Brother Louis Bethea grew up in Springfield, VA and is the older of two children. His family members are long-time parishioners of St. Michael Church in Annandale, VA. He earned a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University in 2008 and a master of science in polymer engineering from the University of Akron in 2014. He spent ten years working in the tire industry, including three years in Europe. “I find an indescribable joy living out the unique balance of the contemplative and apostolic dimensions that make up our Dominican way of life. All of our energy is oriented towards the salvation of souls by allowing God to work through our lives as instruments of His mercy – what a blessing to be called to Christ in this way, as a son of Saint Dominic!”