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The Bedan RecoRdSummer Edition 2011Volume 35, Number 2

Saint Bede Academy24 W US Highway 6Peru, IL 61354-2903www.st-bede.com

AddrESS SErVIcE

rEqUEStEdlegal title:

The Benedictine Society

of Saint Bede

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Permit No. 100LaSaLLe, iLLiNoiS The

Bedan RecoRdAbbot Philip Davey - the next new adventure!

2010-2011 Choir Trip to Disney World Orlando

2 h The Bedan RecoRd SummeR 2011 h 23

h m e m o r i a l s hRose Marenda Family of rose Marenda richard & Sharon rosplochPeggy Marshall Mr. & Mrs. John PrindevilleTom Martin roger dooley ray & carole Newman Mark & Sue Van de WyngaerdeLowell & Florence McReynolds Mr. & Mrs. Albert HerrmannPeter Miller III Larry & Elaine castelli John & Karen duncan Patricia Prokup Mr. & Mrs. Jack WaylandIrene Miller Mr. & Mrs. Jack WaylandStephen Miller Mr. & Mrs. Edward Krolak Joseph & carol Magana ronald & dorothy MalooleyBrian Moore Amy AffeltBarbara Morrow tom & rosalyn PigatiCharlene Murray Herb & Annette FrizolJoseph Nacrelli Mr. & Mrs. Jack WaylandScott Martin Noah roger dooleyNellie A. O’Kier ronald & dorothy MalooleyJohn Olivero Jim & Mary Ellen Mini ron & Karon Mini Mr. & Mrs. Paul SmudzinskiHarold Pambianco June PambiancoAlice Pasiewicz tom & Lois Koncan tony & Jeannie rygiel FamilyJoe Pender Jim & Mary Ellen Mini ron & Karon MiniGary Peterson Buck & Bev Emmerling terry & Marie Emmerling ron & Karon MiniSamuel Phelps Mr. & Mrs. Jack WaylandVelma Pioli cindy rolandoLouise Pranzini terry connollyJohn Prey George KnafelcDon Prusator Maryann Barth Mr. & Mrs. Paul SmudzinskiDan Pryde Frank & Jackie Assalley tom & Jackie O’Sadnick cindy & dan rolandoKathryn Pumo Mr. & Mrs. Paul Smudzinski Jack WaylandRichard Quartucci Buck & Bev Emmerling richard & Bette Anne Malooley ronald & dorothy MalooleyBeatrice Ragan Michael & Anne crowley Family

William Regan Lee & Nancy Andreoni Anthony dakewicz Frank draslerPamela Robach Gary & Kathy FilippiniDalphina Rodriguez Maryann BarthEdmund Rolando dan & cindy rolandoAnthony Rolinski tom & Gerri cleary Eugene LesniakClarisse Rollins Mr. & Mrs. cyril KozelEsther Rooney Jim rooneyRose Rosnes david & celeste InmanRosemary Rounds dennis, Jan & Gina davito Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Franco ralph & Marion Grivetti Sandy Grivetti Family Bob & rita Siebert ron Swingel FamilyRena Rygalski robert & doris GruskMarie Sabatini terry & Marie EmmerlingFlora Safranski Mac & Gina cawley James & Kathleen Ellis Ed & Barbara Lischewski Shaun & Katelyn McFadden Bea VerucchiRobert Samolinski Gary & Kathy FilippiniRaymond Sarwinski Friends of raysGeorge Savin Fred GoldenCecelia Schwab tim & christina corcoran Buck & Elizabeth Emmerling Steve & Virginia Jesiolowski Al & rita Kunkel Andrew Kunkel charlie & Laurie Kunkel daniel & Maria Kunkel dennis & Amy Kunkel Gene & Joan Kunkel George & rochelle Kunkel Jane Kunkel John & Linda Kunkel Sr. teresa Kunkel Stephen & Mary Kunkel thomas & Laurel Kunkel Jim & rose WallLeanne Schweickert Mr. & Mrs. Harry VandaleyRichard Schweickert Sandra Grivetti Mike & Pat Langham Elmer & Jeannie Liesse ronald & dorothy Malooley Jack WaylandJoyce Schwiderski tom & Gerri clearyRobert Sherman Mary Ann OklessenRichard Simonovich Mike & Jeanne KuberaMike Slater

rich & Sue FerrettiEdward Smudzinski Frank & Jackie Assalley Jim & cindy Assalley Jeff Ballard Family robert & Judith Billings Mike Brown Nancy Gallagher Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Huettemann dr. & Mrs. Franklin Jasiek Mr. & Mrs. George Knafelc Knights of columbus Mr. & Mrs. Ed Krolak Lorraine Kubera Steve & Mary Kunkel Sharon Piletic Leo & Mary Plese tim & Eve Postula dave & Mary Beth Potthoff Prokup Family John & Larayne remkus Mr. & Mrs. Paul Smudzinski rick, Nick & Eric Smudzinski Mr. & Mrs. Jerry StuartSr. Mary Luke Sondgeroth ron & Karon MiniAnthony Sorrentino George KnafelcMarjorie Spitz Jim & Janet Baum Mr. & Mrs. ronald Malooley Spitz FamilyMichael Stoltz Betty A. KunkelHelen Strauch dorothy LundTheodore R. Struck Kathy Martin Paul & carole Perona tom & rosalyn Pigati Butch & Gerry torriTravis Strugala Buck & Bev Emmerling terry & Marie Emmerling Gary & Kathy Filippini craig & Gena Jordan Jim & Mary Ellen MiniEunice Supan Al & rita Kunkel rita PearsonHelen Swietek Family & Friends Four Stars John & Jill Pohar Family rich & Sharon rosploch

Seth & theresa SorrentinoAlma Szalek Friends from PeruGrace Tattini douglas & carol tattiniTony Tedesco Albert &Mary Kay HerrmannMildred Terchek tom & Lois KoncanEugene C. Tickle Ed ErsfeldtEurith Torri James & Kathleen Ellis deborah Buffington GoyEugene Troksa Jim & Adrienne StackKatherine Twardowski Family & FriendsGeorge Uranich George KnafelcJohn Valentine Mr. & Mrs. tom clearyPamela Veronda Gary & Kathy FilippiniMarian Walker terry templetonDoris Fox Willison ABc Plumbing, Heating, cooling & Electric Gerald & Katherine Arana Mary clark Jane duncan Lee & Sue Fox Leonard & Marge Hunsader Phillip Knox Family Matthew, Brittany & Alex Puglise robert & Marcia reiser Lance & Melissa WalkerKathleen “Jane” Woodshank Elmer & Jeannie Liesse Frank & Fran Zeller.Ron Wren Buck & Bev Emmerling rich & Sue Ferretti ron & Karon MiniVirginia Zebron terry & Laurie Arkins Frank & Joan LapuhRae Zibert Gary & Kathy Filippini Ed & Jane HarmonRay Zickus Fred GoldenRae Zukowski Esther Brucki

A Message from Donna As another school year comes to an end, we bid a fond farewell to the class of 2011. It is our hope that you will return often to this place you’ve called home for the past four years. More than 10,000 graduates have gone before you to make their mark on the world and now you are among that prestigious group of people known as Saint Bede Alumni! Here in the development department, we have enjoyed a very fruitful year, thanks to the generosity of so many who have given of their time, talent and treasure! I look forward to sharing with you the results of our success in the upcoming annual report. the second half of the year was a HUGE success development-wise. We began in February with a sold-out crowd for the first-ever Mr. SBA contest. ten contestants (all SBA alumni!) shared their talents with the world, and every act also included student volunteers. You know parents are doing a great job in lessons of service when seventy-five students were willing to give up a Friday and Saturday night to help raise funds for their own education. My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in creating such a spectacular event! We concluded in April with our 28th annual Auction Gala. the hits just kept on coming! Bonnie Prokup and her team of over 200 volunteers; students, parents and friends of the academy, all came together for one common cause: to help fund the gap to benefit each and every student at Saint Bede. their time, effort and energy was met with amazing results. this year’s auction became the highest income-earning event in the history of the academy. My unwavering gratitude goes out to this remarkable team of people and their leader! As we prepare for a new year, we are delighted with the prospect of new beginnings. We are honored to congratulate Abbot Philip davey as the new abbot of Saint Bede abbey. We are fortunate that Abbot Philip will remain an active part of our development team. this year the theme for the 29th annual Auction Gala is “there’s No Place Like Home”. As many of you may recall, this line is used in the last scene of the movie, the Wizard of Oz. the line stands as reminder that everything we ever need in life can always be found in our own backyard. Family, friends, faith and love are all values that are instilled in us at a very young age, and Saint Bede Academy is part of that for all of us. this is why we have decided to incorporate the theme “there’s No Place Like Home” for the 2011-2012 fiscal/academic year. We want to bring you ‘home’ to Saint Bede as often as your schedule will allow. If it’s been a while since you’ve been back, we ask you to consider making this the year to do it. Give us a call to reconnect and find your place once again among the Saint Bede family. I look forward to another great year of getting to know the students, parents, alumni, faculty and friends of Saint Bede Academy. I am constantly reminded that Saint Bede is Where WE ALL Belong!

Fondly,

Donna Aleksy

These names indicate memorial gifts mailed or delivered to Saint Bede

February 1, 2011 to June 15, 2011.

Some memorials, given at the time of visitation, are presented to Saint Bede by the family as a single donation

without individual donor names.

Each Sunday, Abbot Philip offers Mass in memory of the deceased listed in this issue and past issues of

The Bedan Record.


h m e m o r i a l s h Paul & carole Perona Gary & Lana Peterlin Jim & Jill Peters teri Pogue Ken & Jyll Pozzi rose Ann Prey Joe & Mary Jo Pusateri dave & carlene reid Joe & Mary rizzo Mickey & Jeane rodda Jim rooney Gerry & chris Schweickert dave & debbie Sickley Larry & Stacey Smith Mr. & Mrs. richard Snyder rich & Karen Stachowiak John & darlene Starr thomas tonozzi Family Butch, Gerry & trisha torri Betty turpin Mark & Sue VandeWyngarde Mr. & Mrs. Joe Vittone chuck & Mary Ann Vories dan & Leann Wilcoxen Jim & Jude Wimbiscus Kurt Yelnick Kathy Yerly Louis Zamin Frank & Fran ZellerLouis Delphi darlene KolodziejJames Derix roger dooley Gary & Kathy Filippini ron & Karon MiniJack Dobovsky drew & denise Bernabei Michael & Anne crowley daniel & Ariella Lawler Peter & Linda reviglioDr. Robert Duncan Jerry & Judy Bichl Alex carretto chuck & Nina carretto cregier Family Mike & Anne crowley roger dooley John & tara duncan Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Eiten Lee & Sue Fox Jeff & Jeanne Hayden c. r. Jasiek dr. Won & Moon Kim Mr. & Mrs. Edward Krolak Joe & Loretto Leydon Mr. & Mrs. Phil McGinnis Frederick Miller Marianne Schlesinger Pat Schmidt dave & debbie Sickley dr. & Mrs. Jerome Sickley Emagene Sulmanetti dr. Mary Lou toraasonDan Edgecomb rich & Susie FerrettiJames Elliott Jeff HaydenRobert Ernat Jean current Irene & ray Krolak ron & dorothy KuffelBob Ewing terry & Laurie Arkins Mr. & Mrs. Jerry StuartMary Faletti

John & Karen duncan darlene KolodziejMary Anne Farris Steve & Suzy diemerKenneth Feeney roger dooleyCatherine Fiorentini ron & Karon Mini Bob & carol Schmidt Lori Janko WilkeConception Flores Jim & Adrienne StackRonald Floroplus terry connolly Leah Mini Jo Anne PijanowskiJosephine Foley Jim & Leslie Andreoni Jim Arkins, Sr. Frank & Jackie Assalley Joseph Banich Family Elaine Becker Helen Brown Mike Brown Bernadine cahill Joanne cinotto Nathan cullinan Mr. & Mrs. William dellinger terry & robbie donahue Joseph V. dooley W. Patrick dooley John & Karen duncan Joe & Maryann Ennenbach Faculty & Staff of SBA Friends of Family Nancy Gallagher Josephine Grabowski Mr. & Mrs. James Gray Shirley Hayden Slovenian Society of the Holy Family Betty Hurst dick & carol Janko Mark Janko K of c calvert council 792 Ellen Knaff Gene & Mary Kosidowski thomas Kovacic Vera Kramarsic Family Mr. & Mrs. Ed Krolak Lorraine Kubera Al & rita Kunkel Paula Leggett Elmer & Jeannie Liesse Betty Lindner Ed & Barbara Lischewski dr. & Mrs. Louis Lukancic Betty Housby Mariani Kathy Martin Walter & rose McLachlan Steve & Becky Meehan John & Linda Micheli Leah Mini chuck & donna Mueller chuck & Jean Mueller Family dan Nagle dorothy Nagle John Neri construction co timothy O’Hara Vince & Ed Oklesen Mr. & Mrs. William rogowski Jim rooney Jerry & Sally Scoma dick & Beth Snyder Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Stuart Ed & Mary tomaszewski

Volpe’s Service Station ray & Sandra Wasilewski Lori Janko Wilke Jim & Jude Wimbiscus Lyle & Pat YattoniDelfo Galletti roger dooley Betty A. KunkelMildred Garland ronald & dorothy Malooley Lorena reviglio Peter & Linda reviglioTheresa Garland Mike & diane crowley ronald & dorothy MalooleyIrene Garrison Harry & Pam PappasAngeline Perez Garza Maryann BarthDr. John Goncher Jim & Mary Ellen MiniMarion Grasser Arnie & Lynn davis Alex & Linda HueneburgRoger Greene Fred GoldenAnna Grillo Jim & Mary Ellen Mini ron & Karon MiniTeresa Hunter Gutierrez roger dooley Barb Feik dan & Nancy Fitzgerald ron & Mary FlohrFr. Joe Haley Lorraine KuberaBetty Harris Evelyn coulter Betty A. KunkelEdwin Hawley Marguerite Hawley Elmer & Jeannie Liesse ron & Karon Mini tom & rosalyn Pigati Mickey SchmittMalcolm “Mac” Hawley Marguerite HawleyWilliam Heise Fran theisen Frank & Fran ZellerMr. & Mrs. Lyle Herrmann Albert & Mary Kay HerrmannEunice Hettinger Edmund & Faye HettingerTheresa Hild catherine PeltonMary Hindle roger dooleyPaul P. Hok Jr. Frank & carol draslerMichael Hurst Frank & Jackie Assalley Jeff & Kathy Burris ron & Kim Groleau Lorraine Kubera ron & carol Kulpa ron & Karon Mini tom & Jackie O’Sadnick Mike Scott Family ron Swingel Family Frank & Fran ZellerIrene Hylek Ann Wayland cook John & Karen duncan dan & Susie Lawler

Bill & Peggy Plantan Jack Wayland Family Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Zelenski Frank & Fran ZellerMary Ann Kantor Jim & Mary Ellen MiniRobert Kelly ron & Karon MiniJohn Koester tony & Jeannie rygielJulia Koncan tom & Lois KoncanDon Kotecki ron & Karon MiniVirginia Krewer Bob & connie MariniRandy Krystofek rena Ingegnoli carol SchmidtJosephine Kukla Bob & connie MariniShirley Kusek Frank & Mary Heuser Sharon McFadden Mickey Schmitt thomas tonozzi FamilyMary Beth LaCaeyse Jerry & carol BanessWilliam Lannon John & Karen duncan Mr. & Mrs. Jack Wayland William WrobelJames Loftus, Jr. ron & Karon MiniFrank Lund Jim Arkins Marion costello Mr. & Mrs. darrin cowman Joan crane Marie dicrispino Atty. & Mrs. John duncan Jane duncan Family Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Eiten Karen Eiten Family Brian & dorothy Flar Mr. & Mrs. John Fusinatto Bob & Bette Grossman Betty Hurst ron & Linda Kelsey Mr. & Mrs. rich Koehler Michael & Sharon Lawler Mr. & Mrs. thomas Lehan roger & carol Lewis Jeff & Anne Lieben Philip & Linda Lund Lund Family Sandra F. Lundholm Howard Manning Family Larry & Paulette Martell Mr. & Mrs. tim Martin Michael Mason Fr. Matthew Mazzuchelli robert & Sue Mullin raymond & Patricia Neppl Mike & Allison rooney cathy Schleich Mickey Schmitt Mr. & Mrs. dave Sickley Sue Starman Mr. & Mrs. Frank Uranich Marge ZielinskiDr. John Majeske Ed & Jane HarmonFrank Manarchy Mike & Jeanne Kubera

TrusT It would be impossible for us to get through a day or even part of a day without it.

When we set our alarm, we trust it will go off in the morning. When we buy food at the grocery store, we trust it’s not contaminated. When we come to a stoplight that is green, we trust that others will stop on red. I could go on, but you get the idea.

Even though we trust objects, more importantly trust is firm reliance on the integrity, ability, strength of character, or truth of another person. We especially trust those who love us and those whom we love. It is in trusting others that we come to trust God.

Prayer is probably the most practical application of faith and trust in God. Other than in prayer how do we so completely show that our final trust is in God and not in ourselves or in anyone or anything else in this world?

We trust that we will receive what we need from God because God the Father loves us. It is because he loves us that he desires what is for our good and he knows better than we do what is for our good. Here’s where the trust really comes in. It doesn’t happen overnight. Prayer without too much insistence on a specific outcome is what we gradually learn. trusting confidence eventually leads us to quit trying to tell God what we need. He loves us, cares for us and has done so much for us-- why not make known our needs and then simply trust God? A few months ago I tried to make trust quite tangible for a group of eight students. I invited them on a five-day Mystery trip. they were not told where we were going or what would happen these five days. the whole purpose of the trip was to experience trust: trust in me, trust in the other students and, most of all, trust in God. Wonder where we went? We spent the first night in Beech Grove, IN with the Benedictine sisters. the next day we began driving east and went all the way to Emmitsburg, Md for a 1,500-student youth rally at Mount St. Mary University and Seminary. We were there for the weekend. Our first stop on the way back was nearby Gettysburg. We then stayed in cleveland overnight with the Benedictine monks of St. Andrew Abbey. the next day we had a tour of their high school before we visited the rock’n roll Hall of Fame. We then headed back to St. Bede. All along the way the kids had no idea where we would go next and yet they trusted. Over and over again in scripture, in countless ways, God repeats himself: I am with you. I love you. trust me. So often we don’t know which way to turn. things go wrong for us or those we love. We are tempted to believe that no one is in charge. In the midst of our struggles it is very consoling to realize that God’s main revelation to us about himself is that he loves us and watches over us at every moment. His constant message is: I am with you. I love you. trust me.

Fr. ronald Margherio


h m e m o r i a l s h

h i n m e m o r i a m h

June 30, 2010Dr. Robert Willand

Father of Karen Barton ‘85 - david ‘76 - Paul ‘78

- Michael ‘80

August 29, 2010Edward L. Mahoney ‘51

december 17, 2010Mary Lou Cronin Murphy

Wife of James ‘60/’62

January 9, 2011Matt Basala

Son of James ’51

February 21, 2011Frank Lund

Father of tom ‘65 - Jim ‘67

February 22, 2011Doris Fox Willison

Mother of Jim ‘70 - Lee ‘76 - chris ‘79

February 26, 2011Kris Basala

daughter of James ‘51

March 1, 2011John Olivero

Father of John ‘74 - Mark ‘78

March 3, 2011Edward Smudzinski

Father of Mary Beth Potthoff ‘77 - rick ‘81

March 23, 2011Ray Sarwinski ’53

March 27, 2011Rev. John Dietzen JC ’47

March 28, 2011Louise Davey

Mother of Fr. Philip davey OSB ‘65 - richard ‘70

April 7, 2011Edwin Hawley

Father of cliff ‘72

April 13, 2011Jeffrey Rockey

Father of Benjerman ’09

April 15, 2011William Regan ‘60

April 15, 2011William Morgensen

Father of Susan ‘91 - Sarah davidson ‘93 - Emily Mitchell ‘96

May 12, 2011Richard Flaherty Father of david ‘69

June 4, 2011Josephine Foley

Mother of James ‘56 - John “Jack” ‘66 -

Sister of Fr. Bernard Horzen, OSB

Josephine Ardolino Jim & Mary Ellen MiniMarilyn Argubright tim & denise Bott Jim & Stephanie Grivetti Sandra GrivettiMichael Ariano Patricia ProkupYvonne Baker Joe & theresa FrancoKris Basala Billee Basala Bob & Pam Basala dennis & reeda Basala Joe & Kim Basala Joe & Sue Basala Jim & Joyce chiotti Eric & Kerrie diller dave & chris Evans Julia Fairley deane & Lois Frye tom & Judy Kerns Mark & Karen Peckenschneider Ken & donna rio dan & Sue Shirey Kent & Ann Stickler ted & Susan ZieglerMatt Basala Billee Basala Bob & Pam Basala dennis & reeda Basala Joe & Kim Basala Joe & Sue Basala Jim & Joyce chiotti Eric & Kerrie diller dave & chris Evans Julia Fairley deane & Lois Frye tom & Judy Kerns Mark & Karen Peckenschneider Ken & donna rio dan & Sue Shirley Kent & Ann Stickler ted & Susan Ziegler

Shirley Bayne Minnie delphi Ann Jordan darlene Kolodziej Joe & Lori Kolodziej John & Jill Kolodziej regina WojciechowskiKeith Beck George & Gen Knafelc tony & Jean MertelBernadine Bellino Bill & Mary caldera ralph & Marion GrivettiLois Bernatavich Maryann Barth Mr. & Mrs. Melvin HuettemannRoger Blummer roger dooleyJennie Briddick ronald & dorothy MalooleyBillie Bubon Jim Arkins Betty A. Kunkel dorothy LundFrank Buckles John & Karen duncanBernard Butler Jim rooneyRose Byczynski Bob & dorothy Barnes Bobby & Lisa Barnes ron & Nell Barnes June PambiancoMichael Calpin Mr. & Mrs. Edward KrolakJohn Carpenter Bob & carol SchmidtJohn Cassidy Paul KobbemannJohn Chybion Kathleen Wagner chybionBeverly Jean Cole Lynette LucasIsabel Corcoran

Paul & carole PeronaMaxine Corgiat ron & Karon MiniBarbara Corsale Joe corsaleNick & Josephine Corsale Joe corsaleNicole Corsale Joe corsaleMarie Coulter Evelyn coulterPhillip Cunningham cy & Lee KozelRuth Daniels Louis J. & Joan PeronaLouise Davey chuck & doris Ambrose Mr. & Mrs. robert Ankiewicz Joann Antle terry & Laurie Arkins Bill & Margaret Balestri Mark & Emily Balestri Maryann Barth Mary Lou Bennington Irene Betrarmini Gary & cheryl Biolchini Al & Peg Blomquist Mary Bowie Amme Bukovic Audrey Burgess Mr. & Mrs. Atilio corredato Arnie & JoAnn daley daley Family Arnie & Lynn davis Louie & Minnie delfi Lena deutsch Joe dooley tom & Phyllis dose Jason Edgcomb Family Paula Endress Barb Feik rosemary Ferrari dan & Nancy Fitzgerald Four Star restaurant

Bruce Full Family ron & Phyllis Gbur Vicki Gensini dave & Sarah Golick Morris & Lillian Gordon Mary Jane Gorski Mr. & Mrs. ron Gregorich ron Groleau Family Herb Hames ron & Valerie Hrovat Paula Illman david & celeste Inman dick & carol Janko Mark Jeffrey John & camille Keller George & Gen Knafelc rich & Marcie Koehler richard & carol Koplenik Leonard Kostellic Mr. & Mrs. Francis Kotecki Louise Kozikowski Ken & Barb Krogulski Ed & Pat Krolak ron & dorothy Kuffel tom Kujawa Al & rita Kunkel Steve & Mary Kunkel Adelia Lanzotti Bill & Sue Lanzotti Ed Lischewski Family david & Nancy Maciejewski Laura Margherio Jeff Martin Kathy Martin Mike Mazzuchelli Bill Mccann Howard & rose McLaughlin Mari & Mary Lee McLaughlin Jerry & Kathy Mekley John & Linda Micheli Madeline Mils dave Milus Family doug & Elaine Ossola Mr. & Mrs. Steve Pearson

Girls — Left to Right: Angela Silfies, Jolissa Antolik, Meggie Zermeno, Britney Burkart

Boys — Left to Right:

Dylan Torres, Mike Boland, Collin Zimmerman, Joe Migliorini

1st Row — Left to Right: Joe Migliorini, Mike Boland, Meggie Zermeno, Britney Burkart, Angela Silfies 2nd Row — Left to Right: Dylan Torres, Collin Zimmerman, Jolissa Antolik, Fr. Ronald, Julie Enzenberger (she was the other chaperone)

MYsTErY TrIP

The Mystery Trip for the students was about trust:

trust in me, trust in one another,

but most of all, trust in God.Gettysburg

Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame

T

E

N

T

O

P iL-R seated: Xuechen “Susan” Liu, Connor Armstrong, Hailee Brayton, Timothy Peck, Melanie Kim

L-R standing: Elizabeth Voitik, Ayethaw Tun, Benjamin Read, Robert Hamill, Britney Burkart


“INTO ThE wOOds”

glEE club

August 3, 2010Magnus Benz

born to Jane (Hamilton ‘89) & dan Benz

January 16, 2011Katherine Julius Kibler

born to Jeff & Annie (Stachowiak ‘00) Kibler

January 29, 2011Bradley Paul Gruenwald Jr.

born to Laura deLaGarza & Bradley (‘04) Gruenwald

February 17, 2011Logan Martin tipton

born to Nate & Gina-Marie (Aleksy ’02) tipton

February 25, 2011Liv Kathleen Gahan

born to Jason (’01) & Amy (Janko ’02) Gahan

March 3, 2011Payton christopher davis

born to chris & Heather (Grasser ’02) davis

March 12, 2011Nora Florence & Maria Viola Pumo

born to Stephanie (Gensler ‘97) & Greg Pumo (‘96)

May 17, 2011Patrick James Schimmoller

born to James & Maureen (Langham ’95) Schimmoller

bruIN bAbIEs

Katherine

Logan

Bradley

Magnus

Nora&

Maria

Payton

Liv

Patrick

2011 Spring Musical


MArdI grAs PrOM

graduation

IslANds IN ThE suNBonnie Prokup

(auction coordinator)

and her husband Bill.

Melanie Kim,ValidictorianFather Dom with Senior Stage Rats:

l-r Amanda Marks, Elizabeth Voitik, Father Dom, Dan Smith, Jake Kinsella, & Ben Read.

Senior Boys: Joe Suarez, Ross Kenseth, Alex Draper, Nicholas Passini, Nick Hueneburg, Jerad Mekley, Austin Duffell,

James Brady, Alec Schwab, Evan Duttlinger, Nathan Yuvan, & Alex Harrison.

Senior Girls at Prom. Senior Boys at Prom.Alex Niewinski & date at Mardi Gras Prom


Mr. sbA

sAINT bEdE AcAdEMY

Saint Bede Academy’s

28th Annual Auction

“Islands in the Sun”

YOU DID IT! Thanks to you, the 2010 – 2011 Auction Goal of $200,000.00 has been met and

surpassed with a total net income of $210,349.00

We Thank You…

…to all donors, guests, volunteers, & students for being an intricate part of the highest income producingevent in the history of the academy!


sPOrTs AT

bOYs’ bOwlINg

bAss FIshINg TEAM bOYs’ TENNIs

gIrls’ TrAcK

gIrls’ bOwlINg

gIrls’ VArsITY sOFTbAll

h C l a s s n o T e s h

1957 ~ David Wasilewski and his wife, Norma, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

1957 ~ Dr. Jim Mini has authored an autobiography entitled A Circle of Life. the book includes photos of the priests and brothers at Saint Bede in 1957.

1976 ~ Diane (Ptak) Brackett recently retired after 20 years at the Westminster Memorial Park, and her husband, Al, joins her in retirement after 29 years of service to the Westminster Police department. they will be moving to Washington, Utah in January to enjoy their retirement.

1998 ~ Jodie Kunkel, after two tours of duty in Iraq, was recently assigned to the headquarters of the U.S. Army corps of Engineers in Washington, d.c.

2002 ~ Courtney Polster is living in Oglesby.

2004 ~ Carle Polster is attending columbia college in chicago, Illinois.

2007 ~ Jimmy Polster is a senior at rockford college and will graduate in december of 2011. Jimmy has been a starter for the rockford college baseball team all 4 years.

2009 ~ Gina Balestri was recently inducted into Phi Alpha theta, the history honors society at Augustana college, rock Island, Illinois. She also was inducted into Alpha Psi Omega, a national theatre service fraternity, and had a play featured in the quad cities Playwrite Festival.

h B i r T H DaY s h

80th BirthdayDee Lanzotti

from Morris & Lolly Gordon

80th BirthdayHelen Lukancic Valrugo

from Louis & Barbara Lukancic

90th BirthdayEugene Liss ‘39

From Frank & Bernie Kotecki

h W e D D i n G s h

September 4, 2010christine (duff ‘03) Askeland

with bridsmaids - rebecca campbell ‘03 - taylor Kinsella ‘03 - Lena crossman ‘03 - colleen King ‘03 - Margaret carter ‘03 - Amy Urbanowski ‘03

- Jessica McWhorter - Meghan Lutes

Andrew Loebach ‘09, taylor Niewinski ‘09 & Father ronald Margherio at Joliet Junior college culinary Arts dinner.

November 13, 2010Andrea (Mason ‘96) & ryan Whitlatch


ThE AcAdEMYCalendar of Events

AUGUST 20 SHIMMER FORD

TEST DRIVE PROGRAM

27 AUCTION KICK-OFF PARTY

SEPTEMBER TBA FALL ALUMNI NIGHT

OCTOBER21-23 HOMECOMING/

CLASS REUNIONS

NOVEMBER 20 HOLIDAY TEA PARTY

DECEMBER TBA HOLIDAY EVENT

MAKE CHANGE BELOW:

o Check here if your son or daughter

would like to receive SBA admissions

material.

An Academy representative

will contact you for more details.

Alumni: send us your news. The Bedan Record welcomes contributions to the Alumni class Notes section. Use this form to fax or mail in your personal and professional news items. Photos, news clippings, etc., are also welcome, as well as tips about other alumni who may make good feature story subjects.

• Submission guidelines: Alumni Class Notes are printed in The Bedan Record so that Saint Bede alumni can share news of significant events in their lives. We welcome items about personal and professional achievements, as well as life milestones such as weddings, births, adoptions and deaths. Photos and news clippings are welcome, but cannot be returned.

• Minimum submission requirements: Your legal name, class year and e-mail address (if applicable); home address; and home phone number; other useful information includes your business title and company name.

Name__________________________________ class year________

E-mail___________________________________________________

Spouse’s name _________________________ class year ________

_________________________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________

city, State, Zip ___________________________________________

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What’s new?

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_________________________________________________________

Send to: Saint Bede Academy

24 W US Highway 6, Peru, IL 61354

Phone: 815-223-3140 • FAX: 815-223-8580

E-mail: [email protected]

so what’s new with you?

bOYs bAsKETbAll

gIrls bAsKETbAll

Ronnie Mudge

goes up for the shot.

Joe Pyska assists.

Congratulations

Alec Schwab!

Class 1A-2A

North All-Star

Alec Sshwab

goes up for

the layup.

Kayla McDavitt

& Carly Ficek

rebound the ball.

Taylor Miller at the

freethrow line.

Emily Considine

looks on.

Brittany Burgess

goes for

two points.

Carly Ficek makes

her way down

the court.


2011 homecoming schedule of Events

we Need Your help. . . . . . we are looking for volunteer alumni who would be willing

to serve on a committee for one year. the committee will meet in early August at Saint Bede

to discuss ideas and opportunities for alumni to gather together.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Saint Bede Alumni committee,

please contact donna Aleksy at 815-223-3140; ext. 243 or e-mail me at [email protected]

HOMEcOMING 2011 * OctOBEr 21 – 23 ALErt

1951 – James torri

1956 – Fr. Harold datzman

1961 – John O’reilly

1966 – John duncan

1971 – John Spoeri/Bill donahue

1976 – Maureen Polster

1981 – christine ceresa Sampson

1986 – Nick Kelly, cheryl Hanson

1991 – dan Lamboley/Nick duncan

1996 – Still looking for someone to chair their reunion.

2001 – chris & taylor Affelt – Karisa dinges

2006 – Nicole Bradford

October 20, 2011 5:00 p.m. Homecoming parade followed by Pep rally at SBA Stadium

October 21, 2011 7:00 p.m. Variety Show Bonfire immediately following Variety Show class reunions gather

October 22, 2011 8:00 a.m. Jim Lattin Walk/run 9:30 a.m. Sophomore football game 11:00 a.m. Hall of Fame induction ceremony 12:30 p.m. Varsity football game/Alumni halftime class reunion dinners October 23, 2011 10:00 a.m. All Saint Bede Mass – Golden Bedan ceremony 11:00 a.m. All Saint Bede breakfast - $5.00 per ticket; reserve tickets by calling the development department at (815) 223 -3140, ext. 300 or 243

d E V E l O P M E N T N O T E s

class reunion chairmen 2011

Jeannie Margherio - development director AssistantSaint Bede Abbey & Academy

24 W. US Highway 6, Peru, IL 61354815-223-3140, Ext. 300

bOYs bAsEbAll

gIrls sOFTbAll

Baseball team lines up after the game.

Adam Burgess on the mound.

LainieSchweikert throws a stike.

Father Philip coaches between innings.

Girls’ softball & boys’ baseball 2011

reGional Champions

Nick Hueneburg,

Bureau County Republican

2011 Baseball Player of Year

20112011

Class of 1961 celebrates their 50th Class Reunion Please visit our website at http://www.saintbede1961.info

Special thanks to our website designer, Joe Connor ([email protected])

If you have any questions about the Class of 1961 reunion, please contact John O’Reilly at [email protected]

*

14 h aBBey viewS SummeR 2011 h 11

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2

father philip DaveyeleCteD abbot

C H R I S T O P H E R AWA R D First presented in 1949, the christopher Awards honor writers, producers, directors and illustrators in the publishing, film, tV and cable industries whose work affirms the highest values of the human spirit. “this year’s christopher Award winners creatively demonstrate the transformative impact that faith, courage and action can have on people’s lives,” said Mary Ellen robinson, vice president of the christophers. On thursday, May 19, on the 35th floor of the Mutual Building on Park Avenue in New York city, Fr. dominic Garramone accepted the christopher Award for his first children’s book, Brother Jerome and the Angels in the Bakery. (For those interested, copies are available for $17.95 in the Saint Bede Business Office.)

Abbatial election the most important recent event that has happened in our monastic community is the election of a new abbot. On June 7 Father Philip davey was elected as the eighth abbot of St. Bede. An election was required at this time because the eight-year term of Abbot claude Peifer, who was elected in 2003, had expired. Abbot Philip is a native of Oglesby, IL, the son of the late donald and Louise davey. His mother, who lived into her mid-nineties, had died only a few weeks before his election, on March 28 of this year. the abbot was born in 1947, attended Holy Family Grade School in Oglesby, and graduated from our academy in 1965. After two years’ further study at our junior college, he entered our community in 1967 and made his first profession on August 15 of the following year. After completing college at St. Anselm college in Manchester, NH and theology studies at the collegio di Sant’ Anselmo in rome and the catholic theological Union in chicago, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 3, 1975. Subsequently he did further studies at duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where he earned an MA degree in formative spirituality, and he later received a certificate of advanced study in pastoral counseling from Loyola college, Baltimore, Md. Since 1995 Abbot Philip has practiced as a licensed counselor, in addition to holding numerous positions in both our abbey and our academy. He served as master of novices from 1985 to 1995 and in recent years as master of junior monks. He was prior of the abbey during the year 1996-97. After teaching religion in the academy for a number of years and serving as a prefect of boarding students, he was superintendent of the school from 1997 to 2007, and since then has been vice-president of mission advancement and supervisor of boarding students. He has also coached the girls’ softball team for more than a decade.

Tenure of the Abbot In his Rule for Monasteries St. Benedict describes at some length “What kind of man the abbot ought to be” in chapter 2, and in chapter 64 he legislates on how the abbot should be chosen. What he does not specify is the length of time for which the abbot should remain in office. consequently, over the more than 1500 years of Benedictine history, practice has varied considerably in this regard. there have been some periods in which cultural factors and pressure from political situations required rather brief tenure. But aside from these exceptions, monks have generally preferred that their abbots remain in office for quite a long time, even for life. the reason for this is the nature of the office. the abbot is not simply the chief administrator of the community, though that is one of his roles. He is primarily a spiritual father to each of the monks, and this relationship is of its nature more durable and sensitive than that of a cEO. Since the revival of the monastic order in the 19th century, following the upheavals of the Enlightenment, the French revolution, and the following wave of secularization that had taken place in Europe, most monastic congregations had preferred lifetime tenure for their abbots, and this had been the practice of our congregation since its establishment in 1855. In practice, however, many abbots had resigned voluntarily because of age or health. Accordingly, our first four abbots were elected for an indefinite term of office. Abbot Vincent Huber, elected in 1910, resigned voluntarily in 1926 after suffering a crippling stroke. His successor, Abbot Justus Wirth, died in office in 1942. Abbot Lawrence Vohs then served as abbot for 26 years, but voluntarily resigned in 1968 and died the following year. He was succeeded by Abbot david duncan, but in the meantime the Second Vatican council (1962-65) had mandated that all religious renew and update their legislation. In view of the increased life-expectancy today, the council had

itself imposed a retirement age of 75 for bishops, and in the years that followed most religious institutes prescribed similar limitations for their superiors. Our American-cassinese congregation initially adopted 65 as the retirement age, with the possibility of reelection for further terms of office. consequently Abbot david retired at 65 in 1981, Abbot Marion Balsavich did so in 1990, and in 1998 Abbot roger corpus accepted a second term, but then voluntarily stepped down in 2003. By this time the general chapter of our congregation, in 1995, had changed the retirement age to 75, with the proviso that one who was 67 or more at the time of his election would serve for eight years. Abbot claude Peifer, who was 75 when elected, consequently was elected for an eight-year term. Since Abbot Philip is currently 64 years old, he can expect a term of eleven years, but an abbot who submits his resignation because of age is eligible for reelection to further successive terms of eight years.

Election process the abbot is elected by the monastic chapter, which is composed of all the members of the community who are solemnly professed. People naturally tend to think of it in terms that they know best, viz., today’s democratic elections for political office. It is “democratic” in the sense that all participate, but there are profound differences. there is no caucusing or “electioneering” or “running for office” or promotion of candidates. We prepare by examining the current needs of the community, reflecting on the serious responsibilities that the abbot assumes, and praying that our choice may be in accord with the will of God. St. Benedict suggested and in the Middle Ages monasteries often employed a process in which the monks voted for a small group of electors “of sounder judgment,” who in turn chose the man whom they deemed most suitable according to the qualifications specified by the Rule. In current usage, the election is presided over by the President of the congregation, currently Abbot Hugh Anderson of our neighboring monastery, St. Procopius Abbey at Lisle, IL. the procedure prescribed by our proper law was carefully followed. the chapter assembled the preceding afternoon, June 6, and the President formally accepted the resignation of Abbot claude and verified the status of the electors. A single ballot was then distributed, on which each elector could nominate two candidates, thus establishing a slate of nominees for the office. that evening the President presided at the scrutinium, a procedure in which each of the monks thereby identified as a candidate successively leaves the room, whereupon his qualifications are evaluated by any elector who wishes to speak. the next morning, after the electors had taken an oath to vote for the person whom they believed in conscience to be best qualified, they proceeded to the balloting. A maximum of six ballots can be cast in an abbatial election. On the first three, a two-thirds majority is required for election; on the final three, a majority of one vote more than half suffices. After an election has been achieved, the President has confirmed the election, and the required legal documents have been signed, the community proceeds to the abbey church for a thanksgiving service. If no election takes place in six ballots, the President may appoint an abbot, but more frequently provides for temporary governance of the community until a successful election can later be achieved. this has never happened in our history. Although a new abbot receives full jurisdiction from the moment of his confirmation by the President, he later receives from the bishop of the diocese in which the monastery is located a liturgical blessing, which is one of the richest and most solemn sacramentals of the church. Bishop daniel Jenky of Peoria will come to St. Bede to confer this blessing on a date yet to be determined.

h T H e a B B e Y C H r o n i C l e h

Father dominic Garramone with Msgr. Peter G. Finn of the christophers.

Abbey Views

Abbot Vincent as first abbot of Saint Bede.

Abbot Philip bares the cross that was given to the first abbot of Saint Bede Abbey carrying on

more than one hundred years of tradition and faith.

L to r: Abbot roger corpus, Abbot Marion Balsavich, Abbot Philip davey & Abbot claude Peifer


the other day while I was sitting in my chair at the Abbot’s desk the question came to mind, “What am I doing in the Abbot’s chair; how the heck did I end up being Abbot of Saint Bede Abbey?” In my days as a student at Saint Bede Academy, I thought a lot about becoming a monk and so I entered the novitiate

in 1967. I loved the monks, and the monastery, and prayed that I might know if God was calling me to be a monk. My classmate, tony Vercellone, and I were nearing the end of Novitiate when the Novice Master came into class one day looking more serious and intense than usual. He said that we were nearing the end of novitiate and it was time for us to decide if we wanted to apply to take vows and become members of the monastic community. the idea of making that decision made me a little nervous until he said that” taking vows now is like boarding

a ship and setting out to sea on a great adventure. there is ferment in society, change in the church and the way religious life will be lived.” I was attracted to the idea of adventure but little did I know what would happen once I boarded the ship with a deep trust in God. I had no clue that I would end up studying at Saint Anselm’s college in New Hampshire, even less of a clue that I would study for three years in Italy at Sant-Anselmo in rome. Being Italian, I loved Italy, and every day seemed to be an adventure. My goal was to return to Saint Bede, where I wanted to teach religion and work with high school students. After my ordination in 1975 I fulfilled that dream by becoming a religion teacher at

Saint Bede. At the request of Fr. Placid I began to help with the tEc program in Peterstown. Watching young people grow in their faith and in love of God was tremendously rewarding. through my work with tEc many people, young and old, came to me for help with their personal and spiritual problems. After a lot of prayer, I worked up the courage to ask Abbot david if I could go back to school and study spiritual direction. I almost fell out of the chair when he

almost immediately said yes. I was blessed with the opportunity to study at duquesne and learn so much about the working of God in our lives and how to overcome the many barriers to Spiritual growth. When I returned to Saint Bede I became vocation director and then Postulant, Novice and Junior Master.

While I had those position I taught in the Academy, worked on the monastery liturgy committee, and began coaching softball. People continued to come to me for help with matters that were not spiritual, so in 1993 I asked if I could study pastoral counseling. Abbot roger said yes and I was blessed to study at Loyola college in Maryland and to assist the pastor of Saint Benedict’s Parish in Baltimore. My clients taught me so much about life and the struggle to grow both personally and in relationships. When I returned to Saint Bede in 1995 I was perfectly content to work as a pastoral counselor and resume my career as a softball coach. I was delighted with my work, but after only a year Abbot roger asked me to be prior of the monastery. A year later when I had just begun to understand the responsibilities of the prior, the Abbot asked me to be superintendent of Saint Bede Academy. After a fair amount

of spitting and sputtering on my part, I agreed and spent ten challenging years as superintendent. I was relieved when my time as superintendent ended in the summer of 2007. I was then asked to accept a position in the development office. I had so much to learn about development, and the turnover in staff led to shifting responsibilities. this past January, I remember thinking that now my life would settle down. I was

part of a wonderful staff that worked well together and we were beginning to plan wonderful new projects and events. I had little sense that the adventurous ship I had boarded in 1968 was about to make a major course adjustment. After 8 years of service to Saint Bede Abbey and Academy, Abbot claude Peifer reminded us that his term as abbot would end on June 6. We began a four-month discernment process that involved conferences by Abbots from Belmont Abbey and Marmion Abbey, who came to share their experience as abbot and the challenges an abbot faces in 2011. We also discussed the challenges facing Saint Bede Abbey and the qualities that would be needed in our new abbot. As the day of the election neared people in the school and the local area asked me who would be the new abbot. I told them that only the Holy Spirit knew the answer to that question. Some people suggested that I would be elected, and I told them I didn’t think so. I didn’t realize at the time that the interest in the election of an abbot for Saint Bede was so high that the local gamblers were giving odds on the various monks they thought would be elected. After a very prayerful retreat conducted by Abbot claude the last week of May, we finally came to the actual election process, which took less than 24 hours. On Monday afternoon, under the direction of Abbot President Hugh Anderson, we came together to nominate the candidates to be abbot. After we cast our ballots, Abbot Hugh decided how many of those nominated would be initially evaluated. After supper we reconvened and the process called the scrutinium began. Each nominee was asked to leave the room while the other monks discussed his strengths and weaknesses. After all the nominees were discussed, Abbot Hugh dismissed us for the night and asked us to think and pray about the candidates. the next morning, after celebrating the Eucharist, we all gathered for the

actual voting. the moment came when Abbot Hugh said, “Fr. Philip davey has received enough votes to be elected abbot of Saint Bede Abbey Fr. Philip will you accept?” I was stunned and speechless for a few minutes but I then agreed to be abbot and asked for some time to pray before I was sworn in as abbot. I went to the Blessed Sacrament chapel and asked God, “Why have you done this to me?”, and “How can I handle all the challenges that I will face as abbot?” And the reply came back, “think about all the experiences of your life and all the jobs you have done here. All your life I have been preparing you to be abbot of this community.” I then returned to the room where I completed all the paperwork and Abbot Hugh hung the pectoral cross around my neck. the cross felt like it weighed hundreds of pounds. I thought of all the challenges that face Saint Bede Abbey and Academy, and of the thousands of alumni and friends who would be counting on me, and never in my life did I feel so small. And God said to me, “If you walk with me, and allow me to lead and guide you, I will give you all you need. You and your brother monks will accomplish my work. do not be afraid.” I guess I have answered my question at the beginning of these meanderings, about how I came to be abbot. the ship which is Saint Bede Abbey and Academy is embarking on another challenging journey. I am doing my best to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. they are many, and some are formidable, but with the help of God, my fellow monks, and all of you friends and supporters of Saint Bede, the ship will pass through the storms and come to a safe harbor. Pray for me, pray for all the monks of Saint Bede, pray for the many people who work with us, pray for the young people who come here to learn and grow, pray for all who join us in work and prayer, and be assured that I will daily pray for you.

A NEw AbbOT FOr sAINT bEdE AbbEY

Donald J. DaveyOglesby, Illinois

At a monthly mass, Father Philip gives communion to Rick O’Sadnick.

Father Philip - pastoral counseling

Father Philip, coach, offers words of wisdom.

Father Philip, superintendent, and principal, Michelle Mershon.

Saint Bede Abbey 2011 Monastic Community.


VOLUME 16, NUMBER 2

father philip DaveyeleCteD abbot

C H R I S T O P H E R AWA R D First presented in 1949, the christopher Awards honor writers, producers, directors and illustrators in the publishing, film, tV and cable industries whose work affirms the highest values of the human spirit. “this year’s christopher Award winners creatively demonstrate the transformative impact that faith, courage and action can have on people’s lives,” said Mary Ellen robinson, vice president of the christophers. On thursday, May 19, on the 35th floor of the Mutual Building on Park Avenue in New York city, Fr. dominic Garramone accepted the christopher Award for his first children’s book, Brother Jerome and the Angels in the Bakery. (For those interested, copies are available for $17.95 in the Saint Bede Business Office.)

Abbatial election the most important recent event that has happened in our monastic community is the election of a new abbot. On June 7 Father Philip davey was elected as the eighth abbot of St. Bede. An election was required at this time because the eight-year term of Abbot claude Peifer, who was elected in 2003, had expired. Abbot Philip is a native of Oglesby, IL, the son of the late donald and Louise davey. His mother, who lived into her mid-nineties, had died only a few weeks before his election, on March 28 of this year. the abbot was born in 1947, attended Holy Family Grade School in Oglesby, and graduated from our academy in 1965. After two years’ further study at our junior college, he entered our community in 1967 and made his first profession on August 15 of the following year. After completing college at St. Anselm college in Manchester, NH and theology studies at the collegio di Sant’ Anselmo in rome and the catholic theological Union in chicago, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 3, 1975. Subsequently he did further studies at duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where he earned an MA degree in formative spirituality, and he later received a certificate of advanced study in pastoral counseling from Loyola college, Baltimore, Md. Since 1995 Abbot Philip has practiced as a licensed counselor, in addition to holding numerous positions in both our abbey and our academy. He served as master of novices from 1985 to 1995 and in recent years as master of junior monks. He was prior of the abbey during the year 1996-97. After teaching religion in the academy for a number of years and serving as a prefect of boarding students, he was superintendent of the school from 1997 to 2007, and since then has been vice-president of mission advancement and supervisor of boarding students. He has also coached the girls’ softball team for more than a decade.

Tenure of the Abbot In his Rule for Monasteries St. Benedict describes at some length “What kind of man the abbot ought to be” in chapter 2, and in chapter 64 he legislates on how the abbot should be chosen. What he does not specify is the length of time for which the abbot should remain in office. consequently, over the more than 1500 years of Benedictine history, practice has varied considerably in this regard. there have been some periods in which cultural factors and pressure from political situations required rather brief tenure. But aside from these exceptions, monks have generally preferred that their abbots remain in office for quite a long time, even for life. the reason for this is the nature of the office. the abbot is not simply the chief administrator of the community, though that is one of his roles. He is primarily a spiritual father to each of the monks, and this relationship is of its nature more durable and sensitive than that of a cEO. Since the revival of the monastic order in the 19th century, following the upheavals of the Enlightenment, the French revolution, and the following wave of secularization that had taken place in Europe, most monastic congregations had preferred lifetime tenure for their abbots, and this had been the practice of our congregation since its establishment in 1855. In practice, however, many abbots had resigned voluntarily because of age or health. Accordingly, our first four abbots were elected for an indefinite term of office. Abbot Vincent Huber, elected in 1910, resigned voluntarily in 1926 after suffering a crippling stroke. His successor, Abbot Justus Wirth, died in office in 1942. Abbot Lawrence Vohs then served as abbot for 26 years, but voluntarily resigned in 1968 and died the following year. He was succeeded by Abbot david duncan, but in the meantime the Second Vatican council (1962-65) had mandated that all religious renew and update their legislation. In view of the increased life-expectancy today, the council had

itself imposed a retirement age of 75 for bishops, and in the years that followed most religious institutes prescribed similar limitations for their superiors. Our American-cassinese congregation initially adopted 65 as the retirement age, with the possibility of reelection for further terms of office. consequently Abbot david retired at 65 in 1981, Abbot Marion Balsavich did so in 1990, and in 1998 Abbot roger corpus accepted a second term, but then voluntarily stepped down in 2003. By this time the general chapter of our congregation, in 1995, had changed the retirement age to 75, with the proviso that one who was 67 or more at the time of his election would serve for eight years. Abbot claude Peifer, who was 75 when elected, consequently was elected for an eight-year term. Since Abbot Philip is currently 64 years old, he can expect a term of eleven years, but an abbot who submits his resignation because of age is eligible for reelection to further successive terms of eight years.

Election process the abbot is elected by the monastic chapter, which is composed of all the members of the community who are solemnly professed. People naturally tend to think of it in terms that they know best, viz., today’s democratic elections for political office. It is “democratic” in the sense that all participate, but there are profound differences. there is no caucusing or “electioneering” or “running for office” or promotion of candidates. We prepare by examining the current needs of the community, reflecting on the serious responsibilities that the abbot assumes, and praying that our choice may be in accord with the will of God. St. Benedict suggested and in the Middle Ages monasteries often employed a process in which the monks voted for a small group of electors “of sounder judgment,” who in turn chose the man whom they deemed most suitable according to the qualifications specified by the Rule. In current usage, the election is presided over by the President of the congregation, currently Abbot Hugh Anderson of our neighboring monastery, St. Procopius Abbey at Lisle, IL. the procedure prescribed by our proper law was carefully followed. the chapter assembled the preceding afternoon, June 6, and the President formally accepted the resignation of Abbot claude and verified the status of the electors. A single ballot was then distributed, on which each elector could nominate two candidates, thus establishing a slate of nominees for the office. that evening the President presided at the scrutinium, a procedure in which each of the monks thereby identified as a candidate successively leaves the room, whereupon his qualifications are evaluated by any elector who wishes to speak. the next morning, after the electors had taken an oath to vote for the person whom they believed in conscience to be best qualified, they proceeded to the balloting. A maximum of six ballots can be cast in an abbatial election. On the first three, a two-thirds majority is required for election; on the final three, a majority of one vote more than half suffices. After an election has been achieved, the President has confirmed the election, and the required legal documents have been signed, the community proceeds to the abbey church for a thanksgiving service. If no election takes place in six ballots, the President may appoint an abbot, but more frequently provides for temporary governance of the community until a successful election can later be achieved. this has never happened in our history. Although a new abbot receives full jurisdiction from the moment of his confirmation by the President, he later receives from the bishop of the diocese in which the monastery is located a liturgical blessing, which is one of the richest and most solemn sacramentals of the church. Bishop daniel Jenky of Peoria will come to St. Bede to confer this blessing on a date yet to be determined.

h T H e a B B e Y C H r o n i C l e h

Father dominic Garramone with Msgr. Peter G. Finn of the christophers.

Abbey Views

Abbot Vincent as first abbot of Saint Bede.

Abbot Philip bares the cross that was given to the first abbot of Saint Bede Abbey carrying on

more than one hundred years of tradition and faith.

L to r: Abbot roger corpus, Abbot Marion Balsavich, Abbot Philip davey & Abbot claude Peifer