Monk professes first vows at Saint Meinrad Archabbey
August 08, 2016
Novice Tony Wolniakowski, OSB, professed his
temporary vows as a Benedictine monk in a ceremony on August 6,
2016, at Saint Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad, IN.
He has completed his novitiate, a year of prayer and study of
the Benedictine way of life. As is the custom during the profession
of vows, he was given a religious name. He will now be known as Br.
Kolbe.
Br. Kolbe, 29, is a native of Lansing, MI. Most recently, he
worked for the State of Michigan as an insurance complaint analyst
in the Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
After graduating from Pewamo-Westphalia High School in
Westphalia, MI, he earned an associate degree from Lansing
Community College in 2009 and a bachelor's degree in business
administration from Northwood University in 2010.
He was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Pewamo, MI, where he
volunteered as a faith formation teacher.
Temporary vows are typically for three years. This period offers
a continuing opportunity for the monk and the monastic community to
determine whether monastic life is, indeed, the right vocation for
this individual.
