What Led You to Become a Monk at Subiaco?

I have described my childhood in the past as storybook-- lots of love, a great family, great parents, good friends, and lots of wonderful memories. The only educational point of interest would be obtaining my Master’s degree in theology and apologetics from a Protestant University. I am fairly certain I am the only Catholic to graduate from there, which is something I am curiously proud of.

I first considered pursuing a vocation in 2009. At the time, I was a veteran ski instructor at Copper Mountain in Summit County, Colorado. I believe St. Therese was instrumental in bringing me to Subiaco. She is the patron saint of vocations, and she helped me discern.

Not much attracted me during my first visit to Subiaco, especially since it was like 105 degrees. For a Northern boy, I could barely stand to step outside.

I have been asked before about my favorite part of being a monk and have never known how to respond because I don’t think, in my case anyway, that God wants me to have a favorite part. I feel I am here to grow closer to Christ by being shaped in His image, and for me, this is not an easy process. This having been said, if I were to say that anything is my “favorite,” it is this very cross of growing closer to Christ and being shaped in His image. I never knew of it until I came here and now that I am carrying it, I see it as the foundation of my faith, the catalyst of my salvation, and the bedrock of my spiritual life. Yes, we can rejoice in the cross, but this comes after we learn to carry it, which I am still learning to do. This is not something I think falls under the category of “favorite” things, but it certainly, for me, is the most rewarding.
 

Tell Us More About Yourself!

Favorite Book of the Bible?
Genesis

Favorite verse/verses in the Bible? 
Matthew 16:13-19--

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which instrument?
No. A little air guitar if I hear the right song, though.

Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
Christmas

Prefer to read a book or watch a movie?
I used to be a movie guy. There just isn't that much in monastic life. I read when I am moved to, but prefer online educational instruction videos.

Starting after high school graduation, what are the schools/colleges/universities that you have attended?
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; University of Wisconsin-Madison; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; University of Marquette; Oklahoma-Wesleyan University

Right-handed or left-handed?
Right-handed

Favorite sport to watch?
NFL

Favorite sport’s team?
Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers

What time do you wake up in the morning?
I have adoration hours all week from 3:00-4:00 AM. Then I go back to sleep for a bit before Morning Prayer at 5:45 AM

Favorite saint or saints?
St. Mary, St. Joseph, St. Michael, St. Raphael, Padre Pio, St. Damien of Molokai, St. Martha, St. Gemma Galgani, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Therese of Liseaux

Favorite place you have travelled?
DIsney World, the Smithsonian, and Pamplona for the running of the Bulls

What are some of your hobbies?
Hiking and Mountain Biking

What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
Book:  The People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck

If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?
Is this a trick question? Jesus, of course.

Do you prefer beer or wine?
I'm from Milwaukee--Beer! But I'm Italian, so it's close.

Who is the monk that inspired you the most—and why?
Br. Pio because of his prayerfulness

What type of music do you usually listen to?
Classic Rock, 50s-80s, R & B

What are your three favorite foods?
Grilled Cheese; Bacon, Onion, Tomato Cheeseburgers; anything Italian

What are your three favorite drinks?
Rockstar in my black tea; Guiness; Peroni

If you could have just one dessert for your last meal, what would it be?
Doughnuts

Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
Damien is my middle name. My parents were fans of his. I admire lives of sacrifice and selfless service to Christ and others. 

What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
Leo is the only one I recall.

Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My Catholic parents. I didn't take to Catholicism until my forties, but they instilled enough of it in me that when my time came, I knew where I belonged.