Fr. Roy Bree (1906-1968)

Frank Bree was born December 8, 1906, in Bisbee, Arizona very famous copper mining town nearly on the border with Mexico.  He received his College and Theological education at St. Benedict’s and was ordained priest May 20, 1934.  He returned to minister 16 years in the Diocese of Tucson in the city of Tucson, Ajo Nogales and Globe.  He used to ride horseback into Mexico, at great risk to his own life, to serve the Catholics, then enduring persecution.

Father Bree returned to Atchison in 1951 to enter the community.  He took the name Roy, and made first vows January 6, 1952.  He did graduate work in history at both Stanford University and St. Louis University.  He taught briefly at Maur Hill and from 1953 until his death he taught at St. Benedict’s College. 

Father Roy brought a variety of talents and his own character to the Abbey community and enriched it.