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MAGAZINE Volume 11, Number 3

Solemn Vows of Br. Peter Schults, OSB July 11, 2019 Feast of St. Benedict

Publication of the Benedictine of St. Gregory’s Gaudete!REFLECTIONS FROM LAWRENCE

Love is a powerful force of God, he consecrated himself to God with solemn in our lives. True love is vows as a of St. Gregory’s Abbey. In doing so not a fleeting feeling or he gave himself completely not only to God and to the a selfish desire, nor is it Abbey, but also in a profound way to all of humanity what any prevailing but as a sign of the life-giving power of divine love. passing culture might call love. No. True love is a Francis affirmed the universal nature of conse- force that motivates us to choose what is right, what crated life when he wrote in 2014: “ is just, and what is beautiful. True love moves us to concerns not only consecrated persons, but the entire choose what is profoundly meaningful to us in ways . Consequently, I ask the whole Christian peo- that others do not fully understand, and even in ways ple to be increasingly aware of the gift which is the that we ourselves do not at first understand. presence of our many consecrated men and women, heirs of the great who have written the history It is such a powerful love that stirs the hearts of those of .” who are called to consecrated life. Having encoun- tered the mystery of divine love, they respond by Himself a member of the Society of , Pope Fran- consecrating themselves fully to be living signs of the cis added, “We [in consecrated life] are called to know saving love of God revealed most perfectly in Jesus and show that God is able to fill our hearts to the brim Christ. with happiness; that we need not seek our happiness elsewhere; that the authentic fraternity found in our Referring to those who leave all behind to consecrate communities increases our joy; and that our total themselves in monastic life, St. Benedict writes: “It is self-giving in service to the Church, to families and love that impels them to pursue everlasting life; there- young people, to the elderly and the poor, brings us fore, they are eager to take the narrow road of which life-long personal fulfilment.” the Lord says: Narrow is the road that leads to life. They no longer live by their own judgment giving in Pope St. John Paul II emphasized the importance of to their whims and appetites; rather they walk accord- consecrated life today in his encyclical letter Vita Con- ing to another’s decisions and directions, choosing to secrata. He wrote: “The consecrated life has the pro- live in and to have an abbot over them.” phetic task of recalling and serving the divine plan for (Rule of St. Benedict 5) humanity… The specific contribution of consecrated persons… to evangelization is first of all the witness Monastic is not well understood in to- of a life given totally to God and to their brothers and day’s world. Our contemporary American culture sisters, in imitation of the Savior who, out of love for emphasizes individual freedom, self-determination, humanity, made himself a servant.” (VC 73, 76) materialism, sensuality, mobility, immediate gratifica- tion. and utilitarian pursuits. Such a culture can hard- In an age that sadly experiences increasing loneliness ly grasp the idea of making a life-long commitment to and social divisions, the communal life that is the anything, let alone to a lifestyle that involves obedi- heart of monastic life provides the type of “prophet- ence, stability, chaste , individual poverty and ic witness” described by Pope St. John Paul II. Pope ongoing conversion. Francis puts it this way: “In a polarized society, where different cultures experience difficulty in living along- But this is precisely what Br. Peter Shults, O.S.B., did side one another, where the powerless encounter op- on July 11, 2019. In response to the mysterious love pression, where inequality abounds, we are called to

MonksOK! is published four times per year by the Benedictine Monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey MonksOK! for our friends, , and sponsors. Summer 2019

2- MonksOK offer a concrete model of community which, by acknowl- edging the dignity of each person and sharing our respec- tive gifts, makes it possible to live as brothers and sisters.” Along with a prophetic witness to the value and possi- bility of authentic human community, those in monastic life also give witness to the importance of silence, prayer and reflection. Monastic communities also are able to offer hospitality to those who are seeking an experience of peace in their own busy and noisy lives. Pope Fran- cis reminded delegates to the 2018 Congress of of this important means of service. “In this age, when people are so busy that they do not have enough time to listen to the voice of God, your monasteries and Thank you! become like oases, where men and women of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and religions can discover the Giving through IRA’s beauty of silence and rediscover themselves, in harmony with creation, allowing God to restore proper order in Are you age 70 ½ or older and are required to take minimum their lives. The Benedictine charism of welcome is very distribution payments from your Individual Retirement precious for the new evangelization, because it gives you Account? Did you know that a charitable distribution from the the opportunity to welcome Christ in every person who account can satisfy the distribution without the tax liability? arrives, helping those who seek God to receive the spiri- Contact your plan administrator and ask for a charitable tual gifts He has in store for each of us.” distribution to your favorite charity be made today! We hope you will join us in giving thanks to God for call- Life Insurance Beneficiaries ing Br. Peter to our monastic community. We also ask that you pray to God to inspire and to strengthen many Have you updated your life insurance beneficiaries lately? more young women and men to embrace consecrated Prayerfully consider adding St. Gregory’s Abbey as a life, including Benedictine life at St. Gregory’s Abbey. beneficiary! It is an easy way to leave a financial gift to continue In this way we will continue to offer to the world a life to work of the Abbey. prayer, work and service, as well as an oasis of hospitality for all who seek peace. Gifts of Investments Investments such as Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds that have appreciated in value can be donated for the full-market value. Check with a licensed securities broker about how to make this type of gift.

The of real estate, mineral rights and crops are another way to support the Abbey. Contact Abbot Lawrence for more information.

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If you have questions or comments about this publication, please address them to: Publisher: Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B. Editor: Theresa Bragg 1900 W. MacArthur Street Shawnee, OK 74804 Photographers: Br. George Hubl, O.S.B. and Theresa Bragg Phone: (405) 878-5491 E-: [email protected] www.monksok.org

MonksOK- 3 Br. Peter Shults Makes Solemn Vows By April Wilkerson At the very beginning of his journey toward becoming a monk at St. Grego- ry’s Abbey, Br. Peter Shults could only describe what he was feeling as a hun- ger. He was content yet not at peace. He was accomplished but felt a longing for something else. His career was on a fast track, yet he couldn’t see its future. He eventually understood what he was ex- periencing: a hunger for the Living God. On July 11, he left behind his old iden- tify as Matthew Shults and took his sol- about Catholicism, began praying and, for the first time emn vows to become a lifelong monk as Br. Peter. It was in several years, I opened up my Bible.” the culmination of a process that unveiled itself to him over many years, yet it marked the beginning of his ser- During his senior year of college, he was confirmed in vice to God. Taking lifetime vows is a momentous step, the Church. He earned an accounting degree but Br. Peter came to know the deep peace of turning and began thinking about his next steps. He wanted to himself over to God. go to graduate school but didn’t have the money, so he decided to enter the Army in 2004. What he thought “The only way I know how to explain it is that I fell in would be a couple of years of military service turned love with Christ and His church,” he said. “He gave me into 10. He served the Army well, going on missions the opportunity to feel His grace, mercy and love, and I around Africa, and the United States, and earn- wanted to be where He wanted me to be, and nowhere ing his master’s degree in accounting along the way. e l s e .” During what would be his final duty assignment in De- troit, he began praying intently about what God would Br. Peter’s roots are in Oklahoma – he grew up in Del have him to do. He visited with a spiritual director and City in a Protestant home. During his college years, he felt the question of a burning in his heart. struggled with doubt and was often vocal about his un- During some time off, he decided to attend a belief. One day, he was invited to attend Mass, where he retreat at St. Gregory’s Abbey. couldn’t help but notice the look of peace that crossed people’s faces as they received Communion. A seed was “I deeply wanted some quiet and time away, but after planted that day. the retreat, as I was boarding the plane to go back to Detroit, I thought, ‘I don’t want to go back.’ I felt a peace “I started going to a way across town so I didn’t so deep that it was alarming,” he said. have to admit to anybody that I was wrong about my unbelief,” he said. “I started reading everything I could Br. Peter recognized that peace as a step toward filling the hunger he had been experiencing. He attended sev- eral more retreats then turned in an application to the as his military contract was ending. After his honorable discharge, he entered the Abbey as a pos- tulant on March 3, 2015 – knocking on the monastery door three times, according to tradition, followed by the brothers welcoming him in. After four months as a , he entered the year- long noviate in preparation to take his temporary vows of three years and further explore becoming a lifelong monk. The time as a novice is when the Abbot confers a new name to signify a new way of life. Br. Peter sub- mitted three names for consideration, along with a de- scription of why he chose each. The Abbot can pick one

MonksOK-4 him through the night. “They sat up all night tak- ing my temperature and putting washcloths on my head to bring my fever down. I remember thinking, ‘I am not alone anymore; I have a family,’” he said. “I thought, ‘This is what it is to be loved.’” After three years, Br. Peter petitioned the Abbot and community for a lifelong profession as a monk. They voted affirmatively, and his solemn vows were part of a meaningful rite in front of the monastic commu- nity, family and friends. To signify dying to his old self, a funeral pall was placed over him. When it was removed, to symbolize his new life, Br. Peter said he felt a closeness to God unlike he’d ever experienced. Br. Peter’s first vocation is to be a monk -- praying for his community and church seven times a day. He also continues his service as the community’s landscaper. But he also felt a call to another vocation – the priest- hood – so during the academic year, he is working toward a master of divinity degree at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. At the monastic community, the motto is “pray and work,” a rhythm of the day that Br. Peter said he finds meaningful. “Praying becomes work and work be- comes praying,” he said. “Everything blends into this tapestry of the day. It’s a beautiful thing.” “In everything he does, Br. Peter sees an expression of God,” Abbot Lawrence said. “Because of that, his of them, or none of them, but Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen presence is a tremendous gift to the community.” ultimately chose Peter. “Peter, one of the 12 chosen by Jesus, was a laborer and a fisherman. He had faults and weaknesses, even as an apostle, but he listened to the call to transform his life by following Jesus,” Abbot Lawrence said. When other disciples were leaving Jesus as teaching become difficult, Peter said, “Lord, where will we go? You have the words of everlasting life.” “To me, that fits Br. Peter’s personality,” Abbot Lawrence said. “As a relatively young man who has had significant experiences in life as a student, a professional and a sol- dier, he knows in his heart that the Lord has the words of life.” During the three years of his temporary vows, Br. Peter was committed to living out the Benedictine rule and getting to know his brothers. He developed deep rela- tionships, but an incident along the way solidified his understanding of a monastic community. He was per- forming his landscaping work when he accidentally hit a hornet’s nest. The hornets swarmed and stung him repeatedly, sending him running into the monastery in pain. During the night, he hurt all over and felt sick, so he left his room to find a comfortable recliner. A few of the brothers found him and committed to taking care of

MonksOK-5 A Message from Br. Peter . . . The of St. Luke tells us in chapter seven that Jesus went to a dinner with a Pharisee and that “a woman of the city, who was a sinner when she learned that he was sitting at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.” Fully aware of her own sinfulness, she knew that the only one who could make her pure again was sitting at the table eating with people who found her damaged, unfit, and inferior. Yet, in one of the most moving passages of the Gospel, she cast aside her pride and refused to let anyone or anything stand in between her and the One who makes all things new. Overcome with tearful repentance, she wept and washed the feet of our Lord with all she had: her own tears, her hair, and the ointment con- tained in an alabaster jar.

As I reflect on my solemn profession, I can’t help but understand this simple, repentant woman. I too am fallen and should have been discarded as broken and worthless. Yet, in the waters of our Lord restored me and showed me the purity he desired for me from the beginning. During the rite of monastic consecration, as I lay prostrated before the covered by the funeral pall, I suddenly no longer cared about the judge- ment that I’m rough around the edges, obviously inadequate, and fallen beyond all help. While all these accusations are sadly true, I am blessed that God’s mercy and grace sees no such obstacle. Instead, as the prayer of consecration was made, I was overcome with the desire to give all for Him because He gave all for me. I began to understand that life in Christ includes dying to the old self and, afterwards, letting Christ call the shots in the life to which he has raised me. In consideration of this, I too know that there is only one response for me, to give everything I have to Christ in the vocation of monastic conse- cration: my tears, my blood, my very life. How could I not? He healed my broken heart and restored the innocence I lost long ago and had thought was otherwise irretrievable. I want to personally thank everyone who prayed for me during my monastic formation. I was amazed at the out- pouring of support on the day of my profession. Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus and the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulcher for honoring our Lord with their service as I professed my solemn vows. I humbly ask all to continue to pray for me to be faithful to the end when I will see my Lord and hear him say the words that the ear of my heart burns to hear: “Well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master.” - Br. Peter Shults, OSB.

Oblates of St. Gregory's Abbey

Save the Date Fall Sunday

Do you think that God may be calling you to monastic life at St. Greg- ory's? Come and see. Single Catholic men 18-35 are encouraged to join October 6th (Shawnee) us for a Come and See Weekend. Please contact Fr. Boniface at voca- November 10th (Montebello, CA) [email protected] to make arrangements. Enroll Now in a Fall Day of Reflection

Pilgrimage to Sacred Heart The monastic community made a special pilgrimage on Fri- day, June 28, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. The monks gathered at the original location at Sacred Heart Parish and Mission for the community, celebrating Mass in the historic parish church. After lunch the monks enjoyed a delicious homemade lunch prepared by some of the parishioners who are also oblates of the community. From Monologue to Dialogue in Prayer Presented by Fr. Boniface Copelin, O.S.B. - September 21, 2019 We all learn to pray by saying prayers. We then move to talking to God. But, just as our human relationships are based upon listening and responding, so also our prayers can be a loving conversation with God. Reading and Praying the Bible Presented by Fr. Charles Buckley, O.S.B. - October 19, 2019 Have you ever wondered about the history of the Bible? How did we get it? How has it been translated and interpreted? Fr. Charles will help us understand this history, as well as teach us more about Br. George Hubl, O.S.B. recently returned from San An- the Bible as the Word of God and ways to pray using the Bible. tonio, Texas where he attended the National 48th An- nual Assembly of the Religious Brothers Conference Being Benedictine: (RBC). The RBC is a service organization in the Catholic Practical Holiness for Everyone Church and its' mission is to promote an awareness of Presented by Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B. - the calling of Brothers in the Church and society. November 16, 2019 The wisdom of St. Benedict has stood the test of time as a proven guide to holiness. It is finding greater appeal than ever in the 21st century. This Day of Reflection will offer a basic overview of the Rule of St. Benedict and present ways to apply what this 6th-centu- ry saint called his “little rule for beginners.” Mass - 8:30 a.m. - Abbey Church Registration - 9:15 a.m. - Conference Center Program and Lunch - 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The day ends at 3 p.m. after Holy Hour and Adoration. Confessions available. Due to space limitations, please pre-register by calling (405) 878-5656 or e-mailing retreats@ monksok.org. Early Bird discount- $30 (pre-payment 7-days It's almost turkey time! ) or $35 at the door. Cost includes lunch. If you are interested in reserving one of our heritage va- riety, pasture-raised turkeys for your Thanksgiving meal, We accept cash, check or credit card contact Fr. Boniface before they are all called for! To re- For Early bird discount mail check to address below or pay on-line at serve yours email [email protected]. www.monksok.org (click on “support us” and then “donate”).

MonksOK-7 Reflections from the Gate by Br. Damian Whalen, O.S.B.

The vow that some consid- refinement that removes impurities and brings out the er the most characteristic best qualities in that which is being refined. of monastic life is most often referred to as the vow of conversion. The for this vow,conversatio For example, in order to bring out the aroma and morum, however, is difficult to translate accurately flavor of coffee, the green coffee beans must be roast- into English. The phrase is rendered as “conversion of ed. “A green bean has none of the characteristics of life,” “conversion of manners” or, most often, simply a roasted bean – it’s soft and spongy to the bite and as conversion. Conversatio, at any rate, is understood smells grassy.” (National Coffee Association). Roasting as the commitment to live the monastic manner of causes chemical changes in the beans that allow their life. Difficulties of translation aside, the meaning of most desirable qualities to shine forth. this vow that monks make has to do with changing one’s attitudes and behavior in order to become more The same is true for human beings – we must under- closely conformed to what God has called one to be in go the transforming and refining processes that are Christ. necessary to bring out the best in us. So, on our path of spiritual growth we should not be surprised that All human persons, at their core, are created in God’s we will be tested and have to “suffer through various image and likeness, (Genesis 1:27) but because of the trials” – no, these trials are necessary so “that the gen- effects of sin humans don’t always manifest the image uineness of [our] faith, more precious than gold that is of God that they are. The practices of prayer, fasting, perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be silence, humility, obedience, etc. are the means that for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus the monk makes use of in order to be more receptive Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7). to God’s transforming grace so that the image of God can show itself more clearly in the monk’s life. These tests, however, are not like the exams we took in school that were intended for us to “prove” ourselves. This transformation (conversion) takes place slowly These tests and trials are like the smelting process that over the course of a lifetime and, by necessity, involves removes impurities and brings out our best qualities hard work and even hardship. The “narrow way” of and the infinite value that is already there because of hardship, however, is nothing other than a process of who God made us and called us to be. Friends gather for Pentecost Picnic

Oblates, friends of the Abbey, as well as former SGU students and , gathered with the monastic community for the Pentecost Picnic on June 9th.

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for making our Mass extra special. The Knights pose one last time in their old uniforms.

8- MonksOK How Does One Know Their Vocation? Prior Boniface Copelin, O.S.B., Vocation Director

I am often asked, “How does one living with others. (No, this is not the reason why one know what their vocation is?” I becomes a ). have found that this is not the easiest question to answer be- After St. Thomas’ notion of attraction and inclination cause this is a very personal ques- there is St. Benedict’s notion of vocation which is per- tion. Let’s face it, grace works in severance. Look at the Rule and you will find multiple each of us differently. I recently found some language times where St. Benedict indicates the value of perse- that helps people to better understand this process and verance and that this perseverance is not only the sign I thought that I would share it with you in this issue of of a vocation but the obligation of the vocation. We’ve the magazine. seen this in many circumstances, whether it is a job or family life. Does one have the desire, willingness and Since discussing vocation as grace working within the ability to get on with things when the going gets tough soul, we are necessarily discussing a matter of theolo- or is the temptation to give up and try something else gy; therefore, a theology of vocation is necessary. In the first and best option. a recent workshop for Benedictine Vocation Directors I heard a presentation by Abbot Christpher Jamison, So, how does perseverance work in vocational discern- O.S.B. who is the former abbot of Worth Abbey in En- ment? When someone first becomes interested in a vo- gland and until his recent election as Abbot President cation to priesthood or religious life do they look into of the English Benedictine Congregation had been it or just go on to the next thing? If having examined serving as the director of the Vocations Office for the it, do they commit to prayer and further ? Bishops’ Conference of and Wales. Part of his Hitting obstacles and delays do they continue their presentation was specifically on the theology of voca- prayer, discernment and diligence? If they do these, tion and it is from his presentation that these lines are they are exhibiting the perseverance which would in- based. dicate a vocation. If on the other hand, the next good thing that crosses their path gets all of their attention When a person begins considering a particular form until the next good thing, well…… Perhaps the time to of religious life, or ministry, or marriage to another discern a vocation isn’t quite there yet. the first thing that they experience is an attraction. St. Thomas Aquinas writes of this in theSumma Theolo- In all of this, there is one other thing which someone giae (I-II: 108) that there is an attraction to the Evan- needs as they discern their vocation in life: a good spir- gelical Counsels of poverty, , and obedience but itual director. A spiritual director is a priest, or there is not always the inclination to follow them. He religious with the skills and the temperament to assist cites the Gospel of Matthew chapter 19 verse 21 where others as they seek to follow God’s path for them. A Jesus tells the rich young man: “Go, sell what you have spiritual director who is truly operating as such will and come and follow me.” He explains that while a per- have no other agenda than to assist their directee to son may have an attraction to being perfect not all are understand the working of the Spirit in their life. inclined to do the second part. If one honestly examines their attractions and inclina- So, this is the initial combination of attraction and in- tions regarding a vocation and practices perseverance clination. This is not the end of discernment, however. in their discernment with the guidance of a spiritual In reality, it is only the beginning because the nature of director, all will be well. It is not always a short path, the attraction and inclination need to be understood. I nor is it an easy path. But to those who persevere and once heard of a fellow who was attracted to the life of take steps to follow where the Lord is leading them they a hermit. In time, it turned out that his attraction was will find their way and will be blessed with the joy of that he had a great deal of difficulty relating to and knowing that they have done well.

MonksOK- 9 News from the Abbey Chronicle

Abbot Lawrence and Br. Damian attend General Chapter at St. Anselm's Abbot Lawrence and Br. Damian recently attended the General Chapter of the American-Cassinese Congrega- tion of Monasteries, of which St. Gregory's Abbey is a member monastery. The General Chapter is held ev- ery three years and the Abbot of each monastery and an elected delegate participate in the week-long session that serves to conduct the business of the congregation. The meetings involve reports concerning the various ac- tivities of the congregation, a review of its finances and various proposals for future activities or revisions to the Congregation's Constitutions and Directory.

The General Chapter was held at St. Anselm's Abbey in Manchester, New Hampshire. All those who attended were treated to a mid-week break and spent Wednesday afternoon and evening in Boston - a visit to the JFK Library, Evening Prayer with Cardinal O'Malley and a "lobster bake" at a Boston . Abbey Shops Building Nearing Completion

Over the past few months, the lights and ceilings have been hung, walls painted, as well as the doors and trim stained. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for your volunteer labor! Soon we will seal and stain the floors. The building features a woodshop, a tailor shop, arts and crafts rooms, media workroom, equipment storage and egg processing area. Teens from St. John Nepomuk Parish Spend a Day at the Abbey High School stu- dents from St. John Nepomuk Parish in Yukon, spent the day at St. Gregory's Abbey on July 11th. They completed several service projects, took a tour, learned more about the Beatitudes from Fr. Simeon, ate lunch in the refecto- ry and attended Br. Peter's Profession of Solemn Vows.

10- MonksOK Statues Relocated to Abbey Campus Statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Kateri Tekakwitha that once graced the campus of St. Gregory’s University have been relocated to permanent locations on the monastery grounds. Both locations make the beautiful statues available to pil- grims and guests of the Abbey.

The white Carrera marble statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe was purchased in 2014 through a student-led initiative. Orig- inally located near the southwest corner of the “mound” in front of Benedictine Hall, it was sold as part of the sale of the university campus. The Green Family graciously offered to give the statue to the Abbey, where it could be incorporated into the monastery campus. It is now located on the front lawn of the monastery on the north side of the Abbey Church.

The unique bronze statue of St. Kateri Tekakwitha was given to the Abbey in 1984, long before St. Kateri was canonized in 2012. The statue was moved to a new location in 2003, just west of Benedictine Hall. The statue and its original granite base, dedi- cated “In Tribute to all Native Americans,” now are located in a prayer garden to the south of the Abbey cemetery. It is near the prayer labyrinth and an open space that can be used for future honor dances to celebrate St. Kateri. A large congregation of pilgrims made their way to the statue on July 14, for ceremonies on the feast day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

Abbey Assumes Direct Management of Dining Services

On July 1, the Abbey resumed direct management for its dining and hospitality services. This change brings to a close nearly twenty-five years of contracted services with two successive outside contractors. “We enjoyed excellent service with the previous arrangements,” Abbot Lawrence noted. “But without the volume of meals needed by the university it makes more economical sense for us to man- age our dining and hospitality services ourselves. We are pleased that we have been able to retain some of the per- sonnel who have worked with us for some time.” Serving as Director of Abbey Dining and Hospitality is Wes Piear- cy, who has been with the Abbey for a number of years. Br. George Hubl, OSB, has assumed full-time duties as a chef, making use of his degree in culinary arts from Okla- homa State University. Rounding out the team are Wanda Williams and Debra Sanders. In addition to providing meals for the monastic community and Abbey guests, Abbey Dining and Hospitality also provides meals and catering for clients who use the Conference Center at St. Gregory's Abbey and various Abbey special events. “It is obvious that our team takes great pride in the services they provide. They truly embrace the Benedictine tradition of hospitality as a ministry” said Abbot Lawrence.

MonksOK-11 Feast of St. Kateri Celebration draws crowd from across Oklahoma