Saint Benedict Appeal
If you have already donated to the Saint Benedict Appeal, thank you for your generosity.
Dear Friends,
Saint Joseph Abbey and Abbot Gregory are asking for your support of the Saint Benedict Appeal to support the care and wellbeing of our aging monks. Spotlighted are several of our older monks - read on to get to know them better!
Father Peter Hammett became a monk at Saint Joseph Abbey in 1968, and was ordained a priest in 1972. The biggest part of his vast career at the Abbey has been his time as priest at Holy Family Catholic Church in Franklinton. In 2001, he became the Abbey’s Archivist, where he still serves today. He is currently working on reorganizing the archives, and helping in the library where there is still damage from the flood of 2016.
Fr. Peter is now 80 years old, and has very severe arthritis, which makes it difficult for him to complete the duties he loves, but he continues to work hard to organize the archives!
Father Aelred Kavanaugh first came to Saint Joseph Abbey in 1968 and became a monk in 1969, making him the second most senior monk at the Abbey. Fr. Aelred taught Scripture in the Seminary College for 35 years, and continues teaching Scripture in the monastery today.
Fr. Aelred was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, and since September, he has required assistance from caretakers for the daily difficulties his diagnosis may bring. He does not let this diagnosis stop him from fulfilling his daily duties, and continuing teaching!
Father Scott Underwood has been a monk at the Abbey since 1971, and even spent some time at the Abbey before then as a student. Father Scott held many roles within the Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College, and in 1982, became the Academic Dean of the College.
Fr. Scott had a heart transplant in 1998, and after two difficult bouts of pneumonia during recovery, Fr. Scott still deals with blood clots in his leg, which can affect his ability to walk. That has never slowed him down though! If you'd like to talk LSU baseball with Fr. Scott, he can often be found in the Gift Shop where he serves today, blessing items that are purchased.
Brother George Weaver started as a seminarian in 1972, and became a Saint Joseph Abbey monk in 1976. In his time at Saint Joseph Abbey, he has held many responsibilities. He has worked in maintenance, Youth Camp, the Business Office, PBA Bakery, and even at the Retreat House! Br. George said the Abbey has helped him spiritually in a way nothing else could. The men in the Monastery with him are a brotherhood, and he said they provide consistent stability.
Br. George is now 73 years old, diabetic, and has lost vision in his right eye from glaucoma. But that and other medical issues don’t stop him from exercising in the infirmary and walking daily with his walker!
