Reflections
on the Monastic Life
Abbot Brian Wangler, O.S.B.
I am Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB. In grew up on a farm in south central North Dakota. I am the fifth of eleven children, nine boys and two girls.
My parents sent me to Assumption Abbey for high school. I was studying to be a diocesan priest. After I completed high school I stayed at the Abbey for two years of college.
During my sophomore year at college I received a feeling that I should join the monastery. The feeling was such that if I walked away from it, I would have felt I was walking away from God and myself. I thought that I had to test out this feeling to see if it was real or not. So, in June of 1964, I joined Assumption Abbey. I found that enjoyed monastic life and concluded that this is what God wants me to do. The feeling I mentioned above is still with me and gives me the assurance that I am where God wants me to be.
After completing seminary studies for the priesthood, I was ordained in 1969. I expected to go to school to get a degree in history and teach in our college. Instead I was appointed as recruiter for our school. In enjoyed traveling all over North and South Dakota and Montana.
When our school was forced to close in 1971, I was sent as assistant pastor to Devils Lake, ND, a parish we had been staffing for many decades. After a year and a half I was recalled to the Abbey where I served in various capacities, including Prior and Director of Formation. I enjoyed helping out at our farm.
In 1975 Abbot Robert requested that I go to Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, to earn a degree in Catholic Spirituality. I enjoyed this experience very much and benefited form it immensely. I returned to the Abbey in the spring of 1978 and was appointed Formation Director and, later, Prior. I helped out at various other areas, like the farm, especially fixing the fences in spring.
After completing seminary studies for the priesthood, I was ordained in 1969. I expected to go to school to get a degree in history and teach in our college. Instead I was appointed as recruiter for our school. In enjoyed traveling all over North and South Dakota and Montana.
When our school was forced to close in 1971, I was sent as assistant pastor to Devils Lake, ND, a parish we had been staffing for many decades. After a year and a half I was recalled to the Abbey where I served in various capacities, including Prior and Director of Formation. I enjoyed helping out at our farm.
In 1975 Abbot Robert requested that I go to Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, to earn a degree in Catholic Spirituality. I enjoyed this experience very much and benefited form it immensely. I returned to the Abbey in the spring of 1978 and was appointed Formation Director and, later, Prior. I helped out at various other areas, like the farm, especially fixing the fences in spring.
Abbot Lawrence asked me, in 1983, to become pastor of St. Mary’s Church, right here in Richardton, ND. I served in this capacity until November of 2004. It was a job that was rewarding, challenging and fun.
On May 28, 2004, the monastic community elected me as its abbot. This is the capacity I now serve in. It also is a job that I enjoy. Throughout my monastic life I have never had a job I thought I would have. They have always come to me as a surprise, but turned out to be jobs that were enriching, growthful and enjoyable.
I think God for the life and vocation he has gifted me with. The happiness and satisfaction I have experienced are wonderful rewards. I continue to work hard at the tasks God have given me to do. It is a pleasure to serve the Lord in the monastic life here at Assumption Abbey.
