Fr. Boniface Verheyen (1844-1923)

To New Orleans by way of Holland and Germany came Boniface Verheyen, with his family from Qualberg, Prussia, in 1849. Some sources say that he was born in Cleves, Holland.  The group went to St. Louis and Milwaukee, finally settling in St. Louis.  There he met Peter Kassens, later to become a monk of our community.  Boniface worked for his brother until he could enter St. Benedict’s College known even then in St. Louis.  From Winthrop (East Atchison) he took a ferryboat to Atchison and made it to the college, arriving on November 22, 1863. 

Father Boniface studied at the college for three years and for four years at St. Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, Pa.  He was ordained to the priesthood August 26, 1869.  On his return to the Abbey he taught in the College but on Saturday mornings mounted a faithful steed and attended several mission stations during the weekend.  In 1875 and 1876 he was a volunteer chaplain to soldiers on the borders of Kansas, Texas, and what is now, Oklahoma.  He was also pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul in Seneca. 

On his return to the Abbey Father Boniface resumed teaching at St. Benedict’s College, continued his work in botany and geology, built up the College museum, was college chaplain, Prior of the Abbey and retreat master to various monasteries.

Amid all this varied work Father Boniface found time to translate the Rule of St. Benedict that became very popular.  This edition, published by the Abbey Student Press went through 13 printings. He was buried from St. Benedict’s Church December 27, 1923, with Abbot Martin Veth as the celebrant.  In our community the name of Boniface Verheyen evokes the memory of a true pioneer, willing to go where obedience sent, and as one who made a unique contribution to the life of those he served.