Fr. James Liprie is chosen to serve as a definitor in
the Olivetan congregation. Within a short time, another
trailer was donated and soon a storage shed was built.
Work continued on clearing the land, and a small pond
was dug next to the temporary housing.
In January of 1995, a benefactor came forward and
donated a sum of money for the construction of
a new chapel. Work on the new chapel began in May of
the same year and was completed in October of 1995.
On November 4, the chapel was dedicated with a solemn
procession of the Blessed Sacrament lead by the late
Bishop Edward O'Donnell of Lafayette. The bishop
remarked during the ceremony, "This monastery lives
in the shadow of the cross."
Amidst his work on the new foundation in Louisiana,
Fr. James was elected as the 3rd abbot of Our Lady
of Guadalupe Abbey in Pecos, New Mexico. After
accepting the appointment, he moved back to New
Mexico where he served as abbot for six years.
During this time, Br. Joseph returned to Italy to
continue his study of theology.
2000 -
2001 -
By July of 2001 the new monastery building was
completed. Shortly afterward, it was blessed and
dedicated by retired Bishop Elliot Thomas. Later that
year, Fr. Jeremy was asked to serve as superior until
Fr. James returned from Pecos, NM. In August of the same
year, Br. Joseph returned from Italy.
In January of 2000, the community received another
donation sufficient to begin work on the present
monastery buildings. Also around this time, Br. Jeremy
O'Neill entered the community and, after completing
his studies in the seminary, was ordained to the
priesthood at the age of 75 by Bishop O'Donnell.
2002 -
2003 -
After completing his term as abbot of Our Lady of
Guadalupe in New Mexico, Fr. James returned to the
community as superior where he remains to this
day.
On August 2, 2010, Fr. Joseph M. Brasseaux was
ordained to the priesthood by
Bishop Michael Jarrell at Our Lady of Mercy church
in Opelousas, LA
2010
-
2010 to present -
Throughout the years, many vocations have come and gone,
each contributing in their own way to the current
beauty and stature of the present monastery. Currently, there are six monks
living and working in the community:
Fr. James Liprie, abbot
Fr. Joseph Brasseaux, novice master
Fr. Bernard Lebiedz, solemnly professed
Br. Bernard Keele, solemnly professed
Br. Mark Bordelon, temporary professed
Br. Gabriel Wadlington, temporary professed
On May 31, 2002, Br. Joseph was ordained to the
diaconate by Bishop Elliot Thomas.
