The Very Reverend Gregory Boquet, O.S.B., has been elected the sixth abbot of Saint Joseph Abbey. He was chosen Friday, July 14, in a secret ballot election by his fellow monks.

“It’s humbling, it’s a surprise, and it’s also a blessing,” he said. “Those things you can’t predict, like any great blessing you don’t plan. It’s just God’s work. You have to be willing to say ‘yes.’”

Abbot Gregory has served as president-rector of Saint Joseph Seminary College for the past 25 years. He said he will consult with New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond and the Seminary’s Board of Trustees, and an interim leader will be put in place until a new rector is named in October, when the Board reconvenes.

“It’s taking me away from a job that I’ve done for 25 ½ years, but it’s refocused me back in the monastery, and I see this as a blessing,” he said.

He said the success of the seminary college, an apostolate of Saint Joseph Abbey, will remain a top priority. Abbot Gregory said he also wants to continue instilling “vigor and zeal for the monastic life and make sure we are a monastery that young men are attracted to come and join.”

Abbot Gregory graduated from Saint Joseph Seminary College in 1980. Following graduation, he attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C. for two years then returned to Saint Joseph Abbey as a novitiate in 1982. Abbot Gregory made his solemn profession of vows at Saint Joseph Abbey on July 10, 1983. He then resumed his studies at Notre Dame Seminary and received a Master of Arts degree in Theology.

He was ordained a priest on April 16, 1988. Prior to becoming President-Rector, Abbot Gregory served in several capacities at the Abbey, including monastery Prior, Director of the Physical Plant and Dean of Students.

Abbot Gregory succeeds former Abbot Justin Brown, O.S.B., who was elected on Nov. 1, 2001.