Fr. Michael Santa (1930-2013)
Thomas Santa was born December 17, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio. His father, working in the prison system, moved the family to Leavenworth, Kan., where Father Michael attended Immaculata High School.
After graduating from St. Benedict’s College in 1952, Father Michael entered Kenrick Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on March 17, 1956. He continued his studies at the University of Dayton, Emporia State Teachers College, and Kansas State University, earning a masters in Educational Administration in 1965. For the first four years of his priesthood, until 1960, he served as associate pastor of Assumption Parish, Topeka, Kan., and Holy Name Parish, Kansas City, Kan. He also served as instructor of theology at Donnelly College and chaplain for the Unveristy of Kansas Medical Center.
From 1960 to 1979, Father Michael was religion teacher and principal at Hayden High School, Topeka, and for his faithful and distinguished service throughout his life, Benedictine College conferred upon him the Kansas Monk Award in 1981. After 28 years as a diocesan priest, he entered St. Benedict’s Abbey, professing vows on September 15, 1984.
Following his profession he served as professor in the Benedictine College Education Department and earned his doctorate in Educational Administration from Kansas State University.
In the early 1990s, Father Michael was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, yet served faithfully and valiantly as Prior from 1993 to 2002, while also serving as Novice Master and Junior Master beginning in 1996.
