This warmhearted memoir describes how a small, insecure boy with a vibrant imagination found an unlikely family in the company of monks at Holy Trinity Abbey, in the mountains of rural Latter-day Saint Utah. Struggling with his parents’ recent divorce, Michael O’Brien discovered a community filled with warmth, humor, idiosyncrasies, and most of all, listening ears. Filled with anecdotes and delightful “behind the scenes” descriptions of his experiences living alongside the monks as they farmed, prayed, buried their dead, ate, and shared the joys of life, Monastery Mornings speaks to the value of spiritual fatherhood, the lasting impact of positive mentoring, and the stability that the spiritual life can offer to people of all ages and walks of life.
About Michael Patrick O’Brien
Michael Patrick O’Brien is a Catholic writer and lawyer living in Salt Lake City, Utah. One of his first jobs was working as a reporter for his hometown newspaper. He wrote for his college newspaper while earning a 1983 Government/Theology degree from the University of Notre Dame. He wrote movie reviews during law school at the University of Utah. Mike is a partner at the law firm of Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough. He is a mediator, advises business clients on employment issues, and represents many news media outlets on various First Amendment and publication matters. Mike is married to Vicki, a preschool teacher. They have three adult children, Erin Kathleen, Megan Mary, and Daniel Patrick, and one grandchild on the way. Erin is a second-grade teacher and her husband Adam teaches fifth grade. Megan is a professional dancer, choreographer, and movement artist. Danny is in college and an aspiring athletic trainer.
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