|
Volume 31, Number 31 |
Richardton, ND 58652 |
October 2003 |
Brother Jacob Makes Final Commitment
to Monastic Life
by Terrence Kardong, O.S.B.
On July 12, Bro. Jacob Deiss pronounced his solemn vows as a Benedictine monk of this community. Although July 11 is the Feast of St. Benedict and it fell on Friday this year, the next day was chosen so that more members of the family could be present. And indeed, his mother, his siblings and their many children were present in force.
Darren Deiss was born July 9, 1970, the sixth of eleven children of Rosemary and the late Robert Deiss. He grew up in the little town of White River, SD, some 80 miles southwest of Pierre. He came from a “Benedictine family,” since his great uncle was the late Fr. Rudolf Baumberger of St. John's Abbey, and his great aunt is Sr. Gabriella Baumberger of Sacred Heart, Yankton.
After high school at White River, Darren spent four years in the navy, so he can trade stories with the likes of Brothers John Pat and Elias. Fortunately for us, Darren had a good deal of experience in farm work, so he has been a big help to Bro. Placid on our ranch. Bro. Placid has high standards, but he once said: “Everything Darren does, he does well.”
Darren arrived at the Abbey early in the year 1999. He professed his first vows on
July 11, 2000. His choice of the name Jacob is influenced by the fact that his grandfather,
great-
Jacob likes working on the farm, but he also shows interest and talent in bookbinding. He has also expressed interest in working with the disadvantaged members of society. His hobbies include the making of rosaries, and he participates in the public recitation of the rosary and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament that is favored by some of the monks. On August 12, he was elected to the Senior Council for the first time.
