August 22, 2014

Saint Meinrad Archabbey welcomes two new novices

In a brief ceremony at the monastery entrance, Charles Peñalosa and John Avery II were clothed in the Benedictine habit on Aug. 5 at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad.

They now begin a year of monastic formation, including study of the Rule of St. Benedict and monastic history.

Novice Charles, 22, is a native of the Philippines. Most recently, he has been in formation for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.

A former member of St. Joseph Parish in Indianapolis, he is a graduate of Ben Davis High School and Marian University, both in Indianapolis. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Catholic studies and history in 2012 at Marian while also receiving priestly formation at Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in Indianapolis.

Novice John, 28, attended North Central High School and was a member of St. Pius X Parish, both in Indianapolis.

He graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in music, and then served five years in the French Foreign Legion as a musician.

As novices, they will take a year off from formal studies and trades. The novitiate is a time of prayer and learning intended to help a novice discern his vocation as a monk.

At the end of this year, a novice may be permitted to profess temporary vows of obedience, fidelity to the monastic way of life and stability in the community of Saint Meinrad. †

Local site Links: