August 30, 2019

Saint Meinrad monk professes solemn vows on Aug. 15

Benedictine Brother Kolbe Wolniakowski professes solemn vows as a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad on Aug. 15 in the monastery’s Archabbey Church of Our Lady of Einsiedeln. (Photo courtesy of Saint Meinrad Archabbey)

Benedictine Brother Kolbe Wolniakowski professes solemn vows as a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad on Aug. 15 in the monastery’s Archabbey Church of Our Lady of Einsiedeln. (Photo courtesy of Saint Meinrad Archabbey)

Criterion staff report

Benedictine Brother Kolbe Wolniakowski professed solemn vows as a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad on Aug. 15 in the monastery’s Archabbey Church of Our Lady of Einsiedeln.

A native of Lansing, Mich., Brother Kolbe, 32, is in formation for the priesthood at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad. He also works in Saint Meinrad’s business office and serves as assistant master of ceremonies for the monastery.

He previously worked for the state of Michigan as an insurance complaint analyst in the state’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

After graduating from Pewamo-Westphalia High School in Westphalia, Mich., Brother Kolbe earned an associate degree from Lansing Community College in 2009 and a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2010 from Northwood University in Midland, Mich.

He was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Pewamo, Mich., where he volunteered as a faith formation teacher.

In professing solemn vows of obedience, fidelity to the monastic way of life and stability in the community at Saint Meinrad, Brother Kolbe is a full and permanent member of the Benedictine community. †

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