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On the Hill Winter 2021 • Vol. 60:1 FEATURES 3 ...... New Prize Launched 4 ...... St. Meinrad Statue 5 ...... Deaths: Fr. Augustine, Fr. Vincent 6-7 ...... Built on Stone 8 ...... Student Profile 10 ...... CareNotes 11-12 ...... Photos 13 ...... Meinrad Earns Accreditation

ALUMNI 14 ...... Alumni Eternal 15 ...... Alumni News 16 ...... New Alumni Director

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 You can find more photos of Saint Meinrad events at Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577, (812) 357-6501 • Fax (812) 357-6759, [email protected] www.saintmeinrad.edu, © 2021 Saint Meinrad Archabbey http://saint-meinrad.smugmug.com ’ Personals

Fr. Peduru Fonseka became an American Fr. Mateo Zamora directed the first Louisville, KY. Br. Michael Reyes citizen in October. online Advent retreat for the produced a musical score for what community, “Recollection as Getting It became a Communion hymn with more Br. Simon Herrmann participated in two Together.” Nearly 100 registered than 20 stanzas. virtual vocations panels, on November 2 for the retreat. for Bishop Chatard High School in Fr. Peduru Fonseka completed the Indianapolis, IN, and on November 15 for Fr. Luke Waugh coordinated joint required 900 clinical hours for state the Unveiling Religious Life (URL) Christmas Eve Masses at Perry Central licensure as a psychological counselor in discernment panel sponsored by several High School gym. The Masses included in December. religious orders. Holy Cross, St. Augustine and St. Marks Br. James Jensen parishes in addition to his of St. was appointed director Fr. Guerric DeBona and Fr. Mateo Isidore the Farmer. of the vestry for the in January. Zamora attended the annual meetings, Fr. Eugene Hensell marked his 40th year held virtually this year, of the Fr. Harry Hagan gave a virtual evening of writing for Weekday Homily Helps and Association of Teachers of Homiletics on conference for Mepkin Abbey on the Sunday Homily Helps. Currently, he December 2 and the Academy of hymns of Advent. Thirty people joined the writes about six weeks a year of the Daily Homiletics on December 3-5. conference. Homily Helps, as well as doing exegesis Fr. Harry Hagan for every Gospel for the Sunday Homily Fr. Jonathan Fassero was honored with was commissioned by Helps. The homily aids are published by a plaque featuring his name and photo on Gary Marvin, an alumnus of Saint Franciscan Media.  the Wall of Faith at Marian High School Meinrad Seminary and School of in Mishawaka, IN. He was a member of Theology, to write a hymn for the 50th the Class of 1968. anniversary of Epiphany Parish in

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New prize launched for research on Black Catholic experience The Davis Prize includes a cash award of $1,000. Recipients will be honored at the ACHA’s annual meeting held in January each year. “This award not only honors Dr. Davis’ legacy, but carries his mission forward at a moment when understanding the Black Catholic past has never been more critical,” said Kathleen Sprows Cummings, director of the Cushwa Center. “Fr. Cyprian Davis was a pioneer in the study of African American Catholicism. His scholarly contributions were expansive and stretched across an entire spectrum of topics related to the relationship between Catholicism and the African American community,” said Fr. Cyprian Davis, OSB James T. Carroll, president of the ACHA and professor of American history at Iona The University of Notre Dame’s Cushwa of which he was a founding member, and College. “His books, articles, and Center for the Study of American contributed to the drafting of two pastoral conference presentations were a reminder Catholicism has partnered with the letters of the U.S. bishops’ conference: to those who study American Catholicism American Catholic Historical Association “Brothers and Sisters to Us” (1970) and that all members of the Catholic community need to be included in the (ACHA) to launch the Cyprian Davis, “What We Have Seen and Heard” (1984).  O.S.B., Prize recognizing outstanding scholarly conversation.” research on the Black Catholic Among his six books, The History of experience. Black Catholics in the United States (Crossroad, 1990) won the John Gilmary The Prayer App Is Back! The prize celebrates the life and legacy of Shea Prize for its groundbreaking Fr. Cyprian Davis, OSB (1930–2015), a contribution. Benedictine of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, respected academic, and Upon Fr. Cyprian’s death in 2015, Cecilia beloved teacher and lecturer. Moore of the University of Dayton stated that with the publication of The History of Born in Washington, D.C., Fr. Cyprian Black Catholics in the United States, converted to Catholicism as a teenager Davis “became the most well-known and and entered the monastic community at well-loved Black Catholic scholar in the Saint Meinrad in 1950. He was ordained a world.” His scholarship, Moore said, in 1956 and undertook doctoral “made all the difference in how Black studies at the Catholic University of Catholics understood themselves, their Louvain in Belgium, training as a ancestors in the faith, and their historian of medieval monasticism. contribution to the .” Returning to the United States in 1963 to In Summer 2020, following a proposal by begin his long teaching career at Saint Dr. Shannen Dee Williams of Villanova Meinrad, Davis attended the March on University and a resolution of the ACHA Washington and was inspired to use his Executive Council, the ACHA and the The app is available from skills as a historian to tell the story of Cushwa Center agreed to honor Fr. Google Play and the Apple African American Catholics. Cyprian’s legacy by launching a new research award for works in progress that App Store or you can visit Fr. Cyprian served as archivist for the center on Black Catholics. www.honoryourinnermonk.org National Black Catholic Caucus,

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St. Meinrad finally honored with his own statue at Saint Meinrad Archabbey The monastery at Saint Meinrad was numerous sculptural projects for faith- founded 166 years ago, but you would be based institutions as well as public and hard pressed to find a statue of the private works, using bronze, steel, glass, Archabbey’s anywhere on the granite and other materials. grounds. But that is about to change. From his studio in St. Paul, MN, he has In celebration of its 150th anniversary of undertaken projects that range from public being raised to the status of an abbey, art installations to an award-winning Saint Meinrad commissioned a statue by collaboration with Opus Architects to sculptor Alexander Tylevich. create St. Thomas More Chapel at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Several celebrations were planning during the anniversary year of 2020 – including His work has been recognized with the installation and blessing of the new various awards, including several from the statue – but when the coronavirus Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and pandemic hit in March, all events were Architecture. canceled. The Saint However, work progressed on the new statue throughout the year, and a blessing When the monastery was founded in of the new work of art will be take place 1854, the monks chose the name in 2021. Meinrad as the monastery’s patron. Their mother abbey in Switzerland, The statue – about five feet high – will be Einsiedeln Abbey, was located on installed on a pedestal in the circle in front the site of Meinrad’s hermitage. of the Archabbey Guest House and the monastery. In his hands, Meinrad is Meinrad was a Benedictine monk holding a cup and some bread – symbols who lived in the ninth century. of the hospitality for which he was known. Although Meinrad lived as a , people sought him out for his wise The base for the statue is made from counsel, which led two robbers to believe marble columns that were removed from he might have items of value that the the Archabbey Church during the 1996-97 thankful pilgrims had given him. renovation, topped with a new granite slab. In 861, when the robbers appeared outside The artist, Tylevich, explained that the his home, Meinrad knew they planned to statue is made of bronze, using a lost wax kill him even though he had nothing of process. The project is a collaboration value. Nonetheless, he invited them in and between the sculptor and the foundry that offered them something to eat and drink. casts the statue. Tylevich began by sculpting the figure with non-drying clay The robbers did indeed kill Meinrad, and over a frame of wood and metal. they left without taking anything. When they returned to the village, they were When the design is complete, the foundry followed by ravens that Meinrad had casts the pieces of the model in bronze. befriended. Villagers recognized When that work is done, the pieces are Meinrad’s ravens and realized what the reassembled and welded together. Then robbers had done. the artist applies the patina and, finally, the lacquer that will allow the statue to be Meinrad became known as the displayed outside. “Martyr of Hospitality.” 

The Artist Tylevich’s training and career began in his native Belarus. Since arriving in the United States in 1989, he has created

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Two jubilarian monks die at year’s end

Fr. Augustine In 1997, he returned to Saint Meinrad, the Midwest Association of Spiritual Davis, OSB, 90, driving the mail/delivery van and Directors, and then the first president of a monk and priest directing the Spanish ministry program. the National Federation of Spiritual of Saint Meinrad In 2005, he was assigned to work in the Directors. Archabbey, died Office of Physical Facilities. on December 21, From 1975-78, he served as novice and 2020, at the Fr. Augustine suffered a stroke in 2011; junior master of the monastery. A few monastery. He since then, he had resided in the years later, he served as director of was a jubilarian monastery infirmary. novices and juniors of St. Benedict Abbey in Still River, MA. In 1983, he began a both of The funeral was celebrated on Fr. Augustine Davis two-year assignment as and novice profession and December 23, with burial in the priesthood. master at St. Mark’s in South Archabbey Cemetery. Union, KY. He was born in Fairfax, Iowa, on Fr. Vincent From 1986 to 2005, Fr. Vincent was September 21, 1930, and given the name Tobin, OSB, 87, Claire Daniel at his . A graduate assigned to the Collegio di Sant’ Anselmo a monk and priest in , where he served as secretary for of St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in of Saint Meinrad Cedar Rapids, he then attended Saint the Ateneo and as procurator for the Archabbey, died Swiss-American, American Cassinese, Meinrad College and the School of on December 22, Theology. and Brazilian Benedictine congregations. 2020, at the He offered courses every year in Latin and He entered the on July 30, 1953, monastery. He Greek. professed simple vows on July 31, 1954, was a jubilarian and solemn vows on August 15, 1957. He both of profession In 2005, he returned to Saint Meinrad to was ordained to the priesthood on May Fr. Vincent Tobin and priesthood. serve as manager of the newly built 11, 1959. He earned a master’s degree in Archabbey Guest House and Retreat He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on January Center. This work allowed him to industrial arts from Indiana State 28, 1933, and was given the name Joseph University in 1966. continue offering spiritual direction for James at his baptism. He enrolled in Saint many of the abbey’s friends, pilgrims and His first assignment after ordination was Meinrad Minor Seminary in 1947. retreatants. as assistant director, disciplinarian and He was invested as a novice on July 30, professor at Saint Meinrad’s St. Placid The funeral liturgy was celebrated on 1953, professed his simple vows on July December 29 in the Archabbey Church, Hall. He also taught religion, 31, 1954, and solemn vows August 15, with burial in the Archabbey Cemetery.  mathematics, and industrial art courses 1957. He was ordained to the priesthood until the Minor Seminary closed in 1966. on May 11, 1959. He then was assigned to San Benito Fr. Vincent received a Bachelor of Arts Priory and seminary in Huaraz, Peru, degree in history from Saint Meinrad where he served as disciplinarian and A Work of Saint Meinrad Archabbey College in 1956, and an STB from The A Work of Saint Meinrad Archabbey professor of religion, mathematics, and Providing a wealth of Catholic University of America in 1960. Providing a wealth of physics. After the 1970 earthquake, he emotional, recovery, health, emotional, recovery, health, served as the director of reconstruction He later earned a Master of Arts in Latin grief and eldercare education. and the physical plant. from St. Louis University in 1965, a grief and eldercare education. Master of Divinity from Saint Meinrad Returning to Saint Meinrad in 1979, Fr. Seminary and School of Theology in 1974, FREE SHIPPING Augustine served as physical plant and an STL in spiritual theology from the on orders of $70 or more director and as the liaison between the Gregorian University in Rome in 1979. monastery and contractors for the construction of a new monastery and Fr. Vincent began teaching Latin and library. English in Saint Meinrad High School in 1960. In 1965, he joined the college faculty In 1986, Fr. Augustine was appointed to and served in various administrative South Pittsburgh, TN, where he was the positions, including as dean of students, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church spiritual director, and vice-rector. and the overseer of a 600-acre beef farm. Ten years later, he was assigned to During these years, he was involved To learn more call 800.325.2511 To learn more call 800.325.2511 Priorato San Benito Abad, Morelia, nationally in the work of spiritual or visit www.carenotes.com. Michoacán, Mexico. direction, becoming the first director of or visit www.carenotes.com. 5 OTH News Winter 2021 REV_K.qxp.qxp_Layout 1 1/13/21 10:07 AM Page 6

BUILT ON STONE The rock upon which the abbey was founded

For a monastery to endure for more than “Fifty kegs of powder were used to blast constituted a task of nearly herculean 160 years, it must be built on a solid the harder layers, from which a sandstone proportions. These blocks, often 36-40 foundation. At Saint Meinrad Archabbey, sufficiently hard to serve as building inches thick, had to be eased down the that is literally true. material for the inner walls of the steep grade of Monte Cassino by oxen or basement was obtained.” mule, with wagon.” The sandstone that makes up most of the buildings at Saint Meinrad was discovered A few years earlier, a sandstone quarry As the Benedictine community grew, early in the community’s history. Two was found on nearby Monte Cassino Hill. more buildings were added, made from monks from the Swiss Abbey of The stone from that quarry was used for the varicolored stone dug from the quarry: Einsiedeln established the new foundation the outside walls. The last stone was laid the (old) library wing in 1914, the major in 1854 when they bought farmland and on December 19, 1873. Additional seminary building in 1923, and the Kleber moved into the log farmhouse. sandstone wings were added between Gym in 1930. 1874 and 1881. By the time the community was raised to Joseph Hedinger, the last living member an independent abbey in 1870, the monks The next big project was a new church. of the sandstone quarry gang, talked about had begun to build more permanent Work began in 1899 and the cornerstone the history of the quarry in a 2004 buildings from a resource found on their was blessed on August 15, 1900. It took interview when he was 84 years old. land: sandstone. until 1907 for the construction to be According to Hedinger, in the early 1930s complete. Saint Meinrad bought land near Ferdinand Fr. Albert Kleber, OSB, describes the that would provide additional stone and building endeavor in History of St. Dr. Edward Shaughnessy wrote a history serve as the finishing mill for the Meinrad Archabbey 1854-1954 (Grail of the Archabbey Church in 2003 that operation. Saint Meinrad sandstone could Publications, 1954). When the building explained how the stone was transported be sold to others in the building industry site was determined, the top of the ridge to the building site from the quarry site a and provide revenue for the monastery. had to be lowered by about 24 feet to mile away. He writes, “The labor involved make the site level. Kleber explains, in transporting the stone blocks

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This quarry remained in operation for 20 to 30 years until its supply of stone was exhausted. During its heyday, eight to 10 men worked daily at the quarry, using gang saws called “rockers” to cut the stone. Trucks loaded with slabs of sandstone delivered the product wherever it was needed. Saint Meinrad later opened another quarry and worked from this site until the late 1960s, when the sandstone enterprise was closed. Sales were declining due to competition from other quarries, as well as a rise in the use of limestone, brick and precast concrete for before it closed in 2012, remembers surface. This resulted from a unique building materials. working on the building site. barter arrangement between Saint Leo and St. Meinrad Abbey of southern In its final years, the operation was The buildings at Blue Cloud Abbey were Indiana: a truck would arrive loaded with headed by Fr. John Thuis, OSB, and Fr. erected from 1950 to 1967. For one stone from St. Meinrad quarry and the Linus Swartz, OSB. summer, Fr. Denis worked as a stone same truck would return to St. Meinrad cutter, trimming the large stones to the loaded with citrus fruit from the Saint Besides the buildings on the Saint size required by the stonemasons. Meinrad campus, numerous examples of Leo Abbey groves.” sandstone buildings can be seen in the Many churches and abbey buildings built The final tally showed that 32 truckloads town: the St. Meinrad Post Office, St. during the quarry’s heyday featured Saint of sandstone had been swapped for 62 Meinrad American Legion, the parish Meinrad sandstone on the exterior or the loads of oranges and grapefruit. church and rectory, and several homes. interior. In the 1930s and ’40s, Saint Meinrad supplied sandstone for St. Leo Although Saint Meinrad has not Saint Meinrad sandstone also can be Abbey in St. Leo, FL. A story about reopened its sandstone business, it found at other abbeys and churches. The building the church can be found on the recently leased the quarry to a company buildings at Blue Cloud Abbey in South abbey’s website. that quarried the sandstone that was used Dakota were built with the stone, to build the new Guest House and Retreat delivered on semi trucks to the site. Fr. Fr. James Hoge, OSB, writes, “In 1939 a Center in 2004-05.  Denis Quinkert, OSB, a Saint Meinrad light buff colored sandstone trim was monk who was a member of Blue Cloud begun to accentuate the exterior brick

Top photo: Workers pose for a photo in front of a truck loaded with sandstone. Fr. John Thuis, OSB, is in the center. The photo of the truck driver on page 6 is dated April 1956.

Bottom left: The crew uses a crane to load sandstone blocks onto a truck. Bottom right: Students gather at the quarry after a class hike in March 1941.

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[Meet the Student] Brian Cundall Hometown: Little Rock : Diocese of Little Rock

Q. What attracted you to the priesthood? seminary himself that was an inspiration to enter There were two things that first attracted seminary. me to the priesthood. The first attraction I

had to the priesthood was seeing joyful Q. What were you doing . Growing up, my home parish had before you came to the a good pastor and many good associate seminary? pastors throughout the years. I joined seminary right out It was these priests’ example of joy that of high school. After my junior year of high school at Catholic first attracted me to the priesthood. I St. Nicholas was the bishop of the port remember being in high school on a High School for Boys, Fr. Patrick Friend entered seminary along with his , city of Myra in the early 300s. St. retreat and seeing the true joy that Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and Christ brings shining through a priest. I Fr. Joseph Friend. Both men entering seminary were good examples for me. children. remember thinking to myself, “I want that joy in my own life.” During my senior year, I spent the year discerning. I had a tough time coming to There are many stories and legends from his life about his care for all people, The second thing that attracted me to the the decision to enter seminary. especially the poor. I can just imagine St. priesthood was figuring out and Nicholas preaching on the docks to the discerning how my heart was made. God The best piece of advice I received was from a seminarian, now priest Fr. Keith sailors in the city of Myra. All the stories has made some people’s hearts to love of St. Nicholas paint a picture of a bishop one other person in marriage and God has Higginbotham, who told me, “Brian, just take 10 minutes every day in the chapel who cared for his people and stood up for made others’ hearts in such a way that what is right. I think he is a great example they have a love for all people. Through and pray to God. Ask God what his will is of priesthood. discernment, I found that God has made for your life.” It was this simple prayer of

my heart in such a way as to love all trying to follow God’s will that helped me Q. Favorite Scripture verse and why? people as his priest. make the choice to enter seminary. My favorite scripture verse is Psalm 24. I especially like, “Gates lift high your Q. Who or what influenced you to begin Q. Favorite saint and why? heads, grow higher ancient doors, let him study for the priesthood? For my favorite saint, I would have to say enter the king of glory.” This is my One of the greatest influences on me to that that changes from time to time. I think favorite piece of Scripture because it begin studying for the priesthood was Fr. different have been closer to me at reminds me that I need to open the gates Patrick Friend, who is an alumnus of different times, depending on what I of my heart to welcome Jesus, the king of needed at the time. Early in seminary, I Saint Meinrad. In high school, Fr. Friend, glory. would say my favorite saint was St. who at the time was just Mr. Friend, Benedict. Eventually, St. Therese of taught my junior chemistry class. Fr. Q. Hobbies? Patrick would tell me, “Brian, I think you Lisieux was a favorite of mine. I would say my number one hobby is would make a good priest.” I think currently, though, the saint I have reading. When you don’t find me doing schoolwork or hanging out with other It was these comments that first got me been looking to for encouragement and as seminarians, I am most likely in my room thinking about my vocation and what my an example is St. Nicholas. Often, we reading. I enjoy reading a little bit of vocation is in my life. It was also through think of St. Nicholas just as Santa Claus, but the reason he is my favorite currently the example of Fr. Patrick entering the Continued on p. 9 is his example as a pastor. The historical 8 OTH News Winter 2021 REV_K.qxp.qxp_Layout 1 1/13/21 10:07 AM Page 9 Events everything. I love fantasy and science like the seminary. It is a community of men on the fiction, but I also love biographies, all striving to grow in holiness and that Hill

classics, and history. creates a place where brotherhood can March 26-28 flourish. Guest House Retreat: “Being Humble, Some of my favorite books are Death Being Holy” by Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB. Comes for the by Willa Cather, Q. What aspect of seminary life has been The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy, Old most challenging? March 31-April 4 Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, I think the aspect of seminary that is most Guest House Retreat (Holy Week The Wheel of Time Series by Robert challenging for all seminarians is that the Retreat): “A Holy Week Experience” by Jordan, and finally anything written by seminary pushes you to personal growth. I Fr. Colman Grabert, OSB. Flannery O’Connor, although my favorite have grown so much as a person throughout short story by her is Revelation. my time in seminary, and there are times April 16-18 Q. when that personal growth is not easy. Guest House Retreat: “Being at Home What aspect of seminary life has been However, now coming to the end of my most rewarding? as a Young Adult in the Church” by Br. time in seminary I can say that I wouldn’t Simon Herrmann, OSB. I think by far the aspect of seminary life I be the man I am today without seminary have found to be most rewarding is the formation. I also hope to continue growing April 23-25 community life and brotherhood. Nowhere during my entire life. If you aren’t growing, Guest House Retreat: “Lectio Divina: else in the world does a community exist  you usually are going the opposite way. Praying with the Bible” by Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB.

April 30-May 2 Guest House Retreat: “Beauty as a Grant will fund Pathway to God: Religious Art and Symbol in the Spiritual Life” by Br. icon project at Saint Meinrad Martin Erspamer, OSB.

Sr. Jeana Visel, OSB, an iconographer and He also will give a lecture during each visit, May the director of the Graduate Theology addressing the importance of future priests Rosary pilgrimage at Monte Cassino Program at Saint Meinrad Seminary and and lay ministers knowing how to engage Shrine each Sunday at 2 p.m. Central. School of Theology, has received one of 17 beauty in worship spaces, and delving into Teacher-Scholar grants from the Calvin the particular meaning of the icons being May 8 Institute of for 2021-22. created for Saint Meinrad. Graduation for Seminary and School

of Theology. She will receive $18,000 for a project that During the summer, Sr. Jeana and Fr. Denis will bring a master iconographer to Robinson, OSB, president-rector of the May 14-16 campus to create a portable iconostasis that school, will visit Czarnecki’s studio in Guest House Retreat: “Delightful will allow for Byzantine Catholic liturgies Meriden, CT, or one of his scheduled icon Duccio: An Artist Retreat” by Fr. Noël to be celebrated in the school’s main painting workshops for a week of more Mueller, OSB. chapel. focused tutorial in ecclesial arts. May 18-20 The funds will help Sr. Jeana and the Sr. Jeana will work this experience into her Guest House Retreat: “Peace, the worshiping community of Saint Meinrad teaching on icons during the seminarians’ Benedictine Way” by Br. Maurus Seminary and School of Theology to grow Intensive Spiritual Formation Week. Fr. Zoeller, OSB. in knowledge and appreciation of the Denis, who is able to preside at both theology and spiritual practices of Catholic and Byzantine Catholic liturgies, May 21-23 iconography and Byzantine-style worship. will use this experience to prepare students Guest House Retreat: “Music for the for Byzantine liturgy. The project will engage the expertise of End of Time” by Fr. Jeremy King, master iconographer Marek Czarnecki to OSB. This year’s recipients of the Calvin Institute create six icons for a moveable iconostasis grants include scholars at three research May 30 for the seminary chapel. An iconostasis is a universities, five seminaries, and nine Celebration of priesthood jubilees. screen of religious paintings that separates private colleges and universities, the nave from the sanctuary in a church. representing 10 U.S. states and one Events should be considered Canadian province. Each grant (ranging pending, as we await a decision on As part of the project, Czarnecki will come from $12,000 to $18,000) will fund a when Saint Meinrad buildings will to campus, for four week-long visits, to research project beginning in 2021 that work on the icons as an artist-in-residence. shows promise to serve worshiping again be open to the public. Students will be able to watch him work communities by strengthening Christian For more information, and to ask questions. public worship practices.  call (812) 357-6611 or visit our website www.saintmeinrad.org OTH News Winter 2021 REV_K.qxp.qxp_Layout 1 1/13/21 10:07 AM Page 10

A Work of Saint Meinrad Archabbey Inspirational booklets still providing help after 30+ years

When Abbey Press closed its doors in This year, CareNotes developed titles on June 2017, the future of CareNotes was issues that have been magnified during the unknown. The popular line of booklets COVID-19 pandemic. “Responding to that tackles tough topics like facing Life’s Challenges that are Out of Your cancer, losing a child and depression had Control” and “When You Can’t Be With Keller. “We want to be able to provide a been published by Abbey Press since Someone Who is Dying” are two of the guide that the family can work through 1988. But today, three years after new titles published this year. together and have those hard restructuring, CareNotes has a solid conversations in a meaningful way.” business foundation and is growing. “People seem to be looking for that positive message during the pandemic. Business has slowed during the pandemic, “We have used the grief CareNotes for CareNotes offers that uplifting message but the staff has been brainstorming new years in the Abbey Caskets aftercare that lets people know that, even through ideas, cleaning up databases, and program,” explains Jenny Keller, director tough times, there is hope,” says Keller. developing and launching a new website. of Abbey Caskets and CareNotes. “I The pandemic has also given the staff wanted to see that ministry continue In addition to expanding the booklet titles, time to look at their product from a digital within Saint Meinrad because I had seen CareNotes has created a pet sympathy standpoint. They are currently researching how meaningful those were to our Abbey card to pair with the booklets, “When a how to provide CareNotes in a digital Caskets customers.” Family Pet Dies” and “CareNotes for Kids format, which could allow them to offer – When Your Pet Dies.” They have also content that has been created over the CareNotes was reintroduced in September developed Elf Help coloring books and years, but is no longer in print. 2017 with the 50 most popular titles. display racks. They reintroduced the Today they are distributing around 250 AfterWords grief aftercare kit that “We hear from customers daily on how different titles. There are CareNotes for provides words of support throughout the important CareNotes are in their lives, people of all ages, discussing topics that first year after a loss. how much they appreciate them and are are not always easy to talk about. They so happy that the business continues,” offer strength, help and healing for those Keller said the CareNotes team is also says Keller. who are hurting and provide a wealth of developing an end-of-life planning guide emotional, recovery, health, grief, and for hospitals and hospice workers to guide CareNotes are available at eldercare support and information. families through the difficult www.carenotes.com. conversations of death and dying. “CareNotes are simple inspirational For more information, visit the website or booklets to help people deal with different “Most people don’t want to talk about contact the CareNotes staff at (800) 325- experiences in their life,” says Keller. death until they have to, when someone is 2511 or [email protected].  “They are told in a way to let people know sick or has died, and that is the hardest that someone else has been in their time to bring up that conversation or to situation and how they handled it.” make decisions while grieving,” explains

e hear from customers daily on how important CareNotes are in their lives, Whow much they appreciate them and are so happy that the business continues.

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Starting top left, clockwise: Br. Maurus Zoeller, OSB, drives Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, OSB, and Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, to the new trail blessing and ribbon cutting on Sept. 2.

Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, OSB, blesses and cuts the ribbon of a new walking trail on the Saint Meinrad Archabbey campus on Sept. 2.

The 2,250 feet of paved trail winds through a wooded area behind the monastery.

Paving the trail is the first phase of the project. The following phases will extend the trail and include areas to sit and picnic.

Members of the Trails Committee and Physical Facilities pose for a portrait after the blessing and ribbon cutting. Pictured are, from left, Darren Sroufe, Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, OSB, Lisa Castlebury, Br. Nathaniel Szidik, OSB, Jenny Keller, Jill Memmer, Mark Hoffman and Rachel Weyer.

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Starting top left, clockwise: Seminarians cheer on their classmates during a volleyball tournament on Sept. 22.

Seminarian Liam Hosty attended morning prayer in the St. Theodore Guerin Chapel on October 5. A second chapel has been in use during the pandemic to allow students to spread out.

Brian Cundall, center, cheers on his formation house during the seminary soccer tournament on Oct. 3.

Seminarians made a pilgrimage to Monte Cassino Shrine on October 9 to pray for those whose lives have been impacted by the pandemic. From left are Reilly Swanson, Eric Ouellette, Jayke White, Nick Rivelli and Drew Williams.

Martin Ling talks with Emmanuel Torres during the international student gathering on Sept. 26.

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Saint Meinrad earns accreditation in abuse prevention program

Saint Meinrad Archabbey is pleased to (the leadership organization for men’s • the pursuit of greater accountability to announce its full, three-year accreditation religious congregations) partnered with the laity in enforcing institutional with Praesidium, an accrediting agency Praesidium to develop 26 standards in the policies and procedures. specializing in child abuse prevention. broad areas of abuse prevention, response to allegations, and supervision of known Although Saint Meinrad has had policies Praesidium is a private agency, not offenders among religious priests and and procedures for responding to reports sponsored by the Catholic Church. It has brothers. of child abuse for nearly 30 years, the partnered with hundreds of schools and monastery’s more recent efforts to seek universities, social service agencies, youth Praesidium accreditation requires Praesidium accreditation represent its development organizations and faith- demonstration of adherence to these recognition of the latest standards in the based organizations across the United standards and the documentation of area of child abuse prevention and its States and 11 other counties to help compliance with prescribed practices ongoing commitment to uphold best prevent child maltreatment by employees relative to: practices when interacting with children and volunteers. and engaging in ethical ministry with • screening and formation of candidates, minors and vulnerable adults. In response to the clergy sexual abuse • ongoing formation of members, crisis in the Catholic Church, the • transparency in reporting and You can learn more about Praesidium at Conference of Major Superiors of Men  responding to allegations, and https://website.praesidiuminc.com/wp/.

Photos, top left: Forty-eight men studying for the priesthood at Saint Meinrad declared candidacy for Holy Orders in the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel on Nov. 5. Right: Joseph Nam prepares food for an international student gathering on Sept. 26. Bottom left: The seminary community carve pumpkins in the Holly Courtyard on Oct. 13. 13 OTH News Winter 2021 REV_K.qxp.qxp_Layout 1 1/13/21 10:07 AM Page 14

Mr. Paul E. Baronowsky, O’56 (’44-45), ALUMNI ETERNAL Mr. Lawrence R. Sennish, O’51 (’43- of Evansville, IN, died on October 26, 47), of Sandusky, OH, died on August 3, 2020. Fr. Kieran Kleczewski, PhD, O’77 (’68- 2020. 76), a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, Mr. John L. Blankenberger, O’66 (’54- AZ, died on September 30, 2020. Mr. Edward J. Shoback, O’67 (’59-67), 61), of Springfield, IL, died on September of Wilkes Barre, PA, died on October 31, 26, 2020. Mr. John F. Mastalir, O’66 (’59-64), of 2020. Moore, OK, died on October 28, 2020. Mr. Ronald T. Braker, SPH (’46-48), of Mr. Richard P. Sitch, O’71 (’59-63), of Towson, MD, died on September 14, Mr. Joseph R. “Bob” McAtee, O’58 Goodyear, AZ, died on September 7, 2020. (’46-47), of Washington, IN, died on 2020. September 15, 2020. Mr. Roger B. Doane, SPH (’53-57), of Fr. Joseph L. Villa, STL, C’93 (’90-93), Bloomfield, IN, died on October 12, 2020. Fr. James W. Meade, C’81 (’78-81), a a priest of the Archdiocese of He was a former member of the Saint priest of the Diocese of Gary, IN, died on Indianapolis, IN, died on October 7, Meinrad Alumni Association Board of October 28, 2020. 2020. Directors. Fr. William K. Miller, O’61 (’57-61), a A key to the initials behind the Mr. Michael L. Gurchiek, O’64 (’52- retired priest of the Archdiocese of names of alumni: 55), of Longboat Key, FL, died on May 8, Louisville, KY, died on November 13, C: College 2020. 2020. GTP: Graduate Theology Programs Mr. Clarence J. Mullis, O’60 (’48-58), Mr. Joe Guy Hagan Jr., O’57 (’53-57), HS: High School of Ferdinand, IN, died on September 21, of Louisville, KY, died on September 28, MAT: Master of Arts (Theology) 2020. 2020. He was a former member of the MAPT: Master of Arts (Pastoral Theology) Saint Meinrad Board of Overseers and the Mr. William Needham, O’72 (’60-68), MTS: Master in Theological Studies Alumni Board. of Pittsburgh, PA, died on September 6, O: Ordination Mr. Lawrence J. Hembree, O’66 (’57- 2020. PD: Permanent Deacon Formation Program S 63), of Greenfield, IN, died on November Mr. James E. Ravenna, O’56 (’44-48), of : Sabbaticant 29, 2020. Bedford, IN, died on December 2, 2020. SPH: St. Placid Hall SS: Summer Session Mr. Robert A. Jaeger, O’57 (’51-57), of Deacon Michael A. Rowland, PD’13 T: Theology  Port Republic, MD, died on November 21, (’09-13), of Christopher, IL, died on 2020. August 17, 2020. Sr. Clare Smith taught languages at Saint Meinrad Gift Shop

Sister Clare 1949 and made final vows in 1955. She Your store for inspirational Smith, a Sister of studied at Catholic University of Puerto gifts, books and more! Mercy for 71 Rico and McGill University, Montreal. years, died at the Pittsburgh, PA, She taught French, Spanish, and Latin at convent on various Catholic schools in Pennsylvania, November 9, including St. Xavier in Latrobe, St. Peter 2020. She was 93. in McKeesport, Our Lady of Mercy Academy, St. Elizabeth High School in She was an Pleasant Hills, and Serra Catholic in Sr. Clare Smith instructor in McKeesport. languages and Sr. Clare also taught at Colegio Nuestra director of the Mader Center at Saint  Meinrad Seminary and School of Señora de la Merced in San Juan, P.R. Theology from 1996-2010. Sr. Clare entered the Sisters of Mercy 800.778.1152 from St. Philip Parish in Crafton, PA, in www.smagiftshop.com

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Mr. Peter Doane, MTS’14 (’10-14), of ALUMNI NEWS had served as a pastoral associate, Carmel, IN, has written a book that formation director, liturgist, explores the spirituality found in the Acts the Search for Truth. It was published by chaplain/pastoral care, spiritual director of the Apostles, applying that spirituality Pickwick Publications in October 2020. and retreat facilitator. She served on the to the American Church today. Encounter Saint Meinrad Alumni Board, 2005-2011. Fr. Vincent Lampert, T’89 (’83-86), has Jesus! Transforming in She recently began a three-year term on written : The Battle Against Crisis was published in December by the Sisters of Charity Nazareth Retreat Satan and His Demons. The nonfiction Wipf & Stock. Doane is the director of Center Advisory Committee, Nazareth, book was published in 2020 by Emmaus evangelization at St. Elizabeth Seton KY. Road Publishing. Catholic Church in Carmel. Fr. Mark Tracy, T’18 (’12-18), serves as Rev. Gregory Perez, T’86 (’82-86), is Mr. Jerry Finn, SS’86 (’81-84), of parochial vicar at St. Anthony of Padua priest-in-charge at St. Stephen’s Floyds Knobs, IN, will retire from his Parish in Effingham, IL. He also has Memorial Episcopal Church in Lynn, position as executive director of the joined the faculty at St. Anthony High MA. He previously had served as rector Caesars Foundation of Floyd County in School, where he teaches religion to of Church in Bayonne, NJ, since March after 19 years on the job. freshmen. 2011. Fr. Anthony Hollowell, T’16 (’10-12), a Mr. Jim Vaal O’64 (’52-57) and his wife Theresa Secord, T’99 (’97-99), of priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Clara celebrated their 60th wedding Louisville, KY, retired on July 2, 2020, is the author of Ratio in Relatione: The anniversary on October 22, 2020. They after 40 years in pastoral and catechetical Function of Structural Paradigms and  ministry in Michigan and Kentucky. She reside in Ferdinand, IN. Their Influence on Rational Choice and 50+ years after he began seminary, Fr. David Pinto is ordained It takes a lot of study, prayer and 1971, graduating with a bachelor’s degree the seminary in his late 30s, more family discernment to become a priest. But it in philosophy. obligations interfered. usually doesn’t take 50 years. According to a story by the Catholic Nonetheless, Fr. Pinto finally returned to On December 8, 2020, Deacon David News Agency, Fr. Pinto was then sent to seminary in 2017 when he enrolled at Pinto was ordained a priest for the continue his studies at St. John Provincial Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Diocese of Kalamazoo, MI. He originally Seminary. Short after his theology studies Michigan. Even with a gap of 40-plus began his priesthood studies shortly after began, Fr. Pinto’s father died. He returned years in formation, Saint Meinrad high school graduation. He studied at home to help his mother raise his 12 alumnus Fr. Pinto, now 71, has Saint Meinrad Seminary from 1967 to siblings. When he attempted to return to maintained his faith and his vocation.  Saint Meinrad alumnus named auxiliary bishop of A Work of Saint Meinrad Archabbey Francis appointed three auxiliary bishops for Contact us to receive a FREE Archdiocese of Chicago on September 11, 2020, “Catholic Funeral Guide” including Fr. Jeffrey S. Grob of that archdiocese. Fr. Grob attended Saint Meinrad College from 1980 to 1982. He was ordained in 1992. He also earned a licentiate and doctorate in canon law. Since ordination, he has served in parishes and as judge of the Court of Appeal of the Province of Chicago, vicar of the Metropolitan Tribunal, chancellor, and judicial vicar. He was ordained a 800.987.7380  Most Rev. Jeffrey S. Grob bishop at Holy Name Cathedral on November 13. www.abbeycaskets.com

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #3 200 Hill Drive St. Meinrad, IN St. Meinrad, IN 47577

Saint Meinrad names new director of alumni relations Timothy Florian Most recently, Florian was a teacher at AL; and St. Pius X and Holy Spirit has been named Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Catholic parishes, Mobile. the new director in Montgomery, AL. He graduated in of alumni 2018 with a Master of Arts in Catholic He began his new position at Saint relations at Saint philosophical studies from Saint Meinrad. Meinrad on January 11.  Meinrad Seminary and He also has a bachelor’s degree in School of business administration from the Theology. He University of South Alabama. replaces Joseph Online Store Timothy Florian Oliveri, who Florian also worked in sales and as Visit the Scholar Shop’s moved with his assistant store manager for Sherwin- online store wife to Ohio in September. Williams and as administrator/

bookkeeper for Hall’s Motorsports. http://store.saintmeinrad.edu Florian will oversee the planning,

execution and evaluation of activities and Shop our new website for He has also held leadership and programs designed to address the needs the latest books from of Saint Meinrad alumni. He will serve volunteer positions for the Catholic as the principal liaison between Saint Student Association, Mobile, AL; Saint Meinrad authors, Meinrad and the 6,700+ members of the Catholic Young Adults of Montgomery, clothing and other items. Alumni Association.