On the solemnity of the Transitus of Saint Benedict, March 21, 2018, Brother William McMillan, O.S.B. made his first profession of monastic vows in the presence of Abbot Richard Cronin, O.S.B., the monastic community, his family and friends. 

The eldest son of Bill and Susan McMillan, Brother William was born on October 1, 1988.  He was raised in Union, NJ with his siblings, Sarah and Brian, and attended Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, NJ.  He then matriculated at Syracuse University in the northeast corner of the Finger Lakes region of New York and graduated in 2010 with a degree in English and Journalism.  Following graduation, Brother William worked for five-years in marketing at Investors Bank in Short Hills, NJ.  He is an avid reader and enjoys exercising, movies, music, and an occasional stein of cold beer!  

Having lived in the monastery for more than a year, Brother William is known among us for his pragmatic approach to life, his sense of humor and for his concern for and care of the aged and infirm monks of our community.  During his first-year of vows, Brother will teach at Delbarton School during the academic year 18-19. Following the profession liturgy, Brother William commented, “I wish to thank the St. Mary’s Abbey and Delbarton community for welcoming me and helping me along in my monastic journey.” 

Many monks of our monastery also made their first profession on this solemnity of St. Benedict.  And s,o the liturgy inspires the monks in our resolve and dedication to the monastic way of life.  Join us in gratitude to Almighty God for this new member to our monastery as we continue to pray for and support him along the path that God has set before him in this school of the Lord’s service.