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The Newsletter of St. Benedict's Abbey, Atchison, Kansas
“We are formed by those we love and by those who love us.”

News of Members

Prior James Albers put together a 2004 calendar commemorating the 75th anniversary of our moving into the present monastery building in 1929. The calendar offers viewers many original photos of the construction of this wonderful stone structure, shot by E.H. DeFrees who was a carpenter on the project. His family gave an album of these photos to us for our archives.

David Nelson, a student at Kansas City, MO based program of the University of Phoenix, lives in Leavenworth and does some work for the Leavenworth Times. He has visited the abbey on several occasions, shooting pictures for his portfolio and perhaps a piece for the newspaper.

Father Michael Zoellner has a new e-mail address: mzoellner@scls.org

Brother Gabriel Landis is serving on weekends in the parish of St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Indiana, PA, during this his fourth year of theology studies at Saint Vincent in Latrobe, PA. There was a feature story, with pictures, of him in the Christmas time parish bulletin. Brother Gabriel is spending Spring break days, February 23 to 27, at St. Mary's abbey, Morristown, NJ, as a guest of Father Anthony Sargent, O.S.B. Brother Gabriel was recently voted on by the Saint Vincent Seminary staff and was approved for priestly ordination. He is to be ordained by Archbishop James Keleher in St. Benedict's Abbey church, June 12.

The parish of St. Pankratius in Roding, in the diocese of Regensburg, Bavaria, is the place of birth of our deceased member, Father Louis Mary Fink (1834­1904). He was Prior of our community when he was named the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Leavenworth in 1877. There are 8,500 members of the parish in the town of Roding and four nearby villages. On March 17, 2004, the parish will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the day of Bishop Fink's death. "In connection with this celebration we want to install a commemorative tablet in our town for this famous son of our parish." This letter was received from Gunter Renner, chaplain of St. Pankratius, Roding. His personal e-mail address is guenterrenner@nexgo.de

Brother Columba McNeill, lecturer in the Benedictine College English department, is having a Writer's Workshop in the Abbey Guest House Lounge, Saturday, February 14. "It's Valentine's Day. What a lovely day for poets and prose writers to come together and revel in the glories of the written word."

Father Blaine Schultz, Father Meinrad Miller and BC student Lucas Tappan attended the February 11 funeral for Richie Restivo, the young man from Ascension Parish in Overland Park, and 2002 Rockhurst High graduate, who was killed in a fight Friday night in Kansas City, MO. Rhonda, his mother, had visited the Abbey for a retreat and has become good friends with Father Blaine. Lucas toured Richie and Rhonda around the BC campus two weeks ago, and Richie was planning on studying music composition here. Please continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Richie, and for the entire Restivo family. Several of his extended family came from Venice, Italy for the funeral.

Abbot Barnabas Senecal was one of four visitators for Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA, January 26 through February 2. Other team members were Abbot Timothy Kelly, President of the American Cassinese Congregation; Brother Dietrich Reinhart, President of St. John's University, Collegeville, MN, and Father Marcus Voss, President of St. Bernard's Academy, Cullman, AL. Visitation happens every five years in each Benedictine house in our Congregation; it is a program of self-evaluation followed by a visit by an outside team.

The abbots and priors of independent priories will gather for their annual workshop, February 13-17, at St. Bernard Abbey, Cullman, AL. Father Michael Casey, O.C.S.O., a contemporary writer on Benedictine spirituality, will present talks on the "Psycho-Spiritual Development in the Context of the Rule of Benedict." He is the Prior of Tarrawarra Abbey in Victoria, Australia. Abbot Barnabas Senecal will attend this workshop.

The Lenten Reading Book for 2004 for St. Benedict's Abbey members will be "Heaven Begins Within You: Wisdom from the Desert Fathers." This is the work of Anselm Gruen, a Benedictine monk of the Abbey of Muesterschwarzach in Germany. Widely respected for his ability to present classic spirituality in a contemporary context, he regularly offers workshops for executives and professionals. The English translation is done by Peter Heinegg and is offered by The Crossroad Publishing Company of New York.

Brother Jeremias Heppler is taking pictures of Abbey life for a new vocation brochure.

Father Brendan Rolling and a group of Benedictine College students traveled to the University of Illinois, Champaign, to help with a weekend student retreat there, February 6 though 8.

Father Daniel McCarthy was invited to attend a one day symposium at Heathrow College, London, sponsored by the Society of St. Catherine of Siena. Participants included Dr. Susan Parsons, a fellow of the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology; James Leachman, professor of the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy, monk of Ealing Abbey; Patrick Regan, professor of PIL; two other students of the PIL; Terrence Merrigan, Professor of Dogmatic Theology, Louvain; P. Patrick Pretot, Director of the graduate institute of liturgy, The Institute of Liturgy, Paris; P. Denis Robinson, professor of the American College, Louivain. The Society of St. Catherine of Siena tries to gather divergent voices in discussion. Their web-site is http://www.caterinati.org.uk/. The symposium was on the papal encyclical "Ecclesia de Eucharistia" of Pope John Paul II.

From the above web site: "February 2004 ­ a colloquium on the Encyclical Letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia, with Catholic theologians, to be introduced by Professor Eamon Duffy, University of Cambridge." Their statement on the follow up to the symposium: "The Society expects to establish a second working group to consider questions of the Eucharist, following the colloquium on Ecclesia de Eucharistia. In a continuing effort to build up good relationships with theological colleagues across continental Europe and in North America, it is hoped that this working group will be both international and multi-lingual."

Health of Community Members

Father Bertrand La Noue suffered a minor stroke that affected his sense of balance temporarily. He was hospitalized in Fort Worth, TX, when he went to visit his brother Carol who had had heart bypass surgery. Father Bertrand returned to Atchison on February 10 and has assumed his duties in the parishes of St. Joseph's and St. Patrick's.

Father Eugene Dehner began a regime of daily radiation treatments at Heartland East hospital, St. Joseph, MO, as an outpatient. He will do this for five weeks. He has a single spot of cancer on his left lung near his pacemaker. His spirit is good as he enters into this treatment plan.

News of Friends

Priests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and priests of religious communities serving in the Archdiocese are invited to join us on March 15 for the 129th annual Clergy Day dinner.

Mike Van Dyke, a Maur Hill graduate of 1967 and an Atchison native, underwent successful surgery to remove a benign tumor from his forehead, February 4, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

Doris Thompson, sister of the late Father Thomas Flaherty, sent greetings from her home in Bridgewater, MA. "I think of you often and recently came across some pictures I had taken on my last trip when Fr. Tom was alive. They brought back some pleasant memories. I hope this finds you in good health, as well as the rest of my friends in Atchison."

Therese Foley, an Oblate living in Weston, MO, wrote, "Just a short note to thank you and all the Benedictine community for making my life much more enriched by your presence. Looking forward to the next Oblate day."

Brother William Dokulil, O.S.B., made profession of solemn vows as a member of Mount Michael Abbey, Elkhorn, NE, on January 11.

Marty "Zeke" Long came to Atchison from Leavenworth after his parents died. He took up residence in Mall Towers. He began to volunteer his services to the Benedictine College football program, doing daily laundry and helping to maintain the equipment worn by the players. He works through the year with other varsity athletic programs. His work is appreciated by all, and he is proud to wear the Raven gear that marks him as a member of the campus community.

Michael Carrigan, a MH graduate of 1961 and a member of the SBC class of 1966, an Atchison native, sent Father Meinrad Miller a note saying that he is retiring from the Smithsonian Institute after 37 years there. He is going into partnership with a liturgical design firm currently located in Pennsylvania. The plan is to relocate the main studio to Pawley's Island, SC. Mike will be opening an office in Washington, DC near the National Bishops Conference. Mike described the project as follows:

"On March 4th, my wife Lisa and I along with one of my partners and his wife will be flying to Rome, Florence, and Spieto, Italy to begin discussions with Master Artists in mosaic, fresco, wood and marble sculpture, about beginning a "Masters-in-Residence" program at our studios in South Carolina.

"My idea then, is to begin a dialogue with several Catholic colleges and universities in this country, providing an opportunity for senior art major students to begin specialized studies in "Renaissance style" mosaic, fresco, oil, wood, and marble. Students would be invited into our program, studying under a Master-in-Residence and receive college credit for the semester. Then if the student is invited to continue with the firm, he or she would continue their studies at an appropriate studio in Italy.

"In any case, I am excited about the potential of this new venture and feel that it will be an opportunity to assist the Church, in small ways, by creating more prayerful environments within existing as well as new churches. We will be following the new General Instruction and the "Built With Living Stones" documents for liturgical guidance."

From 1986 BC alumus Louie Schafer: "Fondest regards to the monks of St. Benedict's! I recall with great warmth the times I lingered at the abbey while a BC student. Please pass on my gratitude to Fathers Bruce Swift, Matthew Habiger, Denis Meade and Regis Hickey and any I may have omitted! I'm happily married to an upstate NY native, my beloved Joanne. We have been blessed with two bright, energetic and lovely children; Rachel (8) and Louie IV (4). I am abundantly blessed! God bless you all! louie.schafer@onsyr.com

Homily by Prior Joaquim Carvalho,O.S.B.,
for the Blessing of St. Benedict Monastery in Goiania, Goias, Brazil, Sunday, January 11, 2004

Today, we are celebrating this Eucharist on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This feast reveals who Jesus is and what he did; who are his followers and what they are called to realize in society. The Gospel speaks to us about the expectations of the people waiting for the Messiah who would free them from all types of slavery. John the Baptist had the courage and confidence to tell the people that he was not the Messiah and indicated that Jesus was the promised one.

Today, here in Goiás, we are living a profound experience in our monastic history. This monastery is the fruit of many years of intense activity including prayer, a profound confidence in divine providence, and the realization of everything through unselfish love. Present in spirit here today are our founders: Abbot Cuthbert McDonald, Bishop Matthias Schmidt, Father Otho Sullivan, and Father Stephen Burns. They came here, to the State of Goiás, with the intention of remaining here. Their lives are part of us as we continue this monastic foundation. Also, we recognize the untiring apostolate of Bishop Benedito Coscia, and his loving concern for our people.

This monastery manifests the strength of the Benedictine spirit, which is "that in all things God may be glorified."

At this time, I can share with all of you everything that has happened to make this moment possible. We are here to offer our thanksgiving.

Abbot Barnabas, you are a courageous man. You accepted and believed in the construction of this monastery, and always gave us your support. We are especially grateful to you. It is history, in the future, that will confirm whether what happened here was a correct decision or not. We are few, but we are men of faith and hope. Thank you for your incentives, and for your expressions of fatherly concern, as is proper to Benedictine spirituality. A father is the one who confides, animates, makes himself present, demands, loves, rejoices, and participates. He motivates and seeks the efficacious means for the development and maturity of his sons. You have been all this, and even more, to us in our lives. Our definitive presence here in Goiânia is necessary because we do not want to lose our missionary vocation. We exist to serve the Church, and we never want to forget that this is our primary vocation.

We thank our Benedictine brothers in Atchison for their constant and lasting support, and also for their witness to the monastic vocation that unites us and makes us brothers.

My brother monks, it is good that we are here, as it was good to have assumed our poverty and our littleness without illusions. As our faith brought us here, certainly it will take us to other places, too. We are certain of this, and it is our mutual dream. We are aware that we are now in the process of being re-founded. To our Sub-Prior, Father Josias, who always advised us not to fear the expenses and to build well, within our means, I say it was good to have believed that it should be so. To our Business Manager, Father Kieran, with his capacity and organization, who designed the steps we have followed, it is good to be secure and know that you are always with us. To Brother Rodrigo who accepted, although innocently, to embrace our formation program, I say: you are courageous, thank you. When the cause is for Our Lord, there is no fear that will paralyze us. To Brother Lenilson, for his untiring work in vocational promotion, without which this monastery would not exist, my sincere gratitude. My thankfulness to all of you for being monks.

My beloved younger brothers, all of you who form this community in Goiânia. When I look at you, so young and so responsible, I feel an enormous joy. With all of you, life is worthwhile. Father Denis, you give witness by your life of total dedication to the young brothers, please accept my profound gratitude. Never forget our guests, and hope that there is never a lack of them, for it is through them that God visits the monastery, and as Saint Benedict says, when you receive a guest for the first time "they are to pray together and thus be united in peace." Be men of prayer, and be hospitable. The guest also comes to us in our pastoral endeavors. This monastery must be able to be of service to the Church in Goiânia. Never forget this. Deepen your Benedictine monastic vocation; it is profoundly captivating and attractive among the constant challenges and appeals to complete indifference. We are brothers, and nothing will ever intimidate us.

Beloved Archbishop Antônio Ribeiro de Oliveira. Thank you for receiving us here in this Church of the Archdiocese of Goiânia, and for opening its doors to us. I know I will never forget the many times I met with you. Even in his suffering, Bishop Antônio's smile was always warm and attractive. In this monastery we will have one of the rooms dedicated to Saint Anthony.

Dear Bishop Washington Cruz, OP. Thank you for your presence here, and for having us in your Archdiocese and also in your heart. We want to reaffirm that our doors are always open to receive you and fulfill your orientations, as our Pastor. We are your little sheep, and we need you to walk Jesus' road.

My beloved people from Mineiros, our histories, yours and ours, intermingle. It is so good to see all of you here. We feel very secure when we are in your midst. Thank you for the untiring support you have always given us. Thank you for your continual generosity and financial support. For our festive meal today, including all the various types of food, and its preparation, we thank the community from Mineiros. It is said that while Saint Benedict was standing in the cave at Subiaco, still fasting, that there appeared a brother who brought him food saying: "Eat Benedict, because today is Easter." Benedict answered him, "Yes, I know that is Easter, because you are here." We say that today it is Easter, because all of you are here.

To the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, thank you for your support over such a long period of time. Thank you for your generosity in letting us use your house as our temporary monastery. We hope in our hearts that this contact will continue in the future. Now we can say to you, this monastery is also your home.

To our Benedictine Sisters, we thank you for your continuing presence. This monastery is also for all of you. In this monastery you will be able to feel that you are in a secure haven. We desire that this may be your sentiment.

To Father Emanuel, prior of St Benedict Monastery in Brasília, who accepted to preach our annual retreat, the first in this monastery, which will begin tomorrow. To you, I say, how good it is to have you with us. Our history is, since the beginning, tied to your Benedictine family, and with you we are rejuvenated today.

To the Franciscans Sisters from Mineiros who are represented here by the presence of their Provincial, Sister Valéria and also Sister Iracy, to you I say: our histories give evidence of profound mutual respect and support. Let us watch over our heritage. Now you are setting out to assume pastoral responsibilities in the Prelacy of Cristalândia, in the State of Tocantins. This monastery shall always be your place to rest and refresh yourselves, when in our area. You can be sure that here we have a plentiful supply of water, food, beds, and times for prayer and friendship. You will always be welcome here.

The Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, who for many, many years, welcomed all of us into their home. We are so grateful to all of you. Now we have the honor of your presence with us today.

To our beloved brothers, the Redemptorists, who helped us in our distress and welcomed some of us when we needed a place to live and study in Goiânia. To all of you, our eternal gratitude.

To Monsignor John Daiber we express our gratitude for the many times he offered us hospitality during our formation period, and when we were shopping or doing other tasks in Goiânia.

To all the men and women religious of Goiás present here today, and being represented by Sister Particia Licandro, the President of the Regional Conference of Religious in Brazil, our thanks to you for your presence, your being here today to celebrate with us. We are very happy that our religious brothers and sisters are present here to share our joy. Thank you for your friendship, and for the affection you have always shown us.

To Father Luciano, our Pastor, who with his kindness and generosity helped us to move, giving to all of us a profound witness though his participation, we thank you. You can count on us, within our possibilities, to assume pastoral work in this community. Feel free to come to the monastery to pray, rest, to converse, and to drink from the well of a thousand of years of Benedictine spirituality.

Wilson Jorge, our architect for this monastery, congratulations for you efficiency and professional capacity. We recognize, that with our limited financial resources, we did no manage to achieve all of your dreams which you had idealized and projected. We admire your achievements and accomplishments.

Vincent, it is a fact that throughout this year you became someone who did so much more than execute the construction of the monastery; you became our dear friend. Thank you for your competence and untiring presence. I hope that you and your children have become fans of St. Benedict. I say to you, we have always had confidence in you, and this has been good for us, as it will continue to be in the future.

To our engineers, Ramon, Iróa and Walterdan, we thank you for your work and presence during the construction.

To Raimund, we thank you for your ever-present assistance and patience struggling though all the difficulties bureaucracy presents.

To Mr. Valdeci, who spent all his time here, with his organization and attention, as our Supervisor, our many thanks, for your friendship and infinite patience, when we always had something to ask you to do for us. We are grateful to you, as a person, and also to all the workers who were involved in the construction of this monastery. We always pray for you and wish all of you, God's blessings.

To Mr. John and Ms. Ann, and the entire family, thank you for welcoming us as your neighbors. Now that we are closer, you can be sure that we will be very attentive to the delicious smell of your bread and cheese. Our doors are always open for both of you and your family.

To the people of this community we serve, I say, a monastery is a place where you encounter solitude and your God. Please come and try this experience with us.

To God our Father and Creator, the Lord most Provident, the reason of our being and our lives, in whom we confide in all our moments, we offer our song of praise and gratitude. To Jesus, the Beloved Son, given to us through Love; we have fled to this encounter with Jesus, before whom we have placed all of our necessities, and in whom we have deposited all our hopes. We are grateful for you loving presence in the Eucharist. We are grateful too, for all those who have approached us and shown us their support and solidarity. To the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and the Son, we express our gratitude for all the gifts that He has conceived in us and gives us now in this phase of our history; these gifts that impel us to believe always in Divine Providence, and to continue casting our nets seeking new brothers who are disposed to navigate with us in the deep waters.

Translated by Father Kieran McInerney

Deaths of Members of Our Congregation

Father Virgil Thomas O'Neill, O.S.B., a monk of Saint John Abbey, Collegeville, MN, was the third child of Joseph Francis and Irene (Thornton) O'Neill, was born on May 11, 1919, in Benson, MN.

His grandparents had immigrated from Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century. His father was a banker and his mother was a school teacher who died in childbirth when Thomas was only two years old. His father remarried in 1925 to another school teacher. His stepmother instilled in Thomas a love of learning. The market crash of 1929 took his father's bank and the family suffered hardship.

Despite the family's difficult reversal, Thomas was able to attend Saint John's University on a scholarship for academic excellence offered by the school. After two years of pursuing a business administration degree, he entered Saint John's Abbey in the summer of 1941 when he received the religious name of Virgil. He made first vows in 1942 and final vows in 1945. He was ordained a priest in 1946.

Abbot Alcuin Deutsch, OSB, sent Father Virgil to Collegio Sant' Anselmo in Rome after ordination to pursue a degree in archeology and liturgy. He received a bachelor's degree in 1947 and a licentiate in 1948. He began a two-year program towards the doctorate, but he discontinued the course and returned to Saint John's in the summer of 1950. Father Virgil taught ancient and modern history at the Saint John's Preparatory School for a year and served as Chaplain of Saint John's University from 1951 to 1956.

Father Virgil was called back to Rome in 1956 to be dean and spiritual director for 120 monks from 20 nations at Sant' Anselmo. He made a number of reforms in the academic format and lifestyle of the monks, reforms that were prophetic, but which were viewed dimly at the time by the Rector.

Abbot Primate Rembert Weakland, OSB, told Virgil years later that many of the changes for which he agitated had eventually been implemented. Father Virgil had anticipated many of the modifications that Vatican II would bring to monastic life and the international school in Rome. Virgil was always the voice for the downtrodden, and he was a champion for making life more humane and congenial for all.

Upon his return to the United States, Father Virgil became part of the "Mission Band." For twelve years he preached parish renewals throughout the country, including retreats for high school and college students, priests and nuns, as well as married couples during the summers at the Abbey. In 1969 he became pastor for the inner-city Parish of St. Anselm in the Bronx, NY, which had, as he said, "45,000 Puerto Ricans and blacks in one square mile."

After a frustrating year of budget deficits at St. Anselm he was happy to be assigned as Chaplain at the Newman Center, Moorhead State University, in 1970 for five years. After a year renewal break at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Father Virgil returned to chaplaincy duties at Bemidji State University for a year before being made pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Minneapolis from 1977 to 1984.

Father Virgil did a long-term substitute chaplaincy for his friend Father Emeric Lawrence, OSB, with the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth. He continued in his role of chaplain at the St. Cloud Veterans Medical Center for a year and then became an associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish, St. Joseph, MN, for two years until 1987. For six years Father Virgil served the Benedictine Sisters at St. Raphael's retirement home in St. Cloud until he retired to the abbey in 1997.

Father Virgil was a "people person" with high energy who did not settle for the status quo in any of his assignments. His mind often raced ahead of his colleagues and confreres. Such a high level of zeal could at times become a burden to the less energetic. Yet Virgil had the heart of the Good Shepherd in all his work with students, parishioners and sisters whom he served. He truly cared for them. After declining health Father Virgil died peacefully, December 30.

Father Christian G. LeFrois, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA, died on January 8. He was 84 years old. He attended Holy Rosary Grade School and Aquinas High School in Rochester; he was a 1938 graduate of Saint Vincent Preparatory School. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Saint Vincent College in 1943, and a bachelor of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 1946. He received a master of education degree in counseling from Our Lady of the Lake University, TX, (1972), and did graduate studies in counseling at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1973-1975); and Denver University (1974).

He entered Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1940. He made simple profession of vows on July 2, 1941, and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 1944. He was ordained a priest on June 16, 1946.

Father Christian served the monastic community as a prefect and football coach at Saint Vincent Preparatory School (1943-1946), and as a member of the faculty of Saint Emma Military Academy in Rockcastle, VA, (1946-1947). He was parochial vicar at Saint Joseph Church, Shamoken, PA; Saint Mary Church, Erie, PA, and Blessed Sacrament Church, Greensburg, PA.

From 1952 to 1973, Father Christian served as a United States Air Force military chaplain. He served at the following bases: Nome, AK; Sewart Air Force Base, TN; Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu, HI; Schilling Air Force Base, Salina, KS; Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, GA, where he was chief of procurement and processing of chaplains; Ramstein Air Force Base, Ramstein, Germany; Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS; Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, and Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX.

He retired from military service in 1973 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and the following military honors: the United States Army Commendation Medal for extraordinary service to military personnel on radar sites under hazardous conditions, 1953; the Distinguished Unit Award, 1955; Contributor to the outstanding success in troop carrier maneuver in North Carolina and Louisiana, 1955; the Bronze Star for meritorious service while engaged in ground operations against opposing forces in Vietnam, 1970; and the United States Air Force Commendation Ribbon for twenty years of outstanding military service (1973).

After leaving the Air Force, Father Christian served as an instructor in psychology and education at Saint Vincent College (1973-1980); a counselor at Lookout Mountain Detention School for Boys in Golden, CO (1974); and a member of the faculty of Benedictine Military School in Savannah, GA, (1980-1985). At that time he was also administrator of St. Anne's Church, Richmond Hill, GA. He also served mission parishes in Johnson Bayou and Holly Beach, LA, (1985-1989). He was parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Parish, Warner Robins, GA, and Saint Johns Parish in Valdosta, GA.

In 1993 Father Christian was appointed administrator of Queen of Peace Parish, Lakeland, GA, with mission churches in Adel and Nashville, as well as two Hispanic Migrant missions in Adel and Twin Lakes. He served as administrator of the parish until the onset of illness in the fall of 2003, when he returned to the Archabbey.

He served as chaplain to the Knights of Columbus in Savannah and Valdosta GA, and in Johnson Bayou, LA.

Father Godfrey F. Burkhardt, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA, died on January 1, 2004. He was 85 years old. Father Godfrey was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 26, 1918.

He attended Fourteen Holy Martyrs Grade School, Baltimore, and is a 1937 graduate of Saint Vincent Preparatory School. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Saint Vincent College in 1942, and a master of arts degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in 1944. He also received a master of business administration from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, in 1948, and has done graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh (1948-1949). In 1948, he became the second priest in the United States to become a certified public accountant.

He entered the Benedictine monastic community of Saint Vincent Archabbey in 1939. He made simple profession of vows on July 2, 1940, and made solemn vows on July 11, 1943. He was ordained a priest on November 4, 1945.

Father Godfrey has served the Archabbey in a variety of administrative positions. At Saint Vincent College he was in charge of the Duplicating Department (1940-1942); Bookstore manager (1942-1944); co-established the first Maintenance Department (1943); accounting instructor (1944-1963); assistant treasurer (1945-1984); chairman of the Business Administration Department (1952-1965); budget director (1956-1984); accounting and finance professor (1963-1984); fiscal manager (1963-1984); professor emeritus (1985-present). He has served on evaluation teams for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Father Godfrey was also a financial counselor for the American-Cassinese Benedictine Congregation (1956-1994). He has provided accounting and financial services to various institutes in America, Brazil, and Italy, and was a consultant to the Archabbot.

Father Godfrey was a member of the American Institute of Certified Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Institute of Management Accountants (formerly, National Association of Accountants). He was a past member of the board of Wimmer Corporation, Latrobe, and of Saint Vincent College. He has been awarded the Alumnus of Distinction Award by Saint Vincent College Alumni Association, and an Honorary Membership for forty years of membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is the author of the book Accounting for Parishes, and various articles.

Father Augustine Horn, O.S.B., a monk of St. Gregory's Abbey, Shawnee, OK, died in the early hours of December 4 after a brief illness. Father Augustine had just celebrated his 89th birthday.

Father Augustine was born Sylvester Joseph Horn on November 28, 1914, in Cresco, IA. After his early education in Iowa, he entered St. Gregory's College in 1936 and received an associate degree in 1938. That year he entered the novitiate of St. Gregory's Abbey and made his first monastic profession on July 11, 1939. He continued his education at St. John's University, Collegeville, MN, where he received a BA in Philosophy in 1941 and continued for the study of theology, which he completed at St. Gregory's Abbey. He made his final profession as a Benedictine monk of St. Gregory's on July 11, 1942, and was ordained to the priesthood on March 17, 1945.

Father Augustine received a Master's degree in Latin from the University of Oklahoma in 1952 and did further studies in Latin at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.; St. Mary's College, Palos Verdes, CA, and the Dominican House of Studies, River Forest, IL. He also studied Russian at the University of Colorado.

He played an important role in the lives of many people. He began his teaching career at St. Gregory's High School and College in 1943 and continued until his retirement in 1992, helping to form generations of students. He taught Latin, Greek, Spanish, Russian, and Medical Terminology in the High School and then College, and at various times held the positions of Prefect, Bursar, Director of the Minor Seminary, College Residence Advisor, Director of Student Maintenance, Director of Food Service, Director of Development, Guidance Counselor, and Director of Human Affairs.

In the Abbey he also served as Procurator (Business Manager) and Vocation Director. In addition, he was pastor of St. Martin's Church in Mishak, OK (now part of Midwest City) and Administrator of St. Vincent de Paul Church, McLoud, OK, from 1953 to 1962 and from 1974 to 1992. In retirement, he played an important role as a spiritual resource for many among the staff and student body of St. Gregory's University. He was well-known for guiding tours of the stained glass in the Abbey Church and dining room, during which he indirectly introduced many to the monastic life and Catholic belief and practice.

Deaths of Religious, Relatives, Friends

Lester Pianalto, 78, an Atwood KS native and friend of Father Gerard Senecal and Abbot Barnabas Senecal, died January 8. He suffered from perforation of the esophagus.

Edwin Ireland, 63, died January 9. Ed was born near Muscotah, KS, and was buried in Holton, KS. He worked as an inspector for the Kansas Department of Transportation, retiring in 2002 after 40 years of service. He was a 31-year active member of the BPO Elks Lodge No. 647 in Atchison. Ed was always a supporter of high school athletics in Atchison.

Mathias "Matt" Lierz, 96, died in Seneca, January 11. He was an uncle of Brother Robert Heiman. He was a farmer and a stockman until 1973 when he moved into a new home in Seneca. His wife, Mary Agnes Bergman, died in 1969. Two daughters, a brother and a sister survive.

William L. Pierce, SBC '58, of Bethesda, MD, died January 13 of prostate cancer. He was the founding president of the National Council for Adoption and a leading voice for infant adoption as an option for unplanned pregnancies. He had earned a doctorate in social services and social policy from the Union Institute in Cincinnati. He was an instructor in the English department at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN, a state representative for the March of Dimes in Iowa, president of an Iowa insurance and securities brokerage, and associate editor of the Catholic Mirror in Des Moines. From 1970 to 1980, Dr. Pierce was director of the Washington office and assistant executive director of the Child Welfare League of America. Since 2000, he had been executive director of the International Association of Voluntary Adoption Agencies and NGOs and had served as publisher and executive editor of Adoption/Medical News. He is survived by is wife Paula, three children and four grandchildren.

Robert L. Randall, 62, died on January 14. Bob is the father of Vernon Randall of the abbey health services. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Benedict's church, Atchison.

Richard "Dick" Maurer, SBC '65, of Bismarck, ND, died January 15, of a heart attack. While a student here he played basketball for the Ravens. He is survived by a son Todd and a daughter Jaime; three siblings, and five grandchildren.

JoAnn Wittek Pawlowski, '60, died January 18 from acute respiratory distress syndrome. Survivors are her husband, John Pawlowski '59, three daughters Angela '85, Kristi '89 and Dr. Carey Pawlowski '94, and two sisters, including Janet Susan Wittek '74.

Patricia Anne Santa Forge, 71, died January 25. Pat was a sister of Father Michael Thomas Santa. A 1950 graduate of Immaculata High School in Leavenworth, she attended St. Mary College, then married Eugene Forge in 1954 who pursued a career in the Air Force. They moved frequently; they raised four children. Pat was in the first class of volunteers for the newly formed Hospice Austin in 1981. She served the most rewarding years of her life working with and learning from the dying. In 1989, Pat and Gene moved to Round Rock, TX. She became a volunteer with the St. Vincent DePaul Society and with the Round Rock Caregivers.

John Felder, a 1966 SBC graduate, who died in a Los Angeles hospital in early February. He was a lawyer underwriter for Pacific American Title Company in Guam. He had returned to California for heart surgery. His children are Heidi, John Jr., Peter and Gwen, a 1993 BC graduate.

Margaret Mary Schrick, 96, of Nortonville, KS, died February 5. Sister Mary Rae Schrick of the Mount community is her daughter. Margaret was known for the pies she made for Mike's Restaurant in Nortonville. She was admired and loved by her family and friends. Her husband Harry died in 1954. She is survived by seven daughters and two sons, one sister, 35 grandchildren and 59 great grandchildren, 14 step grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren.

Denise Rae Galley, 39, died in the Atchison hospital, February 5. She and Guy Galley, Jr., had married in St. Joseph's church, Atchison, in August, 1985. She had completed the LPN training and had worked three years at Heartland East in St. Joseph, work she very much enjoyed. Guy and Denise have two daughters, Danielle and Megan.

Vincent Wolters, brother of Father Gilbert Wolters, died in Ontario, CA, February 8. Vincent had been a government inspector. He was a 1933 high school graduate of St. Benedict's.

Kenneth Kellner, age 55, Olathe, KS, died February 5, following a heart attack. He is survived by his wife Judy Conklin Kellner '69, son Kyle Kellner '03 and daughter Megan Kellner, all of the home. Kenneth graduated in 1966 from Bishop Ward High School. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Ken was a member of Prince of Peace Church, Olathe, and worked for Big Sky Distributors.

Prayer Requests

For Natasha, a friend of Michael Swenson, who was seriously injured in an accident, January 13.

For Benjamin Kyle Owen, 7, of Lee's Summit, MO, grandson of John and Pat Owen of Topeka. Benjamin has been having seizures and has undergone tests at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

For Megan McCawley Boever, who was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer with metastasis to her liver and her unborn child. Once Megan's baby is delivered early at 32 weeks, February 11, she will undergo a more aggressive cancer treatment.

For Margaret Ruhlman who had two teeth removed on January 29; this was a major event for a person who is 103 years of age. Margaret is the mother of Ann Ruhlman of the Abbey kitchen staff. Ann is caregiver to her mother in her home.

For Sister Michelle Mohr, MS, who had cancer surgery on January 29 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Omaha. Sister Michelle went to school at BC for one year and has been the vocation director for the Marian Sisters since that time.

For Frieda Call who suffered a massive stroke in late January, in Arizona. She is an aunt of Marty "Zeke" Long.

For Alice DeRossi of Atchison, who has cancer of the liver and pancreas. She has returned to Atchison and hospice care after being a patient at St. Luke's in Kansas City. Alice and her husband Frank are members of St. Benedict's church. Earlier, Alice was accompanist for music at Sacred Heart church, Atchison.

For Alex Ryan, sister-in-law of Brother Joseph Ryan, who went into labor ten weeks early, February 9. The doctors stopped the labor and are keeping her in the hospital for a few days.

For Jeannine Barrett, a friend of the mother of BC professor Mike King. She is very close to death.

For John Klebba, Sr., of Linn, MO. John is suffering from cancer and has been told by doctors that he has 60 to 90 days to live.

For Sister Mary Helen McInerney, S.C.L., who is doing rehab care at the Specialty Hospital in the Overland Park Regional Medical Center. She had a hip replacement recently. She is on dialysis, and has an infection in her spine. When the rehab time is completed, she will return to the motherhouse in Leavenworth.

For Sister Jane Frances Dolan, O.S.B., of the Clyde, MO community, is having serious back surgery today. She is the Director of the National Benedictine Oblate Directors group.

A Report by Father Matthew Habiger

"At the invitation of Dorothy Ling, Director of Faith Formation at St. Ignatius Parish in Fort Leavenworth, KS, I gave a four-hour seminar on Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body, February 7. Thirty officers and their wives came. This event was part of the parish's effort to renew and strengthen marriage vows. Following the seminar was a 5:00 pm Mass celebrated by their pastor, Father Jose Jeronimo, with a renewal of marriage vows, then a catered supper.

Pope John Paul II's theology of the Body appeals to many people, but it is especially appealing to these Catholic couples in the military. They gave me their total attention, as I set out the basic concepts used in this approach to explaining our human condition as a bodied person. Their interest was keen and sustained. Their questions and discussion were well focused and related to contemporary conditions. Many asked where they could find more introductory materials to help guide them into this rich, while somewhat enigmatic, body of thought. I recommended going to the website www.nfpoutreach.org and downloading Father Richard Hogan's six introductory articles. Father Hogan's book, Covenant of Love, is also very helpful. Christopher West's ten tapes, "Naked Without Shame," 2nd edition with a 40 page workbook, is another good introduction.

An officer said that it is imperative for him to understand the "why's" behind Catholic moral rules and regulations. Young men under his command constantly ask him for a rational explanation of moral principles, especially in the sexual ethic. This officer discovered that very good answers could be found in the theology of the body for the Church's teaching on the permanence and fidelity of marriage, on the sanctity of all human life, on the inseparable union of the unitive and procreative dimensions of the marital act, and on the full meaning and significance of the spousal act.

There was something very invigorating about this particular seminar. Perhaps it was the high energy level of the participants. Perhaps it was their intuitive understanding that self-discipline and physical fitness are essential components to successful living. Perhaps it was their natural gifts of leadership, and their desire to be convinced of the truth of the Catholic sexual ethic, so that they in turn could share with others what they have discovered. Perhaps it was a soldier's understanding that basic rights and freedoms must be protected against those who would distort and destroy them."

"I am always impressed with how appreciative married couples are to hear an explanation of God's Plan for Human Love."

  Home Pages is published monthly for the monks and friends of St. Benedict's Abbey. Abbot Barnabas is the writer.

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