SGU President Blessed as Abbey’s 10th Abbot
Archbishop Beltran delivering the abbatial blessing to Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen.

SHAWNEE — The Rt. Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B., president of St. Gregory’s University, was blessed as the 10th abbot of St. Gregory’s Abbey in a ceremony Feb. 24 at W.P. Wood Fieldhouse.

Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran led the celebration of the Eucharist, giving the abbatial blessing.

“On behalf of the Catholic community, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations,” Archbishop Beltran said to Abbot Lawrence in his closing remarks. “Abbot Lawrence, put your trust in the Lord. He will never fail you. Let prayer be your principle focus. It will give you meaningful direction.”

Abbot Lawrence, a native of Tecumseh, was elected abbot Jan. 6. He succeeds Abbot Martin Lugo, O.S.B., who headed St. Gregory’s Abbey for nearly 11 years. Abbot Lugo served as prior administrator for two years, then abbot for eight years following his election in 1996.

Abbot Lawrence has been SGU’s president since 2000. Since that time, the university has seen considerable growth. SGU recently added a campus in Tulsa, which now has a graduate program.

“My first and foremost role as abbot is to shepherd the monastic community in their search for God so that we can all get to heaven together,” Abbot Lawrence said. “I’m responsible for every one of those lambs. At the same time, I’m still responsible for the abbey’s mission of education through the university.”

Abbot Lawrence graduated from St. Gregory’s College in 1984, entering the novitiate at St. Gregory’s Abbey shortly after. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1994 and has since served the abbey in a variety of ways. He has been on the Abbot’s Senior Council and has been the monastery’s vocation director.

Abbot Lawrence holds a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., and a doctoral degree in theology from the Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm in Rome. He is a member of the board of directors for Unity Health Center in Shawnee, the board of directors of the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art and the Archdiocesan Commission for Justice and Human Development.

 “I think this transition in my life has helped me realize my calling a little better, and I think it can make me healthier and happier,” Abbot Lawrence said. “I’m very pleased.”

Top, Abbot Lawrence stands before Archbishop Beltran to receive the abbatial blessing. Middle, Priests extend their hands while praying for the Holy Spirit to bless Abbot Lawrence.  Bottom,  Abbot Lawrence with his family outside the reception which followed.

Saint Greg's five living abbots, from left, Abbot Martin Lugo, Abbot Adrian Vorderlandwehr, Abbot  Lawrence Stasyszen, Abbot Philip Berning and Abbot Charles Massoth.