Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B. of Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, accepted the first vows of two novices during ceremonies held at Saint Vincent Basilica on Monday, July 10.

Making their simple profession of vows were Br. Matthias Marbach, O.S.B., and Br. Anthony Costello, O.S.B. They recently completed the novitiate at the Archabbey, a year of prayer and study designed to assist them in discerning their vocation as Benedictine monks. Following simple profession of vows, the monks remain as junior monks for three years before making solemn profession, or vows for life.

Renewing their vows were Brother Abel Rodarte, O.S.B., of Los Angeles, California; Brother Mark Floreanini, O.S.B., of Alliance, Ohio; Brother Brian Boosel, O.S.B., of Butler, Pennsylvania; Brother Vinh Nguyen of Chester, Pennsylvania, a native of Vietnam; Brother Cajetan P. Homick, O.S.B., of Brackenridge; Brother Boniface P. Hicks, O.S.B., of State College, Pennsylvania and Brother Patrick S. Doering, O.S.B., of Denver, North Carolina.

BROTHER MATTHIAS S. MARBACH

Brother Matthias S. Marbach, O.S.B., is the son of Martin James and Susan Emily (Flavin) Marbach of Stafford, Virginia. He is one of four children, including Brian John Marbach of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Peter James Marbach of Stafford; and Sarah Jean Marbach of Stafford.

He is a 1994 graduate of North Stafford High School and received a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from Saint Vincent College in 1998. He has also attended Northern Virginia Community College and Germana Community College.

Brother Matthias was a charter member of Alpha Phi Omega and sergeant-at-arms, president and vice president of the Respect Life Club, member of Campus Ministry and a member of the Saint Vincent Volunteer Fire Department while at Saint Vincent College. He was also a dorm representative for the Student Government Association and a student representative to the Alumni Association at Saint Vincent. He has also served as a firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Rennerdale Volunteer Fire Department.

BROTHER ANTHONY T. COSTELLO, O.S.B.

Brother Anthony T. Costello is the son of Robert Anthony and Theresa Costello of Painesville, Ohio. He is one of ten children, including Robert A. Costello, Jr., Kevin J. Costello, Joseph P. Costello, James M. Costello, Donald E. Costello and John M. Costello of Geneva, Ohio; Patrick F. Costello of Chicago, Illinois and the late Kathleen M. Costello and Timothy J. Costello.

He attended Assumption Parochial School and Geneva High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in 1993 in food service management from Kent State University and is studying for a master of divinity degree at Saint Vincent Seminary.