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Fr. Benedict Croell, O.P.
Born in 1968 in Arizona, Fr. Benedict Croell, O.P., grew up in Colorado as the youngest of nine children in a family that has since grown to include 27 nieces and nephews. Before entering the Order of Preachers, he studied at Colorado State University and Conception Seminary College for the Archdiocese of Denver. He obtained a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Providence College while discerning a vocation to religious life. He entered the novitiate of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph in 1992, and was ordained a priest in 1998. Fr. Benedict was assigned first to St. Gertrude Church and Priory in Cincinnati, Ohio as associate pastor for four years. In 2002 he was assigned to the Province's Vicariate of Eastern Africa, serving in Kenya for five years. He had the responsibility of being Novice Master in the Vicariate for novices from seven African countries. Returning from the missions, he ministered briefly at the University Church of St. Joseph at New York University before continuing studies in Rome. In June 2010 he completed the License in Sacred Theology (Spiritual Theology) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) where he also served as a chaplain for two years. In 2010 he was appointed Director of Vocations for the Province of St. Joseph.
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Robert Murphy (22 years old)
Meet the New Novices
Posted by Fr. Benedict Croell, O.P. on July 13, 2010
Robert Murphy
An only child, I was born on June 26, 1988 on Long Island, New York. My mom and dad raised me in a town called Bohemia about ten miles from where I was born. I have gone to Catholic school my entire life, and I recently graduated from Providence College in Rhode Island. I received a bachelor of arts in Humanities, taking classes mostly in philosophy and classical languages.
Although I was raised Catholic, my parents and I stopped going to mass regularly when I was about thirteen. I made my first confession back when I was seventeen, and began to take a closer look into my faith. When I entered Providence College I fell even more in love with Catholicism. I began to consider the Dominican priesthood the summer after my sophomore year. My friends at PC and the witness of the Dominican Friars there were an important instrument in my discernment. In one instance, I remember hearing a Friar preach during a weekday mass. His reverence on the altar and his confidence in the Gospel he preached made me say "This is what the Dominicans are about. I want to do that!" I received excellent spiritual advice from the Friars at Providence College. They taught me that patience and honesty with God and oneself is necessary for good discernment.
When I went on the vocations weekend at the House of Studies in February 2009, I felt a confirmation to the attraction that I had towards the Dominicans at my college. I was especially attracted by the student brothers in formation at the House of Studies. I found myself looking up to them like older brothers! Soon afterwards I began my application to the Eastern Province.
I have fallen in love with the Dominican charism to evangelize and save souls. My love for the sacraments, especially Confession and Holy Communion, has made my attraction to the priesthood grow, as I will hopefully one day participate in administering these sacraments.
As a Dominican, I am interested in teaching philosophy, theology, or languages; preaching; doing mission work; and really any else that the Eastern Province has to offer. Some of my hobbies include playing soccer, running, and having good conversation.
Although I was raised Catholic, my parents and I stopped going to mass regularly when I was about thirteen. I made my first confession back when I was seventeen, and began to take a closer look into my faith. When I entered Providence College I fell even more in love with Catholicism. I began to consider the Dominican priesthood the summer after my sophomore year. My friends at PC and the witness of the Dominican Friars there were an important instrument in my discernment. In one instance, I remember hearing a Friar preach during a weekday mass. His reverence on the altar and his confidence in the Gospel he preached made me say "This is what the Dominicans are about. I want to do that!" I received excellent spiritual advice from the Friars at Providence College. They taught me that patience and honesty with God and oneself is necessary for good discernment.
When I went on the vocations weekend at the House of Studies in February 2009, I felt a confirmation to the attraction that I had towards the Dominicans at my college. I was especially attracted by the student brothers in formation at the House of Studies. I found myself looking up to them like older brothers! Soon afterwards I began my application to the Eastern Province.
I have fallen in love with the Dominican charism to evangelize and save souls. My love for the sacraments, especially Confession and Holy Communion, has made my attraction to the priesthood grow, as I will hopefully one day participate in administering these sacraments.
As a Dominican, I am interested in teaching philosophy, theology, or languages; preaching; doing mission work; and really any else that the Eastern Province has to offer. Some of my hobbies include playing soccer, running, and having good conversation.