Four novices have completed a year of contemplation and study designed to discern a vocation as a Benedictine monk, culminating in their professing simple vows on Sunday, July 10 at Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica.
Father Killian Loch
Father Killian (Richard) Loch, O.S.B., is the son of Frank J. Loch of Wilkes-Barre and the late Catherine Durkin Loch. He is one of five children, including Edward J. and John J. Loch of Wilkes-Barre; Alan J. Loch of Lancaster and the late Frank J. Loch, Jr.
Prior to coming to Saint Vincent, his work as a priest in the Diocese of Scranton included serving for two years as a director of religious formation and five years as principal of a diocesan high school (1985-1992), working in three pastoral assignments (1992-2005); serving as regional vicar for the diocese (2005-2006); and working as vicar for priests for the diocese (2006-2010).
Brother Canice McMullen
Brother Canice (Daniel) McMullen, O.S.B., is the son of Craig and Ruth McMullen of State College. He is one of four children, including Sara and Marc McMullen of State College and the late Jared McMullen.
He attended Our Lady of Victory Elementary School and is a 2006 graduate of State College Area High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University in 2010.
Brother Joachim Morgan
Brother Joachim (Joshua) Morgan is the son of Charles and Laura Morgan of White Lake, Michigan. He has one sister, Rebecca Field of White Lake.
He is a 2006 graduate of Ludington High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in French from Central Michigan University in 2009. His interests include reading, weaving, and anything French.
Brother Gregory Zimmerman
Brother Gregory (Joshua) Zimmerman is the son of John and Cathi Zimmerman of Elm Grove, Wisconsin. He has three brothers, Paul, Jason and Scott.
He is a 1999 graduate of Brookfield East High School and studied history, philosophy and religion at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, graduating in 2010.
Junior monks renewing their vows included: Brother John Paul Heiser, O.S.B., Brother Albert Gahr, O.S.B., Father Jean-Luc Zadroga, O.S.B., Brother Pio Adamonis, O.S.B., Brother Romuald Duchene, O.S.B., Brother Matthew Lambert, O.S.B., and Brother Isaac Haywiser, O.S.B.
