Saint Louis Abbey

When most people think of a monk they probably imagine someone like Father Laurence –a man who devotes himself to quiet prayer, study in his cell, and ascetic practice.  Although the bulk of his work in the high school has been with the English Department, his facility with languages has enabled him to explore the Scriptures in their original Greek and Hebrew — as well as the occasional French or German commentary. In the monastery he has taught courses on the Psalms, Scriptural Exegesis, Monastic Sources, and the Rule of Saint Benedict. In both environments he has displayed gifts for respect, compassion, and developing excellent study aids.

An accomplished organist, Fr. Laurence served the community as Choir Master for twenty-two years and Subprior for eight. Now that he has retired from teaching in the school, he is assistant professor of Old Testament at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, and recently published a book entitled "Praying the Psalms with Christ."