Fr. Nick Kleespie, Sabbatical in Africa
Fr. Nickolas Kleespie, OSB, has been on sabbatical in Africa, where he initially served as a member of Saint John's Abbey Benedictine Volunteer Corps program from 2006 to 2007. Fr. Nick has visited Africa numerous times since becoming a monk, as he has developed a deep affection for the religious communities he has come to know there. Initially, he connected with the current class of BVC volunteers in Imiliwaha and offered his assistance at the orphanage, celebrating Mass, and hearing confessions.
Supported by Tanzanian porters and guides, Fr. Nick was fortunate to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, which he describes as one of the most beautiful places he’s ever visited.
He has since returned to Saint Maurus’ Abbey in Hanga, Tanzania, where he served in the BVC and has once again joined the monastic rhythm of the community, working in the kitchen and assisting in local parishes and outstations on the weekend.
