Father Fred Byrne, O.S.B.

1. What do you think is the most important thing for someone to realize when they are thinking about becoming a monk?

"I think the most important thing is their relationship with Jesus.  What is He calling you to do?  Spending time listening to that call is essential."

2. What is happiness to you?

"Happiness is knowing God: that He loves me, and I don't have to win that love."

3. Amongst all of your traveling, where was your favorite trip and why?

"World youth days (Paris, Denver, Rome, Toronto)--I am ready to travel to any World Youth Day,  I just need my backpack, my habit, Bible and a group of fellow pilgrims.  It's an amazing experience to witness those with whom I am traveling have a conversion in their lives and to later see them make solemn vows as a member of our community.  Take our Father Boniface for instance, whose conversion is a beautiful example of why I so enjoy World Youth Days."

4. (Besides St.Benedict) who is your favorite Saint and why do you aspire to be like him/her, and in what ways?

"I like the Pope (John Paul II). He is a living Saint.  His work with the young people inspires me.  There is a story of him as a young priest saying Mass on the back of his kayak while on a trip with young people in the mountains.  That's cool."

5. If you had to pick, would you say that life as a monk gets better or more difficult as you get older?

"I think the vow of obedience becomes the toughest of all the vows to live.  When I was a younger monk, I spent more time in acedemics and it was not my passion.  After 27 years of monastic living, I find my life becomes richer and more full of God and ministry with his people."