On the Hill Summer 2020 • Vol. 59:3 COVID-19: How Saint Meinrad has fared

Four monks honored as jubilarians Alumni Reunion: Virtual for the first time

Cover: Archabbot Kurt Stasiak catches a ball thrown by Br. Simon Herrmann during evening recreation on May 22.

On the Hill Summer 2020 • Vol. 59:3 FEATURES 2-3 ...... Monks’ Personals and Monastery News 4 ...... CARES Act 5 ...... Retiring Overseers 6 ...... Student Profile 7 ...... Graduation 8-11 ...... COVID-19 12 ...... Photos 13 ...... Fr. Isidore Hobi

ALUMNI 14 ...... Alumni Eternal 15 ...... Alumni News 16 ...... Virtual Alumni Reunion

On the Hill is published four times a year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary and School of Theology. The newsletter is also available online at: www.saintmeinrad.edu/onthehill

Editor: ...... Mary Jeanne Schumacher Copywriters: ...... Krista Hall & Tammy Schuetter

Send changes of address and comments to: The Editor, The Development Office, Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary & School of Theology, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577, (812) 357-6501 • Fax (812) 357-6759, [email protected] You can find more photos of Saint Meinrad events at www.saintmeinrad.edu, © 2020 Saint Meinrad Archabbey http://saint-meinrad.smugmug.com Monks’ Personals

Br. Stanley Wagner had an article Br. John Glasenapp successfully Br. Jean Fish has been accepted to the published in the June 2020 issue of defended his dissertation and was master’s program in art at the University American Benedictine Review titled “‘A awarded a PhD in historical musicology of Birmingham in Alabama. Strong Sign of Unity’: The Divine Office from Columbia University. He will offer a Fr. Meinrad Brune and Fr. Bede Cisco and Community Integration at Saint course titled “The History of Sacred were elected to two-year terms on the Meinrad Archabbey, 1870-1970.” Music from Augustine to the 21st Abbot’s Council. Br. John Mark Century” in the fall semester of the Falkenhain was elected to a one-year Br. John Mark Falkenhain, Br. Joel Seminary and School of Theology. term. Fr. Joseph Cox and Fr. Luke Blaize and Sr. Jeana Visel conducted a Waugh were appointed to one-year terms. series of Gregorian Chant distance Fr. Raymond Studzinski had the first learning sessions for the National issue of his academic journal, The Br. John Mark Falkenhain’s book, How Association of Pastoral Musicians June International Journal of Evangelization We Love: A Formation for the Celibate 13-27. and Catechetics , published by Catholic Life , received a third-place award from the University Press in May. Association of Catholic Publishers in the Fr. Guerric DeBona started his “General Interest” category. sabbatical June 1 and will continue Br. Joel Blaize was accepted into the through mid-January 2021. During his master’s program in Gregorian chant and absence, Fr. Harry Hagan was appointed ritual song at the University of Limerick, Mass & Vespers pro-subprior, Fr. Joseph Cox was Ireland. appointed acting novice-junior master, and Br. Simon Herrmann was appointed Fr. Mark O’Keefe was re-elected to the Join the monks for Mass and assistant to the acting novice-junior Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Vespers daily via livestream at master. Theology Board of Trustees for a two- www.saintmeinrad.org/live year term. 2 Monastery News Four monks celebrate jubilees

The Benedictine monks at Saint Meinrad He earned a director of academic and administrative Archabbey will celebrate the jubilees of licentiate in computing, associate formation dean, four of their confreres on July 26, 2020. sacred theology director of human formation, director of The celebration will combine Br. Raban from Collegio di pastoral formation, and assistant professor Bivins’ and Fr. Colman Grabert’s 60th Sant’ Anselmo in of canon law in the Seminary and School anniversaries of monastic profession, the 1969. He began of Theology. 25th anniversary of profession for Fr. teaching at Saint Patrick Cooney, and Fr. Germain Meinrad School He also served as a chaplain (lieutenant Swisshelm’s 60th anniversary of of Theology in colonel) in the Kentucky Air National priesthood ordination. 1967, where he Guard, retiring in 2014 after 21 years of Fr. Colman Grabert was an assistant active duty in the Air Force and Air Br. Raban professor of National Guard. He served as the professed vows systematic theology until 1994. defender of the bond for the Archdiocese as a Benedictine of Indianapolis tribunal from January monk on May 7, For many years, he served as one of the 2005 until July 2017. 1960. A native of Archabbey’s principal organists. He also Owensboro, KY, has served as secretary to the archabbot, Fr. Patrick is a member of the Canon Law he came to Saint house prefect, gardener and in the mail Society of America (CLSA), where he has Meinrad to attend service. Fr. Colman is currently a director served on the Board of Governors and is school at St. for guided retreats as well as one of the currently the chair of the Publication Placid Hall in monks who offer preached retreats in the Advisory Board. He also serves as an Br. Raban Bivins 1957. Guest House Retreat Program. editor for CLSA’s Roman Replies and Advisory Opinions . Fr. Patrick is on the In the early 1960s, he worked in various Fr. Patrick is a board of directors for the Resource Center assignments at Saint Meinrad, including native of for Religious Institutes and is currently in the shoe shop, as a volunteer fireman Evergreen Park, the judicial vicar for the Diocese of and as house prefect for the monastery. IL. After earning Owensboro, KY. In 1965, he was sent to Saint Meinrad’s a bachelor’s mission in Peru, where he served until degree in Fr. Germain , a 1979. electronic native of Orrville, technology at OH, professed He then worked in Saint Meinrad’s Purdue monastic vows on Physical Facilities Department, where University, he August 15, 1957, he has been a locksmith since 1984. In Fr. Patrick Cooney served in the Air and was ordained 1996, he was appointed subprior (third Force as a on September 25, in leadership) for the monastery. The research and development engineer for 1960. He first Saint Meinrad brother to be five years. completed appointed to the position, he served as bachelor’s subprior until 2007. He then studied for the priesthood at Saint Fr. Germain Swisshelm degrees in Meinrad Seminary and School of philosophy and Currently, he assists in the monastery Theology. He earned a Master of Divinity history at Saint Meinrad. He also did infirmary, works as a locksmith, and is and Master of Arts in 1991 and was graduate studies at Indiana University, the Archabbey almoner and director of ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese Oklahoma University and San Marcos community outreach. of Belleville, IL, on June 1, 1991. He later University in Lima, Peru. earned a licentiate in canon law from The Fr. Colman , a native of Evansville, IN, Catholic University of America. From 1960-62, Fr. Germain taught at St. professed his monastic vows on August Meinrad’s Placid Hall. In 1962, he was a 15, 1960. After attending Saint Meinrad In 1994, he decided to join the monastery founding member of Saint Meinrad’s High School, College and School of at Saint Meinrad Archabbey and made his mission, Los Pinos, in Peru. He taught at Theology, he was ordained a priest on first profession of vows on August 6, the seminary and high school in Huaraz September 5, 1965. 1995. At Saint Meinrad, he has served as Continued on p. 4

3 continued from p. 3

and was an associate pastor at San Juan de For about 40 years, Fr. Germain has Lurigancho Parish in Lima. offered the weekly Saturday Mass at Monte Cassino Shrine. Since 1996, he has While in Peru, Fr. Germain undertook been in charge of preparing the readings Quechna studies and was founder of for the Divine Office in the Archabbey Estudios Culturales Benedictinos , which Church. He has found this service produced a Quechua-Spanish dictionary especially rewarding, as it provides the and several other texts, including a nine- opportunity to study Scripture and the volume manuscript of the New Testament works of the Church Fathers. in Quechua. CARES Act offers some charitable gift incentives

In March, Congress passed the CARES Required Minimum Distributions Act with the goal of helping those affected Suspended Book helps by the coronavirus and the economic The CARES Act suspends the crisis. In addition to providing economic requirements for required minimum parishes focus on relief to millions of Americans, the bill distributions (RMDs) for the 2020 tax provided increased incentives for year from certain defined contribution hospitality charitable giving to both individuals and plans and IRAs. corporations. This provision is intended to protect the Another staff member at Saint As you look for ways to take advantage of retirement plans of those who may have Meinrad Seminary and School of these new incentives, here are a few experienced significant market value Theology has published a book. things to keep in mind. declines, which would be negatively Agnes Kovacs, associate director of impacted long-term by requiring a Graduate Theology Programs and $300 Above-the-line Charitable distribution. director of Continuing Formation, Deduction has written All are Welcome Here: The CARES Act allows for up to $300 in A Distribution from Your IRA May Practicing Christ’s Call to charitable contributions to qualify as an Still Be a Good Idea for You Hospitality . above-the-line deduction, meaning you Making a qualified charitable distribution don’t have to itemize deductions to claim from your IRA is still a convenient way to The 24-page book is intended as a the $300 as a deduction. Donations to a make a gift while also offering tax parish resource that explores “what it qualified charity such as Saint Meinrad benefits. takes to be able to receive people both must be made in cash or cash equivalents as an individual and as a community, (as opposed to stock, for example). If you are over 70½ years old, you can what concrete areas need our attention still donate up to $100,000 in IRA assets in a parish setting, and how hospitality Modification of Charitable Deduction directly to charity annually, without taking can become a way of being in the Limitations the distribution into taxable income. So, world.” Donors who itemize their deductions can you benefit even if you do not itemize. now give more to charity before reaching The book is available from Twenty- their adjusted gross income (AGI) As always, before taking advantage of limitation. Formerly set at 60%, the limit any of these new provisions, check with Third Publications for $2.95. for cash contributions to charities has your tax advisor to ensure you qualify. been raised to 100% of an individual’s Saint Meinrad does not offer tax advice AGI for 2020. to donors.

Any deductions beyond the 100% limit However, if you have any questions about Like us on may be carried over and used in the next making a gift to Saint Meinrad through five years. There are factors that may your IRA or funding a charitable gift Facebook limit a taxpayer’s ability to use this annuity with Saint Meinrad, contact the provision. Check with your tax advisor to Development Office at 800-682-0988. ensure you qualify. 4 A Science of the Saints: Faculty book looks at spiritual direction

Throughout the Spiritual guides range from the Desert other faculty members of the Seminary Church’s long Fathers and Mothers to Thomas Merton, and School of Theology. history, Christians and from St. Teresa of Avila to St. Teresa have sought out Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). The book’s contributors are Sr. Jeana wise mentors to Visel, OSB; Fr. Christian Raab, OSB; Fr. guide them on the This work sheds new light on an Mark O’Keefe, OSB; Dr. Kevin journey toward God. essential dimension of the Christian Schemenauer; Fr. Thomas Gricoski, OSB; A new book written experience, yielding timeless wisdom to Dr. Keith Lemna; Fr. Guerric DeBona, by Saint Meinrad inform the practice of spiritual direction OSB; and Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB. faculty, A Science in our own day. of the Saints: A Study in Spiritual The book was published in March 2020 Direction , explores the dynamics of The book, edited by Saint Meinrad by Liturgical Press. spiritual direction as revealed in the lives Academic Dean Dr. Robert Alvis, and writings of a wide array of includes chapters by Alvis and eight exemplary disciples. Seven Overseers complete terms

Seven members of the Board of Overseers, which advises the President-Rector on matters relating to the Seminary and School of Theology, completed their terms this spring.

Those who have served six years on the board are James Muehlbauer, vice chair of Koch Enterprises Inc., Evansville, IN; Jay Paradis, retired CEO and chairman of Bramco Inc., Naples, FL; Maura Robinson, president of M.G. Robinson Inc., Evansville, IN; Fr. Eric Schild, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Maumee, OH; Mike Schwenk, vice president of Jasper Engine Exchange, Jasper, IN; Tom Weintraut, vice president of Weintraut and Associates Inc., Zionsville, IN; and Anne Wilmes, vice president and co-founder of Wilmes Family Charitable Foundation, Indianapolis, IN.

James Muehlbauer Jay Paradis Maura Robinson Fr. Eric Schild

Mike Schwenk Tom Weintraut Anne Wilmes 5 [Meet the Student ] Loi Pham Hometown: Ha Tinh, Vietnam Home Diocese: Ha Tinh in Vietnam Affiliated Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville, KY

Q. Q. What attracted you to the priesthood? Favorite Scripture verse and why? I have been inspired by the life of loving service to God and his people that is the John 3:30: “He must priesthood. Serving God in others, increase: I must decrease.” especially the poor, with love is my There is always room to motto. learn humility. My conviction is all I have has Q. been given from God. I do Who or what influenced you to begin what God wants me to do study for the priesthood? in his name. Things I do Q. Two priests inspired me to respond to are not my reward. Jesus is. He is the one Best advice you’ve heard in God’s call to study for the priesthood. The who receives all praise and honor. I am seminary? first one is my former pastor. His name is just like the “donkey” that He used to Perhaps it is a combination of wisdom Fr. Joseph Phan. He served as the pastor enter Jerusalem. from my spiritual director and a friend. of my parish from 1990-1998. The second Q. That is, “Stay humble, be grateful, and one is my spiritual father. His name is Fr. Hobbies? trust in the Lord at all times.” Joseph Tran. Both of these are men of I was born and raised in the country; faith, community, prayer and service. Q. therefore, I love spending time outside Other comments? with nature. I am also a big fan of soccer, They served God and people Priesthood is not an occupation. It is a swimming, fishing, traveling, and enthusiastically and faithfully; they also call, a vocation, a way of life. listening to instrumental music. lived their priesthood joyfully and Q. happily. I am also grateful to my family, What aspect of seminary life has parents and siblings. They have been most rewarding? encouraged, supported and prayed for me For me, spending time with the Blessed A WorWork of Saint Meinrradad Archabbeabbeeyy a lot in my journey of following Jesus. Sacrament during adoration is amazing. Q. Beholding the Lord of heaven and earth in NEW CCARARENNOTTEE What were you doing before you the tiny host always inspired and came to the seminary? BByy Diane Pharroo, SCN, Dirrecector of the challenged me to step deeper into my Counseling Center at Saint MMeinrradad. I haven’t had any professional relationship with God. That being said, TToo learn more call 800.3225.2511 occupations. I have studied at different cultivating a life of prayer rooted in the or viisitit www.carenottes.com. schools since the age of 7. Eucharist is my lifelong commitment that, Q. in turn, I believe, will help me to become Favorite saint and why? a more faithful servant of God, his people, and especially the poor. My favorite saint is Our Lady. I have a Q. deep love and passionate devotion to her. What aspect of seminary life has been I always pray with her. She is also my most challenging? beloved intercessor. One of the Marian shrines that I always love to visit is the The spirit is willing, but the flesh is shrine of Our Lady of Lavang in central always weak. Therefore, being faithful Vietnam. I always feel peaceful, joyful and disciplined with my personal prayer and inspirational whenever I am there. life always challenges me. 6 60 earn master’s degrees from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology

Editor’s note: The on-campus graduation ceremony, planned for May 9, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can view a video of the virtual ceremony at: www.saintmeinrad.edu/grad2020

Joseph Schultz, Archdiocese of Mobile; Seth Slone, Diocese of Lexington; Jayke White, Diocese of Springfield, IL; Ryan Winger, Diocese of Amarillo; Eli Yandow, Diocese of Burlington.

Receiving Master of Arts (Theology) degrees were: Dr. Carolyn Berghuis, Carmel, IN; Craig Brummer, Edwardsville, IL; Deacon Matthew Coriale, Lexington, KY; Sister Carol Curtis, OSU, Corey Koellner, Conor Wellman and Sister Sarah Yungwirth, OSB, Louisville, KY; Amanda DeVries, Des Moines, IA; Deacon Daniel Gilbert, Diocese of

R Grand Island, NE; Deacon Andrew Yun holds his diploma up to celebrate his graduation while taking portraits on Sister Roxanne Higgins, OSB, the Archabbey Church steps on May 10. Ferdinand, IN; Coy Hobson, Evansville, IN; Graduates of Saint Meinrad Seminary and Deacon Michaelprakasam Daniel Holland, Morgantown, WV; School of Theology were awarded Puthumaisavari, Diocese of James Kauffman, Richardson, TX; master’s degrees following the Spring Palayamkottai, India; Emily Kopff, St. Louis, MO; 2020 semester. Deacon Dan Taylor, Diocese of Joshua Leeuw, Aurora, CO; Lexington; Br. Basil Lumsden, OSB, Saint Receiving Master of Divinity degrees Deacon Van Lal Than, Diocese of Meinrad Archabbey; were: Owensboro. Deacon Gabriel Mills, Archdiocese of Deacon Jin Yong Bark, Diocese of Mobile, AL; Receiving Master of Arts (Catholic Masan, Korea; William Noll and Lisa Taylor, Philosophical Studies) degrees were: Deacon Michael Bialorucki and Indianapolis, IN; Deacon Peter Grodi, Diocese of Anthony Armbruster, James Huber III Erick Orandi, Glenmary Home Toledo; and Justin Bobby Vogel, Archdiocese Missioners; Deacon Peter Chineke, Diocese of of Indianapolis; Sister Diem Pham, OP, St. Meinrad, IN; Springfield, IL; Robert Bauman, Diocese of Knoxville; Deacon Donald Reimer, Beavercreek, Deacon Joseph Friend and Deacon Eston Blair, Saint Meinrad Archabbey; OH; Daniel Velasco, Diocese of Little Justin Farr, Diocese of Nashville; Michael Rousselle, Elizabeth, IN; Rock; Kade Megaffin, Diocese of Salina; Jane Rush, Cambridge, OH; Br. Theodore Haggerty, OSB, Marmion Matthew Millay and Kenneth Nauert Matthew Sprauer, Piqua, OH; Abbey; Jr., Archdiocese of Louisville; Deacon Luke Yackley, Timonium, Deacon JinHo Kim and Deacon Tae Hung Nguyen, Archdiocese of Hanoi; MD. Sang Yun, Diocese of Busan, Korea; Ethan Osborn, Diocese of Springfield- Deacon Samuel Mungai, Glenmary Cape Girardeau; Home Missioners; Eric Ouellette, Diocese of Manchester; Deacon Peyton Plessala and Deacon Caleb Scherzinger and Christopher Connor Plessala, Archdiocese of Wickman, Diocese of Evansville; Mobile; 7 COVID-19 Finding blessings and lessons amid a pandemic

As word spread about a new virus, COVID-19, that was making its way across the world, Saint Meinrad – like everywhere – suddenly had to contend with a contagious and deadly threat. On the following pages, you’ll read how some of the events unfolded during Spring 2020.

Late February – Early March: Meetings Meanwhile, the monastic community is graduation. Faculty and administration – and discussions were held to plan “what to doing the same thing. They pray and isolated but in collaboration – extend their do if….” Just days later, the focus celebrate Mass in the Archabbey Church, congratulations by video. changed from “if” to “when.” but otherwise stay on the monastery grounds and separate from the school June 1: Much of Indiana is reopening, March 17: President-Rector Fr. Denis community. but Saint Meinrad continues to take a Robinson, OSB, announces that on- conservative approach toward returning campus classes are over. Students return to All retreats and public events are to normal, as the average age of the their dioceses and religious communities canceled, and the Church is open to only monastic community puts it at a higher and plan to finish their classes online. the monks. The Guest House and Gift risk for the virus. Some students stay on campus because it Shop close. Some employees begin is impractical to return home (for example, working from home. Assuming there is no resurgence of the international students). virus, current plans call for the Guest Other Saint Meinrad employees remain on House and Retreat Center to reopen March 18: The monks begin the job – providing essential services to August 1. Administrators in the Seminary livestreaming their daily Mass and the monastic and school communities. and School of Theology are making plans Vespers. Several other outreach programs These include co-workers in foodservice, for on-campus seminary classes for the begin soon afterward. The Office of Youth housekeeping, health service and physical Fall Semester. Restrictions will be in and Young Adult Formation partners with facilities, as well as those at Abbey place, including suspension of off-campus several Catholic leaders to offer weekly Caskets and CareNotes. ministry, cancellation of long weekends, Bible study, daily Chaplet of Divine and required testing and a two-week at- Mercy, a weekly liturgical moment and April 9-12 (Holy Week and Easter): home quarantine before arrival. other options. Both the monastic community and the school community hold Triduum and As of June 24, there were 25 cases in March 21: The rest of the school Easter liturgies, livestreaming the services Spencer County, Indiana, where Saint community – 46 students, 10 monks and so others can participate. Meinrad Archabbey is located. No one in two priests on sabbatical – begin a the monastery has tested positive for cloistered life. They attend Mass and May 9 (Graduation): Students have not COVID-19. prayer in the school chapel only, have a even arrived home from Saint Meinrad separate dining room and common areas, before Academic Dean Dr. Robert Alvis and do not leave the Hill. begins planning to hold a virtual 8 Blessings: Unexpected outcome of seminary’s response

In this essay, Vice Rector Fr. Tobias Colgan, OSB, looks back at how the seminary community responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. He writes on April 17, a month after on-campus classes were suspended and most seminarians had left. left us with some heartfelt and profound we share with all those who are living thoughts to ponder and cherish. under quarantine. For health reasons, the Wellness Center in With the dawn of Saturday, March 21, the the basement of Newman Hall is not cloister was established for the 58 accessible. That has not stopped people residents who remained – 46 seminarians, from exercising. There are regular soccer 10 formation staff priests and two games, tennis matches, dog walking sabbatical priests. (Lexie) and disc golf games. There’s running and cycling (only on campus). Our schedule includes Mass together each Many of the cloistered residents are morning and Eucharistic Adoration every regularly out on foot, exploring areas of the afternoon, during which we pray a rosary campus they’ve never or rarely been to. under the mantle of Mary, Mother of the Sick. One of the restrictions of our cloistered living is that we may not leave campus. The seminarians themselves established What to do for daily necessities such as some “House Quiet” times during toiletries? In response to this need, we Fr. Tobias Colgan, OSB weekday mornings and afternoons, in established a small “store” (borrowing the order to foster an atmosphere conducive concept of the vestry from the None of us could have imagined that a to reading, study and paper-writing. monastery), which is stocked with day which began with such sad and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. sudden news would become one of the Our faculty has been marvelous in making most blessed days in anyone’s memory. such a quick adjustment to the demands of Fortunately, we have one or two guardian How can this be, you might ask? distance learning. Some have quite a bit of angels who live off campus and, through experience teaching online courses. Walmart pickup, are able to bring us most During the Q & A that followed Others, not so much. All have stepped up of the supplies we need by this method. immediately upon Fr. Denis’ to the plate and are helping to bring the Otherwise, like everyone else, we place announcement that on-campus classes semester to a successful conclusion. individual orders online, cross our fingers were suspended, the seminarians showed that the item(s) will be in stock, and hope great grace in receiving and responding to Because our wonderful housekeeping that the delivery date will be sometime the news. There was even a good bit of staff is not able to come into the before Christmas. levity and laughter, teasing and give-and- cloistered areas during this time, we have take. That was the first hint that this was weekly, voluntary work details to keep One of the most outstanding experiences going to be a very special day. our communal living spaces in good of the past month has been the condition. opportunity – the need – to celebrate the Fr. Denis presided at Mass that morning, Sacred Triduum in the St. Thomas with many faculty, staff and co-workers in Evenings and weekends, as you might Aquinas Chapel. (This may have been the attendance, and emotions ran high. The expect, have seen a variety of activities. first time ever.) With Fr. Julian’s amazing music was beautiful, the reality was There are frequent “movie nights,” where knack for “pulling beauty out of thin air” settling in, and through our tears we all full features or individual episodes are (as Fr. Denis phrased it), and with realized this was the best place for us to shown in various locations. There is the wonderful music supplied by the process this news together – around the occasional campfire out by the gazebo seminarians and great preaching by Fr. altar and in the context of prayer. behind Bede Hall. Some of the men Denis – suffice it to say that it was a most regularly cook supper for themselves up profound and meaningful experience. That evening, as if by magic, we were in the kitchen on 4th Gertrude. able to honor our 4th-year class with a All in all, we have been amazingly lovely valedictory meal, complete with We’ve had one cloister-wide cookout so blessed. Fr. Denis has shown amazing gifts and tributes, allowing them to find a far and hope to have more. We’ve also leadership throughout and the seminarians bit of closure and affording them the been down to the UnStable to use up – eat have been tremendous. Like all of you, opportunity to say their goodbyes to those and drink up! – inventory that had come none of us expected any of this a month who had become such an important part of in right before the cloister veil fell. All of ago. Now, in hindsight, it seems like a their formation and their lives. Deacon these activities help to break up the blessing that was just waiting to happen. Peyton Plessala, as class representative, sameness of each day – a challenge that And the blessing continues. 9 Even amid a pandemic, it’s important how you end

Zachary Samples is a seminarian from the Diocese of Springfield, IL.

While the majority of men in the school chose to return to their home dioceses or religious communities, roughly 50 of us chose to stay, as did all of our resident formation staff members. That meant about 60 of us would enter into a cloistered existence, where we would seek to make meaning in the midst of unprecedented uncertainty together. We each would take on roles and duties – formal and informal – to make the most out of our cloister.

We quickly elected Matthew Perronie of Indianapolis as our mayor and events coordinator – a role he faithfully fulfilled through bonfires, movie nights, and a Zachary Samples keen ability to “work” every room. We turned to Hanoi and Burlington, with Hung Van Tran and Giang Vu, and lasting memories before we forge on respectively, to serve as our mailmen – When people prepare to begin new with a sense of purpose to whatever our applause would literally erupt at their leadership roles, they often become overly next step is. In short, how we end is among every post-lunch haul. concerned with first impressions and first the best things we do all year. days on the job. One of my professors in Matthew Millay of Louisville and his graduate school, who as a former When Fr. Denis announced to a packed trusty sidekick from Evansville, Chris university president had supervised scores Bede Theater that we would be ceasing in- Wickman, would make sure that we of first-time employees, challenged that person classes and given the option to stay maintained proper hygiene through our notion. cloistered on the Hill or return to our newly established vestry. Corey Bruns of homes, my mind immediately turned to Owensboro and his companions would He told my classmates and me that how how we end. I knew that the ceremonies assure that our liturgical music remained you begin is not nearly as important as and rituals – formal and informal – would joyful. Joseph Nam of the Diocese of how you finish – how you move on. This have to change or be eliminated altogether Busan, under the watchful eye of Fr. is obviously a principle that Christ as we haphazardly moved forward in the Julian, would ensure that the sacristy understood. How He ended his time on midst of uncertain and unprecedented would remain in tiptop shape. earth, in a certain way, gave meaning to times. Even if we chose to stay, this would all that He had previously done. mean that the end of the year would be a Indianapolis’ ever-capable Anthony mere shadow of its usual festive self. Armbruster would employ his keen Since arriving at Saint Meinrad four years abilities to keep our physical plant in ago, I have been struck by how we end. All, however, was not lost as, in typical order. Fr. Tobias, armed with his How we end the school year is marked by Saint Meinrad fashion, we came together characteristic pocket notebook and in such events and happenings as the in the hours and days that followed to standard fashion, would make sure that all Deacons Black and White Dinner, make the most out of what time we had I’s were dotted and T’s crossed. In Commencement Mass and ceremony, left of the 2019-2020 formation year. How addition to faithfully steering our ship, Fr. countless trips to our storage cages, Fr. we ended was abridged, but still was Denis would begin his work as cultural Denis’ annual nickname speech, post- something to behold. attaché through a biweekly viewing of the commencement photos in the canyon, Dr. BBC’s “Call the Midwife.” Alvis’ comical reminders to fill out course Hugs, laughs and pats on the back still evaluations, and Deb Dyko’s BBQ rib ruled the day, and those of us who chose You see, all was not lost. We worshipped music ministry appreciation dinner. to depart did so with a sense of purpose. together, prayed together, ate together and What would follow would prove to be had fun together. We all took on new roles, Hugs, tears, laughs and pats on the back all equally meaningful as those of us who we all came together, we all contributed to rule the day as we seek to make meaning chose to stay settled into a new, albeit the whole. How we ended was indeed cloistered, normal. something to behold, something to 10 Virus offers insight into Benedictine vow of stability

Br. Stanley Rother Wagner, OSB, is a monk of Saint Meinrad.

When I professed my simple vows in 2018, I had no clue I would be putting my vow of stability into practice to such an extent that I chafed at having to postpone my vacation because of a pandemic. Yet here we are.

One of the attractions of Benedictine monastic life for me was (and still is) stability. St. Benedict wrote in his Rule that one of the vows a monk professes is stability (see RB 58:17), or the commitment to stay at the monastery and grow closer to God through living in community.

Before I entered Saint Meinrad, I moved 10 times in 10 years, either for work or school. It is no wonder, then, that stability – that sustained effort to plant roots – continues to speak to my soul. Br. Stanley Rother Wagner, OSB Monks do need vacation, though; a monk of Saint Meinrad can take up to 14 days of Abbot Kurt asking me to wait a little though, and assembled a mini version, vacation per year after he makes simple while before meeting my new niece, he which featured lectures on humility, vows. My brother and his girlfriend are asked me to remain stable here on the prayer, monasticism in Africa, and even a expecting a baby in July, though the baby Hill, to listen to his prudent judgment, and tasting of monastic cuisine throughout decided to make her appearance early. to be obedient. history. With the pandemic and ensuing quarantine, along with the extra measures The Abbot’s “no” is not a rejection of my The coronavirus and subsequent of safety here on the Hill, most trips away right to vacation or my desire to meet my quarantine have given us many from the monastery have been cancelled. niece. Rather, it is an opportunity to challenges. Yet, it has also given us the cultivate patience, to reflect on how my opportunities of being grateful to God for I went to Fr. Abbot Kurt for special vows sustain me as I grow in love of God the simpler things in life. permission to use some vacation days to among my brother-monks, and to meet my new niece. He did not say no, recommit myself to stability. Most important among these opportunities but rather “not yet.” There is a pandemic is reflecting on the relationships in our going on, of course. His decision still We have been blessed here at Saint lives – with God, with friends, with bummed me out a little, but I have had Meinrad during our quarantine, though family members, with the people who are time to think and to pray about that even we have had to reassess what we different than us, and with those with decision and what it means. take for granted. I am certainly not a gym- whom we live. rat, though I enjoy going to our gym to My desire for stability has grown exercise. It was closed for about two The pandemic has allowed me to see alongside my deepening knowledge of months and reopened about a month ago. anew my vow of stability and the gift it is the other two vows I professed – fidelity In this last month, I have taken advantage in my monastic vocation. God called me to the monastic life and obedience. I of our exercise equipment with a new to Saint Meinrad Archabbey to be stable have come to understand my vocation as sense of gratefulness. I have also lost five and He is calling me in the present to a monk to be God seeking me out where pounds. practice the stability that I vowed. And I I am. am grateful for that gift. Our summer plans have been curtailed, For God to find me, I need to be rooted like the junior monks’ participation in firmly in the present moment, always Junior Summer School at Belmont Abbey listening for his voice, and willing to do in North Carolina. We came together here, what He asks of me. In the case of Fr.

11 Starting top left, clockwise: Seminarians Loi Pham and Tuan Nguyen compete for control over the ball during a soccer match on May 10.

Deacon Peter Grodi reads his promises during the Priesthood Promises ceremony in St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel on March 12.

Deacon Peyton Plessala signs his promises in front of Fr. Tobias Colgan, OSB, during the Priesthood Promises ceremony.

On May 1, seminarians and priests cloistered during the COVID-19 pandemic at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology were led in prayer for the Renewal of Consecration to Mary by President- Rector Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB. The prayers were concluded with chanting the Regina Caeli.

Graduating deacons, from left, Francisco Bark, Paul Kim, Stephen Than, Andrew Yun and Peter Chineke pose for a portrait in front of the Memorial Lobby steps on May 10. 12 Fr. Isidore Hobi Saint Meinrad’s first rector served in many roles

Editor’s note: 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of Saint Meinrad being raised to the status of an abbey. This story features one of the pioneer monks of the time.

Fr. Isidore Hobi was one of the first Much of Fr. Isidore’s legacy comes monks to join the new monastic from his work in education. He community in southern Indiana that was both taught and served as rector of founded by Einsiedeln Abbey in the seminary, and he had strong Switzerland. A Swiss native, he was born ideas about how best to form future in 1830 and professed his vows as a priests. To foreign-born Benedictine monk of Einsiedeln in 1855. seminarians, he offered this advice: He was ordained a priest the following “You must first of all learn English; year. you must learn to eat tomatoes; and you must learn to mind your own The abbot of Einsiedeln sent Fr. Isidore to business. That’s American.” Saint Meinrad in 1857. There he did pastoral work on Sundays and was put in Fr. Isidore also established the first charge of the mills and the school. pastoral education program at Saint Meinrad. He served as the first Fr. Isidore also helped to establish the rector of the seminary, from 1861 town of St. Meinrad. To commemorate the until the end of his life. 1000th anniversary of the death of the martyr Meinrad in 1861, the land around Like many of the founding monks, the abbey was surveyed and platted for 80 he performed a variety of jobs as lots and recorded at the county courthouse the fledging community struggled by Fr. Isidore. The following year, a post to gain a foothold in southern office was established and Fr. Isidore was Indiana. At various times, he was appointed the first postmaster. assigned to serve at parishes in Jasper, Celestine, St. Meinrad, Fr. Isidore Hobi When Fr. Martin Marty was sent from Ferdinand and Fulda. Einsiedeln to either close the struggling priory or prove it viable, he asked the Fr. Isidore was also one of two monks sent He died on March 12, 1895, at age 65. He abbot to choose Fr. Isidore as the priory’s to Arkansas in 1877 to choose a site for a had been a monk for 40 years and a priest superior. He served in that role from 1861 new foundation, which eventually became for 39 years. to 1865. Subiaco Abbey.

In 1985, a great-nephew of Fr. Isidore wrote a letter to Saint Meinrad to pass along an interesting story about Fr. Isidore that had been passed on to him by his father. Here is a slightly edited version of his story:

Father Isidore awakened in the middle of the night on the urge that someone was in need of the last rites. He went into the sanctuary for the host and into the sacristy for the oils. The custodian of the sacristy asked him where he was going at this time of night. Father Isidore told him he did not know, but asked him to hitch up the blind mare. He let the mare take her way and they arrived at a house in the country.

Father went to the door and awakened the family and asked to see the sick person. The family retorted that no one was ill. Father asked if anyone else was in the house. They told him that a salesman was upstairs for the night, but he seemed in fine health as he had played cards with them before retiring.

Father asked to see him. They entered the room and found the man on his deathbed, so Father ministered to him. The man stated before he died that he had always prayed to the Blessed Mother that he would receive the last sacraments before he died.

13 ALUMNI ETERNAL Fr. John Beitans O’73 (’65-73) , a priest Mr. Anthony Svarczkopf O’58 (’46-49) , of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, of Indianapolis, IN, died on April 8, 2020. died on April 4, 2020. Fr. William G. Munshower O’58 (’52- 58), S (’93) , a priest of the Archdiocese of Fr. Herbert L. Tegeler O’53 (’49-53) , a Mr. Wayne C. Cusick O’69 (’57-59) , of Indianapolis, IN, died on April 14, 2020. priest of the Diocese of Dubuque, IA, Blythe, CA, died on October 30, 2019. died on March 19, 2020. Dr. Robert N. Myers O’64 (’54-63) , of Fr. William S. Griner O’61 (’57-61) , a Lebanon, KY, died on June 11, 2017. Mr. Joseph A. Zurface SPH (’59-62) , of priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Indianapolis, IN, died on May 13, 2020. KY, died on February 26, 2020. Br. Luke Robert O’Connell, OSB, O’72 (’63-64) , of St. Paul’s Abbey, Newton, A key to the initials behind the Mr. Donald L. Kiefer O’64 (’52-53) , of NJ, died on April 22, 2020. names of alumni: Evansville, IN, died on April 29, 2020. Mr. Michael F. O’Daniel Sr. O’66 (’54- C: College Mr. Allen B. Koch O’71 (’59-61) , of 56) , of Omaha, NE, died on March 11, GTP : Graduate Theology Programs Boonville, IN, died on March 18, 2020. 2020. HS : High School MAT : Master of Arts (Theology) Mr. Raymond E. Orth Sr. O’56 (’44- Fr. Kevin D. McGrath, OSB, O’74 MAPT : Master of Arts (Pastoral Theology) 49) , of Evansville, IN, died on May 17, (’70-74) , a member of St. Bernard Abbey, MTS : Master in Theological Studies Cullman, AL, died on November 23, 2020. O: Ordination 2019. Deacon Levi M. Schnellenberger PD : Permanent Deacon Formation Program Fr. Joseph M. Mills O’53 (’42-46) , a PD’05 (’01-05) , of Jasper, IN, died on S: Sabbaticant priest of the Diocese of Owensboro, KY, May 2, 2020. SPH : St. Placid Hall died on April 4, 2020. SS : Summer Session T: Theology

Join us for the VIRTUAL On The Hill 5K! 7:00 a.m. Thursday, September 10, through Sunday, September 13, at 11:59 p.m. All times are Central.

Get details and register online at: www.saintmeinrad.org/onthehill5k

14 ALUMNI NEWS Fr. Adam Ahern T’15 (’11-15) , a priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, IN, has been serving as a chaplain in the Mr. James R. Smerdell O’75 (’63-66) , Middle East. He is a captain in the of Pittsburgh, PA, has written his first Indiana National Guard. Before studying book, Sarah: A Story of Salvation , for the priesthood, he had served in the available from amazon.com. U.S. Army in Afghanistan and at the Dr. Nick Smiar O’68 (’61-66) of Eau White House. Claire, WI, was elected to his fifth term Mr. Craig Brummer GTP (’18-20) , a as county board supervisor and second theology teacher at Father McGivney term as county board chairperson for Eau has been set for Catholic High School in Glen Carbon, Claire County. He is professor emeritus IL, is one of five finalists for the first St. of social work at the University of March 13, 2021 Elizabeth Ann Seton Award given by the Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an adjunct Watch for more details! Diocese of Springfield, IL. professor in the Honors Program, teaching classical languages and religious Fr. Thomas Extejt O’73 (’65-73) has studies. from been appointed pastor of Sts. Adalbert the and Hedwig Parish in Toledo, OH. He Mr. Michael Tremmel C’74 (’70-74) of also is the dean of the St. Teresa of Acworth, GA, and Mr. Tony Stephens C’ VOICES Calcutta Deanery, which is comprised of 74 (’70-74) , of Norcross, GA, have nine central-city parishes on the west launched a nonprofit, Tonga Literacy VVoicesi fronm thee Vinyeyard ais thre e- d side of the Maumee River. Project Inc. The goal is to raise funds to publish four Tonga textbooks to help magazine for Saint Meinrad alumni. Dr. John Gillman O’75 (’63-71) , of youth from this Zimbabwe community It seeks to tell the stories of alumni San Diego, CA, has published What learn in their own language. An online doing ministry out in the “vineyard” Does the Bible Say About Life and silent auction of Tonga artifacts (see where they are called. Here is just Death? (New City Press, 2020). He has photo) is planned as a fundraiser in one of the stories featured in the served for many years as a certified September. More details are on the upcoming Summer issue of Voices: educator for clinical pastoral education. website, https://tongalp.org. First-Year Priest Reflects on Fr. Robert J. Kus O’98 (’96-98) has a ‘Unreal Times’ by Fr. Marc Bentley new blog about his life as a missionary “This is so unreal,” my priest mentor priest in Honduras. You can find it at: said to me in early April 2020. “Plan missionpriest.com. on next year being your real first Fr. Josh McCarty T’09 (’04-09) , a Holy Week.” By then, I knew my priest of the Diocese of Owensboro, KY, first Holy Week as a priest wasn’t is one of 12 Catholic entrepreneurs going to be anything like I had chosen, from among 350 applicants, to dreamt it would be. incubate a project in the University of Notre Dame IDEA Accelerator, with a For six years in the seminary – and, in reality, for years before that – I chance for new investment and one of Sister Rita Ann Wigginton, OSU, T’04 looked forward to Holy Week in the three $100,000 prizes. His project is (’98-03) was honored for her work with parish. Every year that I served as a Pastoral Parish, a pastoral care and deaf Catholics in January. She was named master of ceremony, I anxiously software tool to serve pastors and their the Father David Walsh Pastoral Worker awaited presiding at a Holy Week teams. of 2020 at the annual meeting of the liturgy. And this year, I was able to National Catholic Office for the Deaf Fr. Aquinas Nichols O’81 (’77-81) , a preside at the Good Friday liturgy – held in Kansas City, KS. She is director priest of the Diocese of Des Moines, IA, but to an empty church with only my of the Ministry Formation Program, a lay celebrated his 40th jubilee of priesthood pastor, our deacon, his wife and our ministry training for Catholic deaf adults on June 28. He has served as pastor of pastoral associate in attendance. sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago. the Basilica of St. John in Des Moines Unreal, indeed. for the past 20 years. Msgr. Richard Zollinger O’55 (’49-55) , a priest of the Diocese of Gary, IN, is But this year has been full of unreal Fr. Joel Rippinger, OSB, O’74 (’62-68) , celebrating the 65th anniversary of his moments … of Marmion Abbey in Aurora, IL, has priesthood ordination this year, including published a history of Mount Angel receiving an official blessing from Pope To read the rest of this story and Abbey in Oregon, titled Struggle and Francis. Cards can be sent to 301 S. Main more, go to https://alumni.saint Ascent (Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Street, Knox, IN 46534. meinrad.edu/voices. MN, 2020). 15 Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #3 200 Hill Drive St. Meinrad, IN St. Meinrad, IN 47577

Return Service Requested

2020 Alumni Reunion ready to go virtual – and it’s free

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the died since the last reunion will be read presenter. Presentations are subject to 2020 Alumni Reunion will not be hosted and remembered. Music and chant will be change and new presentations may be at Saint Meinrad. However, a virtual provided by the monastic community. A added. reunion is being provided for all alumni worship aid will be provided so alumni at no charge . Simply visit https://alumni. can pray along. Tours of the grounds at Saint Meinrad and saintmeinrad.edu/reunion to register. recently refurbished Monte Cassino Participants will need to make sure they In the evening, there will be a virtual Shrine will also be provided. have reliable internet connection along happy hour for the Graduate Theology with a device (computer, laptop, tablet, Program alumni. A separate invitation The 2020 Distinguished Alumnus Award etc.) to login and view the reunion will be sent to those who sign up during recipient, Michael A. Ziemianski C’87, programs. registration. will be posthumously awarded this honor next year at the 2021 Alumni Reunion. Please note: The virtual reunion will Sunday Programming take place on Saturday, August 1, and All presentations will be livestreamed The Alumni Office is working with class Sunday, August 2. View the website throughout the afternoon and evening. chairs of anniversary classes to see how above for specific times of events. Here are the presentations that are these classes would like to reconnect and scheduled: celebrate. If you are in one of these Saturday Programming • Steve Angrisano MA’19, keynote classes and have questions, please contact Events on August 1 will include a live address, “Creating a Culture of Grace” Joe Oliveri at [email protected]. Alumni Association meeting with • Dr. Kimberly Baker, “Global members of the Saint Meinrad Alumni Friendship: The Story of a Well in “This is not the reunion that was Association Board of Directors and Fr. Togo” originally planned, and we would have Denis Robinson, OSB, president-rector • Dr. Jared Bryson C’97, “The Great loved to have you all here at Saint of the Seminary and School of Theology. Reset: The Covid-19 Pandemic as a Meinrad,” said Joe Oliveri, director of They will give updates on both Saint Catalyst for Advancing the Church or alumni relations. “But I hope even more Meinrad and the Alumni Association. Closing its doors?” alumni are able to be a part of this year’s Participants will be able to send • Fr. Denis Robinson, OSB, “Cardinal reunion because of the virtual comments and questions during the Newman: A Saint for our Time” component.” livestream. • Sr. Jeana Visel, OSB, “Praying with Icons” For all the details on this year’s reunion, An Alumni Reunion Vespers service will please visit https://alumni.saintmeinrad. take the place of the usual Reunion All presentations will allow participants edu/reunion. Mass. The names of the alumni who have to ask questions and interact with the