Faculty
Father Thomas P. Acklin, O.S.B., is a priest and monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe. He is known as a spiritual director, counselor, retreat master and psychoanalyst.
He is the author of two books, The Unchanging Heart of the Priesthood, published in 2005 by Emmaus Road, and The Passion of the Lamb published 2006 by Servant, and co-author of Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love, published in 2017 by Emmaus Road and written with Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
He has been a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey since 1978, and a priest since 1980. He received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Duquesne University in 1971, a master of arts degree in philosophy from Duquesne in 1975, and a master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 1978. He earned a licentiate in Sacred Theology in 1980, a doctor of philosophy degree in 1982, and a doctor of Sacred Theology degree in 1983 from the University of Louvain, Belgium. Father Thomas has also received professional psychoanalytic training and formation from the Belgian School of Psychoanalysis (1980-1982); Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center (1982-1985); and the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Institute (1985-1994).
He is a former rector of Saint Vincent Seminary and has been a faculty member since 1976. Father Thomas has given many retreats, especially to priests, Benedictines, and members of contemplative religious orders. He has also been a guest and host on “The Inner Life” on Relevant Radio and on EWTN. He hosted the program “Insights, Religion from a Psychological Perspective,” on WEDO Radio, McKeesport for 20 years, and was co-host of “Real to Reel,” WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh, a magazine-format religious program for 8 years.
