Fr. Angelus Lingenfelser (1909-1995)

At least one huge volume could be written about this monk who came to the community from rural Leavenworth County.  He pronounced his first vows July 11, 1931, graduated from St. Benedict’s College in 1933 and was ordained priest May 30, 1936.  After some graduate work at Kansas State University he taught mathematics, and engineering drawing at St. Benedict’s College 1937-1948.

While engaged in teaching, Father Angelus also was pastor of St. James Parish, Wetmore, Kan., where he built a rectory and was the first resident pastor.  Later he served St. John’s, Doniphan; Sacred Heart, Atchison; and St. Louis, Good Intent.  He also managed being a Weekend Chaplain at Olathe Naval Air Station for 15 years.

Amid all this pastoral involvement, and sometimes simultaneous with it, Father Angelus was procurator of St. Benedict’s College, 1948-1970, and of St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1948-1973.  His civic involvements were many ranging from local rural water districts to the Atchison Historical Society and the Forest of Friendship at Warnock Lake – an project during the United States Bicentennial year.  He attended everything he could and only a broken leg prevented him from being at the opening of the new Atchison Dog Pound!!  He managed to take care of Sacred Heart Parish, Atchison, for a time from a hospital bed!

Father Angelus was a very generous monk and sometimes, as often happens, generous without realizing the lateral effects of his generosity.  The stories of his foibles, patterns of speech, his use of the title, “Doctor” for any and all, and exploits are legended; all the source of admiration, laughter, and dismay.  He was truly a community person, tireless in its efforts, generous nearly to a fault.

Suffering a stroke on November 1, 1995, at the conclusion of the All Saints Day Mass for Benedictine College, celebrated by Archbishop James P. Keleher, Father Angelus was anointed by the Archbishop in the Abbey Infirmary.  Father Angelus died ten days later on November 11, 1995.