Brother André Melli, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey since 1993, and a native of Vinhedo, São Paulo, Brazil, became an American citizen on February 16, 2024. Brother André professed solemn vows in 1998 at São Bento Monastery in Vinhedo, which has been a dependent priory of Saint Vincent Archabbey since 1964.
Brother André studied economics at the Pontifical University of Campinas, Brazil, and after graduating, worked for the government until he entered the monastery as a novice in 1992. He has also studied at the Diocese of Campinas Seminary and at Saint Vincent Seminary.
Most friends of the Archabbey in Latrobe know him as the operator of the Basilica Gift Shop since 2004, and director of the Gristnill General Store since 2007.
