophy Minor, Literature Minor, History Minor) from St. Joseph Seminary College. Upon matriculation from minor seminary, I entered the Theologate in Washington, D.C. After three years I received an S.T.B. in Theology (equivalent to MA+30) from The Catholic University of America. I did not enter Holy Orders as I thought myself too young, so I applied my knowledge in the field of education. I have taught grades 6 – first year University level courses over the span of the last 20+ years.

The desire for service to God in some capacity has always been present. God has a plan. Monastic life has also been something I have thought of over the years, but over those last couple of years, I began to pare down things in my life. Less TV, less junk in the house, less shopping for unnecessary items all resulted from a desire to strip myself of worldly things that just lead to isolation and sadness. I have also had a sense of peace in trusting God’s providential love and an opening in my heart for a life of service in prayer under the Rule of St. Benedict. St. Joseph Abbey (thanks to my seminary years) has always been a “home away from home” for me. The peace and serenity are undeniable. But over and above this, I felt my heart being pulled to a deeper relationship with God that living “in the world” cannot afford me. 

In early 2017, I made the very difficult decision of leaving a career and school family I had grown to love in order to give myself more fully to God. I, desiring to be open to God’s Spirit, contacted several Benedictine communities. The very welcoming vibe of Subiaco had me at the first moment. Driving up, trying to figure out where to park on my first visit, I was greeted by Br. Joe Koehler and Coco. The variety of ministries and the still somewhat closeness to home are why I chose to follow God here. 

In September of 2017, I became a Candidate here at Subiaco Abbey. Following my investiture as Novice (Feb. 1, 2018), I have had the pleasure of working in Formation on the various activities that help this monastic community function. I must admit, I am pleased that I will have the opportunity to both serve God as a professed monk and engage in the education of young minds as I have done for most of my adult life.
 

Tell Us More About Yourself!

Favorite Book of the Bible?
The Gospel According to John
Favorite verse/verses in the Bible? 
1 John 4:16--
So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which instrument?
I can plunk out a melody on a keyboard. :-) Other than that, I use the oldest instrument, the voice.
Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
Passion/Palm Sunday
Prefer to read a book or watch a movie?
If it is a historical novel, read a book. Otherwise, watch a movie.
Starting after high school graduation, what are the schools/colleges/universities that you have attended?
St. Joseph Seminary College (St. Benedict, LA); The Catholic University of America
Right-handed or left-handed?
Right-handed (ambidextrous while eating)
Favorite sport to watch?
NFL
Favorite sport’s team?
New Orleans Saints
What time do you wake up in the morning?
4:55 AM/5:55 AM
Favorite saint or saints?
Ambrose and Augustine
Favorite place you have travelled?
Spain
What are some of your hobbies?
Enjoy walking (if that's a hobby), listening to mystery/true crime drama podcasts
What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
Book:  The Power of Silence by Robert Cardinal Sarah; Movie: Thelma and Louise
If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?
St. Ambrose
Do you prefer beer or wine?
White wine
Who is the monk that inspired you the most—and why?
Fr. Ambrose Wathen, O.S.B. from St. Joseph Abbey. He was Rector while I attended. He looked like the images of St. Benedict and like our Holy Father, was a very wise, yet humble man.
What type of music do you usually listen to?
American standards (Sinatra)
What are your three favorite foods?
Spaghetti and Meatballs, Ice Cream, McDonald's French Fries
What are your three favorite drinks?
Coke, Pink Lemonade, Chocolate Milk
If you could have just one dessert for your last meal, what would it be?
Apple Pie a la mode
Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
Fr. Ambrose Wathen, O.S.B.
What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
Augustine & Athanasius
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
Probably my sister; always there for me and she is six years my senior, so helped rear me as well.