Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., has announced the appointment of Brother Philip Kanfush, O.S.B., as administrative assistant to the Archabbot.

Brother Philip, a Sewickley native, is a 1980 graduate of Center Area High School, Monaca. At the the University of Pittsburgh he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985, and a Master of Business Administration degree in 1991. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Saint Vincent College in 1996. On July 1, 1993, he entered the Benedictine Community of Saint Vincent Archabbey and made simple profession of vows on July 10, 1994, and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 1997.

Before entering the monastery, Brother Philip was Assistant Director of Financial Aid and served as part-time faculty at the Community College of Allegheny County. Since arriving at Saint Vincent he has been an instructor in education (1994-present), assistant in the Benedictine Annual Appeal (1994-1996), assistant at the Archabbey gristmill (1994-1996), and director of the Basilica Gift Shop (1997-present).

He is the son of Philip and Elizabeth (Farland) Kanfush, Jr., of Monaca. He is the youngest of six children. His sisters are: Denise Kempa and Aileen McCullogh, both of Monaca; Ladonna Dmitsak of Aliquippa; Monica Gorman of Medina, Ohio; and Michaleen Ensworth of Beaver Falls.