February 19, 2016

Saint Meinrad Archabbey receives new novice

Benedictine Novice Joshua LeeuwIn a recent ceremony at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, a new novice was received by the monastic community.

Benedictine Novice Joshua Leeuw was clothed in the Benedictine habit on Jan. 19. He now begins a year of monastic formation, including study of the Rule of St. Benedict and monastic history.

Novice Joshua, 28, of Columbia City, Ind., is a 2010 graduate of Holy Cross College in northern Indiana, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theology. He then spent five years in formation with the Holy Cross Fathers at the University of Notre Dame.

In 2013, he began a two-year stint as a theology teacher at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, Calif. He has also ministered as a counselor, hospital chaplain, teacher and homeless shelter volunteer.

As a novice, he takes 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. †

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