Pictured Above: Seated (left to right): Br. Patrick, Fr. Augustine, Abbot Melvin, Fr. Maynard
Standing (left to right): Br. Francis, Fr. Francis, Fr. Edwin, Br. Mark Martin, Fr. Philip, Fr. Luke, Fr. Albert, Fr. Maximilian, Br. Simon Peter, Br. Thomas Aquinas, Br. Asiel Maria, Fr. Francois. (Photo by Mike Scanlan)
Meet the Monks
- Abbot Melvin J. Valvano, O.S.B.
- Father Augustine J. Curley, O.S.B., Prior
- Br. Patrick Winbush, O.S.B., Subprior
- Father Albert Holtz, O.S.B., Formation Director
- Father Maynard Nagengast, O.S.B.
- Father Edwin Leahy, O.S.B.
- Father Philip Waters, O.S.B.
- Father Luke Edelen, O.S.B.
- Father Francis Flood, O.S.B.
- Fr. Maximilian Buonocore, O.S.B.
- Brother Thomas Aquinas Hall, O.S.B.
- Brother Simon Peter Clayton, O.S.B.
- Brother Asiel Maria Rodriguez, O.S.B.
- Brother Francis Woodruff, O.S.B.
- Brother Mark Martin Dilone, O.S.B.
Br. Patrick, a native of Newark, came to know the community through Fr. Edwin, who served in his home parish as a weekend assistant. From 2015 - 2017 he served as the Principal of St. Mary's Elementary School. He also served in the Campus Ministry for St. Benedict's Prep. He currently serves as the subprior and vocation director. In St. Benedict's Prep, Br. Patrick serves as an Instructor of Religion, focusing mainly in the area of Christian Morality and the Christian Lifestyle. Outside the monastery, Br. Patrick currently serves as the Chairperson of Newark's Archdiocesan Vocation Board for Religious Life and is a member of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus.
Fr. Maynard came to know the Benedictines through Fr. Lucien Donnelly. For many years he taught art in St. Benedict's Prep. Although retired from teaching, he keeps busy by painting and caring for the abbey garden.
Fr. Edwin has served as Headmaster of St. Benedict's Prep since its reopening in 1973.
Fr. Philip is rector of the abbey church, where the faith community of St. Mary's meets. He also teaches Latin in St. Benedict's Prep, and drives the school bus whenever his services are needed.
Fr. Luke currently serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the monastery. He is also the Chancellor for the Syriac Diocese of Our Lady of Deliverance, and teaches Latin in St. Benedict's Prep.
A number of years ago, Fr. Francis transferred his vows to Newark Abbey. Fr. Francis currently served the community as procurator and for a number of years he was the infirmarian. With a degree in canon law, he is sometimes called upon to offer an opinion on an issue that the community needs to decide.
Fr. Maximilian currently serves the community as librarian, teacher, the director of the Learning Center, and co-facilitator the Gardening Project and Summer Gardening at St. Benedict's Prep School. He serves as a licensed professional counselor, and as the Local Safe Environment Coordinator for the Monastery and school. In the past he served as infirmarian, tailor, guest master and kitchen master. Fr. Maximilian has a B.S. in Engineering, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and an M.A. in Systematic Theology degree. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary, and was ordained a priest on June 22, 2017.
An alumnus of St. Benedict's Prep, Br. Thomas Aquinas made his solemn (life) vows on August 15, 2017. He previously served the community as guest master. He currently serves the community as a teacher at St. Benedict's and is pursuing in graduate studies in counseling.
Br. Simon Peter Clayton, O.S.B. was born and raised in Newark, NJ. He attended St. Benedict's Prep and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing at St. Vincent College in Latrobe PA. Prior to graduating in 2012, Br. Simon secured a job with PNC Bank as a retail banking Branch Manager in Washington, DC. After spending a few years in the financial industry, Br. Simon Peter decided to answer God's call to return to his hometown and join our monastic community. He currently serves as kitchen liaison and is studying for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University. He also is in charge of the Leahy House, and teaches American Sign Language at St. Benedict's Prep.
Br. Asiel Maria was born in Cuba, but grew up in Union City. After spending some time with another religious community, Br. Asiel transferred to our community. He is currently studying for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, and serves in the monastery in several roles as the Infirmarian, Tailor, and previously served as the Director of Monastery Publicity. Br. Asiel also teaches Spanish at St. Benedict's Prep.
Br. Francis was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He made simple profession in November 2017. He had previously been a member of the monastic community and returned to Newark Abbey after an absence of several years, having discerned the Lord's call to return home. Br. Francis currently serves the community as the Abbey Sacristan, and as Assistant- guest master. He made his solemn profession as a monk of Newark Abbey on November 14, 2020.
Br. Mark Martin was born and raised in New York City. Before coming to our community he was a member of another religious community. He is currently studying for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, and serves in several roles at the monastery as Guestmaster, Tailor, Organist, Webmaster. He also teaches History and New Testament at St. Benedict's Prep.