Meet the Monks
Father John Mary
I was born and raised in a small village in southwestern Uganda. Growing up in a family of seven kids, family became an important value in my life. It is the family element of the Benedictines, besides the balance between prayer and work, which I have come to treasure so much. It was in this staunch Catholic family that the seeds of my vocation were sown.
I don’t remember my parents ever saying anything to me about becoming a priest. I suppose it was the environment and religious atmosphere they cultivated around the home that shaped the path I was to choose later in life... Read More
Brother Jeffery Williams
I grew up in Southern Maryland, home of the Indian Head Maryland Naval base. During my high school years I was active in the music and drama department. I was also a very involved in my church on the Navy base serving as Sunday school teacher, Music Director and Youth Minister.
After high school I attended the local community college for one year while also subbing at my old high school and working for a local drug store and clothing store. In 1979 I joined the U.S. Navy. I served aboard The USS Cochrane (DDG-21) Pearl Harbor HI, VQ-4 Fleet Air Pax River, MD and the Naval Training Chaplain School Newport RI... Read More
Brother Ambrose Okema
I was born and raised in a small town called Kalongo in northern part of Uganda. I come from a family of eight children. I, together with my siblings, was educated at the Catholic parish school in the same area which was operated by the Comboni Missionaries. We lived not far from the parish and the best place we had was the church.
I can recall that my parish had priests and brothers and I came to admire the work they did. When I was 12, I became interested in the priesthood. When I reached 13, my priest granted me permission to join the Altar servers group. It was so exciting to learn how to serve on the Altar... Read More
Brother Vincent McDermott
My name is Br. Vincent Jude McDermott and I have recently made my first profession as a Benedictine Brother with Mary Mother of the Church Benedictine Abbey. My second cousin is Abbot Benedict McDermott who has retired and I live at the monastery with him and all my brother monks. My vocation as a monk brother started from the beginning of my days in my own household thanks to my parents and my three sisters. I watched both my parents and three sisters serve with a smile, never expecting anything in return but love... Read More
Brother Robert Nguyen
My name is Br. Robert Nguyen, OSB and I am a proud to be a monk of Mary Mother of the Church Abbey. I was born and raised in Vietnam.
Growing up, all my family practiced the Catholic faith despite the persecution of Christians by the Communist regime. I was introduced to the faith at an early age. I enjoyed going to Mass and praying the Rosary with my family. As a small boy I used to serve Mass at our local parish...Read More
Are You The Next One?
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