On Sunday May 24 2009, the day before the annual community retreat Bro. Benedict Mary professed his solemn vows as a monk of Mount Michael Abbey. Brother came to Mount Michael by way of St. Gabriel Priory (formerly the Society of St. John) which closed in 2007.

Brother Benedict Mary, the son of the late Aloysius and Annette Ober was born November 11, 1959 in Buffalo, New York. He spent his early childhood in Syracuse, New York before moving with his family to Voorhees, New Jersey. He graduated from Eastern Regional High School in 1977 after which he joined the Navy. He served the majority of his carreer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence in the supply department.

After the Navy Brother had several occupations. He worked as a theater manager, an assistant church goods manager and as a courier. In the 1980's Brother became involved with the charismatic renewal and Pro-life movement. He even was even arrested for practicing civil disobedience in conjunction with Operation Rescue.

Brother Benedict has one sister, Lisa Giorno with husband Joe and niece Victoria.