Profiles of the Monks

Father Hilary O’Leary

A native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Fr. Hilary professed vows in 1962 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1968. While studying theology, Fr. Hilary began teaching Religion at Delbarton School. In addition to classroom teaching, he has served as Religious Studies Department Chair and Sophomore Guidance Counselor. 

Fr. Hilary is currently serving as the Abbey's Formation Director, guiding our newest members in their introduction to Benedictine life. He also assists as chaplain for the Sisters of Christian Charity at Mallinckrodt Convent in Mendham. “The best way to understand the monastic life and your vocation,” Fr. Hialry says, “is by listening to God’s voice. Once you become attentive to that calling, you will see a path unfold for you. You will discover that something about it seems right.”

Father Gabriel Coless

Fr. Gabriel Coless met the Benedictines as a student at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, NJ.  He later became fascinated by the contributions of Benedictine monasticism to medieval culture during his second year in a diocesan seminary. Following a period of independent research, he joined St. Mary’s Abbey, where he was later ordained to the priesthood in 1957. He has devoted much of his life to researching the history and development of Catholic liturgy.

Following the Second Vatican Council, Fr. Gabriel drew upon his research to help reshape the Divine Office that the monks pray daily. For  forty years, he was responsible for selecting the readings for the night office of Vigils. Fr. Gabriel taught on the graduate faculty of the School of Arts and Letters at Drew University for over forty years, retiring in 2015.

Father Beatus Lucey

Fr. Beatus grew up in Philadelphia, and became interested in monastic life during his senior year of high school. He entered St. Mary's Abbey in 1952, professed vows in 1953, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1959. From the beginning of his monastic career, Fr. Beatus ministered at Delbarton School. Over the years, he served as dormitory prefect, English teacher, Studio Art teacher, Dean of Discipline, Assistant Headmaster, and finally as Headmaster, retiring from the school in 1995. He played a major role in developing the school’s Art program, which continues to flourish today.

After retiring from the school, Fr. Beatus served the monastic community as guestmaster. Today, he teaches Scripture at the Church of Christ the King, New Vernon. For Fr. Beatus, the monastery is a living organism: “A monastery is like a garden. It is nurtured by Scripture, love of Christ, and the willingness to serve.”

Father Jude Salus 

A native of Elizabeth, NJ, Father Jude was raised in a parish staffed by Benedictine  monks, St. Elizabeth Church, Linden, NJ.  There he first encountered the Benedictines and decided to become one himself.  He made his first profession of monastic vows on July 11, 1968.  Thereafter, he pursued theological studies at the Pontifical Atheneum St. Anselm, the international Benedictine University in Rome, Italy.  He completed his studies for ordination at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, NJ and was ordained a priest on April 19, 1975.  

Father Jude began teaching religion at Delbarton School and serving in area parishes on the weekends.  Known for his pastoral zeal, he served as pastor of Mt. Carmel Church, Cedar Knolls, NJ for many years.  After a well-deserved sabbatical, Father Jude returned to the monastery and currently serves as chaplain at Newton Medical Center, Newton, NJ and to the Filippini Sisters at Villa Walsh, Morristown, NJ.  He exemplifies what St. Benedict teaches: that the sick may truly be served as Christ (RB 36:1).  Father Jude’s smile and positive disposition are contagious!  He brings much joy to our community and to all those whom he meets and serves!

Father Edward Seton Fittin

Fr. Edward Seton continues to follow the advice of his novice master: Whenever an opportunity arises, say ‘yes’. “I never could have predicted doing some of the things I have done since arriving at the monastery,” says Fr. Edward Seton. “Being a monk has brought me around the world, but each journey began with discernment and a response to God’s invitation.”

Fr. Edward Seton serves as prior of the monastery, the second in command, and teaches in the Theology of Delbarton School. He also oversees an annual exchange program with Glenstal Abbey School in Co. Limerick, Ireland. The program allows a group of Delbarton and Glenstal students to visit these Benedictine schools in the winter and spring, respectively. Fr. Edward Seton is also a weekend assistant at St. Joseph Church in nearby Mendham. Fr. Edward Seton is also the liturgy director and abbey advancement officer.

Father Michael Tidd

Fr. Michael hails from Philadelphia, and was educated in  Catholic elementary schools there and then at La Salle College High School, graduating in 1988. After earning a degree in European History from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991, Fr. Michael began teaching history and theology and coaching speech and debate. From 1990-2003, he was with the Brothers of the Christian Schools. After a period of discernment of a monastic vocation, Fr. Michael joined Marmion Abbey in Aurora, Il. in 2006, and came to St. Mary's in 2008.

On the occasion of his Solemn Vows in July 2011, Fr. Michael said: “I am filled with joy and gratitude to God and to my confreres at St. Mary’s Abbey for calling me to live as a Benedictine monk in this place and to serve God’s people at Delbarton School. I truly feel at home here, and that I can become a better follower of Christ because I am a member of our community. Fr. Michael was ordained a priest on December 9, 2013.  He then served as Abbey Treasurer from February 2015- June 2019.  On July 1, 2018, Fr. Michael began service as the 12th Headmaster of Delbarton School. Fr. Michael is also chaplain to the soccer program.

Brother William McMillan, junior

Brother William McMillan grew up in Union, NJ. He is a 2006 graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory School, and a 2010 graduate of Syracuse University.  He discovered St. Mary’s Abbey through the Vision Vocation Network in 2014. It was the first and only monastery he visited before deciding to apply.  Before entering, he worked in Marketing for Investors Bank in Short Hills from August 2011 until August 2016. He began his postulancy in September 2016, was clothed as a novice March 20, 2017, and professed simple vows on March 21, 2018.

Regarding his time so far at St. Mary’s, Br. William said: “I’ve found myself doing all kinds of things I never thought I would do, from working in the Abbey Orchard, to helping in the sacristy, to assisting the Abbot at confirmations outside the monastery,” he said. “Looking back, the amount and diversity of experiences I have had, and the number of people I have met continues to amaze me.”

He also had this to say about those discerning a call to monastic life: “The hardest part is taking that initial step to visit, but once you do, you will not regret it,” he said. “Benedictine hospitality, Divine Office, and meals with the monks are experiences you will never forget!”