Father Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. Appointed as Prior

Abbot Richard Cronin, O.S.B. has appointed Father Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. as Prior of St. Mary's Abbey.

"Prior," derived from the Latin for "earlier, first," is an ecclesiastical title for the monastery superior second-in-command to the Abbot. Fr. Edward will take over for Fr. Jerome Borski, O.S.B., who had served as Prior since 2012, and as Subprior since 2009. As Abbot Elias Lorenzo, O.S.B. said during his announcements at Sunday Mass on April 29th, feel free to offer Fr. Edward your congratulations...and condolences!

On the evening of that Sunday, April 29th, the monastic community gathered for a festive meal to thank Fr. Jerome for his years of service as Prior and to welcome Fr. Edward as the new Prior.

Father Edward Seton was born on December 9, 1963 in Newark, NJ and raised in Short Hills. He attended Delbarton School, graduating in 1982. He then matriculated to Mt. St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg, Maryland, graduating with a BA in Art.

During his college years, he discerned a monastic vocation and entered St. Mary's Abbey, professing first vows on March 21, 1988 with Father John Hesketh, O.S.B. After four years of graduate studies in Theology at the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, Edward Seton was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1993 and began teaching religious studies at Delbarton School and assisting in campus ministry.  He served as campus minister 1995-2001.

In the monastery, Father Edward Seton served as vocation director and liturgy director.  On weekends, he has assisted in area convents and parishes and currently serves on weekends at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Mountain Lakes. On Monday, April 30, 2018, Father Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. began his new service as Prior.

Please join the St. Mary's Abbey community in praying for Fr. Edward and for success in his new position!