On Saturday, April 12th, Zachary Ryan became a novice in
our monastic community. He completed his
postulancy under the guidance of Fr. Gregory-David Jones
and made the request to continue his formation at our
monastery. The ceremony marking the commencement
of the novitate took place during Vespers. After a
reading from the Rule of St. Benedict, our Prior, Fr.
Damien Gjonaj gave a brief homily, during which he gave
Zachary the new name, “Zachariah” – after the saintly
father of St. John the Baptist. Then the ritual
continued with Zachariah coming forward, stating his
intent, being clothed in a tunic, receiving a special
blessing by the Prior and was welcomed by the sign of
peace by the monks present in the chapel. This
stage of formation is a one-year period of education,
trial, guidance and discernment in the Benedictine way
of life in preparation for the profession of vows.
Brother’s new Director will be Fr. John Martin Shimkus
who will over the next twelve months introduce him more
fully into the monastic life.Please pray for Br. Zachariah Ryan, that the Holy Spirit will continue bless strengthen and guide his vocational journey.