Fr. Jerome Kodell, O.S.B.

WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A MONK AT SUBIACO?

I grew up in a Catholic family as the second child and first son among six children, two girls and four boys. Our life revolved around the Catholic church and school a block away from our home. I can see now that my vocation was nurtured by the excellent examples and models who surrounded me, beginning with my parents, who were completely loving and completely authentic and consistent in their practice of the faith. Early on, I felt a calling to do something special, to be part of a larger project for God. But I was not pushed in any particular direction. Our parents left all of us completely free in our life choices but were supportive of the directions we took.

Our parish was a Benedictine world, with the pastors coming from Subiaco and the teachers from St. Scholastica in Fort Smith. The Sisters not only took care of the church and the school, but also conducted the local hospital, where some of them welcomed me into the world.

Two of the Benedictines stand out as special influences. Father Jerome Pohle of Subiaco was pastor of our parish for just a few years while I was in parochial school, but his kindness and gentleness made a lasting impact. Later, when I became a novice, he often wrote and encouraged me. When he died a month before my first vows, I requested and received his religious name. Sister Josita Nahlen of St. Scholastica taught me in seventh and eighth grades. Even though she was extremely busy, teaching four grades in one room, she always had time for each student. She was an excellent teacher. When I came to Subiaco Academy, I was as well-prepared as anyone from the larger schools. Then I realized the gift she had given me.

I came to Subiaco with a religious vocation in mind, but changed my mind about it several times. Again, it was an example, in this case the example of the monks, that finally drew me. I saw their dedication, their life centered around prayer, and their joy. I knew it had to be hard, but it seemed easy for them. They wanted to serve God together and to help others. I wanted to be a part of that.