In the Footsteps of Blessed Jordan

It is said that Bl. Jordan, successor of St. Dominic as Master of the Order, brought in nearly 1,000 men into the Order of Preachers!

In his footsteps is Fr. Benedict Croell, OP, vocation director of the Province of St. Joseph. He's hasn't helped that many men come in (yet!) but by the size of the novitiate classes he just might! 

We first met Fr. Benedict in 2008 shortly after his return from missionary work in Kenya while waiting at Yankee Stadium for the arrival of Benedict XVI! In God's Providence Fr. Benedict was assigned to our section for Holy Communion! And in the row in front of us were young men who had worked with Fr. Benedict in Kenya!

Fr. Benedict promised he'd come over to the monastery for a visit but then he got assigned to do further studies at the Angelicum. Father finally honored his promise and came for Mass and a visit on Monday. We had a delightful time with him! Accompanying him was our chaplain, Fr. Gregory Salomone, OP who was Fr. Benedict's Vocation Director!

Fr. Gregory listens to what Fr. Benedict has to say...and wishes he had another cup of coffee!

The 2008 Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium!