Novice Douglas Allison professed his temporary vows as a Benedictine monk in a ceremony on Jan. 20 at St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad.
He has completed his novitiate, a year of prayer and study of the Benedictine way of life. As is the custom during the profession of vows, he chose a religious name. Novice Douglas is now Brother Evagrius.
Brother Evagrius, 25, is a native of Perrysburg, Ohio, where he was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church. He attended St. Francis de Sales School in Toledo, Ohio. In 2023, he graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance.
Before entering the monastery, he organized and helped provide communion for homebound individuals for over 10 years and worked for the Ohio Auditor of the State. Brother Evagrius currently serves as master of ceremonies IV in the Archabbey Church.
Temporary vows are typically for three years. This period offers a continuing opportunity for the monk and the monastic community to determine whether monastic life is, indeed, the right vocation for this individual.