Br. Vincent Fitzgerald (1932-1997)

One of two monks to join the Abbey from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago – Father Regis Hickey being the other – Brother Vincent called Chicago his birthplace.  It was obvious in his speech.  Though a Chicagoan he was a Republican as well. 

Vincent graduated form Mount Carmel, came to St. Benedict’s and made vows April 20, 1952.  After a very short stint as a truck driver he began working in the Print Shop (The Abbey Student Press) and did so until 1979. Ever curious he worked through letterpress, offset, and computer assisted printing.  He was manager of the press from 1976 to 1979.  His vision extended far beyond the Press.  While not rock-ribbed about it, the changes in the Church as a result of Vatican Council II were sometimes not easy for him to accept.  He spoke his peace and let it be and kept his smile as he puffed on his pipe! 

Brother Vincent was the coach on the men’s and women’s bowling teams of the College and his Women’s Team won the Mo-Kan Conference Championship.

He taught youth, serving as religion instructor in parishes in Atchison, Everest, Wathena and Good Intent.  He worked also in Weston, Mo.  He served on the Board of Governors of the College and also on the Abbot’s Council of Seniors. 

Brother Vincent’s life touched so many in many and varied ways.  He was a friend of College students and confidant of many.  He loved to play the banjo in jam sessions with his confreres, to plan and enter the Annual Milk Carton Regatta, competing for the miniature Gold Loving Cup.  He hiked, camped out, went tobogganing, skied and river rafted.  He delighted in people and brought them to life. Vincent shattered the image of the lay brother largely confined to the monastic routine and monastery grounds.  He was ever a community man and held the trust and respect of his monastic superiors.

He died of cancer, but a couple of days before his death, perhaps the day before, he asked his brother who was keeping vigil to take him to the Dairy Queen for a chocolate malt.

Br. Vincent Fitzgerald passed away May 6, 1997.