Abbot Thomas Frerking

Abbot Thomas’ abbacy could be summarized as one that combines, on the one hand, caring for people with great love and compassion, and, on the other hand, excellence in the fullest sense of that word — doing things as best as one can and as correctly as possible. One of the marks of his abbacy has been a closer alignment of our liturgy and monastic practice to what is described in the Rule of Saint Benedict and the current teaching of the Church. Another characteristic of Abbot Thomas’ leadership has been his focus on and sympathy with the needs and opinions of the young and newer members of the monastery, with whom he is often in conversation, always with his characteristic good humor that never takes himself too seriously.

Abbot Thomas was drawn to monastic life because of an intense yearning for greater union with God and the spiritual friendship of community life. He has often told the monks that his central goal as Abbot has been to try and foster an increase in the holiness and numbers of the Community. His commitment to the Saint Louis Abbey is well attested by the many years he has served, first as Novice Master, then as Headmaster of the School, and now as Abbot, all the while teaching Theology in the School. He has also left his mark on our campus, having played a central role in the design and building of a major addition to our High School building, the new monastery, and the establishment of a cemetery for our deceased brethren.

A scholar and a man of prayer, Abbot Thomas, by word and example, is an inspiration to us all.