Fr. Cosmas Schneider (1890-1977)

Leo Schneider grew up on a farm near Salina, Kan., and came to St. Benedict’s in September 1909 to begin his education all the way through to Theology.  He became a monk of the Abbey after a novitiate at St. Vincent’s when he made vows on July 2, 1916.  He was ordained in Atchison June 1, 1922. 

Father Cosmas taught one year at St. Benedict’s High School and then began many years of pastoral service at St. Benedict’s, Kansas City, Kan., St. Benedict’s, Bendena, St. Ann’s, Effingham, and lastly at St. Louis, Good Intent, where he served until 1968.  His health failed and so he retired to the Abbey.  He still drove and kept up his contacts in Atchison.  Father Cosmas' favorite water was from a spring north of the abbey and along the river road. He loved to play Shauskopf and Pitch with his buddies at the Abbey and in town.  Once he told one of the monks that at times he felt that he did some of his “best work” in those circumstances.  He was an evangelist in his own and unique way.  Alas, he was a practical joker.  When the monks went to his parish for a Christmas outing or on Emmaus Day, out came the firecrackers!