Favorite Book of the Bible?
Acts of the Apostles
Favorite verse/verses in the Bible?
1 Peter 1:6-9
This passage of scripture is so very special to me and probably needs an explanation. I had just entered the Novitiate, seven months after the death of my father. We were at Noon Prayer and I had just been informed that my brother, 5 years younger than I, at age 30, was at 95% renal failure, was in need of a kidney transplant, and also a triple coronary by-pass. So I was praying, beseeching GOD to help me decide if I should remain at the monastery or leave monastic life to take care of my brother and mom. The scripture reading for Noon Prayer was the following:
So GOD answered my prayer. Right then! In print!
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which instrument?
Radio, Record Player, Tape Deck, and CD.
Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
Easter
Prefer to read a book or watch a movie?
Read a book, if I am by myself or enjoy certain TV programs. I have not found any movies in theaters that interest me.
Starting after high school graduation, what are the service/schools/colleges/universities that you have attended?
The U.S. Navy Hospital Corps School, Great Lakes, Illinois, 1966; Operating Room Surgical Assistant Program at Jacksonville Junior College, Jacksonville,FL. 1971; World History, English, Anatomy and Physiology at Polk County Community College, Lakeland, FL. 1978 & 1979; and, in 1993 I took two courses at Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, on the Synoptic Gospels and the Pauline Epistles by Fr. Daniel Harrington, SJ, who refered to the Epistles as the Perils of Pauline.
Right-handed or left-handed?
Right-handed
Favorite sport to watch?
Football
Favorite sport’s team?
Florida Gators
What time do you wake up in the morning?
4:30 AM
Favorite saint or saints?
St. Pope John Paul II (met him 5-24-97)
Favorite place you have travelled?
Israel and Italy
What are some of your hobbies?
Listening to music and reading history. Years ago I did a lot of photography and would use the slides to do meditation presentations for retreats. Also ceramics and horseback riding.
What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
Book: A Jesus Pilgrimage by Fr. James Martin, S.J.
If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?
I honestly do not know.
Do you prefer beer or wine?
Neither. But a Long Island Ice Tea, 7 & 7, or a Margarita sound good.
Who is the monk that inspired you the most—and why?
My Novice Master, Br. Paul Tennis, O.S.B. He was a down to earth, laid back, prayerful, wise, and understanding old sailor. He was an excellent artist who worked a lot in stained glass. He redid the stained glass windows in the upper nave of St. Leo Abbey Church, and was commissioned to design and install the square dome of St. Benedict's Church in Clear River, Florida, in mirrored glass, as well as several other churches in the Dioceses of St. Petersburg and Orlando.
What type of music do you usually listen to?
Oldies and Goldies (late 50's-70's), Southern Gospel Groups, and Classical (Beethoven, Schubert, Bach, Vivaldi, and others)
What are your three favorite foods?
Southern Fried Chicken, BBQ Ribs with Fresh Corn on the Cob, Asian Food
What are your three favorite drinks?
Sweet Ice Tea, Coffee, and Diet Coke
If you could have just one dessert for your last meal, what would it be?
May I choose from a dessert buffet? Vanilla Ice Cream or New York style Cheese Cake
Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
My middle name is Melton. After High School I got the nick-name of "Mel". I later found out that there was a St. Mel who was a Bishop in Ireland and a nephew of St. Patrick. So, my Abbot (Fidelis Dunlap, OSB) let me keep the name when I made profession.
What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
Phillip or Edward
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
Friends at Church