Fr. Mary Benedict Nivakoff, O.S.B.

My name is Fr. Benedict and I grew up in New Canaan, CT. My parents still live in that area.  I have one sister who is a police officer in New Haven, CT and one brother who is an investment banker in New York.  After attending a boarding school run by Benedictine monks, Portsmouth Abbey, I went on to receive a B.A. from the University of the South in Medieval Studies.  I decided to enter monastic life, after attending the Summer Vocation Discernment Program in 2000.  I arrived in Norcia in August of 2001 and made solemn vows in 2005.

I chose the name Benedict because he offers a sure and solid path to sanctity, which has been tested and proven, throughout the centuries.  Being a monk of this monastery was the best way that I could envision saving my soul and growing in the love of God.

I started my priestly studies with philosophy in Rome at Santa Croce and completed them by studying theology at the International Theological Institute in Austria.  After graduation in 2008, I was ordained a priest on October 31, 2008.

In the monastery, I’ve worn many hats, but the two biggest jobs I’ve had were Subprior (from 2006-09) and Novice Master (from 2009 to present).  I also assist Fr. Cassian with the development of the monastery.