Subiaco Abbey welcomes two new Benedictine monks

Novices Casey Simpson and John Fryer publicly profess monastic vows for three years

Published: February 18, 2019

Father Richard Walz (standing, from left) stands with Brother Ambrose Fryer and Brother Thomas More Simpson as they prepare to profess temporary vows before Brother Ephrem O’Bryan, subprior (seated, left); Abbot Leonard Wangler; and Brother Edward Fischesser, prior.

Subiaco Abbey welcomed two new Benedictine monks Feb. 2. During vespers Novices Casey Simpson and John Fryer presented their written and signed petitions to Abbot Leonard Wangler, who then received their public profession of monastic vows for three years. In three years they will be eligible to make their final, perpetual vows.

Simpson, who chose the name Brother Thomas More, comes from Shreveport but was born and reared in Many, La. He worked in political campaigns and practiced law for 20 years before entering the abbey. He has a law degree from Loyola New Orleans.

Fryer, who chose the name Brother Ambrose, comes from Alexandria, La., where he was a teacher in a diocesan school. After completing seminary education at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, La., and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. he felt he wanted some “life” experience before being ordained. Twenty years passed before he decided to pursue his calling again, this time as a Benedictine monk where he can continue teaching.

During the ceremony the abbot showed them the Rule of St. Benedict and asked if they were willing to observe and they then read the documents of their profession, which revealed their new monastic names. The abbot blessed the monastic habit and clothed each with it.

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