Br. John Michael Nguyen, O.S.B., makes his solemn profession of vows

SHAWNEE – In an ancient ritual rich with symbolism, Brother John Michael Nguyen, O.S.B., professed Solemn Vows as a monk of Saint Gregory’s Abbey on Sept. 3, the feast of the Abbey’s patron, Saint Gregory the Great. 

“Our annual celebration of our patronal feast was made very special this year as we witnessed and received Brother John Michael’s profession of solemn vows,” said Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B. “With this, he has made a lifeline commitment to monastic life in our community.”

Brother John Michael entered the novitiate at Saint Gregory’s Abbey on Sept. 13, 2020, and professed temporary vows as a monk on Sept. 14, 2021. Benedictine monks profess vows of obedience, stability and conversion of life.

Brother John Michael underwent special preparation for the ceremony, including a five-day directed retreat.

“One of the many questions that I asked myself throughout the discernment process is, ‘Where is the one place that God is calling me to be at?’ I felt that at this particular monastery, at this location in time, allows me to use all of the talents and gifts that God has given me.

“I believe that I could grow and flourish here, spiritually and mentally, through wisdom and knowledge.”

The profession of Solemn Vows took place during Mass of the day. During his homily, Abbot Lawrence said: “When a person professes Solemn Vows and consecrates him or herself completely to God, it is an occasion for joy and celebration not only for a particular community or family, but for the entire Church.

“Today is an occasion when we recognize not so much our success or efforts. It is, rather, an occasion when we recognize the power of God at work in our lives and in our world.”

Addressing himself to Brother John Michael, Abbot Lawrence continued: “Today you lay down your life for others and consecrate yourself to the merciful love of God revealed most perfectly in Jesus Christ. In doing so, you trust that the Lord will receive you as he promised and not disappoint you in your hope. But remember that you do not do this alone. You have a community of brothers who stand ready to make this journey of faith with you.”

During the ritual, the congregation chanted the Litany of Saints while Brother John Michael lay prostrate before the altar. He then knelt before the abbot to profess his vows which he had written on parchment, after which he signed the document on the altar.

In keeping with ancient tradition, Brother John Michael once again prostrated himself before the altar and was covered with a funeral pall.

“Lying beneath the funeral pall is a dramatic sign of Brother John Michael’s death to himself,” Abbott Lawrence said.

While Brother John Michael was under the pall, Abbot Lawrence recited the Prayer of Monastic Consecration over him.

The day was memorable and humbling for Brother John Michael.

“The homily was the most moving,” he said. “It gave me consolation that I wasn't doing this alone and that the community is accepting of me. The Trinity, the Church, and the community are my support and there's nothing else that I needed.”

Brother John Michael serves in the community in several ways, including in the Abbey vegetable garden and as assistant infirmarian. 

When asked what advice he would give to someone trying to discern his or her vocation he said: “Look at the gifts and talents that God has given you. Where can you go that will make the most of the talents and gifts that God has given you? You obviously don't want to bury your gifts and talents in the ground like the ‘wicked, lazy servant.’ What can you do that will show your love for his many blessings?”

For more information about vocations at Saint Gregory’s Abbey, send a e-mail to [email protected], or call the monastery at (405) 878-5490 and ask for the director of vocations. 





Photos Theresa Bragg/St. Gregory’s Abbey.