March 28, 2008

Two monks transfer vows to Saint Meinrad

Two monks from other Benedictine monasteries completed their transfer of stability to Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad on March 10.

Benedictine Father Louis Hacker transferred from Corpus Christi Abbey in Sandia, Texas, and Benedictine Brother Zachary Wilberding transferred from St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minn.

Benedictines take a vow of stability that ties them to the particular community in which they profess their vows.

For a variety of reasons, a monk is allowed to transfer his stability from one Benedictine monastery to another with the consent of both abbots and the solemnly professed monks of the receiving monastery, which is known as a chapter. A probation period of one year is required before the transfer of stability is completed.

In 1975, Father Louis joined Corpus Christi Abbey. He professed his final vows in 1977 and was ordained a priest in 1985. In 1997, he was elected abbot of Corpus Christi. He resigned in 2002 after the closing of the monastery.

Brother Zachary joined St. John’s Abbey in 1996 and professed final vows in 2000. While at St. John’s Abbey, he was director of field education, director of lay spiritual formation and involved with prison ministry. †

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