Seminarians

Caleb Goff

Diocese of Manchester

Seminarian Caleb Goff of the Diocese of Manchester explores the struggle between despair and hope in a broken world, ultimately affirming that true peace and light are found in trusting Christ’s constant presence.

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Francisco Rodriguez

Diocese of Birmingham

Unwavering hope in God—nurtured through faith, family, and seminary formation—has been a guiding and sustaining force throughout Francisco’s life and vocational journey.

Read Francisco's Story


Maximilian Waldron

Diocese of Birmingham

Seminarian Maximilian Waldron of the Diocese of Birmingham writes about finding hope in our faith.

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Tristan Frisk

Diocese of Shreveport

Seminarian Tristan Frisk of the Diocese of Shreveport explores the journey from fearing death to finding hope and peace through the comforting presence of Christ’s resurrection and eternal life.

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Stanley Amuchaka

Diocese of Fort-Wayne-South Bend

Seminarian Stanley Amuchaka of the Diocese of Fort-Wayne-South Bend writes about hope in his vocation story.

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Graduate Theology Students

Robin L. Murphey

Owensboro, Kentucky

Graduate Theology Program alumna Robin Murphey recounts a personal spiritual and theological journey that began with studies at Saint Meinrad.

Read Robin's Story


Deacon Robert "Tony" Peters

Springfield–Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Graduate Theology Program student Deacon Robert "Tony" Peters explores how hope, embodied through presence and compassion, reveals Christ in moments of suffering within a secular healthcare setting.

Read Deacon Tony's Story


Selma Domingos

M.A. Student with a specialization certificate in Ethics and Moral Theology

Graduate Theology Program student Selma Domingos writes about the transformative power of faith and resilience in overcoming adversity, from childhood struggles to building a new life in the United States.

Read Selma's Story


Faculty

Dr. Chris Hackett

Associate Professor of Philosophy in the Seminary and School of Theology

Dr. Chris Hackett explores how Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy presents hope amid suffering by showing that true wisdom and happiness lie not in worldly goods but in the pursuit of God, whose providence transforms apparent defeat into eternal victory.

Read Dr. Hackett's Story


Dr. Kimberly Baker

Associate Professor of Church History in the Seminary and School of Theology

A village in Africa hoped for a well and Dr. Kimberly Baker helped them get one, which renewed her hope.

Read Dr. Baker's Story


Monks

Br. Gregory Morris, OSB

Monk, Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Br. Gregory Morris says Saint Meinrad serves as a refuge and spiritual healing. Each person comes with their struggles but we have the opportunity to welcome them as Christ.

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Fr. Guerric DeBona, OSB

Monk, Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Fr. Guerric's reflection highlights how the Holy Spirit actively inspires and sustains the Church’s mission of hope through the liturgical, educational, and communal life of Saint Meinrad during the summer months.

Read Fr. Guerric's Story


Fr. Lorenzo Penalosa, OSB

Monk, Saint Meinrad Archabbey

After being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome and facing the reality of future heart surgery, Fr. Lorenzo found comfort and hope in God through the liturgy

Read Fr. Lorenzo's Story


Oblates

Cathey Byers

Bradenton, FL

Oblate Cathey Byers found Hope at Saint Meinrad after the unexpected loss of her husband.

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Fran Brown

Lousiville, KY

Fran’s volunteer work with special needs individuals has brought her hope.

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Jenifer Schreiner

Valparaiso, IN

Oblate Jenifer Schreiner reflects on finding hope through prayer.

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Dr. Ruth Engs

Bloomington, IN

Oblate Ruth Engs found hope in prayer as her husband recovered from a fall.

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Walter Mace

Hebron, KY

Oblate Walter Mace ate lunch with a young man while on an oblate retreat at Saint Meinrad and the encounter has stuck with him.

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Rev. Dr. William H. Wilson

Huntington, WV

Being an oblate has brought hope and healing to Bill amid health challenges.

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Alumni

Fr. Zach Samples

Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

Fr. Zach Samples writes about the presence of a loving, faith-filled community can embody Christ’s compassion and provide strength in the midst of unimaginable personal loss.

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Mary Schaffner

Indianapolis, IN

Alumna Mary Schaffner writes about how the enduring sound of the bells at Saint Meinrad Archabbey symbolizes a deep, personal, and spiritual source of hope, peace, and continuity across generations.

Read Mary Schaffner's Story


Youth/Child Ministry

Kelly Gallagher

Director, Children’s Revival of Participation in the Sunday Mass

Kelly Gallagher highlights how Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church is fostering hope and revitalizing parish life by engaging children and families in faith through creative, community-centered initiatives.

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Rick Grinstead

Director of Evangelization, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Rick Grinstead writes about how a group of Cathedral young adults experienced a transformative pilgrimage to Italy that deepened their faith and inspired vibrant leadership and service within the parish community.

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Abby Steele

Former OBOC Intern

Abby Steele explores how experiences of prayer, community, and service—first at Saint Meinrad and later through missionary work in Baltimore—have deepened a personal understanding of Christian hope and shaped a life oriented toward faith and love.

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Mikayla Reed

Young Adult

Mikayla Reed writes that hope is not based on feelings, but is cultivated through faith, patience, and trust in God's timing—especially in the journey toward healing, vocation, and love.

Read Mikayla's Story