Fr. Odilo Otott (1870-1959)

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Father Odilo Otto passed away February 12, 1959.

Father Odilo came to St. Benedict’s from Greenleaf, Kan., in 1883 at the age of 13.  He entered the Old Priory and reputedly became the last monk to live there after the community moved to the new Abbey, what is now Elizabeth Hall.  Father Odilo made his first vows July 11, 1890, at St. Vincent Archabbey.  Finished his studies there and was ordained by Bishop Fink June 29, 1895.

Thereafter he began 50 years of service in parishes in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois.  In addition he taught French   and served as registrar at St. Benedict’s College.  Before ordination he also taught Latin and Greek at the College while preparing for ordination.  He was pastor at Sacred Heart, Atchison, for 19 years. 

Father Odilo was short, thin, and was very particular about how he looked. One could see him out for a walk in suit, hat, well-polished shoes, and very well groomed.  As he said, “I like things nice.”  He also loved cigars and used to start his day with one often at 3:00 am.

As has been said, Father Odilo was fluent in French and taught it at he College.  Once, when a President of France was assassinated, he was asked to preach a eulogy at a church in Kansas City, Mo. 

A headline the next day proclaimed him, “The Bossuet of the Missouri Valley.”  

Father Odilo did not deny being likened to that most famous of French preachers!