August 18, 2006

Two monks take next step toward
solemn profession

Benedictine Novice Gregory Gricoski professed temporary vows and Benedictine Novice Stephen Erspamer received his Benedictine name during a ceremony on Aug. 6 at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad.

As is the custom during the profession of vows, Novice Gregory was assigned a religious name. He will be known as Brother Thomas. Temporary vows are typically professed for three years.

A former member of the Society of Mary (Marianists), Novice Stephen had already professed religious vows.

As the next step toward joining the Benedictine community at Saint Meinrad, he was given the name Brother Martin. The transfer process continues for another two years.

Brother Thomas, 25, was born on Sept. 11, 1980, in Hyattsville, Md. He grew up in Frackville, Pa.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Scranton in 2002 and a master’s degree in philosophy from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium in 2004. He served a pastoral intern year at Immaculate Conception Parish in Scranton, Pa.

Brother Martin, 53, was born on July 28, 1953, in Iron Mountain, Mich. He attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, then the Art Institute of San Antonio, and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 1976.

He earned a master’s degree in fine arts at Boston University in 1986. In 1995, he received certification as a liturgical consultant from the Catholic Theological Union.

Before joining Saint Meinrad Archabbey, he was a Marianist in St. Louis, where he worked as an artist and did missionary work. †

 

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