Because of health problems when I was young, my parents always made sure I had contact with a parish priest. No matter where we lived, I was always friends with the local priest. I often helped as an altar server, and the priest always served as somebody I could confide in. As a result, I grew up thinking the greatest influences in my life were diocesan priests. It wasn’t until I was at St. Joseph’s seminary in Louisiana that my spiritual director helped me to realize the greatest influences in my life were actually religious.
This led me to find my vocation to Subiaco Abbey. There was a previous period in my life when I volunteered as a sidewalk counselor for a local Right to Life office in Texas. In this capacity, I discovered my vocation to the priesthood. While volunteering one day, I heard a voice in my head that I knew was not my own. That voice said three words that changed my life: ”What about priesthood?”
My initial reaction was, “I can’t be a priest. I’m not good enough.” The more I discerned, however, the more I began to realize just how many people I could help through the experiences I have had in my life. This eventually led me here, to Subiaco Abbey. Several signs indicated to me that this was definitely where I was meant to be. Everywhere my parents have dropped me off, at college, seminary, jobs, etc., I experienced a feeling of panic as they drove away. The day they dropped me off here, as I waved goodbye, I was overwhelmed with a sense of peace. That is not to say the process of becoming a monk is easy--no worthwhile journey ever is. But if a person is called to this way of life, they will find something here that brings peace.
Every person’s journey is different, with different people, places, and experiences. But God’s hand is guiding it all. Never underestimate His providence. I’m grateful for Him guiding me to Subiaco, where I love being a monk and am so lucky to be living in community with my brothers who share a spirit of doing the will of God.
Favorite Book of the Bible?
Genesis
Favorite verse/verses in the Bible?
Genesis 18: 1-16 (Abraham, Sarah, and the three visitors)
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which instrument?
Piano
Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
Easter
Prefer to read a book or watch a movie?
Book
Starting after high school graduation, what are the schools/colleges/universities that you have attended?
University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN), Clinton Community College (Iowa), St. Gregory's University, Catholic University of America
Right-handed or left-handed?
Right
Favorite sport to watch?
American Football
Favorite sport’s team?
Texas A&M Aggies
What time do you wake up in the morning?
3:00 AM
Favorite saint or saints?
Katherine Drexel
Favorite place you have travelled?
Switzerland
What are some of your hobbies?
Flight simulation, computer programming
What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
Movie: Frida
If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?
Ernest Borgnine
Do you prefer beer or wine?
Wine
Who is the monk that inspired you the most—and why?
Fr. Bruno Fuhrmann-- for his humility and sense of humor
What type of music do you usually listen to?
Classical
What are your three favorite foods?
Lasagna, Spaghetti, Veal Parmesan
What are your three favorite drinks?
Milk, Coke, Root Beer
If you could have just one dessert for your last meal, what would it be?
Chocolate Cake
Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
It was the name of my great-grandfather who I never knew.
What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
Drexel, Damien
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
Dad