At Matins for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, 20 March 2017, Abbot Richard and the monastic community welcomed a novice, Br. William McMillan.  During the brief rite within the Office, Br, William, now wearing a tunic and cincture, earnestly and humbly pledged his desire to follow the Rule of Benedict, under the direction of Fr. Hilary O'Leary, Director of Formation.  

Abbot Richard reminded Br. William that the essential monastic enterprise is doing God's will.  Anything to the contrary, the abbot pointed out, is like a dog chasing his tail!  At the conclusion of the rite, the abbot clothed Br. William in the scapular.  The hood follows at profession in one year.  Please God, Br. William will persevere!  

About is new status at St. Mary's Abbey, Br. William offered the following comments: "Thank you to the St. Mary’s Abbey and Delbarton community for welcoming me last September at the start of my postulancy, and helping me learn this new way of life over the past six months. It has been wonderful to meet everyone and participate in the activities of the monastery and school. I feel truly blessed and look forward to continuing this journey with all of you."

Br. William, a native of Union, NJ, graduated from Seton Hall Prep and Syracuse University.  Please pray for Br. William and all discerning a vocation!