Fr. Louis Kirby (1922-2013)

Father Louis Kirby passed away October 6, 2013.

Father Louis was born Melvin Joseph on July 29, 1922, in Boulder, Colo., under the shadow of “his” Rocky Mountains.  Despite his legacy, Fr. Louis never thought himself extraordinary:  He recalled never excelling in school or at spelling.  Piano lessons lasted until his teacher told his father, “You’re wasting your money.”  On July 11, 1944, he professed vows at Holy Cross Abbey in Cañon City, Colo., and was ordained in 1948.  In 1953, he received a master’s in history from the University of Notre Dame.

His priesthood was missionary with intermittent home assignments:  He was novice master, teacher, chaplain, and pastor.  His six years on mission in Mexico were particularly dear to him.  Upset about being called home, he complained to the local bishop, asking to transfer to the diocese.  The bishop told him to write everything in a letter to his abbot, then to tear up the letter and throw it away.  “That was some of the best advice that I ever had heard,” Fr. Louis said, “I was a monk after all.”

The decision to close Holy Cross Abbey “knocked the wind” out of him.  Chosen for the presence of youth, and to the gratitude of the Kansas Monks, Fr. Louis transferred to St. Benedict’s Abbey in 2004.  Until his last day, Fr. Louis lived ordinary and heroic obedience to his tasks, community life, and gregarious spirit.  

When he died at 91, he was in contact with over 100 prison oblates.  He attended Compline with the juniors and novices, and Haustus from his wheelchair.  And he still welcomed those he met.  The day after his death, a Benedictine College freshman brought his family to the Abbey for lunch, taking up an invitation Fr. Louis made just days before.