Fr. Justin Barry (1948-1990)

“Father Justin K. Barry, 41 years of age, monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey died at the Abbey May 4. Troubled with difficult personal problems he took his own life despite inpatient therapy in 1988 and continuing outpatient cares.”  Quote taken from his death notice.

Kevin Barry was born in Kansas City, Mo., graduated from Rockhurst College, entered Regis University and earned a bachelor’s in history from there.  He earned a master’s in history from Creighton University in 1974, and teacher certification from the University of KansasCity in 1975. 

Kevin taught history and government at Lillis High School, Kansas City, Mo., from 1975-77 and later, as a monk, taught at Maur Hill Prep School.  He came to Atchison on vocation visits, entered the abbey and made first profession January 7, 1979.  Frater Justin studied one year at the Washington Theological Union, Washington, D.C., 1979-80.  He completed his theological studies at St. John’s Abbey School of Theology, Collegeville, Minn., and was awarded a Masters of Divinity degree from there in l984.  He was ordained to the priesthood June 9, 1984, by a family friend, Bishop Hart of Cheyenne, Wyo.  Since 1984 Father Justin had been teaching history at Benedictine College.

Father Justin did weekend supply work from 1985 to early 1988 at St. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Parish in Kansas City, Kan.  He brought life to that parish and rather forced the Bishop to reconsider his plans to close it.