Benedictine Novices Profess First Monastic Vows
Release Date: September 6, 2006
COLLEGEVILLE, MINN. — Novices Nickolas Becker OSB and Daniel Morgan OSB will profess first monastic vows in Saint John's Abbey Church on Friday, September 14, 2007. They began a year of training and discernment in September 2006. During the year they lived the abbey's full schedule of worship and work while studying the Rule of Saint Benedict, Sacred Scripture, and other topics related to the life of Benedictine monks.
During the celebration of the Eucharist at 4 p.m. in the presence of Abbot John Klassen OSB, the Saint John's monastic community, family members and friends, those making profession publicly commit themselves to obedience, stability and the monastic manner of life.
Father Nickolas Lee Becker OSB, was born the third of five children to Robert and Mary Becker of Wesley, Iowa. As a candidate for the Diocese of Sioux City, Nickolas earned a bachelor's degree in history at the University of Notre Dame. At Saint Meinrad Archabbey, he completed master's degrees in Catholic Life and Thought (2000) and Divinity (2002).
Nickolas was ordained to the priesthood in September 2002 and served as parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament Church in Sioux City, Iowa, for two years. From 2004 to 2006 he was pastor of both Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Merrill, Iowa, and Saint Joseph Church in Hinton, Iowa. In addition, he served as adjunct faculty at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City. The rewarding experience as a parochial minister, however, did nothing to diminish his enthusiasm for monastic life.
Father Nickolas is scheduled to work in campus ministry at Saint John's University as faith formation coordinator. He will facilitate opportunities for our students to learn more about our faith and the Catholic, Benedictine intellectual tradition. He will also be taking an intensive Greek course through Saint John's School of Theology.
Brother Daniel Patrick Morgan OSB was born in Edina, Minnesota, the third son of Bernie and Mona Morgan. Daniel and his family were members of Saint John the Baptist Parish in Savage, and he attended Burnsville High School where he participated on the swim team and in other programs such as DARE (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education) and TASK (Teaching to Achieve Success for Kids). As Dan approached graduation from high school he was recruited by colleges for his swimming ability and was persuaded to attend Saint John's University.
While at Saint John's, Daniel was a student worker for Father Roman Paur OSB, the director of ISTI. During his senior year Daniel was hired by a Swiss software company to start a business that he continued to manage after earning his computer science degree in 2003.
In fall 2007 Brother Daniel will work as assistant to Mr. Tom Stock, the Athletic Director of Saint John's University. Plans are that he will also be an assistant coach to the swim team and he will be taking a theology course in the graduate school. Daniel will also be assisting Bro. Paul Vincent Niebauer OSB in vocation work.
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