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BORN: Sept. 16, 1943
PROFESSED: Sept. 8, 1963
ORDAINED: June 6, 1970
ELECTED AS ABBOT: Mar. 24, 2015
BLESSED AS ABBOT: May 8, 2015
PRESENT ASSIGNMENTS: Abbot
What Led You to Become a Monk at Subiaco?
I was born September 16, 1943 in Ft. Worth, Texas. Both of my parents were Catholic while they lived. We lived across the street from a Catholic grade school and also a Catholic Church. My father was an usher and a lector at Sunday morning Mass. Growing up, I was an altar server and kept close association with the parish priests working for the housekeeper at the rectory and also various odd jobs around the church. I have a sister one year older, a brother 5 years younger, and another 17 years younger. All of us finished grade school at the local Catholic school.My first thought about priesthood probably was due to the Incarnate Word Sisters who taught me in grade school. I do not remember that any one of them in particular spoke of a vocation with me, but it seemed that whenever there was an opportunity for religious role playing about the Sacraments, I usually was given the role of the priest. At the time, I did not know anything about the difference in vocations between a priest and a monk. But about 6th or 7th grade, I was given a scholarship for summer camp at Subiaco. Other than the activities, the main thing I remember from the summer is falling asleep under a tree and waking up seeing the bell tower and having the idea that this place would be important to me.
The boys’ Catholic high school was across town but on a direct bus route so transportation was no problem. Also, my father worked about two blocks from school so at times I was able to get a ride from him. I made B+ or so grades in high school but my main activity after classes was helping clean up the school building thus helping to pay for my tuition. The school was run by the Subiaco Benedictines but about half of the teachers were laymen. None of them spoke with me about a vocation, but one day during my junior year, the principal, Fr. Leonard Knoff, stopped me in the hallway and asked me when I was going to Subiaco. I had no answer, and he did not press me for a response. But the next year, the director of the scholasticate came to see me and I spent the summer after I graduated high school studying Latin and helping with various activities at the abbey.
The next year, the monks sent me to St. Joseph’s seminary in Louisiana, then I spent my novice year at the abbey, then going to St. Bernard’s Abbey in Alabama for one year, followed by two years at Conception Abbey in Missouri. I was not allowed to make final vows immediately because I had been so many years away from the Abbey but one year later I made solemn profession. Finally, I began my major seminary preparation for ordination which was done at St. Louis University.
After ordination, my first assignment was a three year stay at our parish in Muenster, TX. I was assistant to the pastor and I taught in their high school while attending college preparing for a return to teach at Subiaco Academy. I returned to the Abbey and became a dormitory dean and teacher for 37 years. After this time, burn-out was taking hold, so I was given several less strenuous jobs in the Academy. Finally, I was appointed formation director for about 5 years, then another 5 years as prior. In 2015, I was elected abbot. I would say that my favorite part of being a monk is the willingness of the monks to help each other. It seems that we can always find another monk who is willing to help us when we have a work project that needs to be done. I have always tried to live my life making myself available to help others, and monks here reciprocate this practice.
Tell Us More About Yourself!
Favorite Book of the Bible?
Jeremiah
Favorite verse/verses in the Bible?
Jeremiah 20:7--
You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped.
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which instrument?
None
Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
All Saint's Day
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?
St. Joseph Seminary; St. Bernard Seminary; Immaculate Concpetion College; St. Louis University; North Texas State University
Right-handed or left-handed?
Right-handed
Favorite sport to watch?
Football and Baseball
Favorite sport’s team?
Dallas Cowboys
What time do you wake up in the morning?
4:30 AM
Favorite saint or saints?
Catherine of Siena and John Vianney
Favorite place you have travelled?
St. Louis, MO
What are some of your hobbies?
Reading and Walking
What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
Book: Edison by Edmund Morris
If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?
No Preference
Do you prefer beer or wine?
Beer
Who is the monk that inspired you the most—and why?
Fr. Vincent Orth-- my Novice Instructor who always seemed content
What are your three favorite foods?
Sauerkraut, Rueben Sandwich, Pizza
What are your three favorite drinks?
Diet Coke, Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet 7-Up
If you could have just one dessert for your last meal, what would it be?
Pineapple upside down cake
Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
To honor Fr. Leonard Knoff, O.S.B.
What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
Wolfgang & Oswald
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My Father