Fr. Maurice Haefling (1943-2026)
Father Maurice Haefling, OSB, died on Friday, February 20, 2026, He had been fortified by the Sacraments of the Church, and the Apostolic Pardon.
Father Maurice (Charles) was born on November 25, 1943 in Strong City, KS, the son of Marion and Mary Beumer Haefling. He attended Blessed Sacrament grade school, Kansas City, MO, and Lillis High School, where he was in the marching band and was Valedictorian of the class of 1960.
He came to St. Benedict’s College in the fall of 1960. Following his sophomore year of college he entered the novitiate of St. Benedict’s Abbey on July 10, 1962, and professed first vows as a Benedictine monk on July 11, 1963. Br. Maurice returned to the classroom after his novitiate, earning a BA degree in Philosophy in 1965. He studied in the St. Benedict’s Abbey School of Theology for one year before asking to be allowed to study nursing. Br. Maurice received permission from Rome to profess Solemn Vows without going on for priesthood, an unusual request in those days, and on July 11, 1966, made his solemn profession.
He completed a Diploma in Nursing from St. Margaret Hospital School of Nursing in Kansas City, KS in May of 1969, and was licensed as a Registered Nurse by the state of Kansas that August. He then began 18 years of service as Director of Health Services for the Abbey. During this time, Br. Maurice also served as Guestmaster, kitchen liaison, and was appointed by Abbot Thomas the first non-priest subprior of the Abbey.
Br. Maurice worked with Father Hilary Heim in the Abbey Business Office for a number of years. He offered his services to Benedictine College as well, acting as business manager during a difficult period for the school from 1987 to 1989. In 1990, Br. Maurice began to discern a call to the priesthood and was given permission by Abbot Own Purcell to begin studies at St. John’s School of Theology in Collegeville, MN. After four years, he received a Master’s degree in Theology with concentrations in monastic studies and liturgy.
He was ordained a Deacon on June 11, 1993 and a priest on June 4, 1994. Following priesthood ordination, Abbot Barnabas Senecal appointed him Business Manager of the Abbey. During these years Fr. Maurice oversaw the upkeep of the facilities, including tuckpointing of the buildings, renovations and the installation of new windows. He also enjoyed pastoral work at local parishes, and helping with celebrations for the Benedictine Sisters. Because of Fr. Maurice’s expertise in finances, the Abbot President of the Congregation, Abbot Timothy Kelly, OSB asked him to be the Administrator of Holy Cross Abbey in Colorado during its closing, and for years afterward.
Many students, monks, and friends of the Abbey came to know the gentle and faithful monk that Father Maurice was over the years. He was a wise steward who managed the household of God with great care.
Father Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, by his brothers James Haefling and Joseph Haefling, and by his Sisters: Sr. Edna Haefling, OP, Patricia Haefling, Sr. Markita Haefling, OP and Dolores Neidert. He is survived by two sisters: Val Campbell and Dorothy Cacioppo of Kansas City, MO and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The monastic community will celebrate Vigils for the Dead Wednesday, February 25th at 7:00 PM and the Mass of Christian Burial with internment in the Abbey Cemetery Thursday, February 26th at 10:30 AM.
Memorials in honor of Father Maurice may be sent to St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1020 N. Second St., Atchison, KS 66002, or given digitally through our website: https://www.kansasmonks.org/haefling-memorial
We commend our brother, Father Maurice to your prayers.