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BORN: Nov. 21, 1938
PROFESSED: Nov. 13, 1959
What Led HIM to Become a Monk at Subiaco?
Br. Anselm’s father led him to Subiaco. Mr. Allen took his family on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Ozarks, which was annually held in August for many years. On the return trip to Little Rock, his father stopped at Subiaco and, while there, asked his son if he was interested in attending Subiaco Academy. Br. Anselm said that he was hesitant since he had many friends in Little Rock but he decided to try it for a year. After one year he really liked it at the academy as a member of the scholasticate, which included students interested in joining the Subiaco Abbey. While at school, he really enjoyed working with the brothers on the farm and helping Br. Stephen with the bees. He also enjoyed hiking on the ridges and many outdoors activities.
After graduating from high school, he was enrolled in college at the Abbey in preparation for priesthood studies. After a year in college, Fr. David Flusche convinced him to enter the monastery as a Brother candidate.
During his first years as a Brother Candidate and Novice, Br. Anselm was assigned to the print shop, working under Fr. David. He was trained to make printing plates from photographs. To do this, he built a darkroom and an air conditioner to keep it at a constant temperature. At this time, he also did some work on the farm.
Br. Anselm’s next assignment was to work in maintenance under the Procurator, Fr. Christopher (at this time in our history the Procurator was in charge of maintenance). During his long tenure in the Maintenance Department he served in many capacities and worked a variety of jobs. He did a lot of electrical work in his early days. He moved most of our over-the-head electrical lines underground. He terminated the 12,000 volt lines and installed the switches and transformers. Also during his early years in maintenance, the water plant was upgraded and Br. Anselm became a licensed operator and would end up taking care of the plant until sickness forced his retirement. He had also obtained a license in waste water treatment when the Abbey upgraded the sewer system along with the upgrading of the sewer ponds. Br. Anselm also maintained our steam boilers for many years.
In the mid 1960’s, Br. Anselm started recording the temperature and rainfall for the Weather Service. He continued this service for many years and was even awarded the Dick Hagemeyer Award for 45 years as a cooperative Weather Observer. He also received the John Campanius Holm Award for outstanding accomplishment in the field of meteorological observation. The most prestigious award he received was the Thomas Jefferson Award in 2008.
Tell Us More!
Favorite Book of the Bible?
Acts of the Apostles
Favorite verse/verses in the Bible?
Psalm 148:7-10
Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
Easter
Prefer to read a book or watch a movie?
Read a book
Starting after high school graduation, what are the schools/colleges/universities that you have attended?
Subiaco College
Right-handed or left-handed?
Right-handed
What time do you wake up in the morning?
4:30 AM
Favorite saint or saints?
Benedict
Favorite place you have travelled?
Vacation trips to the Rockies
What are some of your hobbies?
Deer Hunting, Amateur Radio operator (WBJLD), Hiking
What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
BOOK: My sister's account of her search for our family ancestry
Do you prefer beer or wine?
Wine with a meal
Who is the monk that inspired you the most?
Fr. David Flusche
What type of music do you usually listen to?
Classical
What is your favorite food?
Homemade Vegetable Soup
What are your three favorite drinks?
Beer, Wine, Rum
If you could have just one dessert for your last meal, what would it be?
Ice Cream with Cherries
Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
Read a book on Saint Anselm
What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
James and Luke
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
Both my mother and dad