What Led You to Become a Monk at Subiaco?
I was born James Raymond Walz in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. I attended primary school there at Sacred Heart, and graduated from 8th grade in May 1955. I grew up in a Catholic family, where we were always at Mass on Sundays and attended regularly the other various services. My earliest recollection concerning what I would do when I grew up always revolved around the priesthood. I never gave any serious consideration to any other vocation.
Our family doctor was one of the Posts from Altus, Dr. Cyril Post. His oldest son was Cyril Post, Jr. and was one year ahead of me in school. He was sent to Subiaco to high school and for some reason told Fr. Fintan Oldham that he knew a boy in Poplar Bluff who wanted to become a priest. I knew nothing of this until later.
The summer after graduating from 8th grade, I simply made no plans as far as going to high school was concerned. I was interested in the seminary and thought of the minor seminary for St. Louis. But I knew that was something that we could never afford so I just did nothing! About six weeks before September 1955 classes began at Subiaco, I was visited by Fr. Fintan and the principal, Fr. Robert Lazzari. They knew about me only from Cyril Post. I had never heard of Subiaco and had no idea that Cyril Post had gone there or had given them the information. Dr. Post brought them out to our farm to see me and to visit with my parents. I was ready to do anything that would get me into the seminary, but I was very shy and not pushy. Dr. Post was not shy and was very pushy and practically forced my parents to allow me to go to Subiaco. So, about 4-6 weeks before I ended up at Subiaco, I had never heard of it!
In September, 1955, I came to Subiaco Academy and was in the Scholasticate where I graduated with the class of 1959. After attending one year of college studies at Subiaco, I entered the monastery as a novice in August of 1960 and made my first profession of vows on September 8, 1961, taking the religious name, Richard.
All my college and seminary studies were taken at Subiaco and I was ordained a priest on May 27, 1967, in my home parish in Poplar Bluff. Immediately after ordination, I was a student at George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, receiving a Masters Degree in Library Science in 1969. Then I returned to Subiaco Abbey where I was on the faculty of the Academy, taught religion and music in the arts appreciation program, and worked with our small band together with Fr. Frowin Schoech. During five summers, I attended summer school at Loyola University in New Orleans where I managed to get certified to teach music.
In late 1974, Abbot Raphael De Salvo chose me to go to Santa Familia Monastery, our dependent monastery in Belize. I left for this assignment in April, 1975, and within a couple of months, was appointed prior of that small community. I remained in that position for approximately 28 years, with the exception of 10 months in 1985-86 when I was on sabbatical at Subiaco Abbey as Subprior, retreat master in Coury House, and part-time teacher in the Academy.
In Belize, besides being prior and superior of that small community, I was at times a teacher in Sacred Heart College, pastoral assistant to the local pastor, caring for Santa Elena Church and Santa Familia Village, builder, architect, plumber, electrician, handyman, music director, and just about anything that our situation required. I served many years on the Board of Governors of Sacred Heart College [a high school] and was a Diocesan Consultor in the Diocese of Belize.
In January of 2003, I returned to Subiaco Abbey after Santa Familia Monastery was closed. Here I was first appointed Asst. Development Director, then Development Director. In July, 2007, I was also appointed Formation Director for the Abbey. At first, it was not necessary to give up my position as Development Director, but soon I had a class of four who came as candidates, and I relinquished that position. I remain today Formation Director, caring for and instructing the new people who come to join our community.
Upon returning from Belize, I began growing Habanero Peppers [with seeds brought from Belize] and produced Monk Sauce, which has become something of a famous product of Subiaco Abbey. I also became involved in the Abbey’s Peanut Brittle operation. At the time Br. Thomas Moster was in charge, but his health was deteriorating, and he soon withdrew, leaving me in charge.
What at first attracted me to Subiaco was the opportunity to become a priest. It is perhaps a bit strange, but the longer I have been in religious life, the more I have come to realize that it is the community life I am most attracted to and which I depend upon totally.
Asking, “What is my favorite part about being a monk now?” is like asking a mother which one of her children she likes best. All of the aspects of being a monk are lived in the context of community. I suppose I’d have to say the community life with all its ramifications is what I like best about being a monk.
Tell Us More About Yourself!
Favorite Book of the Bible?
The Gospel of Mark
Favorite verse/verses in the Bible?
Mark 1:15--
This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which instrument?
Guitar. I also play many instruments poorly.
Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
Holy Week
Prefer to read a book or watch a movie?
I prefer to read a book than watch a movie
Starting after high school graduation, what are the schools/colleges/universities that you have attended?
Subiaco College Seminary, The Catholic University of America, George Peabody College (Nashville, TN), Loyola University in New Orleans, Pontificio Sant'Anselmo
Right-handed or left-handed?
Right-handed
Favorite sport to watch?
College Football
Favorite sport’s team?
St. Louis Cardinals
What time do you wake up in the morning?
4:00-4:30 AM, but I don't get up. I say the Rosary until about 5:00 AM
Favorite saint or saints?
The Fathers of the Desert
Favorite place you have travelled?
Belize and Central America
What are some of your hobbies?
Rosary-making and Gardening (with my tropical greenhouse)
What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
BOOK: Good Things Out of Nazareth: The Uncollected Letters of Flannery O'Connor and Friends by Flannery O'Connor (edited by Ben Alexander)
If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?
Gandhi or Igor Stravinski
Do you prefer beer or wine?
I like hoppy beer and dry wine
Who is the monk that inspired you the most—and why?
Fr. Jerome Kodell-- he is both holy and human
What type of music do you usually listen to?
Paul Simon, John Denver, or Classical
What are your three favorite foods?
Rice-n-Beans Belizean Style, Fried Chicken, Chinese
What are your three favorite drinks?
Rum, Beer, Wine
If you could have just one dessert for your last meal, what would it be?
I rarely eat dessert, so why would I have one with my last meal.
Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
It was available and I liked it.
What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
Aelred (because I knew I wouldn't get it) and another I don't remember.
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My Mother
SOME OF HIS PRODUCTS
If you are interested in some of the many products that Fr. Richard produces to support our Abbey (Peanut Brittle, Hot Sauce, Job's Tears), then feel free to click on the link to our Abbey online store. Likewise, if you would like to view a really cool viral video that was done about Fr. Richard and our Monk Sauce, then click on that link to view:
CLICK HERE FOR OUR ABBEY STORE
CLICK HERE FOR THE VIRAL VIDEO