October 16, 2016

Br. Samuel (Rene Padraic) Springuel, in the presence of his parents, his grandfather, three of his brothers, relatives, oblates and friends, made his solemn profession before Abbot James and the community in the abbey church on the 29th Sunday of the year, October 16, 2016.

Br. Samuel was born and grew up in nearby Maryland. He attended the Abbey School for his middle and high school years. He went on to universities in New England and Maine to earn a doctoral degree in Physics. He says he has known since he was very young that he was called to a religious vocation. Although attracted by family connections to the other St. Anselm’s in Manchester, NH, he ended up coming back to Washington to begin and successfully complete the years of formation and simple vows here in our community. The monastic community, his family, our oblates and friends are thankful for Br. Samuel’s responding to God’s grace to step out in faith to make this lifetime commitment to Benedictine way here at St. Anselm’s.