Fr. Patrick Boland, O.S.B.

I grew up in Northeast, PA, in a town on the outskirts of Erie. I am one of seven children in a close-knit family. Growing up in a large family was good preparation for community life. I attended a Catholic grade school and then went to a public high school. I went to Penn State and earned an Associate’s Degree.  

Before I entered the monastery, I worked as a campus minister at Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, GA. During my time at Mount de Sales Academy at age 41, I first considered pursuing a religious vocation. I was living a life of prayer, attending daily mass, and going to adoration. I was involved in the Knights of Columbus. Yet, I wanted more. I was inspired to help the Church in the wake of the sex abuse scandal, and I began attending discernment weekends. 

My spiritual director encouraged me to look at religious orders. I came to Subiaco on a Come and See vocations retreat to learn about Benedictine life. I loved the sense of balance between work and prayer. Subiaco felt like home. I was especially attracted to the idea of living in the country and working on a farm. Living in community was also important to me. I enjoy working outside as well as the life of prayer and the community life Subiaco provides.  
 

Tell Us More About Yourself!

Favorite Book of the Bible?
Gospel of Luke

Favorite verse/verses in the Bible? 
Psalm 118:24--
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which instrument?
No

Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
Easter

Prefer to read a book or watch a movie?
Movie

Starting after high school graduation, what are the schools/colleges/universities that you have attended?
Penn. State; Arkansas Tech. University; St. Gregory's University (Shawnee, OK); St. Vincent Seminary

Right-handed or left-handed?
Right

Favorite sport to watch?
NASCAR

Favorite sport’s team?
Pittsburgh Steelers

What time do you wake up in the morning?
4:00-4:30 AM

Favorite saint or saints?
Patrick, of course

Favorite place you have travelled?
Rome sweet Rome!

What are some of your hobbies?
Movies, Playing Cards, Camping, Travel

What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
Book:  Celibacy in the Early Church by Stefan Heid

If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?
Captain James Tiberius Kirk

Do you prefer beer or wine?
Both

What type of music do you usually listen to?
Just about anything

What are your three favorite foods?
Steak, Sausage, Bacon

What are your three favorite drinks?
Stout, Gin & Tonic, Sweet Fruity Wines

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

Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
St. Patrick's legend of forgiving and converting those that imprisoned him inspires me to love my enemies. 

What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
Luke (see question #1) and John (2nd favorite)

Who had the most influence on you growing up?
Tough call!  My father, of course, who is faithful, hard-working, honest family man... and... my great Aunt Katy. Aunt Katy supported me, encouraged me, inspired me in my faith, and was an example of a happy, faithful, and generous woman committed to the vocation of single life. 
 

Video

A few years ago the Angus Association did a wonderful video that featured Fr. Patrick who spoke a bit about his own vocation to Subiaco and monasticism: