A former resident of Swanton, Vermont, Brother Lawrence (Shawn) Machia, O.S.B., has made solemn vows, or vows for life as a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey.

The son of Keith and Louise Machia of Swanton, he is a 2004 graduate of Missisquoi Valley Union High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in theology in 2008 from Eastern University. In 2011 he came to Saint Vincent, where he served as campus minister for social outreach, assisting the campus ministry team for spiritual and service programs.

He entered the monastery of Saint Vincent Archabbey as a novice in 2012 and made his first profession of vows, or simple vows, on July 10, 2013. He professed solemn vows on July 11, 2016. He began graduate studies at Saint Vincent Seminary in 2013.

While at the Archabbey, he has served as assistant food service liaison as well as assistant to the director of vocations (2013-present), assistant in the summer retreat program (2013-2014) and is a lab assistant in the astronomy program at Saint Vincent College (2013-present).

More photos of the event can be viewed here.