Abbot Thomas is a St Louis native. After graduating from Harvard, he went on to study Philosophy at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and completed his PhD under the noted Thomistic Philosopher, Elizabeth Anscombe, who played a critical role in his conversion to the Catholic Faith. He was drawn to the monastic life by an intense yearning for union with God and the spiritual friendship of community life. Before his election, he served the community as a Theology and Philosophy teacher, novicemaster, and headmaster. He has taken a direct hand in the design and construction of major additions to the school, monastery, cemetery, and athletic facilities. By the Grace of God, both the community and school continue to flourish under his guidance.