Special to The Message
Keegan Porter professed his temporary vows as a Benedictine monk in a ceremony Aug. 6 at St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana.
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 was given a religious name. Novice Keegan is now Brother Colm.
Brother Colm, 36, is from San Diego, California, where he was a member of St. Thérèse of Carmel Catholic Church. He attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.
Before joining the monastery, Brother Colm worked in a variety of positions within the field of senior living and care home facilities. Those positions included caregiving, activities, dining, facilities and training.
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.