August 21, 2026

Saint Meinrad Archabbey receives new novice

Benedictine Novice David HenslerIn a recent ceremony at the entrance of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, a new novice was received by the monastic community.

Benedictine Novice David Hensler was clothed in the Benedictine habit on Aug. 5. He now begins a year of monastic formation, including study of The Rule of St. Benedict and monastic history.

Novice David, 27, is from Marietta, Ohio. He was a member of St. John Parish in St. Marys, W.Va.

He attended Washington State College of Ohio, earning a certificate for licensed practical nursing in 2019 and an associate degree in nursing in 2023.

Before joining the monastery, Novice David was a licensed practical nurse at Marietta Memorial Endocrinology Clinic in Marietta, Ohio, a registered nurse at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, W.Va., and a registered nurse at Housecalls Hospice, also in Parkersburg.

As a novice, he will take a year off from formal studies and trades. The novitiate is a time of prayer and learning intended to help a novice discern his possible vocation as a monk.

At the end of this year, a novice may be permitted to profess temporary vows of obedience, fidelity to the monastic way of life, and stability in the community of Saint Meinrad. †

Local site Links: