About Our Abbot and Spiritual director

Welcome to the Old Catholic Benedictines of Immaculate Mary, a sacred refuge where your spirit will find solace and your journey of faith will flourish. With grace and dedication, we serve under the esteemed guidance of the United States Old Catholic Church, uniting our hearts and minds in devout devotion.

Led by our Abbot, Bishop Tommy Golden, O.S.B., O.C.R., we embody the timeless values and teachings of the Benedictine tradition. Our order embraces the wisdom of Saint Benedict, fostering a contemplative and harmonious way of life that honors both divinity and humanity.

The Most Rev. Tommy Golden was born on July 16, 1974, in Cartersville, Georgia, and began his public ministry in 2007. Initially serving as a layperson, he was later called to the diaconate.   

After four years of seminary education, he was ordained as a deacon by Archbishop Maurice McCormick at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and received his Bachelor of Theology (Th.B) from AGAPE SEMINARY-LOUISVILLE CAMPUS in 2011.  

Having served as a deacon for a decade, he felt a renewed calling to return to seminary and pursue the priesthood. He graduated from St. Mary's Old Catholic Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and was ordained as a priest on November 3, 2023.  

During his time in seminary, he embraced the Benedictine way of life. He completed his postulancy and novitiate while studying. He is a fully professed member of the Old Catholic Benedictines of Immaculate Mary and was elevated to the position of Abbot in 2023. After serving as the Abbot for 2 years, he retired as the Abbot.   

He furthered his academic journey and earned a Doctorate in Ministry (D.Min) from St. Mary's Old Catholic Seminary, subsequently being consecrated as a Bishop on April 25, 2025, at St. Cecilia Chapel in Columbia.

Bishop Tommy was asked if he would consider returning as Abbot for our Benedictine Community and he graciously accepted the position which allowed Fr. Shawn to take the position of Spiritual Director for the community. 

At the Old Catholic Benedictines of Immaculate Mary, we extend an open and loving embrace to all who seek the light of spirituality, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, race, or age. Discrimination has no place within the sacred walls of our order, as we cherish the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. Here, inclusivity and acceptance reign supreme.

Our enriching journey began under the visionary leadership of Archbishop James Long, O.S.B., O.C.R., who dedicated twenty years of his life to nurturing this sanctuary of faith. 

Now, as we enter a new chapter, Bishop Tommy has been elevated to the honorable position of Abbot, carrying forward the torch of Archbishop Long's profound vision.

As you embark on your spiritual pilgrimage, we welcome you as you are, embracing your unique self with open hearts and minds. Whatever your background, creed, or stage of life, our monastery offers a sacred space for growth, discovery, and nurturing spiritual connections.

Here, you will find solace in the quietude of prayerful contemplation, seek wisdom through the study of sacred texts, and engage in acts of compassion and service, both within our community and beyond. Together, as one family, we strive to create a world deeply rooted in love, justice, and compassion.

Come, dear visitor, and explore the boundless depths of faith within the Old Catholic Benedictines of Immaculate Mary. May you find here the spiritual nourishment your soul seeks, and may your journey be blessed with wisdom, peace, and transformative grace. 

If you are interested in learning more about our community, feel free to contact us by going to the contact our Vocations Director by clicking here. 

God bless

Welcome to our community! 

It is with great joy and gratitude that we introduce Fr. Shawn Whittington as the Spiritual Director of the Benedictines of Immaculate Mary. 

Fr. Shawn brings a spirit of compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his vital role among us. His presence assures us that our spiritual needs will be lovingly attended to—whether through prayer, guidance, mentorship, or discernment. 

As Postulants and Fully Professed Brothers and Sisters, you can confidently turn to Fr. Shawn in times of spiritual challenge, knowing he will walk with you, offering support and encouragement rooted in faith. 

His leadership not only nurtures our individual journeys but also strengthens our communal life under the guidance of our Abbot, Bishop Tommy Golden, OSB, OCR.

We are truly blessed to have such an inspiring Spiritual Director among us—one who embodies the love of Christ and the Benedictine spirit. 

May his guidance deepen our faith, enrich our community, and inspire us all to grow closer to God each day.

With warmest blessings,  

The Old Catholic Benedictines of Immaculate Mary