What’s in a name?

“You shall be called by a new name pronounced by the mouth of the Lord.”  Isaiah 62:2

Abbot Gregory Polan of Conception Abbey notes in the Collegeville Pastoral Dictionary of Biblical Theology: “Throughout the Bible there are examples of people and of places that are given a particular name for a special reason: to reveal the plan of God, to explain the background of a particular moment in history, or to distinguish a God-given aspect of a person’s personality and identity.”  Following this biblical tradition, Benedictine monks receive a new name upon entering the monastic life (in our Congregation, the new name is received upon entrance into the Novitiate).  The name reminds the monk of his new identity as one who is dedicated to seeking God within the monastic community.    

The names that are chosen are traditionally those of saints, who then serve as models of Christian discipleship for each monk.  The feast day of a monk’s patron saint is celebrated as his “Name Day.”  Three monks celebrated a Nameday this past week: Br. Linus (September 22nd), Fr. Germar (September 24th) and Br. Damian (September 26th).  Every monk has a story about why he chose a particular name and what it is about their patron that inspires him in his life of prayer and work.

Fr. Germar, Br. Damian, & Br. Linus

• Brother Linus (September 22) – “Saint Linus was a man of possible Etruscan origins who became an follower of Saint Paul and of Saint Peter.  In Etruscan, the name Linus means “the one who mourns.”  His name is mentioned in the Second Letter to Timothy (4:20).  According to tradition he is the second Bishop of Rome and his name is included in the Roman Canon of the Mass.  When I entered the abbey I was an avid reader of the Peanuts comic strip and enjoyed the animated version on television.  I particularly enjoyed the character Linus and thought this would be a good name.  I later learned more about Pope Saint Linus.  People are never familiar with Saint Linus, but everyone knows who Linus is from Peanuts!”
• Father Germar (September 24) – “Saint Germar was a French count who became disillusioned with his way of life and founded a monastery, of which he became abbot.  The German root of the name means “spear thrower,” which is a powerful symbol for us as missionaries.  We are called to spread the Good News through the world and allow its message to pierce the hearts of those who receive it.  In my time there were over 400 monks in Muensterschwarzach and all the good names, like those of apostles, were taken — so I ended up with the name Germar!”
• Brother Damian (September 26) - ”Saint Damian and his twin brother Cosmas were physicians from Asia Minor.  They were known as the “silverless ones” because they did not charge for their services.  The brothers followed the Lord’s command, ‘Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give (Mt 10:8).’  Their methods of healing went beyond the physical needs of people — in all they did they more importantly shared Christ’s Good News and the healing that can only come from God.  We as Christians are called to bring God’s healing into a world that is often broken.  As a monk I feel a particular call to that ministry, especially through sharing Benedictine hospitality with all the people who come to our monastery and retreat center.”