Benedictine Brother David Allen of Rosemount, Minnesota, made his final profession on July 11 to Benedictine Abbot John Klassen in Saint John’s Abbey and University Church, Collegeville.
The son of Tom and Shannon Allen, Brother David has two sisters, Patty Capkin (Sean) and Megan Dierberger (William). He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Rosemount, Rosemount High School and Saint John’s University. Following graduation as a theology and environmental studies major, Brother David served for one year in the Benedictine Volunteer Corps in Chile with the Manquehue Apostolic Movement, a lay Benedictine community.
In 2011, he became a novice at Saint John’s Abbey and after making his first profession in 2012, worked in the CSB/SJU admissions office and abbey vocations and began graduate and seminary studies at Saint John’s School of Theology. Instead of applying for solemn vows at that time, he chose a period of discernment and change outside the monastery. He served for four years as the senior spiritual care consultant for Benedictine Health, sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. In the summer of 2019, David returned to monastic life at Saint John’s Abbey as a junior monk.
Brother David once again made simple profession on Sept. 14, 2020, returned to the School of Theology and continued seminary studies. He hopes to graduate in December 2023 with his Master of Divinity degree. Additionally, he has served the community in the abbey development office, and as a nurse’s aide and activities director with the elderly monks in Saint Raphael Hall.
“My journey, like all of ours, has already been full of surprises, which I believe has been the work of the Holy Spirit,” Brother David said. “I sought a life of prayer, communal support, a diversity of opportunities to serve others and develop my own talents and gifts. I believe my vocation will allow me to carry the spirit of Saint John’s Abbey always, and I am humbled to share my life with such wonderful and talented men. Monastic life is an everyday journey of acceptance and growth, of striving on that path that leads to love.”
Brother David will celebrate his ordination to the transitional diaconate on Aug. 19. As a deacon while preparing for priesthood ordination, he will serve in the Harvest of Hope Area Catholic Community which includes the parishes in Albany, Avon, St. Anthony and St. Martin.