Br. Leonard Domen (1851-1931)

The first monk to lie in state in the new abbey (Ferrell Hall), Brother Leonard was born in Belgium on September 7, 1851.  His early years were spent in Belgium.  He came to the United States and later in his life became a brother in our community.  He made his first profession as a monk January 23, 1896. 

For many years Brother Leonard worked at the College farm and later at the Abbey.  In 1921 he sustained a broken leg that was slow in healing because of his advanced age.  But that did not stop Brother Leonard from becoming the janitor in what was called the old Abbey Hall.  He took part in the schedule of the community as well.  He died at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., after a paralyzing stroke, on December 21, 1931.