Novice Matthew Morris professed his temporary vows as a Benedictine monk in a ceremony on January 20, at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad.
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 chose a religious name. Novice Matthew is now Br. Gregory.
Br. Gregory, 34, is a native of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky. After graduation from Newport Central Catholic High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and theology from Bellarmine University.
He has worked for The Kroger Co. for 18 years in a variety of positions. His home parish was St. Catherine of Siena in Ft. Thomas.
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.