Benedictine Brother Hang Geum Augustine Oh made first monastic vows to Benedictine Abbot John Klassen and the Benedictine community of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville on Aug. 15 in the abbey church.
Brother Augustine, 47, was born in Seoul, South Korea. He earned undergraduate degrees in economics and political science from Yousei University, Seoul, a Juris Doctor of Law from Chung-ang Law School in Seoul as well as a Master of Law in international arbitration from the University of Miami School of Law in Florida. He also possesses a Master of Art in liturgical music from Saint John’s University School of Theology and Seminary. Immediately before joining the monastery, Brother Augustine was a consultant of international trade and advisory of sports law in West Palm Beach, Florida.
As a junior monk, Brother Augustine will be continuing graduate studies at Saint John’s, working as spiritual life program coordinator in the Abbey Guesthouse and as the “assistant refectorian” for Saint John’s Abbey, working with Benedictine Brother Aelred Senna.